Interview with FGG copresident Kurt Dahl

Copresidents Emy Ritt and Kurt Dahl at Gay Games VIII opening ceremony

From a great interview by Jessica Lewinstein on the OutFrontBlog:

Jessica: How would you describe the overall success of the Gay Games Cologne and what would you seek to do differently in 2014?

Kurt: In my opinion GGVIII was a very successful event. We had over 10000 participants from around the world. The events were very well run and the City of Cologne was a wonderful host, and the volunteers were great. This was an all volunteer event there we not many paid staff and may of the people were part of this planning from the very start when the original bid was put together. I want to thank each and every one of the people that were involved in GGVIII and especially Annette Wachter and Michael Lohaus for leading GGVIII.

Each Gay Games is different and unique which is why the FGG chooses a new host for each quadrennial event. I am not sure I can say what could be done differently, that is up to the host city to decide. GGIX will be different in the sense there will be new events like rodeo and the expectation is we will have more participants given the fact Cleveland is so centrally located in the US. We will need to work hard to encourage people from outside the US to come to Cleveland but with the success of GGVIII I am not sure people will need to much convincing to join all of us in Cleveland in 2014

Jessica: What role do you think social media will play in furthering the advancement of LGBT acceptance on a global scale?

Kurt: Social media is already playing such a big role today and I expect that will continue. With blogs like yours, facebook, twitter and whatever bursts on the scene later social media will be a major force in helping advance LGBT rights and acceptance. However, I still feel getting to know someone who is LGBT, face to face, having them in your home and seeing that I am no different then you, I just happen to be gay, is what is needed to further LGBT acceptance on a global scale. The Gay Games is an important piece of that puzzle in that people can come and watch and participate and accept us for who we are. I’ve seen that time and time again while in Cologne when citizens of Cologne many straight came out to volunteer, cheer on a softball team from Spain or Philadelphia, or watch a diver get a personal best.

Jessica: Do you think there will always be a need for the Gay Games?

Kurt: Yes I do think there will always be the need for a Gay Games. Many people dream of being in the Olympics but only a handful actually qualify to even get to the Olympics let alone qualify for a final heat. The Gay games is open to everyone and provides anyone the opportunity to participate with people from around the world, whether Gay or straight and, achieve your personal best. For many the Gay Games is their ‘safe place’ where they can be out and proud and not afraid of being ostracized or even hurt or killed. I believe we will always need the Gay Games and I am proud to be part of the Gay Games organization.

Read the full interview HERE.

Paul Mart backstage and onstage

In addition to Paul, you'll see gold medal winner Lucas Alexander and Bodybuilding Guild officials Richard Cavaler, Mary Figliulo, and Pierre Deransart (also a silve medal winner in the competition).

And because the question has been asked... no, jockstraps are not regulation gear.

"It Gets Better" project website

Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" project for YouTube now has a website with recommendations and resources for leaving your video message of encouragement and reassurance to young people.

The Federation of Gay Games, in partnership with Our Group, is encouraging its members and friends to contribute a message with the goal of preventing teen suicide among LGBT young people.

Find our earlier post on this HERE.
Find the official website HERE.

G-Force at University of Toronto forum on gays in ice hockey

From the Toronto Sun:

Gays are represented in every profession except professional sports and if an athlete comes out it is only after his career is over, a panel discussion at the University of Toronto heard on Friday.

That is where G-Force hockey — an all-star gay American hockey team — comes in to set an example and break down negative stereotypes about gay athletes.

“I believe in what we are trying to do,” said Keith Miller, a defenceman on the team which is in Toronto for a tournament against other gay and straight teams. “Our message is young kids in sport can come out and not have to worry. We want to change attitudes and help young players come out.”

Glenn Witman, who plays defence, says there are likely between 2% to 7% of players who are gay on every sports team or league — just like in the general population.

“Gay men and lesbians have been a part of every sports team since sport began,” Witman said. “Lets face it. We are here and we contribute. If we are allowed to be ourselves — out gay men and lesbian women — on our teams without fear of oppression or retaliation, we will contribute much more.

“The mission of G-Force is to show gays make great athletes,” Witman said. “We can compete with heterosexuals. We are just like them.”

If more professional players came out, the easier it will be for young players, said Don Corby, general manager of the Hogtown Boys, a gay Toronto hockey team that just won a gold medal at the European Gay Games.

“A hockey player is a hockey player whether they are gay or straight,” Corby said.

Sport is still typically a macho world, said Tim Sims, who is with G-Force.

“Even in this day and age there would be some teams who wouldn’t want me on because I am gay. We are making a great effort to change that,” Sims said.

It is great to play with a group of guys who have a passion for hockey and who are gay, said Kirby Pumper, who plays left wing.

“No one makes fun of you because you are gay and that makes you a better player. If you want to challenge us, challenge us,” Pumper said.

It is great being a part of G-Force, said centre Dave Farber.

“I get to play with guys just like me who love hockey and they love guys,” Farber said.

