Volleyballers prepare for TIP

Yagg au TIP épisode 2: le volley
envoyé par yaggvideo. - Découvrez les dernières vidéos de sport.

Yagg continues its coverage of the TIP. Anne-Catherine says that she usually trains witht the boys, because it's more of a physical challenge, but she also trains with the girls, because it's more technical, and because she likes the socializing. The big advantage of the TIP: the opportunity to meet foreign players.

Games Cologne and FGG at TIP registration event

Representatives of the FGG, Games Cologne, and Copenhagen Outgames at the Tournoi international de Paris registration event, 29 May 2009

Many participants (including our friends from Copenhagen) took advantage of the 10 euro discount offered for registration at the TIP.

FSGL president Bruno Aussenac interviewed by Michel Royer for a documentary on LGBT sport produced by French broadcaster Canal Plus.

Gay Games VII: Be part of it!

Olympic Diver Matthew Mitcham calls for Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS: Kevin Boyer, FGG Spokesperson,
Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net, +1 312-588-3713

San Francisco – 29 MAY 2009

OLYMPIC diving gold medalist Matthew Mitcham

Declares support for Gay Games
Matthew Mitcham endorses Gay Games motto

"Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™".

The Federation of Gay Games has released a video on its web site (www.gaygames.com) featuring Matthew Mitcham in a 60 second message, encouraging everyone to participate in the Gay Games.

The video features gold-medal winner Mitcham diving followed by a personal, poolside message: “You don’t have to be an Olympian to participate in the Gay Games. The motto of the Federation of Gay Games is participation, inclusion, and personal best. Everyone can play in sport and culture. Why not be part of it?” A second video has been launched on the 2010 Cologne Gay Games web site (www.games-cologne.com) with Matthew Mitcham encouraging participation in the 2010 Gay Games.

Matthew Mitcham won the gold medal in men’s platform diving at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, scoring the highest marks ever in platform diving. Matthew Mitcham is 21 years old, resides in Sydney, Australia, and continues competing in diving events while preparing for the 2012 Olympics. Mitcham was one of two “Out” (openly gay) male athletes at the Beijing Olympics.

Federation of Gay Games Marketing Officer, Doug Litwin, has a very positive response to these videos. “Matthew clearly recognizes the life-changing impact that comes from participating in a large international event. Just as he made history and opened millions of eyes on the diving platform in Beijing, he realizes that the many thousands who have participated in the Gay Games have also had their eyes opened as part of their own life-changing experience. As we've been saying for years... ‘Gay Games Change The World.’”

Federation of Gay Games VP of External Affairs, Kate Rowe (Sydney), produced the video with Matthew Mitcham and can be contacted for Australian support. Sponsorship inquiries for Matthew Mitcham can also be directed through Ms. Rowe (krowe@gaygames.org). Kate commented about Mitcham. “Despite his heavy training commitments for the 2012 Olympics, Matthew wanted to give something to the global Gay and Lesbian sporting community by offering to endorse the Federation of Gay Games and the 2010 Cologne Gay Games with his appearance in this video.” Rowe added “We really appreciate Matthew’s generosity in participating freely, and found it a joy to work with him. Matthew’s enthusiasm for the Gay Games is clearly evident. In fact, he hopes to participate himself sometime in the future.”

The Federation of Gay Games would like to acknowledge Mat Webster and Dion Wilton from Metro Screen, Sydney, Australia, who also gave freely of their time to film and edit the video.

*******
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.
Kate Rowe, (FGG VP of External Affairs) can be contacted at krowe@gaygames.org.

-30-

"Building Bridges 3" report

In March 2009, the FGG participated in the "Building Bridges 3" conference organized by Homosport NL, in conjunction with the EGLSF annual general assembly.

Here is the report from that conference.

Powerpoints from the various sessions can be downloaded here.

TIP starts tomorrow: last-minute look at Paris Aquatique synchronized swimmers as they train

A video from Yagg, the media partner of the TIP, where you'll find more info on this video:

Yagg au TIP, épisode 1: natation synchronisée
par yaggvideo

For non-Francophones, some highlights: a woman swimmer explains that competing in mixed pairs offers more artistic opportunities than competing in same-sex pairs. An obstacle to the growth of men's synchronized swimming is the refusal of FINA and the IOC to accept male synchronized swimmers. Many national federations do accept them, and TIP synchronized swimming for men, women, and mixed groups, will be judged by officials from the French national swimming federation.

