An extract from a great profile in Outsports of a great member of the Gay Games family:
Brigham decided then to try a comeback. While he hadn’t participated much in “gay sports,” he found the Golden Gate Wrestling Club, which happened to be gay and the only adult wrestling club in San Francisco. His first foray onto the mat with the club and with his two new hips left him tapping out every 15 minutes for a break from the pain. That first practice he also suffered a broken rib. He was hooked.
Brigham made a goal of not just attending the 2006 Gay Games but finally participating in the quadrennial event. It was a daunting task. No one had ever competed in a USA Wrestling meet on artificial hips. To accomplish the goal, Brigham knew he would have to do everything that Gene Dermody, the godfather of gay wrestling, told him to do.
What Brigham didn’t expect was that Dermody’s marching orders for him were to become chairman of then national gay organization Wrestling Without Borders and take a seat as an officer of the Federation of Gay Games, the organization that once told him he couldn’t participate. In his time with those groups, Brgiham has emphasized the growth of local gay-sports groups and has been at the forefront of bringing sanity to the drug testing of competitors who have a higher rate of HIV.
While Brigham’s contributions to sports journalism and gay athletics are huge, his deepest legacy may be the one he’s building with San Francisco Alliance Wrestling. The organization was founded in 2007 as an offshoot of the LGBT wrestling group, Golden Gate Wrestling Club. SFAW’s mission is to provide access to the sport of wrestling for the city’s youth. It’s called “Alliance Wrestling” because not only is it an alliance of resources between the city and Golden Gate Wrestling Club, it’s also an alliance between straight people and gay people.
In his role with SFAW, Brigham is also the head coach of the Mission High School wrestling team. Brigham has built a strong reputation for himself not just at the school but also across high schools in the city. Not only does he produce some top-notch wrestlers, he also teaches life lessons that his athletes carry with them beyond the mat.
Read the full profile HERE.
Featured events
| 7-9 September 2012 Brussels Games Brussels ![]() Learn more HERE. | 26-28 October 2012 QueergamesBern Bern, Switzerland The success of the first edition of the QueergamesBern proved the need for an LGBT multisport event in Switzerland. This year will be even bigger, with badminton, bowling, running, walking, floorball. Learn more HERE. | 17-20 January 2013 Sin City Shootout Las Vegas ![]() Learn more HERE. | 13-16 June 2013 IGLFA Euro Cup Dublin ![]() Learn more HERE. |
Friday, January 21, 2011
Outstanding Outsports profile of Roger Brigham
Outsports on their GLAAD Media Awards nomination and other sports stories
More from Outsports on the GLAAD Media Awards:
We were thrilled to hear yesterday that Outsports has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for the second year in a row. Jim’s piece last winter that introduced Hudson Taylor to the world was nominated for best Digitial Journalism article along with four other articles.
Other sports pieces nominated include two documentary films (Prodigal Sons and Out. The Glenn Burke Story), an article on ESPN.com, an episode of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel about transgender sportswriters and an article by LZ Granderson about Johnny Weir’s sexual orientation.
We were very proud of the work we did in 2010 and also submitted three pieces that were not nominated: our video coverage of the Gay Games in Cologne, our groundbreaking article on Kye Allums and former college lacrosse captain Andrew McIntosh’s first-person account of coming out.
Read with links HERE.
We were thrilled to hear yesterday that Outsports has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for the second year in a row. Jim’s piece last winter that introduced Hudson Taylor to the world was nominated for best Digitial Journalism article along with four other articles.
Other sports pieces nominated include two documentary films (Prodigal Sons and Out. The Glenn Burke Story), an article on ESPN.com, an episode of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel about transgender sportswriters and an article by LZ Granderson about Johnny Weir’s sexual orientation.
We were very proud of the work we did in 2010 and also submitted three pieces that were not nominated: our video coverage of the Gay Games in Cologne, our groundbreaking article on Kye Allums and former college lacrosse captain Andrew McIntosh’s first-person account of coming out.
Read with links HERE.