Matthew Mitcham takes (first) medal at Commonwealth Games

From Matthew Mitcham's Facebook feed (not feeling blue, just looking it):

Matthew won his first Commonwealth Games medal tonight, a Silver medal on the 1m springboard, along with his team mate Scott Robertson who won Bronze. Matt still has three more events to go over the next four days, including his favourite event, the 10m platform, for which is he currently world number ONE!

Good luck to Matthew for the rest of his dives!

India's gay community to support Matthew Mitcham at Commonwealth Games

From sify.com:

Gay community supports Australian [diver]
2010-10-07 16:10:00

New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) The gay community here is preparing to turn up in full force at the S.P. Mukherjee stadium Sunday and cheer for Australian [diver] Matthew Mitcham, one of the few openly gay athletes.

Mohnish Malhotra, who has been sending SMS and e-mails to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community to cheer for Mitcham, said he expected a good turnout.

'My friend called from Mumbai to say Mitcham was participating on Sunday and that we should do something. Immediately, I began sending out SMSes and e-mails,' Malhotra told IANS.

'Mitcham is open about his sexuality. By going there and supporting him, we want to send out the message that we are fully supporting him.'

'The hitch is we will not be allowed to carry placards. So we are thinking of wearing T-shirts or scarves in rainbow colours. When he sees us, he knows he has a lot of support for taking a stand,' he said.

Mitcham won a gold in in men's 10m platform diving in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Cheerleaders present USD 8,000 to Gay Games Scholarship Fund

At Cologne's Dom

On 28 September 28, officials from the Federation of Gay Games visited the practice location of CHEER SF. During this visit, CHEER SF presented the FGG officials with a check for USD 8,000 which the team raised through its performances during the recent Gay Games VIII in Cologne, Germany. This historic donation will benefit the Gay Games Scholarship Fund to help finance participants, especially those from third-world countries, to attend the Gay Games in 2014.

The FGG was represented by Board members Alan Lessik (Treasurer), Doug Litwin (Officer of Marketing), and newly elected Officer of Culture Dr. Kathleen McGuire. In addition, Honorary Life Members Derek Liecty and Sara Waddell Lewinstein were present.

“CHEER San Francisco is pleased to be able to present our hard-earned sum of money to such a hard-working and revered partner organization as the Federation,” remarked Ryan Allen, CHEER San Francisco Program Director. “The team is celebrating our 30th ‘Pearl’ Anniversary Year, and being positioned to share our recent fundraising successes in Germany is an honor that we cherish."

A break in training

In addition to this USD 8,000 donation to the Federation of Gay Games, the team has also already delivered a separate USD 8,000 donation to AIDS Hilfe Köln (AIDS Help Cologne) which provides a spectrum of much-needed services to individual clients in the Cologne, Germany locale. The combined USD 16,000 was raised by CHEER SF along with members of CHEER New York and CHEER Los Angeles, in a whirlwind week abroad. This was a true testament to these volunteers’ sensational prowess as performers and fundraisers. The ongoing work of CHEER SF in the field of charitable fundraising was recognized by a 2010 Federation of Gay Games Legacy Award during Gay Games VIII.

CHEER SF recognizes these difficult economic times, where budget cuts have negatively impacted service agencies supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and other life challenging conditions. Through their CHEER For Life Foundation, CHEER SF has donated nearly USD 200,000 to said agencies around the world, and over 85% of those funds were donated during the last five years. This is surely a significant impact to their beneficiaries' bottom line, but more importantly, it is a heartfelt message that these people persevering through adversity have not been forgotten.

Derek Liecty, Alan Lessick, Sara Waddell Lewinstein

In the thank you letter he presented to CHEER SF, Derek Liecty, member of the FGG Scholarship Committee, included the following words:
"Together with Games Cologne, the Gay Games Scholarship Program brought 109 athletes and cultural participants from around the world for Gay Games VIII. The Federation awarded 34 scholarships to worthy applicants from Africa, South America, and Asia.

"You have to meet these individuals to fully understand how meaningful it is for them to attend a Gay Games where they realize perhaps for the first time that they are not alone in the world. They are taking their enthusiasm home with them and are organizing locally and in doing so they are fulfilling our dream of developing the Gay Games movement throughout the world.

"We want to especially congratulate CHEER San Francisco for its Gold Medal achievement in Cologne and for its thirty years of contributions to the LGBT community to which they have not just brought cheer, but pure joy to those fortunate people who have seen them perform. We also acknowledge their participation in every one of the eight Gay Games. All Cheer organizations truly embrace the ideals of the Gay Games, particularly in the area of inclusion."

About CHEER San Francisco: CHEER SF celebrates its 30th anniversary of entertaining audiences around the world while raising funds for charitable organizations that help people with HIV/AIDS, breast cancer and other life-challenging conditions. An all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization, CHEER SF is the world’s premiere philanthropic cheerleading team, and has been thrilling crowds with its unique brand of high energy routines since 1980. Dedicated to providing polished professional entertainment to support its philanthropic mission, the squad serves as goodwill ambassadors to over 50 public and private events and one million spectators annually. For more information, please visit www.CHEERSF.org.

