The Gay Games Scholarship program offers a way for people to come to the Gay Games and change their lives. They return to their home countries changed forever.
Your support is needed. Please donate to the Gay Games. The Federation of Gay Games is a registered 501(c)3 in the USA. Your donation is tax deductible.
Enjoy this video sample from the 2006 Chicago Gay Games DVD available at Wolfe Video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbz5Sa1EjY0
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Gay Domestic Partner Registry Introduced In Cleveland
2014 Gay Games bidding city is considering Gay Domestic Partner Registry.
Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman today introduced legislation for the creation of a domestic partner registry for gay and straight couples in the city.
Click HERE to read the full article in On Top.
Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman today introduced legislation for the creation of a domestic partner registry for gay and straight couples in the city.
Click HERE to read the full article in On Top.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Federation of Gay Games Completes 2008 Annual Meeting in Cape Town , South Africa
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS: Kevin Boyer, FGG Spokesperson, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net, +1 312-588-3713
Elections increase board representation from South Africa and Europe
( San Francisco , CA – 31 Oct. 2008) Appearances by South African High Court Justice Edwin Cameron and 2004 beach volleyball Olympian and Gay Games Ambassador Leigh-Ann Naidoo and workshops on sports and cultural issues facing the LGBT community in South Africa were highlights of the international Federation of Gay Games’ annual meeting held in Cape Town , South Africa from 20-24 October 2008.
The Federation’s general assembly and board of directors meet in a different city each year to conduct committee meetings and hold leadership elections. This year marked the mid-point between Chicago ’s successful Gay Games VII in 2006 and the 2010 Gay Games VIII being held in Cologne , Germany .
Brent Minor (USA) was elected as the new male co-president after Sion O’Connor (U.K.) announced his retirement prior to the annual meeting. Emy Ritt ( France ) continues as the female co-president.
Minor will also continue as Officer of Development. The Federation of Gay Games is currently seeking to fill a paid staff position, Development and Communications Director.
South African Connection
This was the Federation’s second annual meeting in South Africa , following Johannesburg in 2001. Contacts made that year helped a number of South Africans from disadvantaged communities travel for the first time outside their country and attend Chicago ’s Gay Games VII in 2006.
Returning to the southern hemisphere enabled the Federation to meet with LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex) community leaders from areas that have infrequent in-person contact with their counterparts in other countries. In addition to South Africa , meeting guests came from Chile , Sri Lanka , Botswana , Congo and Mozambique .
Justice Cameron opened the meeting with a keynote speech titled “Constitutional Achievements and Challenges for the LGBTI Community”. The week’s workshops included sessions on gender parity, the state of LGBTI sport in South Africa , social networking, and how to start an LGBTI sports club.
In the workshops, Naidoo compared her experience in international mainstream sport with matters facing LGBTI teams in both developed and developing countries. She said that socioeconomic and gender imbalance issues are, in fact, still strikingly similar in the LGBTI leagues as in mainstream sport. She challenged organisations such as those that belong to the Federation to continue examining such issues at levels as basic as ensuring equal treatment at tournaments for women as men.
Midweek, Councillor Simon Grindrod, Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic, Social Development and Tourism, hosted a reception and dinner in honour of the annual meeting. Cape Town Pride and the Federation co-hosted a gala party at the end of the week, which included an auction that raised 20,000 rand benefiting Cape Town Pride and Gay Games scholarships for South African participants.
Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010
Four representatives from Games Cologne, the organising committee for Gay Games VIII, were in Cape Town for the annual meeting. Annette Wachter, Games Cologne CEO, presented a report to the full assembly and answered questions about Gay Games 2010. Registration for Gay Games VIII is already open at www.games-cologne.com.
The full assembly elects the board officers, and thirteen board positions were open this year. All officer terms are two years each, with the co-presidents elected in alternating years. To strengthen the board, four new director-at-large positions were filled at the meeting’s close following bylaws changes.
The new Federation of Gay Games Board of Directors: * Positions elected in this meeting.
Female Co-President Emy Ritt (France)
Male Co-President / Development Officer * Brent Minor (USA)
Vice President of Host Relations * Kurt Dahl (USA)
Female Vice President – Diversity Kate Rowe (Australia)
Vice President of Operations * Jon Baldan (Australia)
Vice President of Membership Paul Oostenbrug (USA)
Secretary * Sean Fitzgerald (USA)
Treasurer * Alan Lessik (USA)
Officer of Marketing Doug Litwin (USA)
Officer of Communications * Kelly Stevens (USA)
Officer of International Development * Paul White (Australia)
Officer of Sports 1 Open (female)
Officer of Sports 2 Marc Naimark ( France )
Officer of Site Selection Darl Schaaff ( USA )
Officer of Technology * Israel Wright ( USA )
Officer of Culture & Ceremonies * Robby Davis ( USA )
Officer at Large (expires in 2009) * Martyn Pickup ( Germany )
Officer at Large (expires in 2009) * Dennis Sneyers ( USA )
Officer at Large (expires in 2010) * Viola May ( South Africa )
Officer at Large (expires in 2010) * Laura Moore ( USA )
The eighth edition of the quadrennial Gay Games will be held in Cologne , Germany from 31 July-7 August 2010. Chicago ’s seventh Gay Games in July 2006 drew 11,700 participants.
For information about how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VIII in Cologne , Germany , visit www.games-cologne.com or phone +49 221 925 2607.
For information about or to sponsor the Federation of Gay Games, go to www.gaygames.org.
-30-
About The Federation of Gay Games:
The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best”™. The Gay Games was conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and was first held in San Francisco in 1982 with 1,350 participants. Subsequent Gay Games were held in San Francisco (1986 - 3,500 participants), Vancouver (1990 - 7,300 participants), New York (1994 - 12,500 participants), Amsterdam (1998 - 13,000 participants), Sydney (2002 - 11,000 participants), and Chicago (2006 - 11,700 participants). Participation in the Gay Games is open to anyone without pre-qualifications regardless of sexual orientation, physical ability, age, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religions, political conviction, race, or health status. Gay Games VIII will be held in Cologne , Germany on 31 July-7 August 2010. For more information about the Federation of Gay Games, visit www.gaygames.org. For more information about Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 visit www.games-cologne.com.
