Professional Support
Big emotions
I’ve always had big emotions. The safest way for me to express them has been on the field or in the stands. The first time I said “fuck” in front of my strict ass parents was when I got the wind knocked out of me playing soccer. I was 10. I didn’t get in trouble.
That’s why I love sports. It’s the only place where I can boo in a grown man’s face. Or hug a stranger because another stranger put a ball in a net. Or cry because they didn’t. Most nights, for most of my life, I’m watching the game. The boys (gender-neutral) show up for me, so I show up for them. I’m best known as an artist and director, but my favorite job is being a professional supporter. Sometimes, I’m lucky enough to get flewed out to scream.
There’s a uniform, obviously—kits, jerseys, game giveaways, merch—the rarer the better. I collect them. Everyone dresses this way now, but I swear I did it when it meant you were a dyke. I mean… tomboy.
Three Quick Kit Shots aka My Faves, LA Edition
2017/18 SYMS #99 Los Angeles Clippers Association Jersey
You don’t pick your team, your team picks you. I was born into the Clippers Nation. I chose them during the LOB CITY era. The tickets were cheap and the crowd was rowdy. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen DJ Quik perform at a Clippers half-time show. That might be the most LA thing I’ve ever said. I was browsing jerseys for a playoff game, couldn’t decide whose to get and asked my touch buddy at the time. They said they would “never wear a man’s name” on their back. Fair point. I decided to go custom and get my lucky number instead.
2007/08 BECKHAM #23 Los Angeles Galaxy Home Kit
I loved watching my brother play soccer and I loved watching him watch soccer even more. He was a Man U supporter. I could never sleep and he’d be up at odd hours watching international broadcasts. It’s how I got into the game. HE LOVED DAVID BECKHAM. I mean, who wouldn’t? What a stunning kick… and man. My brother played right midfield, like Beckham. I’m goofy, so I played left midfield when I started. All this to say it was significant when Beckham came to Los Angeles. Growing up, the LA Galaxy used to play at a stadium near our house and we went to as many games as possible. By the time Beckham arrived, both of us had long moved away from LA, but it closed a loop.
When the Beckham doc was released I swallowed it in one gulp. I immediately ordered his debut kit. I was having a spiritual emergency and David became my angel. He reminded me what I really cared about: footy, fashion, romance, and Britpop. The kit arrived and I wore it the next day. It was an important day. I had a 9am pitch for a Nike commercial, psychotherapy, and then a bufo ceremony in Malibu. During the ceremony I puked all over myself while screaming “THE GAGGGGG!” While it seems like you can’t do both of those things at the same time, I promise, you can! When I got home I threw my top in the wash without thinking. The shirt was ruined, but I was healed.
1968/1998 SIMPSON #32 USC Jersey
It’s 1995. I’m in third grade and I go to a cult school. I skipped a grade and am one of the youngest students, but I seem to be the only one that doesn’t trust Dr. John. Dr. John runs the school, and the cult. On many days we all watch the O.J. Simpson trial. It’s always playing on TV somewhere, everywhere. During neverending breaks, we—children and adult(s) alike—discuss the particulars. Dr. John has a bet with Kenya, my classmate, about whether or not O.J. is guilty. Their relationship bothers me, but Dr. John will give Kenya $50 if her not guilty prediction is correct, so we are all invested.
Thus began my fascination. You like an underdog. I like a fall from grace. Lucifer. Is this how Rome treats its heroes? I’m not a fan of O.J. Simpson per se, but I collect his memorabilia at auction, on eBay, from death. My cousin Dorrice bequeathed me this jersey. It’s one of my prized possessions. I wore it when I introduced Slave Play at the Mark Taper Forum because O.J. and Nicole are the most famous interracial couple.
Martine Syms is an artist and director living in New York.
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