Expanding Diversity and Inclusion in Sports

This Pride, GYM Bar in West Hollywood got a fresh look and new ownership. This sports-driven, community bar has served the Los Angeles community for over a decade. Backed by an investor group, the majority owners and faces of the venue are husband and dynamic duo Erik Braverman and Jonathan Cottrell. Merging sports groupies and the LGBTQ community is nothing new for the pair, the two have a long history of sports/queer activism and even got married centerfield at Dodger Stadium in 2022. Braverman is one of the most influential out LGBTQ people in American sports and was named among the Top 10 of Outsports’ inaugural Power 100.

Now fixtures in Southern California society, Erik hails from Houston, and Jonathan from France. How did they end up in Los Angeles?

EB: I moved to Los Angeles in 1989 for a job at KFI Radio. My sister was attending Pepperdine University in Malibu, and my older brother had already graduated from Chapman University, so I felt a natural gravitational pull toward the West Coast. I’ve been blessed to meet so many amazing friends along the way while spending the past 35 years working in radio, television, and for the Dodgers (now in my 16th year). My mother moved to LA shortly after I did, so I had my immediate family nearby. All these factors played a crucial role in helping me make it in LA.

JC: A Tech Startup is what brought me to California in 2012. I first moved to North America to go to University in Montreal at McGill. Within a year of graduating, I moved to San Francisco for a startup. Then about 8 years later, after meeting Erik in Mexico, I started visiting Los Angeles monthly, then practically every week, it was inevitable to end up in LA. I considered transferring within Google to a team in Los Angeles but chose instead to do another tech startup. Scenario (getscenario.ai).

And how did this couple meet?

EB: We met in November 2019 at Mantamar Beach Club, an oceanfront bar and restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We were both on vacation—me from my job with the Dodgers, and Jonathan from his job as a software engineer at Google in Mountain View, California. We happened to be at the same swim-up bar, sipping piña coladas. We had a great conversation, met up later that evening with our groups of friends, and we haven’t stopped talking since!

JC: The moment I saw Erik’s mischievous grin and heard his quick wit in that swimming pool in Mexico, my gut told me I was going to fall hard. I was cautious at first, but every step of the way as we got to know each other I was amazed by the person every interaction uncovered. As we say in French “Il Gagne à être connu,” which essentially means a person only gets better the more you get to know them.

Erik has enjoyed 16 years working with the Dodgers, serving as the team’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Broadcasting. He has been a major part of the team brand’s growth even beyond the world of baseball. He manages marketing on all levels, even to the Dodgers’ social media, making the team one of the most followed teams in baseball across all platforms. He is out and proud at work and heads the Dodgers’ PRIDE Business Resource Group and launched Pride Night in 2013, a night that has become the most anticipated queer-spotlighting event of the season. This last year may have been the most well-attended event yet, with Dodger players and coaches wearing Pride hats, a voguing competition, and a kickball session prior to the big game presented by OutLoud Sports. The Dodgers remain the leader in MLB queer representation, hopefully planting the seed for more teams to follow.

Our annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night has become one of the largest of its kind among sports teams, possibly even worldwide. I am immensely proud to have been at the forefront of this initiative for the Dodgers. As the executive chair of our internal Pride BRG, I’ve worked with many employees to ensure we engage with the LGBTQ+ community year-round. The secret to our success is our authentic connection—we don’t just pander once a year for the rainbow dollar. The Dodgers have a legacy of breaking barriers, and I am incredibly proud to contribute to that legacy with this amazing organization.

For Erik, his sports and queer life go hand in hand. Though he was out to friends and family, he professionally came out to Outsports in 2015 with the intention of showing youth that you can be out in pro sports. Knowing how labels can quickly put you in a box, he had wanted his work to speak for itself rather than just his sexual orientation.

This professional coming out was also extremely rewarding and went smoothly for me. Looking back, I wish I had done it years earlier, but I recognize that my journey, like everyone else’s, took its own time. There is no right playbook for how to come out.

I’m an executive for the Los Angeles Dodgers who happens to be gay. My love for sports has always been a part of who I am, and my sexual orientation doesn’t change that at all. I also enjoy RuPaul, drag shows, and spending time with friends and the community. Balancing both aspects of my life has allowed me to embrace my identity fully and show that passion for sports and being gay are not mutually exclusive.