“Gay Games”, “Federation of Gay Games”, the interlocking circles device, and the phrase “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best” are trademarks of the Federation of Gay Games, Inc. Trademarks are registered in the USA , Canada , Benelux, the UK , Germany and Australia .
Kevin Boyer
Director of Public Relations and Marketing
All Terrain Integrated Marketing | Brand Navigation
2675 West Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60612
Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net ~ www.AllTerrain.net
o 312.588.3713 ~ m 847.436.3424 ~ f 773.486.4818
All Terrain Case Studies | DudeWeCanFixIt.com
Member: PRSA, NLGJA
Four Cities Named Finalists for 2014 Gay Games
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS: Kevin Boyer, FGG Spokesperson, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net, +1 312-588-3713
Boston, Cleveland , Miami and Washington DC Will Bid to host Gay Games IX
Cape Town, South Africa (28 October 2008) -- Groups from Miami (Florida), Cleveland (Ohio) Boston (Massachusetts), and Washington (D.C.), have submitted letters of intent to bid for the ninth edition of the Gay Games, to be held in 2014, officials announced at the close of the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) annual meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.
“Fourteen (14) cities worldwide had expressed interest in hosting the 2014 Gay Games,” said Darl Schaaff, co-chair of the Federation’s Site Selection Committee. “We are very excited to now have four highly qualified bidders for the 2014 Gay Games who met the 20 October 2008 letter-of-intent deadline.”
Bid documents are due to the FGG in March of 2009. FGG Site inspectors will then visit each city between May and August of 2009. After final multi-media presentations, the 2014 Gay Games host city will then be selected by the Federation of Gay Games Assembly at its 2009 annual meeting in Cologne , Germany next October. The FGG Assembly is comprised of organisations representing sports clubs, city teams, and cultural groups from around the globe.
Previous Gay Games have been held in San Francisco , USA (1982, 1986), Vancouver , Canada (1990), New York , USA (1994), Amsterdam , The Netherlands (1998), Sydney , Australia (2002) and Chicago , USA (2006). Gay Games VIII will be held 31 July – 7 August 2010 in Cologne , Germany . Gay Games Cologne registration officially launches worldwide on 31 October 2008 at www.games-cologne.com.
Organisers from Cleveland and Miami had representatives present in Cape Town , South Africa , in support of their intent to bid for Gay Games IX 2014.
The Gay Games is the largest and longest running multi-sport event on the international LGBT calendar, with more than eleven thousand participants taking part in approximately 30 sports and cultural events every four years. Ever since the organisers of the first two Gay Games in San Francisco decided to send the event to other cities, groups from dozens of cities on four continents have sought the honour of hosting the Gay Games. A wide range of government officials, Olympic athletes, celebrities and community leaders now support local bid groups in their efforts to showcase the Gay Games.
“We extend our best wishes to the groups from Boston , Cleveland , Miami , and Washington D.C. who have entered this stage of the bidding process,” Communications Officer Kelly Stevens said. “The FGG looks forward to working with them during the bidding cycle.”
For information on how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010, visit www.games-cologne.com. For information concerning sponsors of the Federation of Gay Games, go to www.gaygames.org. Images for press and promotion of Gay Games are available on the gallery link at www.gaygames.org or by request.
-30-
About The Federation of Gay Games:
The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best”™. The Gay Games were conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and were first held in San Francisco in 1982. Participation in the Gay Games is open to anyone without pre-qualifications regardless of sexual orientation, physical ability, age, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religions, political conviction, race, or health status. For more information, visit www.gaygames.org.
“Gay Games”, “Federation of Gay Games”, the interlocking circles device, and the phrase “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best” are trademarks of the Federation of Gay Games, Inc. Trademarks are registered in the USA , Canada , Benelux, the UK , Germany and Australia .
Kevin Boyer
Director of Public Relations and Marketing
All Terrain Integrated Marketing | Brand Navigation
2675 West Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60612
Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net ~ www.AllTerrain.net
o 312.588.3713 ~ m 847.436.3424 ~ f 773.486.4818
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Jamal Brown - Out on the Dartmouth Track Team
Jamal Brown has written an inspirational story about being an "out" athlete at Dartmouth University in Hanover, New Hampshire, in the USA.
This is a must read if you want a feel good story about a brave young man. Jamal is currently working at Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) in Boston. Jamal will be a part of the upcoming Out magazine's Out 100.
Checkout everything on http://www.outsports.com/
MySpace Video 25 Years of LGBT Sports
This is an excerpt from MySpace of a panel discussion about professional sports players coming out and 25 years of LGBT sports. Somehow they failed to mention the first Gay Games, 25 years ago in San Francisco.
Home Run or Strikeout? 25 Years of LGBT Sports
Home Run or Strikeout? 25 Years of LGBT Sports
John Amaechi interview with GayAgenda.com
Gay Games Ambassador John Amechi gives a lengthy, interesting interview with the web site GayAgenda.com. The interview is with James Hipps.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Matthew Mitcham Speaks!
Matthew Mitcham speaks to the Sydney Morning Herald with a glowing post Olympic interview about being the only out gay man at the 2008 Olympics.
[Australia's best-selling magazine for gay men which featured Mitcham on the cover following his Olympic heroics. "That was cool," he said. They always have the most gorgeous men on the front cover of DNA. To be on there, not because I'm gorgeous but because I'm a very good diver, but yeah that was nice."]
Humble guy. He is gorgeous. - Gay Games Blogger
Click HERE for the article.
[Australia's best-selling magazine for gay men which featured Mitcham on the cover following his Olympic heroics. "That was cool," he said. They always have the most gorgeous men on the front cover of DNA. To be on there, not because I'm gorgeous but because I'm a very good diver, but yeah that was nice."]
Humble guy. He is gorgeous. - Gay Games Blogger
Click HERE for the article.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Esera Tuaolo to speak at University of Wisconsin
Gay Games Ambassador Esera Tuaolo will speak to UW Madison in October.
Esera Tuaolo (right) with FGG board member Darl Schaaff (left) at Legacy Dinner Oct. 2007. Photo - Dick Gerharter Former professional football player Esera Tuaolo, a member of the Green Bay Packers from 1991-92, will speak on campus about his experience as a closeted gay man in the hyper-masculine world of the NFL as keynote speaker for Finding Common Ground: National Coming Out Week 2008.