La soirée TIP, ça déménage !

The TIP party this Saturday has had a last-minute change in venue. Instead of Club Med World, it will take place at the fabulous Mix Club, at Montparnasse in the 15th (24 rue de l'Arrivée, Métro Montparnasse-Bienvenue).

Gay referee to continue legal battle

From Hurriyet Daily News:

ISTANBUL - After days of debate on his future career in football, the referee who had to quit his job due to his sexual orientation appeared on television Saturday and revealed his name for the first time.

Dinçdağ was forced to leave his job because he had been excused from his compulsory military service on account of his homosexuality, which was documented in a medical report. According to the sport's regulations, anyone who fails to complete his military service for health reasons is unfit to perform as a referee.

"Now a really difficult period has started for my family, but it has always been difficult for me," said Dinçdağ, 33, who appealed to colleagues who have been discriminated against as he was.

"Please stand tall against the unfairness against you, whenever something wrong is happening," he said. "Say that it is wrong. Say what is right for you."

Annual Meeting 2009 website launched, mystery revealed!

It's the Wolkenburg center, home of the FGG 2009 Annual Meeting. More information about the Annual Meeting and Gay Games IX site selection here.

The mystery will soon be revealed!

Real Men DO Participate in Synchronized Swimming

A press release from the Federation of Gay Games:

San Francisco – 20 MAY 2009 - Recent written articles [see Der Spiegel] and radio interviews about men and synchronized swimming have given the indication that there are no male synchronized swimmers in international competitions. This is not accurate: men compete in synchronized swimming at major events such as the quadrennial Gay Games events and the IGLA (International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics) annual competition. For over 25 years, LGBT sport has welcomed all people to participate, regardless of sexual orientation or gender.

The Federation of Gay Games is the organizing body that selects the host Gay Games city and manages the strategic planning of future Gay Games events. The Gay Games is a well-established international competition, which began in 1982, and currently has over 12,000 participants. The eighth edition of the Gay Games will take place in Cologne, Germany, in 2010.

The Gay Games has led the way before in gender equality in sport, with same sex pair’s competitions in figure skating and bodybuilding. In addition, women began competing in Gay Games wrestling events well before women's wrestling became an Olympic sport. And of course, having mixed gender teams in synchronized swimming has never been an issue for the Gay Games.

LGBT aquatics, including synchronized swimming, are organized by IGLA, a member of the FGG. Since 2002 at the Gay Games VI in Sydney, Australia, IGLA has been the governing body responsible for sanctioning the rules for swimming, water polo, synchronized swimming and diving at the Gay Games, ensuring the highest quality aquatic events possible.

For a complete list of all Gay Games synchronized swimming medalists during the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago, including 13 male competitors, visit the Gay Games Chicago website.

UK national LGBT sports summit

The 2nd National Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Sports Summit is to be held in Brighton on 13 June 2009. The event welcomes representatives of LGBT sports organisations, as well as representatives from National Governing Bodies, to set the national agenda for LGBT sports development in the UK.

The first National LGBT Sports Summit [report], which was held in 2008 and was attended by over fifty delegates, launched a Steering Group for a National Network of LGBT sports organisations. It is this Steering Group, which is delivering the 2009 Summit with the support of Pride Sports; the UK’s only LGBT Sports Development organisation (www.pridesports.org).

Louise Englefield, Director of Pride Sports says: “The Summit provides a unique opportunity for National Governing Bodies to engage directly with the LGBT sports community. As the UK’s representative on the board of the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF), I feel it is imperative that we have a robust UK strategy that contributes meaningfully to the global LGBT sports development agenda.”

This year, the Summit will be an Open Space Event, bringing together LGBT and mainstream sports organisers from around the UK to create an interesting and productive, action-oriented event. 'Open Space' empowers and challenges every participant to engage in setting the agenda for the summit and encourages lively and engaging dialogues on subjects delegates themselves identify as important.

Feedback from last year’s Summit includes the following:


Sarah Williams, Equality and Diversity manager from the Rugby Football League: “It was an opportunity to network with other NGBs and to hear directly from the LGB community about their needs, barriers to participation and how we can all work together.”