What have been Erik’s biggest obstacles in growing LGBTQ representation with the Dodgers’ brand?

To be honest, there haven’t been many obstacles, mostly because of everything I mentioned in my previous answer. I think the answer regarding the LGBTQ community is the same as any other marginalized community, people want to feel welcome and safe, and the Dodger organization is committed to that being the case for ALL fans.

Of course, any traditional, American institution like baseball will be slow to change its views and inclusion. Last year the Dodgers successfully worked through queer opposition from a conservative group when it came to Pride Night and the honoring of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The evening went on as planned and had over 49,000 people in attendance. What would Erik and Jonathan say to a Dodger fan who does not support LGBTQ inclusion?

EB: The key here is being fun, engaging, and loving for all fans. For those who don’t support it for one game a year, we have 80 more games where they are welcome. In time, like everything else, even those who don’t love it will learn we are just like everyone else, and we share a common interest – Dodger Baseball!

JC: A few years ago, I had an amazing interaction with a fan who didn’t realize he’d bought tickets to Pride Night at Dodger Stadium. He asked me many questions, including asking why it was ok for the word “Queer” to be displayed as he believed that to be a slur. I was wearing my rainbow shorts and he approached me to ask some questions. I believe the atmosphere of good fun really created a space where someone who didn’t know where they stood was able to ask honest and open questions and I believe we created an ally that day.

Over the past few years, queer sports fans have gained a strong voice. More and more genres of sports are acknowledging the community and we’ve seen an increase in athletes coming out queer globally. This year Paris Olympics will host a handful of first-time openly queer competitors in certain events.

EB: I strongly believe this shift is due to significant societal changes over the years. In 1996, 68% of Americans opposed same-sex marriage, with only 27% in support. By 2018, those numbers had almost completely reversed, with 67% supporting same-sex marriage and only 31% opposing it. Additionally, by 2018, 60% of Americans said they would not mind if their child married someone of the same gender. These changes in public opinion reflect a broader acceptance and integration of LGBTQ culture into mainstream society, including the world of sports.

JC: As somewhat of an outsider, I’ve always admired the American value that anyone can follow their dreams and do what they love. I am so happy to see that the LGBTQ community is feeling increasingly comfortable bringing their different worlds together. Every person is unique and there are many things that make us who we are. I’m glad that “Sporty Spices” (my affectionate term for those in the LGBTQ community who love sports) is finally able to integrate their lives more fully and be their authentic selves.

Erik being so busy with the Dodgers and Jonathan enjoying a thriving career in startups, why GYM Bar?

EB: I have been a regular at GYM Bar West Hollywood since it first opened in 2009. As a die-hard sports fan and member of the community, GYM Bar naturally became my “Cheers.” When the bar closed at its old location during COVID, I lost my go-to place to watch sports with friends. I’ve been friends with the founding owners since the New York location opened in 2005. They approached us in late 2023 to see if we were interested in taking over as owners, knowing our fondness for the bar. Honestly, it wasn’t something we had ever discussed before. After doing our due diligence over the next 90 days, we took on minority investors and were able to purchase GYM Bar WeHo, with the idea and plan to take it to the next level.

JC: Although I have never owned a bar, even while growing up I’ve always had a bit of an adventurous, entrepreneurial streak. Startups ranging from a cinnamon roll business as a teenager, a high-tech music startup, and a mental health tech startup (getscenario.ai), I love learning new things, and when the opportunity to own GYM Bar came about, it seemed like such a natural fit for my husband Erik, and I knew that our strengths would complement each other perfectly.

What can expect from the future of GYM Bar?

EB: We love that GYM Bar isn’t just our “Cheers,” but a cherished spot for many in the community. It’s important to us that it remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone, both patrons and staff. Our prime location makes us a perfect destination for bar hopping, as the beauty of the Rainbow District is that you can walk just two blocks and find numerous great bars and restaurants. Our goal is to enhance and elevate what GYM Bar has been while staying true to the identity it has built over the years.

You can expect improvements to the menu, restrooms, A/V system, and overall look and feel of the bar. Additionally, you’ll see a very present and engaged ownership group on-site, all of whom share our love and passion for GYM Bar WeHo.

