Soccer added to Sin City Shootout

We just added Soccer for the 2013 Sin City Shootout Sports Festival!

This brings the total to 8 different LGBT sports taking place.

The West Hollywood Soccer Club will be the sports coordinator for soccer.

Check back September 1st to register and get all the information on your sport.

www.sincityshootout.com/

Greg Louganis to guest star on Old Dogs web series

We have already written about the web series Old Dogs and New Tricks, which stars Gay Games medal winner Jeffrey Olson. We now learn that the coming third season will feature Gay Games Ambassador Greg Louganis in three episodes.

Will Greg's work as a dog trainer be part of the story? Find out inl early 2013.

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Amazon.com:

Amazon.ca:

Amazon.co.uk:

Amazon.de:

Amazon.fr:

Gay Games bodybuilding pioneer passes away

George Birimisa in his later years 

We are very sorry to learn of the death of George Birimisa. Reprinted from Bay Area Reporter, 17 May 2012:

George Birimisa, a beloved San Francisco playwright, teacher, and firebrand, died on May 10. He was 88.

Mr. Birimisa died at California Pacific Medical Center of cumulative complications related to emphysema, said his friend Steve Susoyev.

Mr. Birimisa was the first openly gay playwright to receive a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. Friends said that the award was a mixed blessing for Mr. Birimisa, who had grown up in dire poverty and for whom the name "Rockefeller" was synonymous with the worst of capitalism.

A young Birimisa

Mr. Birimisa began writing stories at age 8, just after his father died in jail and his mother placed him in an orphanage. Insecure about his lack of education beyond the 10th grade, in writing for the stage during the 1960s, he discovered an art form in which he didn't have to worry about his grammar.

With enthusiastic reviews for his early work in the Village Voice, the New York Times and the Advocate , a world of creativity opened up to him. Tennessee Williams wrote of the wildly controversial Georgie Porgie : "Bravo! A beautiful, courageous play. I loved it."

During his early theater career, friends said that Mr. Birimisa alienated many people through backbiting behavior that, he later acknowledged, was motivated by envy.

"Other playwrights were a threat to my self-esteem," he admitted in a 2009 interview. "I couldn't see anything worthwhile in anyone else's work."

Birimisa as a Gay Games
bodybuilding competition

He demonstrated introspective insight in other ways as well. At age 67, after a near-fatal encounter with a street hustler whom he had paid to rough him up, Mr. Birimisa entered 12-step recovery for sex addiction. During the next 20 years, he sponsored dozens of people who had found themselves on the same path. A former sex worker himself, he was a favorite performer in Kirk Read's Sex Worker Art Show. Abstinence from his sexually compulsive behaviors never made him shy about discussing his past in the most colorful terms possible.

Mr. Birimisa moved to San Francisco in 1980, where he facilitated an intergenerational writing workshop at the old LGBT center, a group that included an 18-year-old lesbian and two transgenders in their 70s.

His plays Pogey Bait and The Man With Straight Hair premiered at Theater Rhinoceros in San Francisco, and he starred in Looking for Mr. America, which premiered at Josie's Cabaret in San Francisco and later moved to La Mama E.T.C. in Greenwich Village.

Never content to pursue only one passion, in 1986 Mr. Birimisa founded the gay and lesbian Arcadia Bodybuilding Society. He participated in five Gay Games as a bodybuilder, and won one gold medal, two silver and one bronze.

Throughout his life, Mr. Birimisa was a tireless advocate for oppressed people. He won the Harry Hay Award in 2005 for his decades of inspiration to gay activists and writers.

He received numerous literary and theatrical awards as well, including a 2007 Lambda Literary Foundation book award for co-editing Return to the Caffe Cino, published by Moving Finger Press. In 2010 he releasedBirimisa: Portraits, Plays, Perversions – a collection of his plays, short stories, and profiles by his friends, colleagues, and rivals.


A celebration of Mr. Birimisa's life will take place in early July. Updates on preparations for the event can be found on his blog site, http://www.GayGeorge.com.

Roger Brigham on the Sin City Shootout

Roger Brigham reports on last month's Sin City Shootout in Las Vegas in his Bay Area Reporter column:

Las Vegas is the most improbable of cities. Plopped down in the midst of a vast desert plain with horizons rimmed by forbidding mountains, it emerges into view on our descent as a Dali-esque fantasy – a kind of Pee-wee Herman's Big Acid Adventure meets Disneyland on Steroids.