The appearance, sponsored by the LGBT Campus Center, will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, in Memorial Union’s Great Hall.
For more information, contact Cory Schultz at 886-0479 or c.schultz88@gmail.com.
More information is at the UW web site. www.news.wisc.edu/15696
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
USA HIV Travel Ban is Over
A press release is available on the USA Department of Homeland Security web site.
Click HERE for the press release.
Some of the details in the press release:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today the publication of a final rule that will streamline the issuance of certain short-term non-immigrant visas to people infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) who are otherwise qualified to enter the United States.
Under this new regulation, Department of State consular officers overseas will now have the authority to grant temporary, non-immigrant visas to otherwise eligible applicants who are HIV-positive and meet certain requirements.
“This regulation significantly improves the opportunities for individuals seeking to visit the U.S. who were previously inadmissible because of an HIV infection,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
The HIV Waiver Final Rule will apply to foreigners who are HIV-positive and seek to enter the United States as visitors for up to 30 days; these individuals still must meet all of the other normal criteria for the granting of a U.S. visa.
Visas issued under this final rule will not publicly identify any traveler as HIV-positive.
Previously, individuals who are HIV-positive were prohibited from receiving a visa to visit the United States at all without an individual waiver.
Click HERE for the press release.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Bill Konigsberg to speak at Vassar on Oct. 5-6
Gay Author Konigsberg To Discuss Personal Journey POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (September 29, 2008) -- Associated Press editor and author Bill Konigsberg, one of the few openly gay people in sports media, will be a guest at Vassar on October 5-6. Over the two days, Konigsberg will talk about his journey as a gay journalist and discuss his first novel, “Out of the Pocket,” the story of a gay high school quarterback.
A 1994 graduate of Columbia University, Konigsberg became internationally known for simulating out the remainder of that year’s strike-shortened baseball season on a computer program. He wrote about the games and posted results daily in the New York Daily News, San Francisco Chronicle and Miami Herald. Coverage of his simulated season was seen on NBC World News Tonight, Dateline NBC, CNN, and the Tokyo Broadcast System.
Since then, Konigsberg has been an award winning sports journalist and editor for the Associated Press. His first novel "Out of the Pocket" was just published by Dutton Juvenile and is available for purchase in the Vassar College bookstore.
Schedule
Sunday, October 5, 2008:
4 – 5 p.m. - Informal reception at the LGBTQ Center in Main Building Room 235.
6-8 p.m.: Talk entitled "Too Much Information?" A chronicle of his journey as an openly gay sports journalist turned novelist. Book signing to follow the talk. Kenyon Hall Club Room.
Monday, October 6, 2008:
1:30 - 3 p.m.: Guest Lecturer in English 101, Queer Alphabets. The class is in Sanders Classroom 113.
All events are free and open to the public. Seating is based on a first come first served basis.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Interview with NCLR Sports Project Director Helen Carroll
The web site http://www.cherrygrrl.com/ interviews Helen J. Carroll, Project Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Sports Project. It has been over 30 years since Title IX and Helen J. Carroll answers the following questions in the interview:
1. What are the main goals of the Project?
2. What was your personal background in sports prior to joining the NCLR?
3. What do you consider to be the greatest successes of the Project so far?
4. What are some issues that you are currently working on?
5. What is the most common complaint/case brought before the NCLR Sports Project by lesbian athletes?
6. Where does the NCLR get its funding and what are some ways that people can get involved to help in the efforts being made?
7. What is your opinion of the current atmosphere for lesbian athletes playing in college and professionally right now? Do you feel that we still have a long way to go in terms of fighting homophobia and obtaining equality?
Do you feel that there are a large number of professional lesbian athletes afraid to come out? If so what do you think they are afraid of?
8. What is the It Takes a Team program all about?
What would say is the biggest difference between a lesbian college basketball player’s situation now as opposed to 10 or 15 years ago?
9. What would your advice be to a high school lesbian athlete who feels she is being mistreated and discriminated against because of her sexuality?
10. What are your hopes for the future of LGBT athletes?
Read the answers to these questions on http://www.cherrygrrl.com/2008/09/28/the-nclr%E2%80%99s-sports-project-levels-the-playing-field-and-helps-lesbian-athletes-reach-their-goals/
1. What are the main goals of the Project?
2. What was your personal background in sports prior to joining the NCLR?
3. What do you consider to be the greatest successes of the Project so far?
4. What are some issues that you are currently working on?
5. What is the most common complaint/case brought before the NCLR Sports Project by lesbian athletes?
6. Where does the NCLR get its funding and what are some ways that people can get involved to help in the efforts being made?
7. What is your opinion of the current atmosphere for lesbian athletes playing in college and professionally right now? Do you feel that we still have a long way to go in terms of fighting homophobia and obtaining equality?
Do you feel that there are a large number of professional lesbian athletes afraid to come out? If so what do you think they are afraid of?
8. What is the It Takes a Team program all about?
What would say is the biggest difference between a lesbian college basketball player’s situation now as opposed to 10 or 15 years ago?
9. What would your advice be to a high school lesbian athlete who feels she is being mistreated and discriminated against because of her sexuality?
10. What are your hopes for the future of LGBT athletes?
Read the answers to these questions on http://www.cherrygrrl.com/2008/09/28/the-nclr%E2%80%99s-sports-project-levels-the-playing-field-and-helps-lesbian-athletes-reach-their-goals/
Friday, September 26, 2008
Cultural News - DC Cowboys dance on Television
The DC Cowboys have performed at least four weeks on the hit show "America's Got Talent". The D.C. Cowboys, Washington’s gay all-male dance troupe, took that look national with several appearances this fall on NBC’s reality competition show, “America’s Got Talent.
You may remember them performing to wild cheers in Chicago's Wrigley Field at Closing Ceremony of the Gay Games VII, Chicago Gay Games in 2006.
The TV show decided to keep them in the closet for the entire run on the show. What a shame. This follows hiding Matthew Mitcham's partner during the Olympics. Contact Glaad for a response.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Chicago 2008 Hall of Fame honorees announced
Chicago, IL — The Chicago Commission on Human Relations' Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues has named the 2008 list of individuals and organizations for inclusion in the only known government-sponsored hall of fame that honors members of th LGBT communities, announced Commissioner and Chairman Dana V. Starks.
