TIME on Olympic homophobia

A great article from TIME, with interviews with Gay Games Ambassador Blake Skjellerup, Karen Hultzer, and Pride House's Lou Englefield

On Aug. 6, during the most dogged soccer match at the London Olympics, Megan Rapinoe blasted two shots past the Canadian goalie to help Team USA secure a spot in Thursday’s final. Even more impressive, however, may have been Rapinoe’s resolve when she came out as a lesbian just weeks before the Olympics. “I feel like sports in general are still homophobic,” she said in an interview with Out.com on July 5. “People want—they need—to see that there are people like me playing soccer for the good ol’ U.S. of A.”

In the high-profile world of Olympic competition, Rapinoe is among a small, but growing number of gay athletes who have publicly acknowledged their sexual orientation. According to Outsports, a media watchdog and sports news site, of the 14,690 athletes participating in the Olympic and Paralympic Games this year, only 23 are openly gay. That’s around 0.16%. Even so, it’s a big improvement from the 2004 Games in Athens, which counted just 11 out athletes. In Beijing in 2008 there were only 10.

Their reasons for keeping a low profile vary, but closeted Olympians share one thing in common: they have trained their entire lives to represent their countries at the Games. Coming out, they fear, could cause sponsors to pull out of deals, and negative stereotypes may leave coaches and teammates questioning their abilities. “The most important thing to every athlete is their position and standing,” says Blake Skjellerup, a gay speed-skater who represented New Zealand at the 2010 Winter Olympics. “They wouldn’t want anything as trivial as their sexuality to jeopardize that.”

The organizers behind Pride House—”a welcoming space for all athletes, staff, spectators and friends”—hope to show that being gay and being competitive aren’t incompatible. To that end they’ve organized informal gatherings, like a recent 5K run, are staging an exhibition on gay athletes, and provide a space for athletes and non-athletes alike to watch the Olympics. “We’re putting a little flag in the sand and saying that within this environment, which isn’t inclusive and welcoming, we are an inclusive and welcoming space,” says Louise Englefield, the founding director of Pride Sports, an LGBT sports development and equality organization. “If that means that people realize there is an alternative then great.”

The inaugural Pride House at the Vancouver Games played a big role in Skjellerup coming out. Although he had told his family ahead of the Olympics, he had not contemplated coming out publicly. He sat at a Starbucks opposite the house before deciding to step inside. After strolling through a photo exhibition of gay athletes—think of Olympic gold medalists like Greg Louganis and Matt Mitcham—he soon found himself telling staff members his secret. “It was quite a big thing coming out to strangers,” he says. “I felt really good with myself after doing that.”

Coming out seems more daunting for male athletes. Of the 23 out Olympians this year, only four are men. “Constructions of masculinity within sport are incredibly rigid,” says Englefield, adding that the “macho environment” entrenches homophobia. It’s a different story for gay women. “Lesbians who maybe don’t conform to heterosexual stereotypes of femininity can just get on with it and be themselves.”

No gay athlete—closeted or not—wants to hear homophobic slurs bandied about in the locker room. And yet fighting against more than just your opponent may partly explain the success of openly gay sportsmen and women at the Olympics. “When you’re closeted, it’s quite hard on you mentally,” says Skjellerup. “But there is a lot of mental toughness that comes with being an athlete. For me homophobic comments actually spear me on and encourage me more.”

He may not be alone. Outsports has identified 104 out athletes who have participated in Summer Games. More than half of them have won Olympic medals. Gay men and lesbians seem poised for similar success in London. Equestrian Carl Hester became the first out athlete to win gold in this Olympics as part of British dressage team. Other notables include German Judith Arndt, who bagged a silver in cycling, and American Lisa Raymond, who walked off the tennis court with a bronze. Other likely medalists include Seimone Augustus, a star of the U.S. women’s basketball team, Rapinoe, of the U.S. soccer squad, and four members of Holland’s field hockey team.

Read more: HERE

Pride Games add sailing, basketball, cycling, and multi-terrain 5K run

Pride Sports Manchester keep adding events to the 2012 Pride Games

Ride With Pride: 14 July 2012

Last year’s inaugural Pride Ride in the stunning Peak District saw some amazing riding: everyone had a brilliant time! So don’t miss out on the 2012 ride along the beautiful lanes of the Cheshire Plains, with the odd hill still. Not as much like Switzerland as last year, maybe, but you’ll nevertheless get the chance to tackle Alderley Edge’s Swiss Hill on this classic ride.
Register now for the 60 mile or the 60 km route, both are fantastic. On the day we’ll give you a detailed route map, we’ll check your bike out and carry out any minor repair or fine-tuning needed ready for the 10am start. Once again we’ll have back-up on the ride in the form of Al and Patrick from BikeRight!
And if you’ve any queries before the ride just contact Al or Patrick on 061 230 7007 or email mountainbiking@bikeright.co.uk.