En français: Emission radio sur sport et homosexualité avec la nouvelle présidente de la FSGL
La dernière émission "Ce n'est que de l'amour" de la station de radio RCN traitait du sport LGBT. Parmi les invités, la joueuse de foot de loin la plus connue en France, Marinette Pichon, qui est intervenue dans le documentaire Sport et homosexualité, c'est quoi le problème ? de Michel Royer, l'athlète nantais Teddy Francisot (lire notre article ICI), et Pascal Brèthes de Paris Foot Gay qui annonce que la Fédération française de football va signer la Charte contre l'homophobie dans le sport, et collaborer avec PFG sur des modules de formation.
Et bien entendu, dans l'une de ses premières interventions publiques, Christelle Foucault, nouvelle présidente de la Fédération sportive gaie et lesbienne.
Vous pouvez écouter cette émission sur le site de la radio ICI, ou sur notre lecteur ci-dessous:
Et bien entendu, dans l'une de ses premières interventions publiques, Christelle Foucault, nouvelle présidente de la Fédération sportive gaie et lesbienne.
Vous pouvez écouter cette émission sur le site de la radio ICI, ou sur notre lecteur ci-dessous:
Em português: Estão abertas as inscrições para a Liga de Voleibol GLS de São Paulo
Este artigo é a partir do site Gay1.com.br:
Estão abertas as inscrições para a segunda edição do campeonato da UNILIGA – Liga de Voleibol GLS de São Paulo, organizado pelo Comitê Desportivo GLS Brasileiro – CDG Brasil. A competição será realizada nos meses de março, abril e maio, e marca a abertura do calendário de eventos esportivos de 2011, onde a comunidade LGBT poderá se integrar e gerar visibilidade através do esporte.
Continuar lendo AQUI.
Estão abertas as inscrições para a segunda edição do campeonato da UNILIGA – Liga de Voleibol GLS de São Paulo, organizado pelo Comitê Desportivo GLS Brasileiro – CDG Brasil. A competição será realizada nos meses de março, abril e maio, e marca a abertura do calendário de eventos esportivos de 2011, onde a comunidade LGBT poderá se integrar e gerar visibilidade através do esporte.
Continuar lendo AQUI.
Help get the "Walk the Road" guys on "Ellen"!
From Outsports:
Gwen Samelson, an artist and business consultant who lives on Whidbey Island north of Seattle, was so enamored to hear about the three openly gay high school athletes who started a blog that she has set up a Facebook page to try and get them on the “Ellen” show.
Read more about this great idea HERE, and join the Facebook appeal HERE.
Gwen Samelson, an artist and business consultant who lives on Whidbey Island north of Seattle, was so enamored to hear about the three openly gay high school athletes who started a blog that she has set up a Facebook page to try and get them on the “Ellen” show.
Read more about this great idea HERE, and join the Facebook appeal HERE.
En français: Un jeune athlète participe aux Gay Games avec le soutien de la FSGL et de son club
Du quotidien Ouest-France:
Teddy Francisot, sociétaire du Racing Club Nantais et médaillé aux « Gay games » a dévoilé publiquement son homosexualité. Mais il veut avant tout être considéré comme un athlète.
Comme les Jeux Olympiques les Gay Games se déroulent tous les 4 ans. Une compétition sportive où les gays et lesbiennes aiment à se retrouver, même si elle est ouverte à tous, contrairement à ce que l'on peut penser.