Chosen nominees will be inducted at the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame's 18th annual ceremony, which will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, in Sidney R. Yates Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Included in the list for 2008 are four important Gay Games supporters:
- Suzanne Arnold, for her long-term work in the local and national lesbian and gay sports community, including her terms as cochair of Team Chicago, female vice cochair of the Federation of Gay Games, and cochair and sports codirector of Gay Games VII in Chicago.
- Kevin G. Boyer, for his service to the LGBT communities, including his work as president of Gerber/Hart Library, cocreator of national Gay and Lesbian History Month, cofounder of the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and vice cochair of Gay Games VII in Chicago.
- Sam Coady, for his advocacy for LGBT workplace equality and for his long-term contributions to the LGBT sports communities, including founding the Chicago Hoops Classic - the largest and longest-running LGBT basketball tournament in the world - and cochairing Gay Games VII in Chicago.
- Joe La Pat (1943-2008), entrepreneur, for his generosity and wide-ranging support for Chicago's LGBT community, including early key support for Proud To Run, Strike Against AIDS, Chicago House, Gay Games VII - especially for international athletes who participated - and the Center on Halsted.
You may read the entire list of honorees and information about the program on the Chicago GLHF web site.
Previous honorees included Tracy Baim, Renae Ogletree, Mona Noriega, CC Carter, Tarrina Dykes, and others associated with Gay Games, prior to this blog being launched.
Chosen nominees will be inducted at the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame's 18th annual ceremony, which will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, in Sidney R. Yates Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Included in the list for 2008 are four important Gay Games supporters:
- Suzanne Arnold, for her long-term work in the local and national lesbian and gay sports community, including her terms as cochair of Team Chicago, female vice cochair of the Federation of Gay Games, and cochair and sports codirector of Gay Games VII in Chicago.
- Kevin G. Boyer, for his service to the LGBT communities, including his work as president of Gerber/Hart Library, cocreator of national Gay and Lesbian History Month, cofounder of the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and vice cochair of Gay Games VII in Chicago.
- Sam Coady, for his advocacy for LGBT workplace equality and for his long-term contributions to the LGBT sports communities, including founding the Chicago Hoops Classic - the largest and longest-running LGBT basketball tournament in the world - and cochairing Gay Games VII in Chicago.
- Joe La Pat (1943-2008), entrepreneur, for his generosity and wide-ranging support for Chicago's LGBT community, including early key support for Proud To Run, Strike Against AIDS, Chicago House, Gay Games VII - especially for international athletes who participated - and the Center on Halsted.
You may read the entire list of honorees and information about the program on the Chicago GLHF web site.
Previous honorees included Tracy Baim, Renae Ogletree, Mona Noriega, CC Carter, Tarrina Dykes, and others associated with Gay Games, prior to this blog being launched.
Cologne Pride
Whether you are going to Gay Games VIII in Cologne, Germany in 2010 or maybe you are going sooner for tourism. Cologne Pride web site has information and information on the PINK card you can purchase to save money during your visit.
The next Gay Games is in Cologne, Germany in August 2010. For information about how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VIII in Cologne in 2010, visit http://www.games-cologne.com/ or phone +49 221 925 2607. For information concerning sponsors of the Federation of Gay Games, go to http://www.gaygames.org/ .
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Youth Coaches suspended for allowing homphobic taunts
The News-Dispatch in Michigan City, Indiana is reporting that 2 coaches have been suspended for one year for allowing homophobic taunts to be used on some boys continually on the baseball fields. Click here to read the entire news article by Laura Wink.
Key paragraphs in the article that are alarming:
[Garbacik's decision came after a two-month investigation that started with complaints a 12-year-old baseball player was being harassed. The boy's parents contacted Garbacik in June after finding out their son was being called names such as "gay, fag, homo and queer" by other players.
Kaletha told Garbacik he was aware of the comments, but called it "joking and humor" and "just boys being boys." ]
http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/Issues-And-Research/Homophobia.aspx
About It Takes A Team!
Educational Campaign for LGBT Issues in Sport
• Many girls don't play sports because they are afraid someone will call them a lesbian or they are afraid one of their teammates or a coach might be a lesbian
• Transgender athletes were formerly excluded from sports by sex verification policies
• Lesbian and bisexual women in sport are discriminated against based on stereotypes and homophobia
• Gay boys and men in sport keep their identities secret out of fear of harassment from teammates and coaches It Takes A Team! is an educational program designed to end homophobia in sport.
Learn more
Key paragraphs in the article that are alarming:
[Garbacik's decision came after a two-month investigation that started with complaints a 12-year-old baseball player was being harassed. The boy's parents contacted Garbacik in June after finding out their son was being called names such as "gay, fag, homo and queer" by other players.
Kaletha told Garbacik he was aware of the comments, but called it "joking and humor" and "just boys being boys." ]
How to address these problems?
There is hope and help on the play field. Dr. Pat Griffin is director of "It takes a Team!". Information and resources are available for coaches and families on the Women's Sports Foundation web site. http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/Issues-And-Research/Homophobia.aspx
About It Takes A Team!
Educational Campaign for LGBT Issues in Sport
• Many girls don't play sports because they are afraid someone will call them a lesbian or they are afraid one of their teammates or a coach might be a lesbian
• Transgender athletes were formerly excluded from sports by sex verification policies
• Lesbian and bisexual women in sport are discriminated against based on stereotypes and homophobia
• Gay boys and men in sport keep their identities secret out of fear of harassment from teammates and coaches It Takes A Team! is an educational program designed to end homophobia in sport.
Learn more
Saturday, September 20, 2008
City Team Profile: Team Philadephia
If you are looking for some fun in Philly, check out Team Philadelphia. Team Philadelphia lists events by day or by team on their web site.Team Philadelphia is the umbrella group under which the various gay and lesbian sports teams and individual athletes in the Delaware Valley come together to provide a healthy outlet for all members of the community. Throughout the year, Team Philadelphia sponsors many events in order to raise funds to organize and support these athletes as the Delaware Valley 's official delegation to the quadrennial Gay Games.
Team Philadelphia is planning to attend Gay Games VIII in Cologne, Germany in 2010.
http://www.teamphiladelphia.org/
Friday, September 19, 2008
Will Matthew Mitcham be an aussieBum Model?
