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Join the USTA for a virtual panel exploring the power of visibility in the LGBTQ+ community

May 13, 2026

In celebration of Pride Month, the USTA will host a virtual livestream on Tuesday, June 23, that explores the power of visibility and belonging in the LGBTQ+ community. Moderated by TV host and media personality Scott Evans, the panel will include author Edward Schmit and tennis Hall of Famer Gigi Fernandez, who will discuss themes from Schmit's novel The Open Era. The book follows the first openly gay male tennis player to compete in a Grand Slam as he navigates the pressures of being on the sport's biggest stage. 

 

Click here to register for the livestream, or come back to stream the event from the video on the right. To learn more about the panelists and moderator, continue reading.

 

Scott Evans, TV Host & Media Personality, Moderator

 

Emmy Award-nominated entertainment journalist Scott Evans currently hosts NBCUniversal's nationally syndicated entertainment news show "Access Hollywood" and the talk show "Access Daily with Mario & Kit.” Connecting with Hollywood's elite through his authentic and engaging style, Evans' talents are also showcased on his weekday Amp morning radio show, "It’s Go Time with Scott Evans.” Evans also currently serves on The Television Academy Foundation’s board of directors In 2021, Evans broadened his relationship with NBCUniversal with an overall talent and development deal. The deal expanded his role on-screen and off-screen on both linear and streaming platforms. Evans and his production company, Summer Break Studios, have several projects in the works. Evans professional resume includes hosting two seasons of NBC’s hit dance competition series “World of Dance,” USA Network’s “America’s Big Deal” and OWN’s first weekly live talk show “OWN Tonight.” He began his on-air career anchoring the Peabody Award-winning program “Channel One News,” traveling internationally for four years to cover the world's biggest news stories.

PANELISTS

 

Edward Schmit, Author of The Open Era

Edward Schmit is an author based in New York City. From theatre kid to graphic designer to creative director, he’s always exploring new ways to tell stories. A passionate mental health advocate, he’s worked in the nonprofit space for over seven years. The Open Era is his debut novel and combines three things close to his heart: queer love stories, mental health awareness, and the most beautiful sport in the world—tennis.

 

Gigi Fernandez, Tennis Hall of Famer

Gigi Fernández is regarded as one of the greatest doubles players in tennis history. A member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, she captured 17 Grand Slam doubles titles and two Olympic gold medals with partner Mary Joe Fernández. In 2000, she was named Puerto Rican Athlete of the Century for her extraordinary career achievements. Today, Gigi shares her passion for the game through coaching, education, and philanthropy. She is the founder of The Gigi Method and Gigi Fernández Tennis, where she helps adult players improve their doubles skills through camps, clinics, and special events throughout the world. Gigi founded Tennis for Hope, a nonprofit uniting the tennis community to support those affected by natural disasters, and enjoys life as a proud mom to twins, Karson and Madison.

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