RealJock member David medals in marathon

RealJock member feedback:

Our second gold medalist is David (aka MarathonManiac), who has been a distance runner since 1980, when he joined Frontrunners. Now, he has won Gay Games gold in his age division. This is another key aspect of the Games—that they provide a great competitive outlet for athletes of all ages, not merely the young. With 91 marathons or ultras under his belt since his first marathon in 1989, David has a lot of experience to bring to the Games. Here he is gettin' it done in this year's Gay Games 10K race, in which he also competed:

[...]

As so often at the Games, David's victory is a story both of personal accomplishment and community support. Here's his account of the race: "Marathon day turned out to be cooler than it had been all week, and the course was mostly shaded through a large urban park. I burned through the first loop about 3 minutes faster than planned and paid for that with a markedly slower second loop. Most of my Frontrunner comrades had elected to do just the half-marathon, so as I neared the finish I was glad to hear them cheering me on from several spots in the final kilometer. Due to some disorganization, it wasn't until 10PM that night after the closing ceremony that I found out I had placed, but I had a good feeling at the finish line that I must've made it. So my elation was delayed; my friends made a bigger fuss about it than I did, which really gave me a boost."

David, like Billy, gives a lot of good reasons to head out for the 2014 games: "Every Gay Games has been a wonderful experience. The entire city turns gay, the locals are friendly. Besides sport, there are all sorts of cultural and sightseeing things to do. Plenty of parties, too, though I'm past the age where that appeals. Winning isn't the ultimate goal of the Games; the goals of the Games are participation, inclusion, personal best. Everybody can and should participate in their favorite sport. I guarantee they will have the time of their life."

Read in full HERE.

Straight football team part of gay league

From BBC Wiltshire:

A football team from Wiltshire [UK] has become the only straight team in a regional gay football league. The Trowbridge Tigers have got together with five other teams to form the south west Gay Football League.

Team founder Tim Brown said although the majority of teams in the league were gay, the Tigers were 80% straight. He said: "Trowbridge is a smaller catchment area compared to the other teams and it really doesn't have a gay scene like say Bristol."

One of few gay players on the team, Nick Pitcher, said: "It's a pioneering team - a straight team in the gay league. "But the stick the straight guys must put up with - they're much more likely to get ribbed at work for playing in a gay league then we are."

Less testosterone

It was back in early 2000 that Tim, the Tigers' straight player-manager, began playing in the gay league. "I'd wanted to play more games, and a mate at work was playing on Saturdays and Sundays for the Bristol Panthers and I asked him if I could come along.

"He said he didn't think it would be my cup of tea as it was a gay football team."

But it was. So much so, that in July last year Tim and his friends decided to set up their own club - the Trowbridge Tigers.

He said: "The social aspect was really good. "We'd meet up before and after the matches and although it was competitive you didn't get the same aggression. "The testosterone levels were sort of taken out."

Nick agreed saying the league was very sociable. "It is competitive but it's good football. You don't get players, for instance, trying to break your leg," he said. And when we play, all 19 players get to play. It's absolutely fair and down the line."

Gay Games

It's been a fast moving year for the team, who despite a poor opening match, are performing well in Division 2 of the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN) national league.

"Although we're mainly straight we've been accepted into the league," said Tim. "We were quite up front about it.

The Tigers also recently competed in the Gay Games in Germany where they were the second highest placed UK team and took part in both the opening and closing ceremonies. The team also has aspirations to play in the Euro Cup in Manchester and in the Euro Games in Holland.

But despite having 40 players signed up for the season, both gay and straight, the team is always on the look out for more gay friendly players. "It's not just about skill," said Nick, "people are accepted with the right attitude. "Macho men are not acceptable."

UK LGBT Sport Summit and pre-launch of UK LGBT History Month

FGG member Pride Sports Manchester is a lead partner in the pre-launch of the UK LGBT History Month, including the UK LGBT Sports Summit.

A free day of interactive workshops, speakers and exhibitions on LGBT sport will be held on Tuesday, November 2 at Twickenham Stadium, London.

Open workshops during the day, some running concurrently, will include:

-- Growing and Sustaining LGBT Participation in Sport (aimed at National Governing Bodies, Local Authorities, CSPs and other sports providers)
-- LGBT Sport Summit (an Open Space Workshop for examining current issues in LGBT sports development)
-- Models for LGBT Participation in School Sport and Higher Education Sports Curriculum
-- Models for LGBT Sports Participation and Development

Speakers at the evening session, beginning at 6.30 pm, will include (among others):

-- John Amaechi (psychologist and former NBA player)
-- Gareth Thomas (former Welsh Rugby Union international)
-- Dikeledi Sibanda (Manager of South Africa's black lesbian football team)
-- Louise Englefield (Co-President, European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation)

Program HERE.
Register HERE.

Brazilian LGBT sports group invited to help organize Sao Paulo sports festival

Erico Santos of CDG Brasil reports:

I'm writing to tell a good story about our swimming event, which was supposed to be held this weekend. The project has grown, and we have received great support from our local council to make it an event of major proportions. Therefore, we are rescheduling the event over two days in November.

