Dutch TV report features Staffordshire University "TopFan" study

From Red Card Homophobia:

Dutch television program Nieuwsuur (Newshour) recently broadcast an interesting news item about homosexuality still being taboo in the world of football, and discussed possible reasons for this. The video featured Huub ter Haar from the John Blankenstein Foundation, Dutch football captain Mark van Bommel, Ellis Cashmore of Staffordshire University, and Michael van Praag chairman of the KNVB.

You can find the English translation of the video HERE.

In het Nederlands: Waarom zijn voetballers geen homo?

Van Nieuwsuur:

Paris gay rugby club signs national charter against homophobia in sport

Because FGG-member Fédération sportive gaie et lesbienne (FSGL) has been a key player in the development and promotion of the national Charter against homophobia in sport, it went without saying that FSGL member clubs supported the charter.

That was the case until last Monday, when Les Gaillards Parisiens, the FSGL rugby club, realized that it was important for each club to sign the charter, which they did, in the presence of FSGL president Christelle Foucault. We are sure that other clubs will follow: sometimes it's good to say what goes without saying!

Brian Sims to speak this weekend at Carnegie Mellon University conference

Gay Games Ambassador Brian Sims continues his work speaking out at universities with a talk at Carnegie Mellon University's Mosaic Gender Conference. The theme of hist talk will be "LGBT Athletes & Allies". Here is the summary of his presentation:

There has never been a time when LGBT people, especially young people, have had more support and a stronger community than they do right now. All young people, including athletes at all levels, are showing overwhelming support for their LGBT classmates and teammates. They have the support of seemingly unexpected allies from straight soldiers & officers, coaches and professional athletes, statesman & women, to people and communities of solid Faith.

Find more information on the conference HERE.

LGBT sport connection for 2011 Mr. Gay World

Among the candidates for Mr Gay World, organized in Manila from 9-14 March, are two men familiar to friends of the Gay Games.

Stanislav Tanchev of Outsports Bulgaria will be representing Bulgaria (of course), while Michael Holtz, Compete Magazine 2010 Athlete of the Year, will be representing the USA. Good luck to both!

Here is Michael's video for Mr Gay World USA:

More from Blake Skjellerup on Christchurch earthquake

AP Photo/New Zealand Herald, Mark Mitchell

After his Facebook updates, Blake Skjellerup has posted a longer article on Hypervocal about the Christchurch earthquake. ou can help: donations are welcome at the NZ Red Cross. Their website is HERE, but is not always available. An alternative is to donate via the British Red Cross HERE, or via the Australian Red Cross HERE.

Here's an extract from Blake's post:

It breaks my heart to be so far away and not be able to help those who need it. So I am taking to what I know best. For a city already struggling, the latest ‘quake is a blow to the morale of a truly great city. The city came together after the September ‘quake, and the city picked itself up. This time around, the damage is not only superficial — lives have been lost, and the city is unrecognizable.


New Zealand is a picture-perfect country, and Christchurch is no exception. Known as the Garden City, it truly is an amazing place to visit. Today is its darkest day and my thoughts go out to those who have lost loved ones. Disasters like this have everlasting effects on a city and its community, not only emotional and financial, but to the spirit of a community.

For those of you who have always wanted to visit New Zealand, I ask of you this: Save your pennies, rally your friends, and in a year from now, take that trip to the great down under.

Christchurch will welcome you as it seeks to revitalize the city and daily life. Those who have passed will not be forgotten, and in their honor, the city will continue to be the city they loved and called home.

Christchurch will need our love and care for years to come. As important as it is to rebuild the city physically, the rebuilding of the society as a whole will take time. I know that my city will be standing strong. Mother Nature hit us hard, but we will hit back with the rejuvenation of strong, proud city.

As Prime Minister John Key said: “We are a country of pioneers. Whether we came by waka, sailboat, or aeroplane, we came with the conviction that we could build a new life in this country. That great pioneering spirit will come to the fore in Christchurch over the coming months and years. Though lost lives will never be replaced, and though your city will never look the same again, you will rebuild your city, you will rebuild your lives, you will overcome.

Read in full HERE.

Donations are welcome at the NZ Red Cross. Their website is HERE, but is not always available. An alternative is to donate via the British Red Cross HERE, or via the Australian Red Cross HERE.

25 February 2011 / Melbourne fundraiser for AsiaPacific Outgames

Via the Sydney Star Observer:

The Melbourne Spikers Volleyball Club have found a unique way to raise money for their uniforms with a striptease competition at Neverwhere in Collingwood this Friday, February 25.