I had the chance to fly to Vegas last weekend for the fifth annual Sin City Shootout, which in half a decade has expanded from a modest softball tournament to a thriving multi-sport sports festival. This year's edition, which drew almost 4,000 athletes, included softball, basketball, wrestling, and bodybuilding.

"Tennis had to back out at the last minute but is going to promote early for 2013," said Eric Ryan, Sin City tournament director. "All of the sports said with a full year to now promote for 2013 and build the hype with this year's athletes they expect a larger athlete pool next year. Softball had 163 teams, which is a record for any LGBT softball event in the world."

The real star throughout the weekend was Vegas itself. There are no opening and closing ceremonies at the Sin City Shootout: just lots of playing on and off the field.

"My favorite highlight was at the Sunday closing party at RPM at Tropicana," Ryan said. "I got there two hours early to make sure everything was in place, ready to go. An hour before the doors opened, people were lining up. Once the doors actually opened a little after 9 p.m., the line was halfway through the hotel casino for an hour straight."

Gay Games medal winner stars in web series

Gay Games VII, photo Marc Naimark

Queer Me Up interviews Jeffrey Olson, who took a gold medal in bodybuilding at Gay Games VII in Chicago, and who was already looking to move from his work as a physician to acting:

To celebrate the season premiere of Old Dogs & New Tricks, Queer Me Up has an exclusive interview with multifaceted and sexy actor Jeffrey Patrick Olson.

Jeffrey Patrick Olson (‘Muscles’ Carter) is proud to parade his pectorals as Al “Muscles” Carter in Old Dogs & New Tricks!! Might as well, since winning the Gold medal for Physique at the 2006 Gay Games competition. [...]

In the new comedic web series Jeffrey Patrick Olson plays Al ‘Muscles’ Carter: A personal trainer at a WeHo gym, Muscles has the body of a porn star and the mindset of a 16 year old girl — he’s not putting out til he meets his Mr. Right!

[...]

Do you get to put your own take on your character?

Of course! Thanks to Leon we were given a luxurious amount of time to develop and flesh out our characters including table reads with the entire cast and valuable feedback from the director during the audition process. With Muscles, an easy potential trap is to play dumb – the stereotypical muscle-head. Thanks to working on my own backstory, reading subsequent episodes, and finding similar qualities and passions with which I could identify… I discover Muscles’ power beyond his innocence, even a technique of survival if you will – in West Hollywood.

How many “muscles” did you have to build in order to play a personal trainer?

Speaking of development! Well, I did bulk up a bit for the callbacks but luckily I am a mesomorph so I’ve been on a maintenance phase since then. Despite a medical degree, I learned a ton 5 years ago when I competed in Physique at Gay Games Chicago. I’ve had trainers throughout the years, but for this – I trained heavily for a year with my friend and fellow actor John Turk and actually took first place!

I was also blessed to have been photographed by some of the most noted physique photographers thanks to the competition – including Victor Skrebneski and [Gay Games Ambassador] Tom Bianchi. But, I’ll have to thank genetics mostly (and cycling as a teen) for the big gams.

Keep reading HERE.

14 January 2011 / A look ahead to the first bodybuilding competition at the Sin City Shootout

Richard from the Bodybuilding Guild explais why they joined the growing list of sports on offer at the coming Sin City Shootout in Las Vegas:

In the past there were several LGBT bodybuilding competitions in non-Gay Games years, but this is no longer the case. It's a real pity because it helps build interest in the Gay Games. So we're very happy to have been invited by the hosts of the Sin City Shootout to organize a bodybuilding competition there.

It's the first year, and we haven't reached capacity in terms of registrations, so last-minute entries are welcome. Those participating are very motivated: we have two competitors traveling over 9000 miles to participate!

We will accept late entries up to check-in on Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Planet Hollywood
Hotel. So far the organization behind this event is doing a good job, and we're very pleased to be part of such a big sporting event in such an exciting place.

More info on the Sin City Shootout HERE.
More info on bodybuilding at the Shootout HERE.