Elias Devries, Tennis London (organisers of the UK’s largest LGBT tennis tournament): "It was inspirational being around my fellow sports groups and the summit got us all thinking about how best to share resources and work together. Assuming there is a major follow up of action points, it will make a big difference for LGBT sports in this country"

The Summit is free to all delegates, but places are limited. To register your interest and reserve a place, please email summit@pridesports.org.

NAGVA volleyball championships

First pics of Games Cologne/FGG booth at NAGVA!

iPRiDE gay pride parade - a part of Tel Aviv’s 100th anniversary celebrations

Through ILGA, the Federation of Gay Games is in communication with StandWithUs - an international, non-profit organization that promotes a better understanding of Israel, through examination of diverse issues. iPRiDE is an Israeli project, under the auspices of StandWithUs, that gives Israeli students the opportunity to be active in areas that are close to their hearts, and to promote social activism on various levels.

As part of Tel Aviv’s 100th anniversary celebrations, the annual gay pride parade is the main event of Tel Aviv’s “pride month”. iPRiDE will take place between June 10th and June 14th, 2009. During that time participants will have the opportunity to meet the most influential opinion shapers in the Israeli GLBT community, including representatives of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli gay cultural icons, representatives of the legal system, and others. I fondly remember picking up a handsome young hitchhiker who was a member of the IDF when I was in Israel. But for his Uzi, some sparks would certainly have flown.

For more details and registration please visit iPRiDE. Follow iPRiDE on Twitter. Or you can contact Ohad Salmon with any questions: ohads@ipride-tlv.org. We wish them a very happy iPRiDE!

Details on OurGroup panel discussion at Team Philly Sports Week

Thanks to FGG member Team Philadelphia for offering this event!

If you're in or near Philadelphia, come support these young athletes.

Our Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support the athletic community, will be opening Team Philadelphia’s SportsWeek on June 5th 2009 with a panel discussion focusing on the current environment for LGBT student-athletes at universities nationwide. The attitudes toward LGBT individuals in general society versus attitudes toward the same individuals within the athletic community show a huge discrepancy with the athletic community’s views lagging about ten years behind that of the general population. The group of current and former studentathletes along with their advisory board of the top some of the top scholars in the field, are determined to merge that gap. Members of the Our Group board will discuss current challenges within the athletic community while telling their own personal stories ranging from struggle to triumph and acceptance and focusing on the importance of action within LGBT community as well as support within the athletic community.

Date: June 5, 2009
Time: 7-9 PM
Event Title: Homophobia in Sports Panel Discussion
Description: Our Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for the athletic community, will be opening Team Philadelphia’s SportsWeek on June 5th 2009 with a panel discussion focusing on the current environment for LGBT student-athletes at universities nationwide.
Location: Carriage House, 3907 Spruce Street, Philadelphia
Cost: FREE
Contact: Adelina Santiago

Video on homophobia in football

Un carton rouge contre l'homophobie
par mairiedeparis

For non Francophones, "Olivier has a secret", only a few people know, he would be afraid of their reaction, etc.... he doesn't have words to talk about it. And Olivier starts screaming homophobic slurs at the football match. What's his secret? He's a homophobe. "Call a foul on homophobia."

NAGVA volleyball championships: onsite registration opens in one day!

The Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA) and the Windy City Athletic Association (WCAA) are proud to present NAGVA Championships 2009! CMSA boasts 3100 Members, largest LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) multi-sport organization in the Midwest.

On-site registration will be begin May 21 and play will run from May 22-24, 2009. The tournament committee is hard at work making sure this is the best Championship possible. We are expecting to host over 110 teams with it’s return to the city of Chicago.

We would like to thank our tournament sponsors, without their support this tournament would not be possible. [Games Cologne and the FGG are a gold-level sponsor.]

NAGVA Championships website

Still time to buy discount tickets for TIP Party!

NY Times portrait of Gotham Knights rugby player.

From the NY Times,audio slide show about being the straight guy on the gay rugby team (NYC Gotham Knights). (h/t to Outsports)

Video from last year's Come Together Cup in Cologne

Even if you don't speak German, you'll enjoy the atmosphere in this video, and will be able to see Sportpark Muengersdorf and the RheinEnergie Stadium, the main venue for Gay Games VIII sports and ceremonies. The next Come Together Cup will take place in Cologne on 11 June and in Berlin on 14 June.