Whether you’re an OutGames competitor in Wellington, New Zealand or not, it’s a great chance to come along and support the club at the cheeky fundraising event — and who doesn’t like a display of finely-tuned, athletic flesh.

Spikers members can support themselves with this opportunity to save some bucks — competitors and attendees can offset the $10 admission price for themselves and their friends against their uniform costs (so bring nine friends and save yourself $100).

Every competitor who enters this event will also receive $50 off the price of their Spikers uniform, plus another $10 off for every friend who pays at the door on the night.

Competitors will also compete for the major prize of a $300 gift voucher from Snowgum and a free annual membership at the Melbourne Spikers.

If there are any last-minute entrants looking to register, they can do so by calling Chucky on 0403 001 577.

Lil Kit and Miss Chi Chi will be hosts for the night and clothes come off at 10.30pm. Entry is $10 for all.

Bilbao or Cleveland?

Does this look familiar?

It may look familiar, but it's not the Guggenheim in Bilbao... click on "Read more" to see another view of this building.

30 April 2011: 1st US National Same-Sex Dance Championships

From the JustOut blog, news of the 1st USA National Same-Sex DanceSport Championship to be held in Oakland, California:

It’s not exactly Dancing with the Stars but… it kinda sounds better, now that we think about it.

Oakland’s Just Dance Ballroom will host the inaugural USA National Championship same-sex ballroom competition authorized by [FGG-member] NASSPDA (North American Same-Sex Partner Dance Association). The ninth annual April Follies has been designated as the first official competition to grant USA national titles.

First-rate hoofers from at least seven states, Canada and Mexico, including 2010 Male and Female Gay Games Medalists, will twirl on April 30 for the event. Competitions will include beginning and intermediate couples, pro-am pairs, as well as seasoned dancers in a variety of international and American style ballroom events, plus social dance styles such as country & western, swing, salsa, and Argentine tango, as well as formation teams.

The evening Showcase of Champions will feature the USA Championship A Grade and Show Dance Finals along with an open social dance for all — following a complimentary (what else?) dance class to introduce first-time dancers to “the joys of same-sex ballroom dance.”

For those interested in making the journey south to Cali, tickets are $15 (daytime events only), $25 (evening event), or $35 for the entire day. Reduced pricing is available if purchased by March 20. Visit aprilfollies.com, or search “April Follies 2011″ on Facebook for more information.

London Gay Men's Chorus sings "It Gets Better"

Here are some videos for the "It Gets Better" project produced by groups from FGG-member GALA Choruses. Here is London Gay Men's Chorus.

Visit our "It Gets Better" page HERE.



London Gay Men's Chorus (part 1):


London Gay Men's Chorus (part 2):

Groundbreaking for new Cleveland Convention Center, venue for several Gay Games IX events

Construction began January 3, 2011 and the facility is expected to open in September, 2013. Upon completion, the Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center will include a 100,000 square foot medical mart at the northeast corner of St. Clair Avenue and Ontario Street in downtown Cleveland and an adjoining convention center with 230,000 square feet of exhibit hall space. The facility is also set to include more than 92,000 square feet dedicated to meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom overlooking a picturesque Lake Erie.

Gay Games IX events currently scheduled for the Convention Center include Badminton, Billiards, Bodybuilding, Darts, Martial Arts, Powerlifting, and Wrestling.

A thought for our friends in Christchurch

Christchurch Cathedral

We ask our friends around the world to spare a moment for the people of Christchurch, New Zealand, following a second major earthquake, and want to share a message posted by Christchurch-native Blake Skjellerup:

The devastation is surreal, but we Cantabrians are like no other. We stand tall and we stand strong. We are one eyed and extremely proud of our city. Todays devastation saddens us all, but we love our city and will revive her back to her beautiful glory.

For those who want to help. Save your pennies and make that trip to New Zealand you have always wanted to do in a year from now. Christchurch is truly an amazing city. Today is its darkest day and my thoughts go out to those who have lost loved ones. Christchurch will need our love and care for years to come.

Chicago Gay Men's Chorus sings "It Gets Better"

Here are some videos for the "It Gets Better" project produced by groups from FGG-member GALA Choruses. First up, the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus.

Visit our "It Gets Better" page HERE.