Bodybuilding a new sport at Sin City Shootout

Richard from the Bodybuilding Guild explais why they joined the growing list of sports on offer at the coming Sin City Shootout in Las Vegas:

In the past there were several LGBT bodybuilding competitions in non-Gay Games years, but this is no longer the case. It's a real pity because it helps build interest in the Gay Games. So we're very happy to have been invited by the hosts of the Sin City Shootout to organize a bodybuilding competition there.

It's the first year, and we haven't reached capacity in terms of registrations, so last-minute entries are welcome. Those participating are very motivated: we have two competitors traveling over 9000 miles to participate!

We will accept late entries up to check-in on Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Planet Hollywood
Hotel. So far the organization behind this event is doing a good job, and we're very pleased to be part of such a big sporting event in such an exciting place.

More info on the Sin City Shootout HERE.
More info on bodybuilding at the Shootout HERE.

1982 Australian documentary on gay Sydney features Gay Games I participant

We've just learned of this 1982 documentary from ABC's Four Corners entitled "Sydney, Golden City of the Gays", which features Peter Todd, who competed in bodybuilding at Gay Games I. His bit can be found at about minute 8.

We'll be having more from Peter Todd in the coming days.

12 January 2012 / Sin City Shootout

The FGG is pleased to share a message from our friends at the Sin City Shootout, an event supported by several FGG member organizations:


A winter sports festival for LGBT athletes is taking place this January 12-15, 2012 in Las Vegas Nevada.

The 5th annual Sin City Shootout, which began in 2007 as just a softball tournament, has
grown into a multi-sport event offering softball, tennis, wrestling and bodybuilding competitions.

Over 3,000 athletes will be traveling from across North America to participate in this weekend-long event.

We expect 2,250 players softball players, with an additional 750 athletes from the other sports on the program, and of course many friends and fans being a part of the event.

The event is coordinated by the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association, with tournament director Eric Ryan saying their number one goal is the athletes: “Everything we do is with the athlete in mind” Ryan said. “This includes great deals on travel, a central host hotel and discounted restaurants throughout the event that participants can take advantage of. They are traveling from across North America and we need to make them feel as welcomed as we can.”

With a central host hotel having over 1,000 rooms reserved for the event, nightly parties and social events throughout the weekend, this is sure to be a hit for all those involved.

The vision according to Ryan is to slowly add 1 or 2 sports each year to make it a true winter sports festival.

For more information on the Sin City Shootout or to make sure your sport is represented in future years, visit sincityshootout.com.

Part two of series on gay athletes

After his great profile of young hockey player "Ryan", Paul Rellinger looks at a happily out athlete from Ontario in the Northumberland News:

Northumberland woman plays open and without ridicule
Part two in a series featuring gay athletes in Northumberland County

NORTHUMBERLAND -- In locker rooms across Northumberland County, and beyond, athletes talk about almost everything -- but sexual orientation appears to be out of bounds.

The perception is gay athletes can only participate in sports if they stay ‘in the closet’ and hide their sexuality from other athletes.

But one Northumberland athlete loves her sports, and is openly gay.

Sara Holek, a 21-year-old bodybuilder and sports enthusiast from Centreton, said growing up she was always involved in a variety of sports. And although from a young age she had homosexual thoughts, she didn’t come out until high school.

“It was around this point where I felt comfortable telling people of my sexuality,” said Holek. “I don’t think I came out and said, ‘I am gay’, as much as I just started hanging out with lesbians. I feel that was almost the best way because it was showing people, ‘Yes, I am hanging out with lesbians, yes I am okay with it.’”

According to Sara, it eventually became well known in the hallways at school that she was gay. Making the transition from a ‘closet’ lesbian to an outed homosexual was made easier by having her identical twin sister, Karen, by her side.

“I did not lose friends over (coming out),” said Holek. “I consider myself lucky and blessed for that when I hear stories (about others who) have not been so fortunate. When I was seen kissing a girl at school and the word spread, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t want to leave the change room. I was so nervous because I was simply not ready to face people for fear of what they would think.”

But her friends accepted her, and so did her teammates.

“I never experienced negative slurs about my sexuality or was pushed out of a change room. No one acted differently around me. Playing sports and being gay can co-exist. You are not a great athlete because you are straight, or because you are gay, it is because you are truly good at it.”

[...]

Holek and Demarsh agree the problem in the locker room does not lie in the gay athletes, but in their teammates and coaches. Change has to start there.