Register HERE.

Basketball taster: 17 July 2012

The Slam Dunkin' Divas, Manchester's one and only women's LGBT Basketball Club, are inviting their
male friends for a mixed taster session! Last year's taster was a big success, and we are hoping the
basketball fanatic guys out there will join us for a fun night of basketball. So whether you're an absolute
beginner, a Michael Jordan, or you're returning to the sport after many years, this is the session for you.
Our qualified coaches will be leading the two hour session, feel free to email at slamdunkindivas@googlemail.com us with any questions you may have.

Register HERE.

Multi-terrain 5K Run: 21 July 2012

As part of Manchester Pride Games, Manchester Frontrunners are organising a 5km multi terrain run in Chorlton Water Park. This one lap course starts at the scenic Chorlton water park, and will take you along the Mersey River and down country lanes, with a few hills and stiles thrown in along the way to keep it interesting.

Manchester Frontrunners is proud to be a friendly club, and this race is open to all. No matter what your running ability our team will be there to cheer you along all the way round. There shall be prizes for the top three men and women finishers.

Register HERE.

Sailing: 21 July 2012

Are you a sailor? Fancy trying it? LGBT and want to meet people?
As part of the Pride Games, we are offering: a sailing taster session and an improvers session. Both sessions will be run simultaneously so choose which one you'd like to attend and register above.

So whether you're a complete Beginner, Improver, Ellen MacArthur or fancy coming as a social member...come and join us! We are the The Sailing and Cruising Association...! (Gay Sailing)
Come for the day - meet us to find out more, have a sail (if you fancy) and a pint..!

Register HERE. Find out more on our Facebook page - HERE

14 July 2012 / Pride Games adds Rowing challenge

Pride Games is an annual multi sports festival for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their friends. Held at various sporting sites in Manchester, it's the perfect opportunity to try a new sport, re-awaken old talents or brush up on current skills...have loads of fun and meet new people!  ​

After Track and field on 14 June and Squash on 21 June, Pride Games is adding a new event, Ergonomic Rowing, on 14 July 2012.

The Rowing ergometer challenge (2km) is brought to you by Open Athletics.

In the spirit of indoors rowing, complete 2k on a indoor rowing ergometer...but 'al fresco' and as quick as you can! Come anytime from 3pm to 5pm to complete the challenge and record your time. Medals for the 3 fastest men and women to cover the distance.

Register online now at www.pridesports.org.uk or just turn up and pay on the day.

More info HERE.



Tennis, Canoeing/Kayaking, and 5K Run added to Pride Games program

Pride Games is an annual multi sports festival for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their friends. Held at various sporting sites in Manchester, it's the perfect opportunity to try a new sport, re-awaken old talents or brush up on current skills...have loads of fun and meet new people!  ​

After Track and Field on 14 June, Ergonomic Rowing on 14 July, and Squash on 21 July, Tennis has been added, also on 14 July, as well as Canoeing and Kayaking on 15 July, and a 5K multi-terrain run on 21 July.

More info HERE.

New logo for Pride Sports

The new logo for Pride Sports

The old logo for Pride Sports

We think they're both great, and more important, that the organization is great!

14 June 2012 / 21 June 2012 / PrideGames Manchester

Pride Games is an annual multi sports festival for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their friends. Held at various sporting sites in Manchester, it's the perfect opportunity to try a new sport, re-awaken old talents or brush up on current skills...have loads of fun and meet new people!  ​

Track and field will take place on 14 June, while Squash will take place one week later on 21 June.

More info HERE.



23 April 2012 / Pride Sports summer softball league

From April 23 through June 11, FGG member organization Pride Sports (Manchester) and Baseball Softball UK are hosting a fun summer softball league for LGBT groups who have never played softball before.

To join in you need to:
- Have never played softball before (or be a complete pro!)
- To own (or be able to borrow) a pair of trainers to run in
- To have a sense of fun and a sense of humour
- 5 men & 5 women at least per team (a maximum squad of 15)
- £30 entry per team

What you will get for your money:
- Three evenings of great entertainment
- An opportunity to try a new sport and have a laugh with your team mates
- An opportunity to win team prizes:
£250 for winning team
£200 for fair play team

For information on how to register your team contact Lou:
lou@pridesports.org

FGG member organizations featured in FA plan

As part of their new initiative against homophobia in football, the English Football Association has produced a document, which can be downloaded HERE. Featured in the document are representatives of FGG member organizations Lou Englefield (Pride Sports) and Paul Miller (IGLFA). The FGG is proud of the involvement of our member organizations in such important projects that further our goal of equality in and by sport.