Mystery ball revealed...

The official ball of the 2009 NAGVA annual championships.

French Minister of Sport and Mayor of Paris patrons of TIP

FGG member organization FSGL is pleased to announce that its annual tournament, the Tournoi international de Paris (TIP), will be held under the patronage of Ms. Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin, minister of health and sport, and of Mr. Bertrand Delanoë, mayor of Paris.

As the official sponsors of the TIP with Games Cologne, the FGG is proud of the work done by the FSGL to prepare for this event and to obtain these high-profile endorsements of individuals who are truly committed to the cause of inclusion and the fight against homophobia. More information about the TIP at: www.paris-tournement.org.

In her letter to the TIP team, Ms. Bachelot states:
"You know how dear the cause of sport is to me. You are aware of my fight agains all forms of discrimination. This gives me two reasons to associate myself with this major multisport tournament, which, for the last six years, has actively contributed in our society to combat the prejudices of another age, and to bring together our fellow citizens, beyond their differences. What better bulwark than sport to fight against the exclusion and discrimination of which homosexual men and women are still all too often the victim in the 21st century?"

She continues by mentioning several projects involving LGBT sport: the financing of a documentary that followed synchronized swimmers from FSLG and IGLA member club Paris Aquatique as they prepared for and competed in the Eurogames, or a series of short films combating homophobia among young people that will be broadcast on Canal Plus, among which, a film set in the world of sports.

As for the mayor, in his letter he states:
"This celebration of the values of sport is the opportunity to admire and to encourage athletes who carry the banner of loyalty, solidarity, achievement, and above all, fraternity. Paris shares and defends these values, notably by an ongoing struggle against all forms of discrimination, and for a society based on equal rights. With this competition, the FSGL contributes to the vitality of Paris, by organizing one of the major worldwide LGBT sporting events.

"In a matter of a few year, the FSGL, born from a group created in 1986 in Paris, has brought together 26 sports associations, 35 sports, and 3000 members, creating a powerful movement that by means of its work and its athletic performances has acquired recognition and respect. I recall our mobilization on behalf of several of these clubs who at times encountered a certain hostility during the 1990s. The TIP is now an essential and warm encounter, awaited by the public and part of the sports calendar of national sports federations. Our capital is thus happy to be the host of the event, a matter of months before the next Gay Games, which will take place for the second time in Europe."

TIP promo video

PRIDE House at 2010 Winter Olympics

GayWhister.com has announced they will have a special place for LGBT Olympic athletes at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, BC, Canada. They create a PRIDE House at the lovely Pan Pacific Whister Village Centre Hotel.

http://www.gaywhistler.com/ is the company that produces the Winter Pride events at Whistler each year. Winter Pride at Whistler schedule was moved to March 1-8, 2010 due to the Winter Olympics. Whistler Winter Pride brings LGBT skiers, snowboarders, and party crowds from all over the world. Whistler, BC Canada is a very gay friendly community year round.

Click HERE to read the full OutSports.com article by Jim Buzinski.

Click HERE for a Vancouver Sun article.

Help Promote Cologne 2010

Help Promote Cologne 2010

Be Part of It!

If you are a volunteer or organizer of a sports tournament, pride festival, cultural event or LGBT benefit, we need your help in reaching potential Gay Games VIII attendees. Cologne 2010 can send you promotional materials to include in registration kits, place on registration tables, or have at a festival or benefit exhibit. We will mail items to your group free of charge.

Click HERE to get your supplies!

What is the meaning of this ball?

IGLFA 2009 Auction & Wine Tasting Fundraiser

One month to Come Together Cup in Cologne!

Mystery building...

Hint: this is the courtyard of the mystery building.

FGG sends wishes for success to Outgames Copenhagen

The following message has been approved by the FGG Board of Directors and sent today to the Outgames Copenhagen organization.

11 May 2009

TO: Outgames Copenhagen

On behalf of the international Federation of Gay Games, we would like to send our very best wishes to the entire team of Outgames Copenhagen.

With Copenhagen being such a beautiful city, we are sure that participants from around the globe will have a wonderful experience. We wish you every success with the sport and culture programmes and, also, with the Human Rights Conference.