Chicago Gay Men's Chorus:

San Franciscans win at San Diego wrestling tournament

photo Gene Dermody

Last weekend took place the 2011 San Diego Free Style Wrestling Tournament, hosted by the San Diego Bulldogs. San Francisco's Golden Gate Wrestling Club took top place, followed closely by the Bulldogs and by Los Angeles.

7 July 2012 / GALA Choruses festival in Denver

More info HERE.

Chris Morgan successfully defends British title

News from Gay Games Ambassador Chris Morgan:

Just finished the British 'Single Event' Championships here in Ipswich and successfully defended my British 'Open' title. 200, 230 and 250 kilos in the deadlift and secured the overall best lifter trophy for the second year running. Well done to all lifters taking part and especially those who qualified for this year's internationals.

Congrats to Chris!

Tom Waddell Award re-presented to Sara Waddell Lewinstein

The scene was the opening session of the 25th Annual San Francisco Golden Gate Classic Invitational Bowling Tournament on the night of Friday 18 February. This occasion was chosen to re-present the 2010 Tom Waddell Award to Gay Games co-founder Sara Waddell Lewinstein.

Originally announced in Cologne, Germany at the Opening Ceremony of Gay Games VIII on 31 July 2010, along with the male award to Brent Nicholson Earle, this was the official "home town" presentation of the prestigious award.

2006 Tom Waddell Award winner Derek Liecty, 2010 winner Sara Waddell Lewinstein, an FGG Marketing Officer Doug LItwin

Just before the bowling action began, FGG Marketing Officer Doug Litwin warmed up the crowd by giving the history of the Tom Waddell Award, explaining that it has only been awarded on six occasions since 1990. He then introduced FGG Honorary Life Member Derek Liecty who explained how big an honor it was to receive the Award in 2006 at Chicago's Gay Games VII. Derek then did a masterful job of introducing Sara Waddell Lewinstein.

Sara gave a heart-felt speech indicating her genuine pleasure in having this award finally "coming home" to San Francisco. Supporting Sara during this presentation ceremony were her daughter Jessica Waddell Lewinstein, partner Sandy, and various other friends and family members.

ESPN.com columnist Mary Buckheit says "It Gets Better"

ESPN.com columnist Mary Buckheit has produced this video for the "It Gets Better" project.

Visit our "It Gets Better" page HERE.

New French sports minister maintains commitment to the fight against homophobia in sport

Chantal Jouanno, the new French minister for sport, has just confirmed again her commitment to the program against homophobia in sport launched by her predecessor Rama Yada, and in which FGG-member Fédération sportive gaie et lesbienne has been a key partner.

The video above was made on the occasion of the Minister's recent visit to Le Refuge*, a shelter for homeless gay and lesbian youth (one of the few of its kind in France). In the video, she explains that she visited Le Refuge because the fight against homophobia is an important part of the ministry's mission to combat all forms of discrimination, and that sport is an effective tool for rebuilding ones self-esteem, because in sport, you can always improve and move forward. She said that she believes, alas, that beyond the young people she met at Le Refuge, there are many more who are excluded by those who are supposed to love them, and who remain invisible. She noted that France lags behind other countries in terms of supporting young gays and lesbians facing rejection from their families.

Ms. Jouanno praised the initiative of Rama Yade, and made clear the new rules for French sports clubs: a "semi-conditionality" of public funding. Clubs will not receive public funds unless they contribute to the fight against homophobia.

* Correction: we originally stated that the visit was to the Montpellier shelter, the best known of the centers run by Le Refuge, when in fact the visit was to the Paris shelter.

8-10 Apr 2011; Elaios welcomes all to its annual tournament, the Juegos del Cierzo

The Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual Sport Club ELAIOS welcomes you to the Sixth LGTB Tournament, widely known as “Juegos del Cierzo”, that will take place at the city of Zaragoza, in the north-east part of Spain, between Friday 8th and Sunday 10th of April 2010.

As in previous games this year we shall have a Multi-Sport event, the traditional volleyball tournament, a mixed tennis tournament, and a woman´s basketball Tournament.

The programme will include a welcome get together for all athletes, a reception party, as well as refreshments during the tournament itself. A dinner will be organised in a restaurant on Saturday night in the centre of the city. A party will also be held after the dinner, starting at midnight. On Sunday we shall be organising a brunch. we will be informing you of more surprises later on. We hope that a big number of athletes will be participating we promise them unforgettable days in our city in an atmosphere on sport and tolerance.