21 February 2012 / Pride Sports sponsors panel with Nottingham Ball Bois and Kick It Out

Kick-it-out is a national organisation which campaigns against racism and homophobia in football. Every year, to coincide with LGBT History Month, they hold a panel event focussing on homophobia in the game, in conjunction with FGG member organization Pride Sports, the UK's LGBT sports development and equity organisation, and with the support of the FA.

Nottingham Ball Bois are pleased to have been approached to host the event this year. The event will take place in the Nottingham Trent University's Newton Building in the city centre on 21 February 2012.

Guests and registration details to be announced shortly.

Follow the news on Facebook HERE.

Pride House London launch

The Federation of Gay Games is pleased to support the project for a Pride House in London during this summer's Olympic Games, and to work with member organization Pride Sports on the sports component of this event.

Friday 9 December saw the official launch of the project at "London's Living Room" at the top of City Hall. Among those attending were Gay Games Ambassador John Amaechi, Pride Sports Lou Englefield, and FGG representative Carl Schultz. Among the patrons not attending were Gay Games Ambassador Blake Skjellerup, with other Ambassadors on the way.

More on the launch HERE.

John Amaechi

Carl Schulz (right)

Lou Englefield (center) and Emma Reed, UK Government Equality Office (right)

Pride Sports leader to be an Olympic torchbearer

Trevor Burchick, MBE, of Manchester's Northern Wave swim club and FGG member organization Pride Sports is one of the lucky Britons chosen to carry the Olympic torch o its trip through the British Isles prior to the 2012 Olympics.

We have learned that Trevor has received conditional approval based on his nomination file submitted on his behalf. We are pleased that a leader in LGBT sport will be honored in this way. If you know of others involved in LGBT sport who have been selected, please let us know at blog@gaygames.org.

16 November 2011 / UK LGBT History Month event in London

"LGB and T Equity in Sport" - "Practical Workshops for Inclusive Sport's Delivery"
Two combined workshops to explore practical steps for engaging and retaining LGB and T people in sport.

Trainers from Pride Sports, the UK's LGBT Sports Development and Equity organisation, will take you through two workshops, which will explore practical steps for engaging & retaining LGB and T people in sport and physical activity.

Free registration HERE.

EGLSF receives European Union funding

From the latest newsletter from the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation:

We are delighted to inform you that European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation - EGLSF was successful in this year’s public call for proposals by the European Commission under Education & Culture DG - Preparatory Actions in the field of sport.

For the 2011 call for proposals, 106 applications were received, and among the eligible applications, 38 were for ‘Prevention of and fight against violence and intolerance in sport’ and 44 for ‘Promoting innovative approaches to strengthen the organisation of sport in Europe’. Finally, 16 projects were selected.

EGLSF is the main coordinating body for the project Preventing & Fighting Homophobic Violence & Intolerance in Sport - Pride in Sport. Together with its partners [FGG members in bold] Fédération Sportive Gaie et Lesbienne, Sports Association Out in Slovenija, Frankfurter Volleyball Verein, Atlasz LGBT Sport Association, Pride Sports and FARE Network, we will carry out the project in the next 16 months.

The project has been designed in response to the need to develop a more comprehensive and far-reaching trans European approach to tackling homophobia in sport. The project contains several core initiatives: Anti-Discrimination Gaming Application for Young People, Good Practice Development, Fact Sheets For Sport Governing Bodies, “Against the Rules” Exhibition in London during 2012 Olympic Games, and “Sport and Homosexuals, Sport for Homosexuals: Models of Integration, Examples of Rejection,” an academic colloquium [to be held 2-3 December 2011 in Paris].We will be informing our members and partners about the details and progress of the project in upcoming communication.

News from Manchester: Blocks and spokes

Team Manchester swim club Northern Wave has presented a new set of diving blocks to Moss Side Leisure Centre, worth GBP 5,000 at catalogue prices. Available as a community resource for pool users, the blocks will enable club, school and community swimming galas to take place.

And following the successful Pride Games bike ride this year, a new cycling group, "Different Spokes", has been launched. More info on the group on Facebook.

25 August 2011 / John Amaechi at Manchester Pride debate on homophobia in sport

"The Same Team: Sport Stars Coming Out of the Closet"

For years, homosexuality within sport has been kept in the closet. Homosexuals have barely broken the barrier when it comes to being openly gay. There seems to exist a hostile environment around gay athletes which limits the ability to express their sexual identity. But why does such a stigma exist?

Will the recent coming out of rugby player Gareth Thomas and cricketer Steve Davies lead the way for other sport stars? Manchester Pride invites you to join a live debate with a panel of openly gay sports personalities about homophobia, sexual identity and why it has taken so long for athletes to feel comfortable with their sexual orientation.