Read the story on samesame.com.au by clicking HERE.
http://www.samesame.com.au/
Sydney, Australia sets October 12 as Sports Day Out
Click here to read the full article.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
New book "CRISIS" features essays of Gay Games Ambassdors
John Amaechi and Billy Bean both contributed essays to the book “CRISIS: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay In America,” The book is just release and edited by Mitchell Gold.
The NewYorkBlade.com has a full article by Joelle L. Quartini.
Click here to read the article.
http://nyblade.com/
The NewYorkBlade.com has a full article by Joelle L. Quartini.Click here to read the article.
http://nyblade.com/
Gay Games producer takes the Vancouver Playhouse
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
California Dreaming 2008 A Same-sex Dance Spectacular
California Dreaming same-sex dance spectacular on October 18, 2008
An unforgettable day of dramatic dance competitions, dinner, spectacular dance show & social dancing for the same-sex community and their friends:
Ballroom, Latin and Country Western and other partner dances
Just Dance Ballroom, Oakland, October 18th
www.caldancechamp.com
An unforgettable day of dramatic dance competitions, dinner, spectacular dance show & social dancing for the same-sex community and their friends:
Ballroom, Latin and Country Western and other partner dances
Just Dance Ballroom, Oakland, October 18th
www.caldancechamp.com
The Taboo of Sports: Gay Athletes
Kelly Crandall wrote an article for the bleacher report. The bleacher report is and Open Source Sports Network. She takes on the topic of gay athletes and the problems in professional sports with out gay and lesbians.
Click here for the article.
http://bleacherreport.com
Click here for the article.
http://bleacherreport.com
Monday, September 15, 2008
NBC's Bob Costas talks about "out" Athletes including Matthew Mitcham
The blog http://www.afterelton.com/people/2008/9/bobcostas has a lengthy exclusive interview with NBC's Bob Costas. Bob tries to answer why NBC failed to do a full profile of Matthew Mitcham and then talks about out athletes, homophobia in sports and more. It is well worth reading.
Check it out by clicking HERE.
Check it out by clicking HERE.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Team NY Aquatics hosts Aquapalooza in October
Join Team New York Aquatics for the fourth spectacular meet of the new millennium, Aquapalooza, Columbus Day Weekend: Saturday, October 11, 2008. It promises to be a very special holiday in NYC.
Registration is now open. Download an information and entry packet today! Entry deadline is Wednesday, September 24. For more details: http://www.tnya.org/aquapalooza/
Happy 90th Birthday Paul Mart
Photo of Gene Dermody, Paul Mart, and Sara Waddell-Lewinstein at the Gay Games 25th Anniversary Legacy dinner in October 2007, San Francisco.
Paul Mart, one of the founders of the Gay Games celebrates 90 years today. We wish Paul all the best. Paul is still a competitor in body building. Paul's long career includes being a veteran of WW II Pacific and Europe, Actor, Stuntman, Rodeo Bronco Rider. He is also a constant supporter of Gay Games.
Here is photo of Paul Mart in 2005 on tour promoting Chicago Gay Games. He is seen with Team Seattle board members and FGG volunteers in Seattle. He co-founded the Gay Games, and his support is strong.
First Gay HELI-SKI Week Planned in Canada
CMH HELI-SKIING LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER GAY HELI-SKI WEEK
Banff, Alberta - September 9, 2008: Next spring, Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH), the first company to introduce winter sports enthusiasts to the joys of Heli-Skiing almost a half century ago, will debut another first-its first-ever Gay Heli-Ski Week.
From April 11-18, 2009, the remote Gothics Lodge in the Selkirks range of the Canadian Rockies will be host to the inaugural CMH Gay Heli-Ski Week.For seven days, 34 gay and lesbian skiers and snowboarders from around the world will converge on the Gothics for skiing and boarding in some of the world's most pristine powder and a guarantee of 100,000 vertical feet.
After exhilarating days on the slopes, guests return to the Gothics Lodge, where they'll have exclusive use of this picturesque lodge, dinner with new friends and time to unwind with a soak in the outdoor hot tub or a drink by the fireplace. And come Friday night, another CMH first -- a Long Johns & Lingerie theme party!
Cost per person is $5,500 CAD, based on double occupancy and exclusive of GST.
For more information, please visit www.cmhski.com/gayheliski, or call 1-800-661-0252.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Australia is putting Matthew Mitcham on a postage stamp
The Australian postal service putting Matthew Mitcham on postage stamps as part of a program to put all Australian Gold medal winners on postage stamps.
Homophobia and Sports Meeting In Melbourne
The Challenging Homophobia In Sports Initiative – Community Meeting will be held on Wednesday 24th September, 6pm at JOY FM’s Community Meeting Room, Level 9, 225 Bourke St, Melbourne.
The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss what part homophobia plays in the lives of queer Victorians, consolidate the recent surge of community support, and to plan constructive future actions and events so that homophobia in mainstream sport will not go unchecked.
Click HERE for full details about this meeting.
The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss what part homophobia plays in the lives of queer Victorians, consolidate the recent surge of community support, and to plan constructive future actions and events so that homophobia in mainstream sport will not go unchecked.
Click HERE for full details about this meeting.
Is Gay Softball too Gay
http://www.nagaaasoftball.org/
EdgeBoston.com asks the question if Gay Softball is too Gay. Seattle, WA hosted the NAGAAA Softball World Series in August 2008 and a team was disqualified for having too many straight players added to the team. Teams in NAGAAA agree to allow 2 straight players on each team. Other teams get disqualified for players filling in from other teams or cities to strengthen a team for a competition.
Click HERE to read the the Edge Boston article.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Manchester Pride Games begin in wet weather
Reds star in Pride Games
Article by Fay Schlesinger in the Manchester Evening News.
HUNDREDS of people braved the wet weather to take part in the Pride Games 2008 charity fun day.
Click HERE to read the article.
Article by Fay Schlesinger in the Manchester Evening News.
HUNDREDS of people braved the wet weather to take part in the Pride Games 2008 charity fun day.
Click HERE to read the article.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Gay Games Diving
People keep uploading small videos of Gay Games Events on YouTube.