The event will be held as part of a major event here called the Virada Esportiva (Sports Turn). This is an annual event, with sports activities throughout the city for two days (20-21 November) without interruption -- 48 hours of activities across São Paulo. With the goal of integrating LGBT sport, we received the invitation to organize the swimming event of the Virada Esportiva, as well as some other sports. We have chosen to take on Volleyball, Soccer, Tennis and Pool.

We expect thousands to attend this first major event organized by us and for Brazil for the LGBT community .

Report on transgender student athletes

A groundbreaking report sponsored by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and It Takes A Team!, an Initiative of the Women’s Sports Foundation, is urging high school and college athletic associations across the country to adopt standard policies to provide transgender student athletes fair and equal opportunity to participate on athletic teams.

The report, “On the Team: Equal Opportunities for Transgender Student Athletes,” released on October 4, 2010, is the first ever to thoroughly address the complete integration of transgender student athletes within high school and collegiate athletic programs. The report is also the first to provide comprehensive model policies and a framework for athletic leaders to ensure equal access to school athletics for transgender students.

Continue reading and download the report HERE.

Misc news from France

• The working group announced on IDAHO day last May met for the first time last week at the ministry of sport. Among the participants, the FSGL. We look forward to providing a report on this meeting as soon as possible. 
• SportsFriendly, a free quarterly magazine devoted to LGBT sport, will be launched this month, with Matthew Mitcham as the first coverboy. The publication is produced in partnership with the FSGL. The first issue will focus on Gay Games VIII.
• FSGL member Les Gais Musette is pleased to announce that they will be organizing the first LGBT DanceSport competition in France as part of the 2011 TIP multisport tournament. 

Gay Games book launched at conference on homophobia in football

From MCV:

A two-day conference on homophobia in football was held last week at Victoria University.

'The Worlds of Football: Triumphs, Trials & Traumas' conference included guests from overseas and also marked the launch of a book on the Gay Games by Melbourne academic Dr Caroline Symons.

The Gay Games: A History is the first comprehensive history of the Gay Games since their inception in 1982.

Keynote addresses at the conference were delivered by sociologists Dr Jayne Caudwell from the University of Brighton (UK) and Dr Eric Anderson from the University of Bath (UK).

Caudwell's presentation was on efforts to combat homophobia in professional men's soccer in Britain, specifically the Justin Campaign, named after the only professional player in the UK Premier League to come out, Justin Fashanu.

Anderson spoke about interviewing a male sports team after one of their members came out. He found that their experience was that it brought the team closer, the gay player's disclosure opening up the opportunity for the rest of the team to talk about their own lives in what he called "self-disclosure".

Anderson came out of the closet as America's first openly gay high school coach in 1993. Observing the prevalence of homophobia and misogyny in sport prompted Anderson to return to study, doing a doctorate in sociology. He believes we are currently seeing a decline in homophobia among young people. "The decline in homophobia is a youth phenomena," he told MCV. "We have passed the threshold in youth, and today's youth are tomorrow's leaders."

He said the term 'that's so gay' no longer automatically indicates among young people that the speaker is homophobic. He said he hoped to have a chance to debate Jason Akermanis about his claims that the AFL is not ready for an out gay player. "The institution of sport remains homophobic, but it's to prejudge people to say that because someone's an athlete they are homophobic.

FGG Ambassador to speak in Arizona

David Kopay & Matthew Mitcham at 2010 Tom Waddell Award meeting

David Kopay, one of the first openly gay American professional athletes in team sports, is coming to ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus to discuss sports and homosexuality.

The former running back played 10 seasons in the National Football League and shook the sports world in 1975 when he publicly announced to a national newspaper that he was gay.

Kopay’s “Sports and Homosexuality” is the subject of the second fall 2010 Humanities Lecture Series, co-sponsored by ASU’s School of Letters and Sciences and the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association (NLGJA) student chapter at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Communications. His lecture takes place at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 21, at the Cronkite School, 555 N. Central Ave., First Amendment Forum, Phoenix.

Continue reading HERE.

Equipe France reception at Paris City Hall: Jean Vuillermoz

The following is the speech given by Mr. Jean Vuillermoz, Deputy Mayor in charge of Sport of the City of Paris, at the reception in honor of the Parisian medal winners at Gay Games VIII (original text in French below):

Welcome to all of you to the Paris City Hall.

I am very pleased to welcome you today in this historic venue and to present to you in the most solemn fashion, in the name of the Mayor of Paris, the congratulations of the City for your results at the Gay Games that took place this summer in Cologne. Bertrand Delanoë salutes you, and begs you to forgive his absence: he is spending a few days in Lisbon, as guest of honor for the Centennial of the Republic of Portugal.

584 athletes, 187 medals, several national records, and one world record time: the French delegation did honor to its mission, and was able to carry with pride a message of equality and tolerance symbolized by the slogan on the French uniforms: "Against all forms of discrimination, let's play sport together". A slogan I fully agree with and to which I offer my sincere commitment.