Teddy Francisot est étudiant en droit, il a 23 ans, il est aussi homosexuel. Mais, si on ajoute cette précision c'est parce que ce sportif que l'on peut qualifier de haut niveau, aujourd'hui licencié au Racing Club Nantais, le revendique : « Il est difficile dans le petit monde du sport, surtout si l'on est jeune de faire son coming out (révélation publique) sans en avoir des retombées négatives. Le syndrome des vestiaires c'est une réalité. La meilleure des preuves : il y a très peu de sportifs professionnels qui osent révéler leur homosexualité. Moi, cela ne me gêne pas, si mon exemple peut être un espoir pour tous ces jeunes qui souffrent en silence, qui se renferment sur eux-mêmes, qui trop souvent se suicident. Parce qu'ils n'ont personne à qui se confier »
L'athlétisme et lui, c'est une histoire toute récente, elle date d'un an : « J'ai hésité longtemps, je suis un flemmard, l'entraînement ce n'est pas trop mon truc, il a fallu que je me force... » C'est du passé, peut-être aussi parce que l'homme est devenu très vite incontournable chez les sprinters, aux interclubs. Cette pointe de vitesse il a eu l'envie de la confronter à d'autres homosexuels lors des Gay Games, en août dernier, à Cologne : « J'ai découvert cette compétition sur Internet. J'ai tout de suite voulu y participer... » Sauf que l'étudiant en droit qu'il est a des moyens financiers limités. La Fédération Sportive Gay et Lesbienne lui finança son inscription (160 €) et le Racing Club Nantais lui a payé son déplacement. (150 €)
Pour Jean-Luc Lanoë, le président du RCN, c'est une décision normale, prise à l'unanimité par le bureau : « Il est venu nous demander un coup de main. Un club c'est une grande famille, nous l'avons aidé comme nous l'aurions fait pour une autre demande si elle se rapportait à l'athlétisme. Mais, ce n'est pas pour autant qu'il faut accrocher l'insigne gay au fronton du RC Nantes. On respecte les convictions politiques et religieuses de chacun, elles ne doivent pas venir s'immiscer dans la vie du club. »
Ce petit coup de pouce, Teddy Francisot l'a apprécié : « Le RCN n'est pas un club concerné par les gays, ce qu'il a fait, m'a conforté, démontré que j'étais intégré. Surtout que moi pour progresser j'ai besoin du groupe. Ce groupe, je l'ai trouvé au RC Nantes, mais aussi aux Gay Games... » Des jeux d'où il a ramené 2 médailles d'or : sur 100 m remporté en 11''03, son record sur la distance, et sur 200 m gagné en 23''10. Deux médailles qui lui ont valu les félicitations de ses coéquipiers... mais pas de ses parents. « Ils ne savent pas que je suis homosexuel. Je ne pense pas que le moment soit venu de leur dire... »
Teddy Francisot, sociétaire du Racing Club Nantais et médaillé aux « Gay games » a dévoilé publiquement son homosexualité. Mais il veut avant tout être considéré comme un athlète.
Comme les Jeux Olympiques les Gay Games se déroulent tous les 4 ans. Une compétition sportive où les gays et lesbiennes aiment à se retrouver, même si elle est ouverte à tous, contrairement à ce que l'on peut penser.
Teddy Francisot est étudiant en droit, il a 23 ans, il est aussi homosexuel. Mais, si on ajoute cette précision c'est parce que ce sportif que l'on peut qualifier de haut niveau, aujourd'hui licencié au Racing Club Nantais, le revendique : « Il est difficile dans le petit monde du sport, surtout si l'on est jeune de faire son coming out (révélation publique) sans en avoir des retombées négatives. Le syndrome des vestiaires c'est une réalité. La meilleure des preuves : il y a très peu de sportifs professionnels qui osent révéler leur homosexualité. Moi, cela ne me gêne pas, si mon exemple peut être un espoir pour tous ces jeunes qui souffrent en silence, qui se renferment sur eux-mêmes, qui trop souvent se suicident. Parce qu'ils n'ont personne à qui se confier »
L'athlétisme et lui, c'est une histoire toute récente, elle date d'un an : « J'ai hésité longtemps, je suis un flemmard, l'entraînement ce n'est pas trop mon truc, il a fallu que je me force... » C'est du passé, peut-être aussi parce que l'homme est devenu très vite incontournable chez les sprinters, aux interclubs. Cette pointe de vitesse il a eu l'envie de la confronter à d'autres homosexuels lors des Gay Games, en août dernier, à Cologne : « J'ai découvert cette compétition sur Internet. J'ai tout de suite voulu y participer... » Sauf que l'étudiant en droit qu'il est a des moyens financiers limités. La Fédération Sportive Gay et Lesbienne lui finança son inscription (160 €) et le Racing Club Nantais lui a payé son déplacement. (150 €)
Pour Jean-Luc Lanoë, le président du RCN, c'est une décision normale, prise à l'unanimité par le bureau : « Il est venu nous demander un coup de main. Un club c'est une grande famille, nous l'avons aidé comme nous l'aurions fait pour une autre demande si elle se rapportait à l'athlétisme. Mais, ce n'est pas pour autant qu'il faut accrocher l'insigne gay au fronton du RC Nantes. On respecte les convictions politiques et religieuses de chacun, elles ne doivent pas venir s'immiscer dans la vie du club. »
Ce petit coup de pouce, Teddy Francisot l'a apprécié : « Le RCN n'est pas un club concerné par les gays, ce qu'il a fait, m'a conforté, démontré que j'étais intégré. Surtout que moi pour progresser j'ai besoin du groupe. Ce groupe, je l'ai trouvé au RC Nantes, mais aussi aux Gay Games... » Des jeux d'où il a ramené 2 médailles d'or : sur 100 m remporté en 11''03, son record sur la distance, et sur 200 m gagné en 23''10. Deux médailles qui lui ont valu les félicitations de ses coéquipiers... mais pas de ses parents. « Ils ne savent pas que je suis homosexuel. Je ne pense pas que le moment soit venu de leur dire... »
Thursday, January 20, 2011
GLAAD Media Awards nominations include LGBT sport
The GLAAD Media Awards nominations have been announced, and several nominees are of particular interest to readers of this blog, including in the category "Outstanding Documentary" Out. The Glenn Burke Story from Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.