Here is a diving video that has 624,995 view so far! Enjoy.
You can buy the Chicago Gay Games DVD from Wolfe Video for only $15.00.
Here is a diving video that has 624,995 view so far! Enjoy.
You can buy the Chicago Gay Games DVD from Wolfe Video for only $15.00.
Pride Games 2008 7th - 14th September Manchester, England
If you're in Manchester, England September 7 - 14 check out Pride Games Manchester. Currently in their 4th official year, organizers are hoping to build on last year's huge success. Over 30 different activities will be spread over the 7 days of the games.
Events will open with a 5k charity run at the Alexandra Park Opening Fun Day starting at 10.30am, Sunday 7th September, Alexandra Park, Manchester Kicking off a week of fabulous taster events and leading into a weekend of participative competitions and concluding with the Sport For All Festival on Salford Quays Sept 14th - it's open to all. See calendar for what's on and when.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Today in History: Gay Games I Closing Cermony
Gay Games I
It has been 26 years to the date since the first Gay Games closing ceremony, which took place at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco and opened on Aug. 28. They were originally called the Gay Olympic Games, but later were changed to Gay Games.1982: The first Gay Games close in San Francisco. 1350 athletes from 179 cities in 12 countries participated in 14 events.
The next Gay Games will be in Cologne, Germany in 2010.
Be Part of It!
Register for the Cologne Newsletter.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Shirts and Skins coming to LOGO
Shirts and Skins
On September 15, Logo will premiere the anxiously awaited series Shirts and Skins. The show follows the lives of the San Francisco Rockdogs - winners of the gold at the international gay games in basketball. The team has been re-united in an effort to defend their title in national tournament wins. The team disbanded following the gay games for various reasons that included animosity among team members and desires to pursue personal lives. But now they're together again.
On September 15, Logo will premiere the anxiously awaited series Shirts and Skins. The show follows the lives of the San Francisco Rockdogs - winners of the gold at the international gay games in basketball. The team has been re-united in an effort to defend their title in national tournament wins. The team disbanded following the gay games for various reasons that included animosity among team members and desires to pursue personal lives. But now they're together again.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
After Ellen Reports on Lesbian and Bi Women Olympic Medalists in Beijing
Lesbian/Bi Women Medal at the 2008 Olympics
by
Sarah Warn, Editor in Chief
Of the 13 out lesbian and bisexual women competing at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, six ended up taking home gold, silver, or bronze medals.
(The Games' sole openly gay male athlete, Australian diver Matthew Mitcham, took home the gold in the men's 10m platform.)
CLICK HERE for the full article.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Gay Games Co-Presidents honor Matthew Mitcham
On behalf of the member sport and cultural organisations of the international Federation of Gay Games, we offer our hearty congratulations to Matthew Mitcham for his outstanding accomplishment in winning the 10-metre platform diving event at Beijing's 2008 Olympic Games.
Matthew's public story is still only a few months' old, but it traveled particularly quickly through the LGBT community and we became instant fans. As we followed this out-and-proud Olympian through the Internet, on television and via the print media, it was heartening to see that he was able to refocus after the 3-metre springboard contest and repeat his recent international success in the 10-metre tower event when it counted the most.
Australia's mainstream media was exemplary in covering Matthew's coming out and his quest to have his partner join him in Beijing. During Matthew's competition and subsequent win, the Australian media treated Matthew's support group on equal footing with those of his Olympic teammates. However, we note that in most of the rest of the world the mainstream media completely ignored or buried this groundbreaking story.
For years we have seen journalists ponder what would happen when an athlete came out before competing at the highest levels. There is some irony that, when the occasion finally presented itself, the gay athlete performed and the straight media backed down.
While Matthew represents an attitude change among a new generation, the media's mixed treatment of his unique situation shows there is still much to accomplish. The Federation of Gay Games will continue to do its part, raising mainstream consciousness about these issues in ways that help LGBT athletes of all levels of ability reach their goals.
Matthew has achieved a rare, dream Olympics result. His life will surely change, and we believe the humor, humility and presence of mind he's shown in the past few weeks demonstrate that he will handle it very well. We welcome him to the LGBT sports community and look forward to applauding him for many years to come.
Sincerely yours,
Sion O'Connor Emy Ritt
Co-Presidents, Federation of Gay Games
Matthew's public story is still only a few months' old, but it traveled particularly quickly through the LGBT community and we became instant fans. As we followed this out-and-proud Olympian through the Internet, on television and via the print media, it was heartening to see that he was able to refocus after the 3-metre springboard contest and repeat his recent international success in the 10-metre tower event when it counted the most.
Australia's mainstream media was exemplary in covering Matthew's coming out and his quest to have his partner join him in Beijing. During Matthew's competition and subsequent win, the Australian media treated Matthew's support group on equal footing with those of his Olympic teammates. However, we note that in most of the rest of the world the mainstream media completely ignored or buried this groundbreaking story.
For years we have seen journalists ponder what would happen when an athlete came out before competing at the highest levels. There is some irony that, when the occasion finally presented itself, the gay athlete performed and the straight media backed down.
While Matthew represents an attitude change among a new generation, the media's mixed treatment of his unique situation shows there is still much to accomplish. The Federation of Gay Games will continue to do its part, raising mainstream consciousness about these issues in ways that help LGBT athletes of all levels of ability reach their goals.
Matthew has achieved a rare, dream Olympics result. His life will surely change, and we believe the humor, humility and presence of mind he's shown in the past few weeks demonstrate that he will handle it very well. We welcome him to the LGBT sports community and look forward to applauding him for many years to come.
Sincerely yours,
Sion O'Connor Emy Ritt
Co-Presidents, Federation of Gay Games
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Matthew Mitcham Takes GOLD!
Read this story fresh from the Sydney Morning Herald. Matthew Mitcham does not need to be worried about being labeled as just an out gay diver from Australia.
He will be labeled the highest scoring diver ever.
Click HERE for the full story.
He will be labeled the highest scoring diver ever.
Click HERE for the full story.