As stewards of GYM Bar WeHo, our commitment is not just to preserve its legacy, but to enhance it, ensuring it remains a beacon of community, diversity, and excellence in West Hollywood.

Our vision is clear: to create an inclusive space that honors the past while embracing the future. Our goal is to elevate the experience for all who walk through our doors, fostering connections, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. We believe in the power of sports to bring people together, transcending differences and forging bonds that last a lifetime.

JC: You can also expect us to continue showing all kinds of sports, Men’s Sports, Women’s Sports, International Sports. We will always do our best to make any fan of sports in our community feel welcome and have a home to root for their teams.

Connection is at the heart of community, and our goal is for everyone who walks into the space to sense that it is a safe space where they will be welcomed and have a chance to connect with other people. Whether that be over common interests or even their differences!

What are the biggest challenges they face owning a bar in West Hollywood?

EB: Like every other business, it’s all about delivering a consistent product that caters to a community of people who want to patronize GYM Bar WeHo regularly. We aren’t reinventing the wheel here. We are just shining it up a bit.

Since COVID, there has been much community speculation that the queer landscape is changing. We are seeing more straight families moving in, we see an increase in straight attendance at our bars and see other gay institutions closing their doors. Does this entrepreneur couple think West Hollywood is at risk of losing its queer identity?

EB: I think it’s a good thing that WeHo has become a fun space for all. I don’t think it will ever lose its queer identity. I think, like everything else, that identity is evolving as society does. As a member of the community and business owner now, I think that’s a great thing.

JC: There are multiple forces at play here. As the community gains more acceptance, many don’t feel as much the need to only go to LGBTQ venues, since they feel more welcome elsewhere. And people who do not identify as LGBTQ also now feel welcome to join our spaces. Although that can erode the feeling of having our “own space just for us”, I believe it is somewhat natural, and I would like to see us continue to have gathering spaces for the community, but I also believe that is it a positive thing that the lines are a little blurred on what constitutes OUR spaces.

Ok, inquiring minds want to know. How does this married couple maintain a healthy relationship while taking on this ownership together?

EB: This is all new to us. Constant communication is key. Thankfully, we are both level-headed, data-driven business people. With that said, we are open to any ideas you or anyone has on this one!

JC: It really helps that Erik and I really complement each other. Communication is key, but we also practice something with each interaction (and try to apply it in all our interactions): communicate with respect and always treat others with dignity, even when you disagree. Also, I strongly believe most people don’t thank others in their lives enough for the things they do. Erik and I practice gratitude towards each other. It’s easier to accept the occasional constructive criticism or someone pointing out a mistake when you’ve been thanking each other for all your successes the rest of the day.

The two are unified in their vision for the Bar.

EB: Our biggest dream is for GYM Bar WeHo to be a staple in the community for a long time to come. We hope to deliver on our promise to elevate the bar on many levels. Most of all, we want the community to have a quality sports bar & grill – don’t forget we have good food, and it’s improving daily.

JC: My biggest dream for GYM Bar is for it to be known as the place you go regardless of whether you are meeting a large group there, or if you are flying solo for the day, and you know you will experience connection, validation, and all-around fun. And excellent food & drink. Overall, my dream for West Hollywood is that we continue to be a beacon of hope for young people all over the country who are finding themselves and want to see what an inclusive, loving, and supportive community can be.

And their message to the community this Pride?

EB: Happy Pride! We plan to be a place where you can come, in good times and bad, and where you will always find a friendly ear. Also, to quote from Ru Paul, “Don’t forget to love yourself. If You Can’t Love Yourself, How In The Hell Are You Going to Love Somebody Else?”

JC: My message this year is two-fold: those of you who have celebrated many prides, look back on how far we’ve all come, and although we have to stay vigilant, take a moment to smell the roses. For those of you just joining the community, we welcome you, and we want to be there for you to support you. Let’s continue to create an inclusive, welcoming, tolerant, loving world for all! Oh, and my little PSA: beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I don’t want to hear about anyone Yucking anyone’s Yum this Pride Month!

Check out GYM Bar’s new menu and spruced-up environment. Follow them on IG: @WehoGYMBar