“If you have been a team member they should know you for you,” said Holek. “Isn’t that how we judge people and decide we like them or not? Being gay is your choice, it will and should not affect your life. Eventually it takes a toll on a person who wants to come out, and feel they can not. Being accepted is all one asks for.”

Holek begs the question: Would someone willingly ‘out’ themselves to risk their life, friendships, job, and ultimately their acceptance?
“What I am saying is my advice is more for athletes who are heterosexual,” said Holek. “It is hard enough for someone to come out -- why make it harder? Help them, because if you support them, many will follow. There is support (out there).”

In today’s world of sports, Holek said people are more accepting of women being gay than men.

“It seems as though being a gay male in sports is something that is not so accepted,” said Holek. “Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands? Accept one for who they are, not who they choose to be with. If it does not affect your life, why does it matter?”

[...]

It is time to put an end to homophobic myths regarding sports. Such as: gay athletes are unwanted on their team or in the locker room; gay athletes prefer soft or ‘artistic’ sports to contact sports; lesbians prefer softball or hockey to other sports; and girls who excel at sports must be gay. Such double standards exist as well: that gay men have a less desire to play sports, while gay women have a greater desire to play sports, than straight women.

Demarsh said these attitudes need to stop if any change is going to happen.

“It’s going to take brave people to evoke change, and from bystanders who are brave enough to stand up and say no, that’s wrong. Gay people can’t win this fight by themselves, they need allies.”

Read in full HERE.

A look back at Gay Games VIII via Living In the Queer Times: Richard René Silvin

Living In the Queer Times covered the preparation of athletes and artists for Gay Games VIII last summer, as well as the Games themselves. As we approach the first anniversary of Gay Games VIII, we'll be posting snippets from these articles.

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The Road to Cologne: Stories From The Athletes | Richard Rene Silvin

My 30 years experience with pre AIDS and later AIDS has brought both major sadness as well as challenges which, with hard work, could become “positives” for me and, hopefully, others. During the early years of the crisis, and before anti-retroviral therapies existed, we had to rely on managing what was called the “co-factors” – in other words prioritizing one’s mental and physical health. After surviving late-stage non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1994, I was an emaciated, weakened, middle-aged man who could barely walk. Gradually, some strength returned and I learned to appreciate the rewards of body-building.

My first gym-based training consisted of walking on a tread-mill. I eventually progressed to building strength and endurance and I soon began to enjoy my daily hours “working out”. Becoming and staying fit grew to be more important than any other activity. Gradually, I replaced toxic, destructive behavior with what I call “my healthy addiction” in other words going to the gym. My ability to compete in the over 60 body building class at the Gay Games represents the culmination of thirty years of struggle. It is a perfect metaphor – and reward for – being healthy.

Being of assistance to those less fortunate can only be achieved if one is healthy. No better symbol exists for “thriving with AIDS” than competing in an international event. Such an opportunity would not exist for me absent the Gay games. Consequently, I thank the Federation of Gay Games’ organizers for giving me an opportunity to attend, compete in and enjoy the camaraderie of this life altering experience.

Read in full HERE.


Update: Silvin won a gold medal in the over-60 category in Cologne.

Flashback to Gay Games VIII via Outsports videos: Bodybuilder Brian Mooney

At Gay Games VIII last summer, Outsports produced a series of video reports on various sports. We're pleased to show them here again.

Today, bodybuilder Brian Mooney talks pre-competition nutrition:

Flashback to Gay Games VIII via Outsports videos: Bodybuilding

At Gay Games VIII last summer, Outsports produced a series of video reports on various sports. We're pleased to show them here again.

Today, Bodybuilding, featuring René Silvin's posing routine:

Sin City Pose Down

The Bodybuilding Guild wants to get your input on whether it should hold a Bodybuilding competition in Las Vegas, Nevada USA on the weekend of 13-15 January 2012. This competition would be a part of a relatively new gay multi-sports festival that to be held each year in early January.

More than 2000 gay athletes registered for the event this year.

Do you think the Body Building Guild should support the addition of Bodybuilding to the schedule in 2012? Let us know by emailing us at rcavaler@gaygames.org and put "Sin City Pose Down" in the subject line.

Life imitates art...

I only just realized how close this pose is to the logo of Gay Games VIII, which you can see on the backdrop on either side of Atlanta's Brian Dohner.

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.