Because beyond its sporting aspect, the goal of the Gay Games is to offer a tribune for the fight against homophobia, a real taboo in the world of sport, and for the fight against all forms of discrimination. The Gay Games are an encounter that is part of this magnificent movement of gay and lesbian pride that calls for a right to be different and a demand for respect. To come out from the shadows, to be proud,
and visible, and enjoy dignity: the LGBT community has earned the right to exist and to be heard. The Gay Games are a magnificent standard bearer, every four years, and a vector for our democratic values.

We must take joy in the growing importance of this event. Since the first edition in 1982 in San Francisco which brought together 1500 participants, the Gay Games now represent the largest LGBT sports and culture event, as well as the largest amateur competition open to all in the world, with this year, 10,000 athletes from 70 countries competing in 35 sports.

Equipe France reception at Paris City Hall

The magnificent reception rooms of the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) of Paris welcomed the Parisian medal winners from Gay Games VIII last night. Mayor Bertrand Delanoë, who was obliged to remain at an event in Lisbon, was unfortunately unable to attend, but was ably replaced by Deputy Mayor for Sport Jean Vuillermoz.

During his speech (read HERE), Mr. Vuillermoz showed his deep understanding of the importance of the Gay Games as a sporting event, but also as an event for human rights, for a fight for equality that is representative of true French democratic values.

He reminded those present of the support given by the City of Paris to the FSGL, whether in the form of facilities and financing for the Paris 2010 bid, the availability for facilities for ongoing sport activities, and the patronage of Mr. Delanoë for the TIP multisport tournament, for which many municipal gymnasiums, stadiums, and swimming pools are made available.

Mr. Vuillermoz also expressed the strong desire to formalize and expand this support in the form of a multiyear contract binding the City and the FSGL. He also stated that the City would be supporting the FSGL's application to the Ministry of Sport to be an approved national sports federation, and reminded those present of the support offered to FSGL club Paris Aquatique when it successfully applied for official sports ministry recognition (agrément).

After the speeches, Emy Ritt, copresident of the FGG, was invited to join FSGL president Bruno Aussenac and Mr. Vuillermoz. Emy presented the Deputy Mayor with a Gay Games VIII participation medal, which seemed to greatly please Mr. Vuillermoz, who explained that this was the first sports medal he has ever won in his life. He was asked by Emy to present her personal medal to the Mayor.

Special thanks to Philippe Lasnier of the Mayor's Office for helping with this event.

----
See also this article in Têtu.

Call for applications: 2018 "One Quadrennial Event" working group

with thanks to Team Berlin (teamberlin.de)

The Federation of Gay Games Assembly and Board of Directors voted on 8 August 2010 to begin a process of collaboration with GLISA to create a single quadrennial event in 2018.

The exact nature of this event is to be determined by a joint working group composed of seven members from each organisation, FGG and GLISA, under the auspices and approval of both organisations' boards and general assembly. FGG board and assembly approval is required for any subsequent bylaw changes.

SEEKING CANDIDATES: The Federation of Gay Games is seeking 5 Gay Games advocates and leaders in sports and culture to serve on this committee. The application should include all relevant sports, culture, and professional skills. Applications are open to all members of the worldwide LGBT community, includng past and present FGG board of directors, assembly members, honorary lifetime members, and volunteers for the Gay Games. The work will include voice and video teleconferences, and a some travel to meetings.

This is an open process and all interested parties are welcome and encouraged to apply to participate in this important working group. The applications will be reviewed by the Federation of Games and 5 people will be elected by a vote of the Federation of Gay Games general assembly using the instant runoff election method .

Help shape our future. For the application and details of the 2018 1QE Working Group, click HERE.

DEADLINE: Completed applications must be submitted by 28 October 2010 to eritt@gaygames.org and kdahl@gaygames.org or posted to FGG’s Intranet in the General Assembly Forum, 1QE thread.

FGG speech at FVV 25th Anniversary celebration

Emy Ritt gave the following speech in German (English version below) at the 25th Anniversary of FGG member organization FVV (see her report HERE) on Friday 1 October 2010:

Guten Abend, Sports Fans. Guten Abend, Frankfurt.

Vielen Dank für Ihre Eingeladen für die 25 Jahrestag von FVV. Ich bin sehr zufrieden sein mit Innen hier heute Abend.

Vor einigen Jahren in 2007, ich war in San Francisco für die 25th Jahresfeier von der Federation of Gay Games. Heute Abend, ich bin gern erfreut feiern mit Innen ein andere Silber Jahresfeier von FVV. Für mich, es ist ein Privilegium und ein Auszeichnung mit Sie zu sein.

FVV ist ein Anführer in die Sporten welte – in Deutschland, in Europa, und in die ganz wellte. Das Turnier Weihnacht (Christmas Tournament) uns ausstellen die Ausprägungen von FVV und Ihr Erfolg in Outreach und Stipendium für Osteuropa ist ein Beispiel für jedermann.

Für mich, Ihre Beschluss ein Mitglied in die Federation of Gay Games zu werden, war ein bedeutsamer Tag. Vielen Dank für Ihre Zusammenarbeit für unsere Gemeinschaft.