Also honored were multiple news stories on Don't Ask, Don't Tell featuring friend of the Gay Games, photographer Jeff Sheng.
But our particular congratulations go to a nominee for "Outstanding Digital Journalism Article", Outsports's Jim Buzinski for his article "Wrestler Hudson Taylor a Champion for Gay Rights". We wish Jim the best of luck for this award.
More info HERE.
Also honored were multiple news stories on Don't Ask, Don't Tell featuring friend of the Gay Games, photographer Jeff Sheng.
But our particular congratulations go to a nominee for "Outstanding Digital Journalism Article", Outsports's Jim Buzinski for his article "Wrestler Hudson Taylor a Champion for Gay Rights". We wish Jim the best of luck for this award.
More info HERE.
The Gay Games legacy for LGBT sport in host cities
Ted Cappas was sport co-chair for Gay Games VII, and is now a leader in the host organization of the Gay Softwall World Series this summer in Chicago. In this extract from a story from the Windy City Times, he speaks of the impact of hosting the Gay Games on LGBT sport in Chicago:
"The World Series is another chapter in the ongoing legacy of Chicago's gay and lesbian sports community. Our ability to succeed is built on the strength of our numerous sports leagues and our past successes in hosting various sporting events and tournaments. We hope to raise awareness in the community, outreach to new sponsors and build on our sports communities prior successes, so that the next generation of leagues, tournaments and events can continue to flourish and succeed."
Cappas, 39, has played in six past Series (Toronto, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Dallas, Portland and Fort Lauderdale), and his biggest fear for Chicago is out of his control: the weather.
"With any outdoor sporting event, weather is always the biggest concern," he said. "We are working [with] our facilities to build in schedule contingencies to adjust as needed."
The eight-member executive board for Series 2011 also includes: Jack Neilsen (founder and director), Joe Cappelletti (director of finance), Aaron Brost (director of marketing and special events), Brian Redar (director of operations), Bob Moore (director of volunteers), Larry Kuhn (director of sponsorship) and Olin Eargle (director of fundraising events).
"The 2006 Gay Games [in Chicago were] very influential in shaping our decision-making," Cappas said. "Two of our board members were executive board members of Chicago 2006 Gay Games and a third [Series 2011] board member ran the softball competition during the Gay Games. Having that experience and being able to capitalize and learn from the successes and failures [of] the 2006 Gay Games and the other sporting events we have all been part of is very beneficial."
Read the full article HERE.
"The World Series is another chapter in the ongoing legacy of Chicago's gay and lesbian sports community. Our ability to succeed is built on the strength of our numerous sports leagues and our past successes in hosting various sporting events and tournaments. We hope to raise awareness in the community, outreach to new sponsors and build on our sports communities prior successes, so that the next generation of leagues, tournaments and events can continue to flourish and succeed."
Cappas, 39, has played in six past Series (Toronto, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Dallas, Portland and Fort Lauderdale), and his biggest fear for Chicago is out of his control: the weather.
"With any outdoor sporting event, weather is always the biggest concern," he said. "We are working [with] our facilities to build in schedule contingencies to adjust as needed."
The eight-member executive board for Series 2011 also includes: Jack Neilsen (founder and director), Joe Cappelletti (director of finance), Aaron Brost (director of marketing and special events), Brian Redar (director of operations), Bob Moore (director of volunteers), Larry Kuhn (director of sponsorship) and Olin Eargle (director of fundraising events).