Register HERE.

27 August 2011 / Pride Sports/Team Manchester at Manchester Pride Lifestyle Expo

Pride Sports and member clubs of Team Manchester will be present at this weekend's Manchester Pride Lifestyle Expo.

The Lifestyle Expo is an undercover outdoor exhibition space designed so the public can find out about community groups, their health, sports clubs, legal advice and much more. There are usually over 50 exhibitors covering a wide range of organisations. The site is hugely popular over the Big Weekend and stands fill up fast.

WHEN DOES THE LIFESTYLE EXPO HAPPEN?
The dates for the Big Weekend 2011 are the 26-29 August 2011. TRADING DAYS are the 27, 28 & 29 August 2011.

Pride Sports Manchester at Downing Street reception

We'll be posting more photos and reports in the next few days, but here's a great pic of Lou Englefield and a very dapper Trevor Burchick of Pride Sports Manchester in front of 10 Downing Street. Lou is also co-president of EGLSF.

Downing Street reception will focus on LGBT sport and the fight against homophobia in sport

Among those invited are Gay Games Ambassador Chris Morgan and representatives from FGG member organizations Pride Sports and Out for Sport, as well as from the bid committee for Gay Games 2018. More from PinkNews:

Prime minister David Cameron is to host a reception at Downing Street for the gay community tomorrow evening.

The event will focus on tackling homophobia in sport and invitees will include gay and lesbian sports stars, campaigners and celebrities.

Sportsmen Gareth Thomas, Steven Davies and Ben Cohen are all expected to have been invited, along with community leaders and volunteers from across the country.

One prominent gay rights figure who won’t be there is Peter Tatchell. The activist has never received an invitation to Downing Street, despite being one of Britain’s best known gay rights campaigners. Mr Tatchell said: “It is a bit odd but they must have their reasons. Maybe I’m too much of a troublemaker. I’m sure I would turn up and be on my best behaviour.” A Downing Street source said: “There are lots of people who haven’t been invited.”

Organisers hoped that prominent footballers would be among the invitees. However, this is the traditional footballers’ ‘holiday season’ and many are not in the country. Instead, some ‘older faces’ from the footballing world are expected to attend, along with chief executives from sports associations.

LGBT receptions in Downing Street began in 2009 when Gordon Brown was prime minister. Mr Cameron has continued the tradition. At last year’s reception, he promised the crowd the coalition government would change the law to allow religious buildings to host civil partnership ceremonies.

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Also invited is:

SHEFFIELD Eagles boss Mark Aston will be sitting down to dinner with David Cameron at No 10 Downing Street tomorrow night. Aston has been invited by the Prime Minister to recognise the Eagles’ leading role in the game’s stand against homophobia in sport.

The Eagles wore specially-designed shirts with the slogan ‘Homophobia: Tackle It!’ in their game against Widnes Vikings earlier this season. “I’ve been invited by the Prime Minister to join a number of other chief executives of clubs, mainly from the Super League,” said Aston, Eagles head coach and chief executive. “I’m very pleased to be asked because it recognises the work Sheffield Eagles have done in tackling homophobia.

Greater Manchester County Sports Partnership signs Charter Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Sport

A message from Pride Sports/Team Manchester:

The First County Sports Partnership to Sign Charter
Great Sports at Greater Sport!

Greater Sport, Greater Manchester’s County Sports Partnership (CSP), yesterday became the first of 49 CSPs in England to sign up to the Government’s Charter Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Sport. The signing took place during Pride Youth Games, part of the UK’s annual LGBT multisport festival programme which has taken place over the past week in Manchester.

Chief Executive of Greater Sport, Richard Saunders is enthusiastic about the sign-up: “Greater Sport is delighted and proud to be the first County Sports Partnership in England to sign up to the Government’s Charter Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Sport. We aim to be inclusive of all communities across Greater Manchester in the service we deliver. Ultimately we want to change lives through sport and that includes the lives of LGBT men and women.”

County Sports Partnerships are local networks of sports clubs, schools, local authorities, primary care trusts and National Governing Bodies of sport working together to grow sport in England on a local level. Lou Englefield, Director of Pride Sports, the UK’s LGBT sports development organisation explains why yesterday’s sign-up is so significant: “County Sports Partnerships make a huge difference to grass roots sport in this country. They help develop volunteers, get people into coaching, grow community sport and provide information about funding. When you think that there are more than 100 local LGBT sports groups in England alone, you can see how important it is that we, as an LGBT community are able to access these resources.”

IGLFA European Cup continues in Manchester

Manchester continued to see action today in the IGLFA European Cup, held in conjunction with Pride Games. More news soon!