In fact, we look forward to organising the conference session entitled "The Future of LGBT Sport and Culture" and invite everyone to attend. This session is a continuation of discussions held over the past several months, most recently in The Hague, Netherlands, in March of this year, and will continue through Gay Games VIII 2010 in Cologne, where we hope to see you all.

Best of luck.

With Kind Regards,

Emy Ritt and Kurt Dahl
FGG Co-Presidents, on behalf of the FGG Board of Directors

FGG Evolution Since 2004: Increased Activity with External Partners

To continue the presentation of the changes in the FGG since 2004, the FGG has adopted a policy of actively pursuing partnerships and relationships with other organizations. Some contacts have already born fruit, while others are in early stages.

• European Gay & Lesbian Sports Federation
• Amnesty International
• Human Rights Campaign
• International Olympic Committee
• French Ministry of Health & Sport
• World Anti-Doping Association
• United Nations
• International Lesbian & Gay Association
• General Association of International Sports Federations
• World Masters Games
• Copenhagen LGBT Human Rights Conference
• Women’s Sports Foundation
• Out and Equal

FGG Evolution Since 2004: Organisation & Membership Structure

To continue the presentation of areas in which the FGG has made major changes since 2004, the following points concern the restructuring of the FGG to become a more effective membership organization.

• Streamlined Board operations and reduced number of board members from 50 to 18
• Re-established Executive Board with 9 members
• Established Assembly with members from Europe, Australia, Africa, South America, Asia, North America
• Elected Board Members from Europe, Australia, Africa, North America
• Enhanced and streamlined bylaws continuously
• Streamlined Membership process
• More flexible Assembly structure with Full Members, Associate Members, and Partners
• Increased membership in FGG Assembly by 30%
• Provided benefits to members, including a rebate program linked to Gay Games registration
• Engaged consultancy services to develop sponsorships and donations
• Increased outreach & scholarship programs, including FGG presence in Cape Town during 2008 Annual Meeting

FGG Evolution Since 2004: Enhanced collaboration with Gay Games Host

As background to these discussions, we want to review the ways in which the FGG has evolved over recent years.

In response to feedback from the community, the FGG has engaged in some significant changes and evolutions since 2004. We continue to listen to the community and react accordingly.

A first area of change has been in the FGG's relations with the Gay Games host, with enhanced collaboration and support.

• Reinvested GGVIII License Fees back into Gay Games promotional activities
• Retained services of marketing firm to promote GGVIII in North America
• Enhanced 2014 License Fee model to share risk with Host
• Enhanced Sports program to increase flexibility for 2014 Host and beyond
• Increased flexibility in GGIX Sport Program and GGVII Rainbow Run and will continue going forward
• Developed joint sponsorship & development program for GGVIII and beyond
• Engaged consultancy services to increase sponsorships and donations for GGVIII and beyond
• Established collaborative Gay Games Scholarship program
• Supported GGVIII marketing programs. Example: Introduced FGG Members rebate program linked to GGVIII registrations
• Approved development of FGG Registration system to reduce burden on Host (availability planned for 1Q2010 for use by 2014 Host and beyond).

FGG Evolution: 2004 - 2009 and beyond

In response to feedback from the community, the FGG has engaged in some significant changes and evolutions since 2004. We continue to listen to the community and react accordingly, and we invite your feedback.

Please join us at the FGG Conference Session on the "Future of LGBT Sport and Culture" in Copenhagen this July. This session is a continuation of discussions held over the past several months and years, most recently in March in The Hague, Netherlands, and will continue through Gay Games VIII 2010 in Cologne, where we hope to see you all.

There have been three main areas of change during the last several years (click on the links to see more information) :

1. Enhanced collaboration with Gay Games Host
2. Streamlined organisation & membership structure
3. Increased activity with external partners
   

Colombo (Sri Lanka) Pride

A message from FGG member organization Equal Ground:

We have pleasure in presenting the 5th COLOMBO PRIDE festival which will run from 28th June till 5th July 2009. COLOMBO PRIDE began quite modestly with a PRIDE party in 2005. At the time no one thought the event would take off the way it has. Catering only for a maximum of 100 persons COLOMBO PRIDE 2005 surprised all by surpassing the 100 mark with an attendance of over 325 persons. Riding on the crest of this success. COLOMBO PRIDE 2006 saw the launch of a weeklong celebration featuring events such as MotherSon, a one man play by Jeff Solomon, a LGBT Film Marathon, Kite festival, Party and theatre workshops which attracted even bigger crowds than 2005. 2007 and 2008 were even more successful than in the past with over 2000 persons attending PRIDE celebrations last year! As always, COLOMBO PRIDE offers a safe space for people to be themselves and celebrate their sexuality with PRIDE with other like minded persons.