"The 2006 Gay Games [in Chicago were] very influential in shaping our decision-making," Cappas said. "Two of our board members were executive board members of Chicago 2006 Gay Games and a third [Series 2011] board member ran the softball competition during the Gay Games. Having that experience and being able to capitalize and learn from the successes and failures [of] the 2006 Gay Games and the other sporting events we have all been part of is very beneficial."
Read the full article HERE.
NZ Gay Games VIII participants victims of lesbophobic hate crime: UPDATE
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| The couple appeared (front) on the big screen at Opening Ceremony of Gay Games VIII |
UPDATE: Donations can be made by credit card via the Gay Auckland Business Association HERE. And a Facebook page supporting the couple can be found HERE.
An extract from a GayNZ.com story about a hate crime against members of the Gay Games family, singers in GALS:
On Saturday the 8th January, civil union partners Lindsay Curnow and Juliet Leigh found the words "filthy dikes" [sic] scrawled on the packing shed of their Mangawhai Heads-based business Blooming Bulbs. "Dirty dikes" was written on the wall of their house, while their car was also targeted with "dikes trash".
The following Saturday, the packing shed was set on fire. It was ultimately so badly damaged it has to be destroyed, in a crime which has left the couple and their local community in utter shock.
Read in full HERE.
NASSPDA event raises funds for California Gay Games DanceSport participants
An extract from a great article in the Sacramento Press on the third annual Dancing in the River City Same-Sex Dance Competition in Sacramento, California:
The North American Same-Sex Partner Dance Association (NASSPDA) 2011 California State titles were awarded in the day-long competition.
Competitors included several current and former world, European and national champions, and competitors from “So You Think You Can Dance.” Local dancers from beginner status through professional instructors showed off their best moves to an appreciative audience.
Four years ago, a group of same-sex dancers in Sacramento created a partnership, raising funds to send dancers to the international Gay Games, an Olympics-style competition of 35 different sports. By organizing the annual Dancing in the River City competition and dance shows, the group was able to sponsor 10 dancers to the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany.
Cindy Mills has been dancing for eight years and has seen the same-sex dance phenomenon grow with every event.
“Ballroom dancing takes years to master, and the level of dancing in Sacramento is getting higher all the time,” she said.
“We (U.S. dancers) did very well in Cologne. U.S. dancers are finally starting to catch up with European dancers who have had structured same-sex ballroom for far longer,” Mills continued.
Mills won gold and silver medals in Cologne with her Latin dance partner, Elly Bishop. Mills and her partner of 25 years, Annette Wegesend, are instrumental in organizing and producing this annual dance event.
She said she hopes to send even more dancers to the 2014 Gay Games in Cleveland. Proceeds from the annual competition and show go to fund that endeavor.
Dancing With Pride, the same-sex dance instruction program at The Ballroom, is led by Robbie Tristan, a three-time world champion with European titles and Gay Games gold medals to his credit.
Read the full article, with plenty of great photos, HERE.
The North American Same-Sex Partner Dance Association (NASSPDA) 2011 California State titles were awarded in the day-long competition.
Competitors included several current and former world, European and national champions, and competitors from “So You Think You Can Dance.” Local dancers from beginner status through professional instructors showed off their best moves to an appreciative audience.
Four years ago, a group of same-sex dancers in Sacramento created a partnership, raising funds to send dancers to the international Gay Games, an Olympics-style competition of 35 different sports. By organizing the annual Dancing in the River City competition and dance shows, the group was able to sponsor 10 dancers to the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany.
Cindy Mills has been dancing for eight years and has seen the same-sex dance phenomenon grow with every event.
“Ballroom dancing takes years to master, and the level of dancing in Sacramento is getting higher all the time,” she said.
“We (U.S. dancers) did very well in Cologne. U.S. dancers are finally starting to catch up with European dancers who have had structured same-sex ballroom for far longer,” Mills continued.
Mills won gold and silver medals in Cologne with her Latin dance partner, Elly Bishop. Mills and her partner of 25 years, Annette Wegesend, are instrumental in organizing and producing this annual dance event.