Registration is open through 28th March 2011 (this is the last day possible for payment of the registration fees).

We are already preparing a wide range of activities which we are sure you will enjoy during your stay in Zaragoza.

More info HERE.

San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band at Chinese New Year celebration

The San Francisco Chinese New Year parade took place yesterday, and the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band was part of the fun! Sue Leonardi gave her all.
:)

It's the "Year of the Rabbit", of course.

News from Sydney Mardi Gras Fair Day

A report from Kate Rowe on the the 2011 Mardi Gras Fair Day:

The Fair took place in a sweltering 36°C and 80% humidity Sunday (20th February) in Sydney. Despite the energy-sapping conditions, the crowds were out in force. This is the most popular of the community events of the Mardi Gras festival outside of the parade.

The Sports Village, hosted by FGG-member Team Sydney, was a popular draw with plenty of booths representing many sports and lots of sports displays. Several clubs, including Freezone Volleyball, offered demonstrations to fairgoers.

Friend of the Gay Games Matthew Mitcham was working hard on the stand of his lead sponsor, telecoms company Telstra.

He made sure to ask me to say "hi!" on his behalf to the Federation and its supporters. Matthew will be one of the official commentators for the Mardi Gras Parade on March 5th.

Wayne Morgan, delegate to the FGG from International Frontrunners, was as always helping out at the Sydney Frontrunners stall along with club stalwarts Steve (aka Miss Dollywood) and Jenny.

As for myself, I caught up with several people who attended the Cologne Gay Games and started the conversation on Gay Games IX, which is already generating a good deal of interest.

Next stop, AsiaPacific Outgames, where I'll be representing the FGG. Make sure to stop by accreditation to say hi and to learn more about the Federation and Gay Games IX.

Find more information about the FGG in Wellington at wellington.gaygames.org.

Justin Fashanu gets Hall of Fame banner in Norwich

From The Pink'Un:

Former Norwich City football star Justin Fashanu has had his hall of fame banner unveiled at Carrow Road just days before what would have been his 50th birthday.

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The move to make a banner for Justin has also been hailed as a victory for campaigners battling to kick homophobia out of football.

Justin, who scored 40 goals for the Canaries - including his famous strike against Liverpool in 1980 - in 103 appearances for the club between 1979 and 1981 had to contend with homophobia, prejudice and discrimination throughout his career. He died in 1998 taking his own life in a garage in Shoreditch, London.

Since his tragic death the Justin Campaign has been set up in his honour to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions that exist around gay men in soccer.

Members of the campaign joined bosses at Norwich City Football Club for yesterday’s unveiling of the banner, which is expected to be installed in time for City’s clash with Doncaster on Tuesday, comes just days before a Football v Homophobia day which will be held on Saturday.

David McNally, chief executive of Norwich City Football Club, said: “Justin is a worthy member of the hall of fame with more than 100 appearances for the club and 40 goals at the highest level and in his day was a real star for the football club.”

Mr McNally said both he and the football club were happy to support the Justin Campaign in its objectives because homophobia had no place in football or at Carrow Road.

Keep reading HERE.

En español: Entrevista en Zaragoza TV sobre homofobia en el fútbol

19 Feb 2011 / En español: Jornada Tenis-Natacion-Futbol para Elaios

Hola deportistas!

El sabado 19 de febrero tendra lugar en el PARQUE DEPORTIVO EBRO la primera jornada conjunta de las secciones de Natación y Tenis. La jornada consistira en un torneo interno de tenis de dia completo (que servirá para subir puestos en la clasificación) cuyas fases previas se jugaran por la mañana.

A partir de las 12:00 vendra gente de la seccion de natacion para hacer sus entrenamientos y ayudar a aquellas personas del torneo de tenis que lo deseen a mejorar su tecnica acuatica mediante juegos en la piscina.

A medido dia tendremos comida de hermandad, y por la tarde se jugaran las finales del torneo y en las pistas libres se dara una clase de iniciacion al tenis a los miembros de natacion que asi lo deseen.

Para terminar, iremos a apoyar a la seccion de futbol en su triangular del dia de la homofobia y los que aun podamos con nuestra alma iremos a cenar y salir.