Federation of Gay Games salutes Olympians who Help Change The World
The Federation of Gay Games offers congratulations to each of the Out Olympians who competed at the now-closed Beijnig summer Olympics. Particular congratulations are in order for medal winners Matthew Mitcham (Gold medal in 10M Platform Diving from Australia), Natasha Kai (Gold medal in Soccer from the USA), Gro Hammerseng & Katya Nyberg (Gold medals in Handball from Norway), Lauren Lappin & Vicky Galindo (Silver medals in Softball from the USA), and Linda Bresonik (Bronze medal in Soccer from Germany).
Regardless of medal status, every one of the brave Out Olympians in Beijing deserves equal congratulations. You are more of an inspiration than you'll ever know and we salute you!
We hope to see many of these brave Out Olympians at the Gay Games VIII 2010 in Cologne.
FGG Volunteers
Regardless of medal status, every one of the brave Out Olympians in Beijing deserves equal congratulations. You are more of an inspiration than you'll ever know and we salute you!
We hope to see many of these brave Out Olympians at the Gay Games VIII 2010 in Cologne.
FGG Volunteers
2008 Gay Softball World Series in Seattle News
Big umbrellas come in handy!
Gay Games Cologne- 2010 was promoted at the opening and closing ceremony and events surrounding the Northwest Quest events. The opening ceremony held at Seattle Center, was shortened due to heavy rain, but folks handled the rain, or ran inside the main buildings. Gay Games Ambassador David Kopay spoke to the softball players at the opening ceremony.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Federation of Gay Games is hiring staff
The Federation of Gay Games is seeking a Development and Communications Director.
Summary of Responsibilities: The Development and Communications Director (contract position) is responsible for development activities related to fundraising events targeted at individual donors, foundations, and corporations, including coordination of communications through e-newsletters. Working with the Development Committee, the Director coordinates and participates in all activities in these areas and in sustaining and building an annual development program.
Click HERE for a full job description.
Summary of Responsibilities: The Development and Communications Director (contract position) is responsible for development activities related to fundraising events targeted at individual donors, foundations, and corporations, including coordination of communications through e-newsletters. Working with the Development Committee, the Director coordinates and participates in all activities in these areas and in sustaining and building an annual development program.
Click HERE for a full job description.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Out at the Olympics: Judith Arndt
Here is an article about Gay Games Ambassador Judith Arndt.
By GaySports.com Staff
German cyclist Judith Arndt made her Olympic debut back in 1996 at the Atlanta Games. There, she picked up the bronze medal in the women’s 3000 m pursuit at the age of 20. She has been a force in the sport ever since.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Gay Games sends Support To Olympics
Gay Games wishes support to the Out Olympic Athletes heading to Beijing, China. An official press release in support of Out Athletes, and an invitaion to Olympic athletes to come to Cologne, Germany in 2010 for the eighth installment of the Gay Games. The Gay Games are very different Olympic Games. Gay Games welcome all abilities.
Click HERE to read the letter of support.
The Federation of Gay Games has also issued a letter of support to the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from the Federation of Gay Games co-presidents.
Click HERE to read the letter to the IOC.
Built upon the principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™, for more than 25 years the Gay Games have empowered tens of thousands of LGBT artists and athletes through fellowship and friendly competition.
Click HERE to read the letter of support.
The Federation of Gay Games has also issued a letter of support to the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from the Federation of Gay Games co-presidents.
Click HERE to read the letter to the IOC.
Built upon the principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™, for more than 25 years the Gay Games have empowered tens of thousands of LGBT artists and athletes through fellowship and friendly competition.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Send a note to Matthew Mitcham
Gay Games Encourages Participants to Support Australian Diver Matthew Mitcham
Dear Friends,
As the Summer Olympics open, we want to ask your help in supporting, Matthew Mitcham, a gay Olympic athlete who has recently come out. Click HERE for a Sydney Morning Herald article about Matthew.
Matthew is an Australian diver, and you can send him a message of support (a "Herogram") at the following website:http://hero.telstra.com/olympics When asked to select an athlete, simply type his name and select his photo. You will have the option of a text message, a video message, or a Facebook message.
We suggest that you let him know that you are writing this as a member of the Gay Games movement.
Thanks for your support of the Gay Games movement, and your support of a young Out Olympian.
Sion O'Connor and Emy Ritt
Co-presidents
Dear Friends,
As the Summer Olympics open, we want to ask your help in supporting, Matthew Mitcham, a gay Olympic athlete who has recently come out. Click HERE for a Sydney Morning Herald article about Matthew.
Matthew is an Australian diver, and you can send him a message of support (a "Herogram") at the following website:http://hero.telstra.com/olympics When asked to select an athlete, simply type his name and select his photo. You will have the option of a text message, a video message, or a Facebook message.
We suggest that you let him know that you are writing this as a member of the Gay Games movement.
Thanks for your support of the Gay Games movement, and your support of a young Out Olympian.
Sion O'Connor and Emy Ritt
Co-presidents
Only 6 Out Athletes going to Beijing
Jim Buzinski of Outsports.com has a fantastic article about the Olympics and why so many athletes remain in the closet, to the public and often to themselves.
Click HERE to read it.
Click HERE to read it.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Profile of Greg Louganis on Pacific Coffee Network
Gay Games Ambassador Greg Louganis has a new profile on the blog Pacific Coffee Network.
It is really well written and concise. Give it a quick read.
Monday, August 4, 2008
TV Show Dancing with the Stars - Will they have same sex dancers
MSNBC has a teaser article from Access Hollywood about the American television show "Dancing with the Stars". They are testing the waters to see how middle America would react to 2 men dancing together. They need to checkout YouTube and search for Gay Games and dancing. Better yet, they need to go to the Gay Games in 2010, in Cologne Germany and see it in person.
Click HERE for the MSNBC article.
My first time watching 2 men dance, was in a country bar in San Diego, CA. I was just coming out and I confess to laughing and smiling, ear to ear after seeing big guys in flannel shirts flying around the dance floor. That might be when I started listening to country music. I know I took dance lessons several times, and 2 quarters at a community college.
Gay Games Blogger
Click HERE for the MSNBC article.
My first time watching 2 men dance, was in a country bar in San Diego, CA. I was just coming out and I confess to laughing and smiling, ear to ear after seeing big guys in flannel shirts flying around the dance floor. That might be when I started listening to country music. I know I took dance lessons several times, and 2 quarters at a community college.