She said she hopes to send even more dancers to the 2014 Gay Games in Cleveland. Proceeds from the annual competition and show go to fund that endeavor.
Dancing With Pride, the same-sex dance instruction program at The Ballroom, is led by Robbie Tristan, a three-time world champion with European titles and Gay Games gold medals to his credit.
Read the full article, with plenty of great photos, HERE.
Matthew Mitcham supports participation of women in sport
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| Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images AsiaPac |
Basketballer Liz Cambage and Diver Matthew Mitcham at a media call during the Support Women in Sport launch at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 19, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. The aim of the campaign is to encourage more than 100,000 Australian women who do not participate in sport pick up an activity in 2011 and to celebrate female athletes whose achievements often go unrecognised.
More info on the program HERE.
John Amaechi says the NBA's still Don't Ask, Don't Tell with gays
From a story on Gay Games Ambassador John Amaechi in The Improper:
John Amaechi, the only National Basketball Association player to openly proclaim his homosexuality, says the league follows the same “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with gays that was just outlawed in the military by Congress. Amaechi, who is now retired, spoke at an event in New York City last night (Jan. 18) at the opening of a new gay and lesbian art exhibit.
After his retirement from the NBA in 2007, Amaechi became the first openly gay NBA player. He says there are still many homosexual players in the NBA today, but neither fans, nor television viewers would know it, although fellow players might.
Amaechi set the league on its ear when he recounted his experience in his 2007 memoir “Man in the Middle,” which details the disdain for gay professional basketball players in the NBA.
He said his former Utah Jazz coach, Jerry Sloan is typical of the league’s insensitivity toward gay players. “I don’t know if I’ve ever been called the C-word so much as when I was there,” he said of his experience playing for the Jazz. “I do not like him, he does not like me,” Amaechi said recalling the time on the team.
He said he’s had no contact with the Sloan since he left the team.
Keep reading HERE.
John Amaechi, the only National Basketball Association player to openly proclaim his homosexuality, says the league follows the same “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with gays that was just outlawed in the military by Congress. Amaechi, who is now retired, spoke at an event in New York City last night (Jan. 18) at the opening of a new gay and lesbian art exhibit.
After his retirement from the NBA in 2007, Amaechi became the first openly gay NBA player. He says there are still many homosexual players in the NBA today, but neither fans, nor television viewers would know it, although fellow players might.
Amaechi set the league on its ear when he recounted his experience in his 2007 memoir “Man in the Middle,” which details the disdain for gay professional basketball players in the NBA.
He said his former Utah Jazz coach, Jerry Sloan is typical of the league’s insensitivity toward gay players. “I don’t know if I’ve ever been called the C-word so much as when I was there,” he said of his experience playing for the Jazz. “I do not like him, he does not like me,” Amaechi said recalling the time on the team.
He said he’s had no contact with the Sloan since he left the team.
Keep reading HERE.
| Amazon.com: | Amazon.ca: | Amazon.co.uk: | Amazon.de: | Amazon.fr: |
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Look back at 2010 Team DC model search and fashion show
Fashion Show and Model Search.....CALL FOR MODELS!
The Team DC Fashion Show and Model Search is coming up on Saturday, March 12 at Town DanceBoutique and we are looking for 10 male models to strut their stuff and the latest in swimsuits, clubwear, athletic uniforms and leather. If you think you have the right stuff, you can apply online atwww.teamdc.org. Only 10 models will be selected and the deadline to apply is Saturday, February 5.
The winner of the Model Search will receive $500 cash, a professional photoshoot from Robert Mercer Photography and have a chance to be in the 2012 Ripped Genes Calendar. (Last year's winner Shawn Stingel was Mr. March....take a look at http://wmgladiator.blogspot.com/2010/08/2011-ripped-genes-calendar-model.html) This year's winner will also be on the cover of the May issue of Compete Magazine!
More info HERE.
The Team DC Fashion Show and Model Search is coming up on Saturday, March 12 at Town DanceBoutique and we are looking for 10 male models to strut their stuff and the latest in swimsuits, clubwear, athletic uniforms and leather. If you think you have the right stuff, you can apply online atwww.teamdc.org. Only 10 models will be selected and the deadline to apply is Saturday, February 5.
