Open session on the Future of LGBT Sport and Culture Events

The Federation of Gay Games Annual Meeting adjourned at the end of the day on Thursday October 1. Despite this, dozens of participants remained in Cologne for a special open session on Friday morning, devoted to discussions regarding the Future of LGBT Sport and Culture. This session followed the workshop organized by the FGG at the invitation of World Outgames 2009 during the Copenhagen human rights conference.

During that conference, more than 30 persons from sports clubs and federations, including the FGG, GLISA, and EGLSF, concluded that their common goal should be a single international quadrennial sports and culture event, including a human rights conference. Those present urged the FGG and GLISA to begin direct discussions on moving toward the goals determined during the workshop.

Direct discussions have begun, and participants in the Copenhagen conference urged that every opportunity for moving these discussions forward be used. They specifically requested that a follow-up session be held during the FGG Annual Meeting. The FGG agreed to modify its Annual Meeting schedule by freeing the morning of Friday, October 2, and by inviting all interested parties to Cologne.
As in Cologne, some thirty people participated. They represented clubs and organizations from North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Most of the participants had a connection with the FGG, but we were pleased to welcome from Berlin Connie Schaelicke (Seitenwechsel, former co-president of EGLSF) and Buck Broker (board of Vorspiel).

After an update on discussions from FGG co-president Emy Ritt, the session was facilitated by FGG board member Darl Schaaff, assisted by fellow board member Martyn Pickup, who had moderated the Copenhagen session.

Heated discussions during the intervening weeks led some to worry that the Cologne session would include fireworks. Despite the legitimate passions and the understandable concerns of many, consensus was reached on a number of points, allowing the FGG leadership to better speak on behalf of the Gay Games movement as discussions with GLISA and other interested parties continue.

The results of this session will be available soon. Just follow this blog to see them when they are posted.