At this 2009 Memorial Moment, the quilt square was unfolded by representatives of the host of Gay Games VIII and of the three bidding cities for Gay Games IX, in the presence of Brent Nicholson Earle, initiator of this tradition. The Memorial Moment was inaugurated at the 1997 Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado and has become an integral part of each Annual Meeting since.
This celebration was established to not only pay tribute to the members of our immediate and extended Gay Games family who have gone before us and to acknowledge their contributions to the Gay Games movement, but to also reflect upon the founding principles, goals and spirit of fellowship that unites us in our efforts to promote and support the Gay Games.
The Memorial Moment consists of three components:
1. Reading of names from the FGG Memorial List, to which additional names are added each year.
2. Ceremonial unfolding of the Federation of Gay Games Memorial Signature Quilt Square in the tradition established by the NAMES Project.
3. After the Quilt Square is unfolded, participants are welcome to write messages on the quilt and to make any public verbal statements of celebration concerning their loved ones.
As the Memorial Moment has evolved over the years, certain elements have been added optionally, such as musical accompaniment and dancing. During a Site Selection year, the Memorial Moment has had a healing and unifying effect, especially for the representatives and supporters of those cities that have not been selected to host the Gay Games.
The fact that we always make time within the busy schedule of every Annual Meeting to remember, honor and draw inspiration from the elders, upon whose shoulders we stand, is one of the hallmarks which distinguishes the Federation of Gay Games as we continue to work and build upon Tom Waddell’s revolutionary, transformative and empowering vision.
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