The winner of the Model Search will receive $500 cash, a professional photoshoot from Robert Mercer Photography and have a chance to be in the 2012 Ripped Genes Calendar. (Last year's winner Shawn Stingel was Mr. March....take a look at http://wmgladiator.blogspot.com/2010/08/2011-ripped-genes-calendar-model.html) This year's winner will also be on the cover of the May issue of Compete Magazine!
More info HERE.
Focus on Cleveland+Akron: NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Championship
The 2nd and 3rd rounds of the NCAA (university sport) Division 1 Men's Basketball Championship will take place from March 18 to March 20 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, hosted by Cleveland State University.
Focus on Cleveland+Akron: NCAA National Collegiate Women's Gymnastics Championships
The NCAA (university sport) National Collegiate Women's Gymnastics Championships will take place from April 15 to April 17 at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center.
Team DC looking for models for fashion show and model search fundraiser
Fashion Show and Model Search.....CALL FOR MODELS!
The Team DC Fashion Show and Model Search is coming up on Saturday, March 12 at Town DanceBoutique and we are looking for 10 male models to strut their stuff and the latest in swimsuits, clubwear, athletic uniforms and leather. If you think you have the right stuff, you can apply online atwww.teamdc.org. Only 10 models will be selected and the deadline to apply is Saturday, February 5.
The winner of the Model Search will receive $500 cash, a professional photoshoot from Robert Mercer Photography and have a chance to be in the 2012 Ripped Genes Calendar. (Last year's winner Shawn Stingel was Mr. March....take a look at http://wmgladiator.blogspot.com/2010/08/2011-ripped-genes-calendar-model.html) This year's winner will also be on the cover of the May issue of Compete Magazine!
More info HERE.
The Team DC Fashion Show and Model Search is coming up on Saturday, March 12 at Town DanceBoutique and we are looking for 10 male models to strut their stuff and the latest in swimsuits, clubwear, athletic uniforms and leather. If you think you have the right stuff, you can apply online atwww.teamdc.org. Only 10 models will be selected and the deadline to apply is Saturday, February 5.
The winner of the Model Search will receive $500 cash, a professional photoshoot from Robert Mercer Photography and have a chance to be in the 2012 Ripped Genes Calendar. (Last year's winner Shawn Stingel was Mr. March....take a look at http://wmgladiator.blogspot.com/2010/08/2011-ripped-genes-calendar-model.html) This year's winner will also be on the cover of the May issue of Compete Magazine!
More info HERE.
Our latest Amazon store: Amazon.co.uk
To visit our latest Amazon online store, Amazon.co.uk, click HERE.

Vous trouverez la nouvelle boutique en ligne Amazon.fr ICI.
For the German Amazon.de store, click HERE.
For the US Amazon.com store, click HERE.

Vous trouverez la nouvelle boutique en ligne Amazon.fr ICI.
For the German Amazon.de store, click HERE.
For the US Amazon.com store, click HERE.
To visit our latest Amazon online store, Amazon.co.uk, click HERE.
For the US Amazon.com store, click HERE.

Vous trouverez la nouvelle boutique en ligne Amazon.fr ICI.
For the US Amazon.com store, click HERE.
Blake Skjellerup launches new Facebook page with a post on his hopes for a better future
Blake Skjellerup is a competitive short track speed skater who competed for New Zealand in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, shortly after which he came out. Blake trains and lives in Calgary, Canada, where he will spend the next 3 years preparing for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Here's an extract from a great post on Hypervocal:
As a little boy, life in front of me was very much predetermined and defined. A house, a wife, 2 kids and a dog — that’s what society showed me. Twenty years down the road, life could not be any more different. I will never have a wife. If I want kids, I can’t just get my jolly on. And I hate dogs: They smell and I don’t like hair.
As we hope, want and wait for equality across the board, I have always said that laws can be changed, but opinions are made.
On the road to an equal and safe tomorrow, my belief is that the way to an equal and prosperous tomorrow is through education and illustration. Like a children’s book where you have to choose the answer, life is very much the same. We have questions, and there are answers, but to each and every person no one answer will ever be the same. We are individuals for a reason, to be exactly that, different in our characteristics, to hold individual traits of style, beliefs and norms.
Keep reading HERE. And you can join Blake's new fan page on Facebook HERE.