Ich hoffe das in 25 Jahren, wir können samen feiern 2 Jahresfeiern in die gleich Abend:
– Die 50th Jahresfeier von FVV
- UND
- Die 25th Jahresfeier von FVV als Mitglied in die Federation of Gay Games.

Im Namen von der Federation of Gay Games, wir sagen: Wir sind sehr stolz auf Sie.

Vielen Dank für alles und für Ihre Eingeladen mit Innen heute Abend zu sein.

----

Good evening, Sports Fans. Good evening, Frankfort.

Thank you for the invitation to the 25th Anniversary of FVV. I am very pleased to be here with you this evening.

In 2007, I was in San Francisco for the 25th anniversary of the Federation of Gay Games. This evening, I am delighted to celebrate with you another silver anniversary with FVV. For me, it is a privilege and an honour to be with you.

FVV is a leader in Sports – in Germany, in Europe, and in the whole world. Your Christmas Tournament show us the FVV’s values and your success in Outreach and Scholarships for Eastern European participants is an example for us all.

For me, your decision to become a member of the Federation of Gay Games was a great day. Thank you for your work for our community.

I hope that in 25 years, we all can celebrate together two 25 year anniversaries in the same evening:- the 50th anniversary of FVV AND - the 25th anniversary of FVV’s membership in the Federation of Gay Games.

On behalf of the Federation of Gay Games, we say: We are very proud of you.

Thanks to all for the kind invitation to be with you this evening.

A look ahead to the EGLSF Annual General Assembly

Emy Ritt represented the FGG at the 25th Anniversary of member organization FVV (see her report HERE), and took advantage of her stay to see some sights associated with the 2011 EGLSF Annual General Assembly (AGA).

On Saturday, our host, FVV's Jan Froelich, spent the day with EGLSF co-president Pepe Garcia Vasquez and me walking around Frankfurt and the river Main area. I have been to Frankfurt already, but was delighted to see lovely new places, such as the beautiful gardens and café of the Liebieghaus Museum.

We also visited the site of the EGSLF 2011 AGA, which will be held 3-6 March 2011 in Frankfurt at a great venue, the Saalbau.

The official hotel will be the Hotel IBIS Frankfurt Centrum, Speicherstrasse 4. It's next door to the meeting venue, and will offer reduced rates for AGA participants. Both venues are virtually on the river Main only 200 meters from the main train station.

On behalf of the FGG, I want to thank FVV and the EGLSF for inviting the FGG to this AGA, where we will have the pleasure of meeting our friends from the EGLSF, and the many member organizations we share.

Emy Ritt reports on FVV 25th Anniversary celebration

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Federation of Gay Games member organization FVV, approximately 100 people were invited to a special event, which was followed by a dance party open to the public.

FVV is a Frankfurt multisport group with strong roots in Volleyball, as demonstrated by its full name: Frankfurter Volleyball Verein. Now 25 years after being founded as a Volleyball club, it has become a true multisport giant, offering the following sports:

Badminton - Basketball - Bowling - DanceSport - PositHIV Sport - Cycling - Football - Handball - Fitness (including "Grey" Fitness, Gymnastics, Strength & Stamina, "Back" to Work, Intensive Stretching, Thai Yoga and Yoga) - Rowing - Swimming - Synchronized Swimming - Platform Diving - Sailing - Tennis - Table Tennis - Trampoline - Triathlon - Volleyball - Nordic Walking

Many politicians from Frankfurt attended, including a representative from the German Parliament and the President of the Frankfurt mainstream umbrella sports organisation.

Pepe Garcia Vasquez, Co-President, represented EGLSF, while Annette Wachter and Michael Lohaus also attended, representing SC Janus and Games Cologne.

Artemis, the women’s sport club based in Frankfurt and a partner organisation of FVV, was also present. As part of their speech, they presented FVV with a set of bow and arrows (Artemis, aka Diana, is the goddess of hunting). Artemis celebrated their 25th Anniversary last year.

I represented FGG and was asked to give a short speech (see HERE). The speech was given in my broken German, which seems to be very much appreciated by the participants. The organizers had arranged for a special piece of music to be played during the “entrance” of each speaker, and for the FGG the music was Facing a Miracle. Needless to say, there was much emotion in the room at this moment.

After my speech, I presented a “collector’s item” FGG 25th Anniversary Pin to each member of the FVV Board.

Between the speeches, there were short videos and drag-queen acts. After all the speeches and entertainment, the FVV Gay Games VIII medal winners walked out wearing their medals and carrying their “Team Frankfurt” banner, again to “Facing a Miracle”, and again some more tears. I found this a particularly nice gesture, given the presence of Annette Wachter and and Michael Lohaus and their partners.

After all the speeches, a huge birthday cake with sparklers was rolled out for all to enjoy.

I was truly honored to be invited to represent the FGG at this event, and thank Jan Froelich for hosting me and Pepe Garcia Vasquez. And I again want to express my hope that 25 years from now we will again be celebrating a silver anniversary in Frankfurt, that of the 25 years of membership of FVV in the FGG.