Each year, Colombo PRIDE debuts a new and innovative event to launch COLOMBO PRIDE week. Last year's Drag Show “I have a Dream” and the LGBT Photo and Art Exhibition took Colombo by storm! Both events were very well attended and went further to mainstream LGBT issues than before. This year RAINBOW RUNWAY will launch COLOMBO PRIDE 2009. This will be the first ever queer fashion show in Asia. Its purpose is to provide an inclusive and accessible opportunity for up and coming fashion designers to showcase their creativity with a focus on LGBT fashions. Each designer will present a selection of clothes, accessories and shoes created with the queer community in mind.

As with COLOMBO PRIDE in the past, the weeklong festival will include RAINBOW VISIONS (the LGBT Photo and Art Exhibition), CELLULOID RAINBOWS (the LGBT Film Festival), the Rainbow PRIDE Party and the Rainbow Kite Festival on the beach. This year's Film Festival will be dedicated to Harvey Milk, “the mayor of Castro Street”.

As in the past, we appeal to you for your donations to assist us with the expenses of putting on these 5 events for the LGBT community here in Sri Lanka. Most of our events are totally free of charge to enable all members of the community to attend. Ticket prices for both RAINBOW RUNWAY and the RAINBOW PRIDE Party are at a nominal Rs.1,000 (US$8.40) to offset some of the costs we will incur for these events.
Due to the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, this year we are launching COLOMBO PRIDE with a charity event. All proceeds from RAINBOW RUNWAY will be donated to ACT (http://www.actlanka.org) for the relief and rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons in the North of Sri Lanka. We are particularly welcoming International Sponsors for all COLOMBO PRIDE 2009 events.

Your donation to COLOMBO PRIDE 2009 will be greatly appreciated. Cheques and wire transfers in any currency are preferred. Please get in touch with equalground@gmail.com for bank details and mailing address.

We thank you for your kind consideration and invite you to be a part of our celebration!!!!

COLOMBO PRIDE organising Committee

EQUAL GROUND, Sri Lanka
Tel: +94-11-5679766/+94-11-2503977
Fax: +94-11-2507746
Web: http://www.equal-ground.org
Web Blog: http://equalground.wordpress.com

"Equality for all Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities: Human Rights for everyone"

Mystery building...

What is this building, and what is its connection to the FGG?

Stephanie Johnstone bio for Pride Toronto award

From Stephanie's bio provided to Pride Toronto, for which she has won the 2009 Pride Toronto Award for Excellence in Sports, which will be presented on June 24.

Stephanie Johnstone currently lives in Woodstock, Ontario, and has been active since youth in many different sports including bowling both five-pin and ten-pin bowling. She currently bowls in three ten-pin leagues. She was a bowling gold medalist in the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago.

In 2003 she was elected Vice-President of IGBO (International Gay Bowling Organization). From 1998-2006 she represented IGBO as a delegate to the Federation of Gay Games (FGG).

During her term as a delegate to the FGG, she was elected as Co-Chair of the Sports Committee from 2001 to 2006 and served as a Vice-President from 2004 to 2005.

As a member of the Canadian Autoworkers Union, she has advocated for the rights of LGBT members in the union. Today, her union has active pride committees across the country and a union leadership that is well-versed on LGBT issues and participates as active allies in our struggles and celebrations.

IGLFA annual championship on Facebook

Are you on Facebook? Interested in football? Then join the IGLFA 2009 Facebook page !

Or follow IGLFA 2009 on Twitter!

Or just go to their website !

FGG volunteer named national judge

The FGG is pleased to congratulate Pierre Deransart, former Gay Games medal winner in Bodybuilding, president of FGG partner Le Coq Musclé, and judge in FGG member organization The Bodybuilding Guild, for his recent qualification as a national-level judge in the Fédération Française d'Haltérophilie, Musculation, Force Athlétique et Culturisme (FFHMFAC or French national weightlifting, powerlifting, and bodybuilding federation).