Por favor, si te apetece unirte a esta actividad, ponte en contacto con la seccion de natacion (natacion@elaios.org) ocon la de tenis(tenis@elaios.org)
 

---

Desde el pasado año 2010, el 19 de febrero se conmemora la lucha contra la homofobia en el fútbol. Esta fecha se corresponde con el día de nacimiento de Justin Fashanu, primer y único futbolista relevante que hizo pública su homosexualidad. Para colaborar con la lucha por erradicar la homofobia del fútbol surgió la "Justin Campaign" (http://www.thejustincampaign.com/).

Elaios, por iniciativa de su sección de Fútbol y con el respaldo del Consejo de Gobierno, convoca el primer TORNEO AMISTOSO CONTRA LA HOMOFOBIA EN EL FÚTBOL en el que participarán equipos invitados y el combinado de Elaios. El evento tendrá lugar el día 19 de febrero a las 19:30 horas en el Pabellón Deportivo "Ciudad de Zaragoza" (C/Ntra.Sra.del Salz), en el barrio de Delicias.

Esperamos contar con tu presencia y todo tu apoyo en esta causa!

Ian Roberts on coming out

The Australian interviews former rugby league player Ian Roberts on why gay footballers are still afraid to come out of the closet.

Last year Jason Akermanis warned gay players in the AFL to remain in the closet, saying an openly gay player could "break the fabric of a club.”
That’s absolute bullshit. It really underestimates the intelligence and understanding of people. I am still involved with footy – at arm’s length. I’m still involved with Souths [rugby league] club and in the 20 years since I played with the Rabbitohs I’ve never felt any serious sense of homophobia. That’s rugby league – and I can’t believe the AFL would be much different. The younger AFL players today would be more tolerant than when I was on the field. Break the fabric of a club? He can’t be serious. Who does Akermanis think he is talking to?

Akermanis brought up the issue of players being uncomfortable in the showers and locker rooms with a gay teammate.
(Laughing.) Don’t flatter youself, Aker! That’s all in your own head, man. It was well known in rugby league circles I was gay, long before I came out. Most of my teammates knew I was gay as far back as when I was playing with Souths. The whole locker room thing wasn’t a problem, and nobody behaved any differently to me than any other player. Gareth Thomas [former Wales rugby captain, who came out last year] described how accepting all his teammates were towards him. Not one had a problem with his being gay. And they didn’t start treating him differently once they knew. Every gay sports person should get up and say something if this kind of stupidity is ever raised again. It’s offensive.

Keep reading HERE.

FOOTBALL V HOMOPHOBIA: Today is the International Day Against Homophobia in Football

Find the calendar of events for today and following days HERE.

Among the events is a match held by FGG-member Elaios:

Short film "One on One"

This film reminds us of "Basket et maths", a short film produced by Canal Plus and the French ministry of health and sport:

Gay Games VIII a tourist magnet, helping Cologne set a new record for hotel guests

From the Koelner Stadt Anzeiger:

Cologne hotels hosted approximately 2.6m  guests in 2010, beating the previous record. Hoteliers noted a higher percentage of foreign guests, due to "guest magnets" which included the Ice Hockey World Championships and Gay Games VIII.

Auf Deutsch: Nach Köln – wegen der Passionsspiele

Von Koelner Stadt Anzeiger:

Rund 2,6 Millionen Hotelgäste kamen 2010 nach Köln – das sind mehr als im Rekordjahr 2007. Insbesondere ausländische Gäste besuchten die Stadt häufiger. Dazu beigetragen haben auch „Gästemagnete“ wie die Eishockey-WM und die Photokina.

KÖLN - Der Tourismus in Köln hat eine Rekordmarke erreicht. Nach einer leichten Flautewegen der globalen Wirtschaftskrise übertrifft das Jahresergebnis 2010 sogar das Rekordjahr 2007. Rund 2,6 Millionen Hotelgäste kamen nach Köln und brachten es zusammen auf 4,57 Millionen Übernachtungen. Im Vergleich zum Vorjahr bedeutet das eine Steigerung um 10,7 Prozent. Josef Sommer, Geschäftsführer von Köln-Tourismus, stellte die Zahlen am Donnerstag vor.

Auffallend stark ist der Zuwachs an ausländischen Gästen. Allerdings stellen die Besucher aus Deutschland mit mehr als drei Millionen Übernachtungen nach wie vor die Mehrheit. Elisabeth Thelen, Vorsitzende des Aufsichtsrates von Köln-Tourismus, begrüßte die „Internationalisierung des Besucheraufkommens“ . Entscheidend dazu beigetragen hätten „Gästemagnete“ wie die Eishockey-WM, die Gay Games und die Photokina.