Gay Games Blogger
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Esera Tuaolo on Broadway
Gay Games Ambassador Esera Tuaolo is appearing on broadway. The Broadway musical "Side Show" is the true story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who became stars during the Depression.
Read an article with comments from Esera in the Sioux City Journal.
Click HERE to read it.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Go Dragons! A Rugby Story
A season in the life of the Chicago Dragons, a gay rugby team in a straight Midwestern league. This diverse group of personalities must come together to achieve one common goal: Win a game. Part of Logo's Real Momentum documentary series.
CLICK HERE for more information and a video clip.
LOGO has a partnership with NetFlix to promote LGBT film.
http://www.logoonline.com/partners/netflix/
CLICK HERE for more information and a video clip.
LOGO has a partnership with NetFlix to promote LGBT film.
http://www.logoonline.com/partners/netflix/
SF hosts Martial Arts Event August 1, 2008
Martial Arts Gala in San Francisco is scheduled for August 2008. Members of Triangle Martial Arts Association are already preparing for participation in Gay Games VIII that will be held two years from now in 2010 in Cologne, Germany.
Click HERE to read the SF Bay Times article.
Click HERE to read the SF Bay Times article.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
PINK POWER in Cologne for September 2008 preview
PINK POWER Cologne is being prepared in the run-up to the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 in cooperation with the International Association of Gay and Lesbian Artists (IAGLMA) and the company Bushido München e.V. It will once again be an international Martial Arts Event with the opportunity to see new and old acquaintances as well as being introduced to other styles.
Click HERE to read full details.
Click HERE to read full details.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Bruce Hayes to Judge Philadephia Mr. Gay
Gay Games Ambassador and Olympic Gold Medalist: Bruce Hayes to Judge Mr. Gay Philadelphia. This is turning out to be quite an event with gay male celebraties judging. The event with be hosted by the getting slimmer every week, Sirius-XM radio host Frank Decaro and Brittany Lynn. Designer Jack Macenroth is also listed at the event along with several others.
Click HERE to read a Night Life Gay Blog information.
Click HERE to read a full story by Edge Philadelphia.
Click HERE to read a Night Life Gay Blog information.
Click HERE to read a full story by Edge Philadelphia.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Awesome Women Wrestlers
Here is a great Bay Area Reporter story by Roger Brigham on Randi Miller. She may be 5 feet 2 inches tall, but she is a powerful wrestler heading to next month's Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
Roger reminds his readers that Gay Games offered wrestling to women before the Olympics and that Gay Games gives more weight classes than the Olympics are willing to give to women.
Read the full article published 07/17/2008 by clicking HERE.
or http://ebar.com/columns/column.php?sec=sports
Roger reminds his readers that Gay Games offered wrestling to women before the Olympics and that Gay Games gives more weight classes than the Olympics are willing to give to women.
Read the full article published 07/17/2008 by clicking HERE.
or http://ebar.com/columns/column.php?sec=sports
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Uncle Donald's Castro Street Gay Games History
There is a web site called Uncle Donald's Castro Street. It has an interesting history of Gay Games that is very good. Take a look at the web site. It has history, photos, and videos of all the Gay Games. Check it out.
http://thecastro.net/Gaygames.html
http://thecastro.net/Gaygames.html
New Blog promoting Gay Athletes
This blogger seems to be especially interested in Gay Games Ambassadors and specifically male athletes. Each month more of these blogs pop up as shrines to heros like David Kopay.
Click HERE to see The Gay Athletes blogger.
Click HERE to see The Gay Athletes blogger.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Gays Games supporter Joe La Pat dies
When Chicago decided to re-bid for the Gay Games, Dick and Joe were among the earliest supporters, loaning seed money - in a gigantic leap of faith - so that the initial expenses could be covered. Their support could have ended there, but did not.
When Dick and Joe heard about the Chosen Few South African women's soccer team in late 2005, they offered to help underwrite scholarships for the team to attend Gay Games VII. Chosen Few's members live in Soweto, with few resources to attend an international tournament. As time moved on, it was clear that the entire GGVII scholarship program needed additional support, not just for Chosen Few, but also for the Bura team from Croatia and individual athletes from South America, Asia, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Europe, the United Kingdom, and even from parts of the United States. So Dick and Joe stepped up more than the Gay Games organizers could have hoped for to underwrite the remaining scholarships. In total, Dick and Joe provided 75% of the funding for the Gay Games scholarships.
In 1964, La Pat enlisted in the Army and served with distinction, including a tour in Germany, where he was a member of the military police.
On May 25, 1969, La Pat and Uyvari met at the Castaways bar in Milwaukee, and it was love at first sight. They were together for 39 years, until La Pat's death. They liked to comment that they met exactly five weeks before the Stonewall Riots in New York that sparked the modern gay-rights movement.
As a couple, La Pat and Uyvari were key supporters of the Center on Halsted building campaign. They also were part of the Strike Against AIDS bowling benefits, and made available a property that became the first location used by Chicago House, a residence for people with AIDS. In 2006, they were critical financial supporters of Gay Games VII, underwriting the scholarship program that helped to bring athletes from around the world. They also helped retire the Gay Games debt by creating a matching fund.
“Without the support of Dick and Joe, the Gay Games could not have brought in athletes from South Africa, Croatia and beyond,” said Tracy Baim, co vice-chair of the Chicago Gay Games board, and a friend of the couple. “Joe was always the quiet one, but when he heard the story of the South African soccer team, he became a passionate advocate to bring them to the U.S. He believed strongly in the mission of the Gay Games, and he and Dick were our biggest allies.”
“He always was a pillar of support in the background that allowed me to be the front guy,” Uyvari said. “Without him I could not have done any of the things I did.”
His generosity for family, friends and community, was limitless, even when it meant personal sacrifice for him. He was a gracious host, “an All-American man who also loved taking care of the home,” Uyvari said. “He loved gardening, cooking, anything around the house.”
A public memorial will be held on Saturday, July 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at Misericordia Home, 6300 N. Ridge Ave. in Chicago.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the South African soccer team and Scholarship Program at: http://teamchicago.org/federation.html. Donations can also be made to the Center on Halsted at: http://www.centeronhalsted.org/.
For a 2007 video interview with La Pat, see http://www.chicagogayhistory.org/.
Source: adapted from Windy City Times text and Gay Games VII Book by Tracy Baim.