Pierre won the bronze medal in his age group in Amsterdam, and holds the title of vice-champion of France 2003 in his age group in the FFHMFAC, a drug-free federation which is the only bodybuilding organization recognized by the French ministry of sport. In addition to serving as president of Le Coq Musclé, the French LGBT bodybuilding association, he runs the weight training club at the INRIA, the French national research institute for computer science, where he is employed as a researcher.

He has served for several years as a regional judge for the FFHMFAC in Ile-de-France, where he is in charge of IT and of the evaluation of judges.

He continues to serve as an FGG volunteer on Sports Committee, and in particular on its Anti-Doping Policy subcommittee.

DanceSport News for Cologne 2010 Gay Games

DanceSport preliminary schedule is posted on the Cologne 2010 Gay Games web site.

DanceSport at the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 will be a highlight for participants as well as spectators. Couples of dancers, same sex (male and female) and mixed, will demonstrate a wide variety of skills on the dance floor. The styles standard and latin include dances from Slow Waltz to Quickstep right up to Cha-Cha (Cha) and Paso Doble.

We are expecting about 400 dancers on the large 300 square meters dance floor in the ballroom of the Maritim Hotel in downtown Cologne. Men and women will be dancing in various classes and styles in two age groups, the "18+", "35+" and the "45+". There will also be a general age group "18+" for Disco Fox.

Maritim Hotel is very centrally located at the Heumarkt and offers a stylish setting for the dancers. You can get there by tram or on foot in only a few minutes from the Neumarkt.

Click on the competition link on the Cologne web site under DanceSport. Participants can be complete beginners, up to level A experts. You only compete against people at your level. Everyone is welcome.

Be part of it! Register here!

www.games-cologne.com

Pat Griffin to speak at California State University Today

This Press Release from CSU, Chico News.

Top U.S. Sports Educator Will Present Lecture This EveningA leading sports educator, Dr. Pat Griffin, will present a lecture “Games We Play: A Conversation About Homophobia in Athletics,” tonight, May 6, at 7 p.m. in Holt 170 on the California State University, Chico campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Griffin is a professor emerita in the Social Justice Education Program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the director of It Takes A Team! Education Campaign for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues in Sport, an initiative of the Women’s Sports Foundation.

Griffin’s research and writing interests focus on heterosexism/homophobia and sexism in education, lesbian and gay teachers and students, with a special interest in heterosexism/homophobia in athletics. She is co-editor of “Teaching For Diversity and Social Justice: A Sourcebook for Teachers and Trainers” (2007), and she is the author of “Strong Women, Deep Closets: Homophobia and Lesbians in Sport” (1998).

Griffin has appeared on ESPN, ABC Sports and HBO Sports as an expert commentator on lesbian and gay issues in sport. In 2007, Griffin was named one of the top 100 sport educators in the United States by the Institute for International Sport.

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences along with the Office of Diversity and the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center are sponsoring the lecture.

It Takes a Team website

Stephanie Johnstone wins Pride Toronto award

FGG congratulates Stephanie Johnstone, FGG Honorary Life Member and long-time board member and Sports Committee co-chair, and current officer in FGG member organization IGBO, for receiving the 2009 Pride Toronto Award of Excellence in Sports.

---

Each year, Pride Toronto hosts a Gala and Awards ceremony to honor individuals and groups who, through excellence in their work, have created a positive impact on the lives of or perception of LGBTTIQQ2S communities. The night includes a paired dining experience, a silent auction, fabulous entertainment and much more.

Please join us for Pride Toronto's 5th Annual Gala and Awards which takes place on Wednesday June 24th, 2009. The extraordinary celebration will begin at 6:00pm at The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, Toronto ON. "Looking Back, Looking Forward" is held this year as a celebration of the gains we have made in the past 40 years and in recognition of the work that is yet to come. This year's deserving award recipients will be recognized for their invaluable and ongoing contribution to the community.

The headlining entertainment for the evening is the internationally successful vocal group, The Nylons. With seven gold and platinum recordings, this legendary group has been providing audiences with music for over twenty seven years. The group's members may have changed (a total of 12 group members in the group's twenty seven years) but their music has always proven to be full of good times with great singing, creating great music. Also appearing for the audiences viewing pleasure is The Randolph Academy Dancers and an array of Toronto's finest drag artists.