Images of Ourselves: Gay Games artist Ross Watson publishes photography book

Martin Comte, SX News (Australia) discovers aA who's who of the contemporary gay world in the stunning new book by prolific Melbourne artist, Ross Watson.

"The recent publication of Untitled # Ross Watson coincides with the artist's return from the Gay Games in Cologne, where an exhibition of some of his works attracted a record attendance.

"This latest book complements the first: Overview: Ross Watson, and at last we have another splendid book celebrating the diversity and development of the artist.

"Mark Henderson, formerly of the J. Paul Getty Center in Los Angeles, says in the introduction to the book: 'Encountering the work of Ross Watson for the first time, one notices immediately the handsome, youthful men who play key roles in most of his compositions. Although not portraits in the traditional sense, Mr. Watson's paintings nevertheless depict actual living men ? professional models and athletes . . . But there is so much more to a Ross Watson painting than these fresh-faced beauties'."

Read full review HERE.

FGG Ambassador takes silver in powerlifting championships

After Judith Arndt's silver in cycling, Chris Morgan takes silver in deadlift. Congratulations!

Chris Morgan, the current Gay Games Powerlifting champion has won a silver medal at the European ‘Single’ Event Powerlifting Championships.

He was lifting in the European Deadlift Championships, held in Sliema in Malta.and made lifts of 210 kilos followed by 240 kilos, before then attempting and narrowly missing 265 kilos at a bodyweight of 82.3 kilos.

Speaking about the competition, Chris said: ‘I’m a disappointed to once again to have missed out on a gold medal at the European Championships, but end the year celebrating my Gold medals collected in both the British and World Championships earlier in this year. I’m also grateful for the positive experience’s provided by the Gay Games, which were held in Cologne, Germany this past August’.

‘The message regarding my future career is still the same as my announcement in August, with my retirement from full powerlifting (Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift) events now confirmed. The intention is to continue in ‘Single Event’ Deadlift competitions, as previously indicated.

‘I take great encouragement from the fact that I’ve won two world ‘Open’ championships in this discipline, but have never specifically trained for the event. After narrowly missing out twice in the overall ‘best lifter’ at the World ‘Single’ Event Championships, I still feel there is some unfinished ahead of any full retirement’,

FGG and Our Group support "It Gets Better" project

UPDATE: Read our update HERE.

As a reaction to the recent mainstream recognition of the ravages of suicide among young homosexuals, American columnist Dan Savage has launched the “It Gets Better” project on YouTube. On a dedicated YouTube channel, out adults post videos to share the message to these young people that their current experience as a teen or young adult is the worst time of their life, and that things will indeed get better for them later.

For young people who are isolated and who lack role models and people to talk to, who feel they must remain in the closet, who are bullied and harassed, and yet who often have no one to reach out to, the message of hope in these videos, from happy adults who understand their pain and struggles, can help get them through these hard times and make it safe and whole to a happier part of their life.

The Federation of Gay Games is pleased to partner with Our Group, an organization of young collegiate athletes, to ask the members of our family to contribute their video testimony to this channel. We firmly believe that practicing a sport or cultural activity as an out athlete or artist can be an important part of helping “things get better” by contributing to our overall well-being, both physical and emotional.

In your message, we would love for you to include your experience as an out athlete or artist, and to let viewers know that there are places – organizations, sports clubs, competitions – that will welcome them as they are.

And if you’ve been to a Gay Games, we suggest that you wear your medal in your video as a visible symbol of a place where LGBT people can come together to be themselves, to support each other, and to do their personal best in their sport or cultural activity.

How to:

The YouTube channel is HERE.

You’ll need a camera (even a webcam and microphone, or even some mobile phones, will do the trick), and a free YouTube account. Follow the instructions available on YouTube for creating your account and uploading your video. Don’t have a camera? Borrow a friend’s.

And please write to itgetsbetter@gaygames.org to let us know you’ve posted your video. Make sure to give us the link to your video and your permission, if you choose, for us to post your video to this FGG blog.

Meet Team Philadelphia's Anh Dang

Here's an article about Team Philadelphia's Anh Dang. You can find more about Anh on his blog HERE. And here's the article from Philadelphia Weekly:

Standing at just 5 feet 4 inches tall, Vietnamese native Anh Dang may seem like your average jock.

Only, he’s not.

A world-class triathlete with 25 marathons under his belt, Anh is on his way to Gay Games VIII this summer in Cologne, Germany, where he’ll be competing for Team Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley’s delegation to the Gay Games and an umbrella group for eight of the region’s GLBT sporting organizations.

Anh wasn’t always athletic. In fact, the 35-year-old pharmaceutical worker had never participated in sports until after graduating from Drexel in the late ’90s.

“I found the Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club as I was looking for activities within the GLBT community that were alternatives to the gay bar scene,” says Anh, who played with the team for six years and who competed at the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago. He found the Falcons team welcoming and went on to join two more Team Philadelphia groups: Frontrunners, a local GLBT running club, and the Fins Aquatics Club.

Despite being unable to “even swim 50 yards freestyle nonstop” when he started with the Fins, Anh later swam an entire mile in the Schuylkill during in his first triathlon less than two years later.

He credits his coaches for their support, and current Fins club President Kacie King credits the group’s dedication to “working a lot with newer swimmers” and ensuring they “feel comfortable and reach their fitness goals.”

Their approach certainly worked for Anh and the 12 other Fins swimmers who will be joining him this summer in Cologne. Anh will compete in two breast-stroke events as well as the marathon, and hopes to beat his Chicago Games marathon time of 3:43:53.

The Gay Games are the GLBT equivalent of a week-long Olympics. Operating under the philosophy of founder and 1968 decathlete Tom Waddell that “doing one’s personal best should be the paramount goal in any athletic endeavour,” the Games showcase the talents of athletes of every age and skill level, in 35 sports and athletic disciplines. Some of these include figure skating, swimming, soccer, dancesport and even billiards. With no qualifying criteria, and with the majority of disciplines classified by age or ability, all GLBT athletes are welcome to attend and compete against their peers.

Reaching beyond traditional sports, the Gay Games also serve as an international cultural festival. The programming at this year’s Games will feature singers, musicians, dancers, cheerleaders, the International Rainbow Memorial Run (and Quilt) commemorating victims of HIV-AIDS and breast cancer and a sure-to-be impressive visual-arts exhibition. Move It!, will examine the concept of movement beyond its literal interpretation in sports. It’s also worth mentioning that the Games’ opening and closing ceremonies are legendary—think outrageous performances, over-the-top styles, international celebrities, music, dancing and fireworks, with an estimated 34,000 spectators and 12,000-plus participants representing more than 70 countries.

For Anh, competing at this year’s Gay Games isn’t necessarily about winning medals. While he considers it “an honor just to compete with (his) LGBT peers and allies,” Anh’s looking forward to reconnecting with several new friends he met from the last Games in Chicago, and is thrilled that his partner, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Daniel Anders, will be accompanying him to Cologne.

“I feel fortunate to live my life as an openly gay person and to have full acceptance from my family and friends,” he says, “and I hope to inspire others to always strive for their personal best in whatever they do.”

Dutch video report on Gay Games VIII with focus on Opening Ceremony

Track and Field events 2010-2011

Information from the GLITA Yahoo Group.

SEPTEMBER 19
ANNUAL SELF-TRASCENDENT MASTERS T&F MEET
LONG BEACH, CA (USA)
Gay friendly

OCTOBER 2
CLUB WEST MASTER’S MEET
SANTA BARBARA, CA (USA)
Gay friendly

MARCH 16-20
EVACI 2011
GENT (BELGIUM)
Non-gay

JUNE 11
TOURNOI INTERNATIONAL DE PARIS
PARIS (FRANCE)
Gay

JUNE 11 (to be confirmed)
PRIDEGAMES
MANCHESTER (UK)
Gay

JUNE/JULY ??? (to be confirmed)
PRIDE MEET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (USA)
Gay

JULY 6-17
MASTERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
SACRAMENTO, CA (USA)
Non-gay

JULY 21-24
EUROGAMES (track and field program to be confirmed)
ROTTERDAM (THE NETHERLANDS)
Gay

JULY 25-31
NORTH AMERICAN OUTGAMES
VANCOUVER, BC (CANADA) (track and field program to be confirmed)
Gay

JULY 28-31
USA NATIONAL MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
BEREA,OH (USA)
Non-gay

SEPTEMBER 11-17
EUROPEAN MASTER GAMES
LIGNANO SABBIADORO (ITALY)
Non-gay

FGG Ambassador "gives a damn"

Thanks to Judith Light for lending her voice to this cause, with this video:
And this more recent video, produced in the context of the recent recognition of the scourge of suicide among young homosexuals:

Scott Simpson's triathlon

We have already posted on triathlete Scott Simpson's plans for Gay Games VIII (HERE). Now read his post-Games race report.

It has been a whirlwind of racing the past few weeks. I had two races in one of the local race series and had a much improved bike segment and finished fourth in my age group in each race so was feeling a little more confident in my chances of getting onto the podium at the Gay Games.
Making me less confident was finding out that the guy that beat me for the gold medal at the previous Gay Games (2006, Chicago) was returning. My interrupted training and lack of taper added to my doubts about podiuming in my 45-49 age group.
Due to jet lag, I only had an hour's sleep before the triathlon. In retrospect I definitely should have done a better job warming up as I felt very sluggish during the swim. The start was a bit rough and after about 100 metres I saw a pair of feet, slightly faster then me, I wanted to follow. Problem was some dude, swimming the same speed as me on my left, was (unintentionally) blocking my attempts to angle toward those feet and yet was not drafting off them himself. Finally I just reached across his back with my right hand to grab his left shoulder and pulled myself forward and across his back toward those feet. All's fair in love and war. I followed those feet to past the half way point before I decided he was not taking the most direct route to the swim exit and forged my own 'as the crow flies' path.

Keep reading HERE.

Video featuring Opening Ceremony and Martial Arts

A video by Kim Mathi via Facebook.