Pride Toronto is pleased to present the following awards for 2009:
Arts and Culture: John Greyson
Human Rights: Leonardo Zuniga
Youth Leadership: Matthew Cutler
Sports: Stephanie Johnston
Pride 2009 Theme Award - "Can't Stop. Won't Stop.": El-Farouk Khaki
Lifetime Achievement: Salah Bachir


To learn more about each of these extraordinary people, check our website as each week we will be highlighting their achievements.

Tickets are available for purchase online.

Sponsored table benefits include placement of a logo at the table, a listing in the Gala Program booklet and a logo on the Gala & Awards webpage and listing in the May press release.

For more information, please contact gala@pridetoronto.com or phone 416-927-7433.

FSGL Goes West

FGG member FSGL (Fédération sportive gaie et lesbienne) has announced that after Les Tours'Angels in Tours and Wu Xi Quan in Angers, another sports association in western France has joined the FSGL, which now counts 26 member associations.

GLS Rennes currently offers Badminton, Mountain Bike, Running, and Volleyball, and hopes to set up groups for Bastketball, Handball, Hiking, Swimming, Roller skating, and other sports.

GLS will be holding their first badminton tournament on 14 June 2009 during Rennes Gay Pride weekend, and would be delighted to welcome players to the capital of Brittany!

WWB CUP in SF, CA, USA May 24

Register NOW for WWB Cup!

Time is running out to register for this year's WWB Cup, and there won't be another championship until 2011.

Orders are being placed for tournament T-shirts, housing is being assigned and sponsors are sending their goodies, so we need your tournament registrations ASAP.

The tournament will kick off at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 24, in the gymnasium. Medals will be handed out at the tournament for individual honors, team title, and the Guests vs. Hosts Challenge.

Athletes, coaches and officials will reconvene at Casa Dermody for the dinner and announcement made of this year's selections for the Hall of Merit. A final farewell pool party will be held the next day in Petaluma for those wrestlers hoping just to chill out.

Click HERE for full details.

http://www.wrestlerswob.com

Working Together in the Spirit of Mutual Respect and Cooperation

This message is for sports and culture leaders, teams, and individual participants.

A recent LGBT news article about the Gay Games and Outgames unfortunately appears to have raised some concerns and questions, which we would like to address.

FGG, Cologne, Copenhagen, and EGLSF all are working together for the good of the worldwide community. The news article may have given the impression that we are not moving forward in this direction. Please understand that we are committed to maintaining a positive and collegial approach to exchanges and relationships with all members of the LGBT community.

The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) Board of Directors would like to make clear that we are engaged in friendly dialogue with Outgames Copenhagen. In fact, several board members are attending Outgames Copenhagen 2009, and FGG has been invited to organise a conference session on "The Future of LGBT Sport and Culture".

Cologne Gay Games 2010 host city organizers and most of the Federation of Gay Games board of directors recently attended the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF) 20th anniversary celebration and Annual General Assembly. Outgames Copenhagen was also represented. We found the participation of these organisations very good for all the community.

These events took place in The Hague, Netherlands, in March 2009, during which there were also friendly discussions between FGG and GLISA.

We are all working together in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. Cologne Gay Games is planning to send volunteers to Outgames Copenhagen 2009, and Copenhagen plans to send volunteers to Cologne Gay Games 2010.

EGLSF, FGG, Games Cologne and Outgames Copenhagen made use of several opportunities for dialogue and discussions at these events in The Hague. We all attended the "Building Bridges" conference on homophobia and sport, hosted by Homosport Netherlands. The conference was excellent and we appreciated very much having had the opportunity to participate. During the week, many new friends of the Gay Games were made, a few long-time relationships were confirmed, and some were renewed. We also found time to have many informal conversations at the end of the day, which we found very enjoyable. We all share similar goals, and all are working hard for the greater good of the LGBT movement.

The Federation of Gay Games continues to work in a positive spirit of respect and cooperation for the worldwide LGBT Sports and Culture Community. We welcome everyone to participate in Gay Games sports and culture events.

We look forward to seeing you in Cologne at Gay Games VIII 2010. Thanks for your continued support.

Emy Ritt and Kurt Dahl
FGG Co-Presidents