As a little boy, life in front of me was very much predetermined and defined. A house, a wife, 2 kids and a dog — that’s what society showed me. Twenty years down the road, life could not be any more different. I will never have a wife. If I want kids, I can’t just get my jolly on. And I hate dogs: They smell and I don’t like hair.
As we hope, want and wait for equality across the board, I have always said that laws can be changed, but opinions are made.
On the road to an equal and safe tomorrow, my belief is that the way to an equal and prosperous tomorrow is through education and illustration. Like a children’s book where you have to choose the answer, life is very much the same. We have questions, and there are answers, but to each and every person no one answer will ever be the same. We are individuals for a reason, to be exactly that, different in our characteristics, to hold individual traits of style, beliefs and norms.
Keep reading HERE. And you can join Blake's new fan page on Facebook HERE.
Campus Progress reports on Athlete Ally and new NCAA policies
From Campus Progress:
It’s been more than 35 years since David Kopay, former NFL running back, came out as openly gay. He was the first athlete in this country’s three major sports (football, basketball, and baseball) to do so. But openly gay or transgender athletes are still exceedingly rare in modern professional sports.
Now a recent initiative aims to make the world of sports friendlier to LGBTQ athletes by giving support to K-12 schools to create an environment of acceptance and respect. Hudson Taylor, a college wrestling coach at Columbia, has launched Athlete Ally, a social media campaign to motivate those in the sports world to accept and welcome LGBTQ athletes. As of this writing, over 1,200 people have already signed the pledge he's created at the newly launched website.
Keep reading HERE.
It’s been more than 35 years since David Kopay, former NFL running back, came out as openly gay. He was the first athlete in this country’s three major sports (football, basketball, and baseball) to do so. But openly gay or transgender athletes are still exceedingly rare in modern professional sports.
Now a recent initiative aims to make the world of sports friendlier to LGBTQ athletes by giving support to K-12 schools to create an environment of acceptance and respect. Hudson Taylor, a college wrestling coach at Columbia, has launched Athlete Ally, a social media campaign to motivate those in the sports world to accept and welcome LGBTQ athletes. As of this writing, over 1,200 people have already signed the pledge he's created at the newly launched website.
Keep reading HERE.
HerFanz Fling at NCAA Women's Final Four in Indianapolis
During the Women's NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis, you can take advantage of the "HerFanz Fling". It will take place on Saturday, April 2, 2011, 5:30-9:00pm, and among the sponsors are our friends at Olivia Travel. More info HERE.
From the presentation of the origins of the event:
In addition to bringing women sports fans together just for fun, the next Fling and, if needed, every Fling hereafter will take a stand against homophobia in women’s sports. We will raise awareness to the devastating impact of homophobia, advocate for change, and embrace those who have been negatively affected. It’s not only players and coaches, but also fans who are affected by homophobia.
To help us on this mission, will be the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Sports Project [note: NCLR's Sports Project received the first FGG Legacy Award in 2007]. NCLR’s Sports Project aims to level the playing field for LGBT players and coaches. More than 30 years ago, Title IX changed athletics forever by requiring that women and girls have equal access to sporting and athletic opportunities. Today NCLR's advocacy, public education, and high-profile cases have the potential to equalize the treatment of LGBT athletes in this century. The NCLR seeks nothing less than a world in which openly LGBT sports figures can be hailed as champions and role models at every level of competition.
So this is how I came up with the idea to produce a party in the host city of the Women’s College Basketball Championships and how we can support one another to make our world a better place. We can also have a lot of fun doing it! I hope to meet you in Indianapolis!
From the presentation of the origins of the event:
In addition to bringing women sports fans together just for fun, the next Fling and, if needed, every Fling hereafter will take a stand against homophobia in women’s sports. We will raise awareness to the devastating impact of homophobia, advocate for change, and embrace those who have been negatively affected. It’s not only players and coaches, but also fans who are affected by homophobia.
To help us on this mission, will be the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Sports Project [note: NCLR's Sports Project received the first FGG Legacy Award in 2007]. NCLR’s Sports Project aims to level the playing field for LGBT players and coaches. More than 30 years ago, Title IX changed athletics forever by requiring that women and girls have equal access to sporting and athletic opportunities. Today NCLR's advocacy, public education, and high-profile cases have the potential to equalize the treatment of LGBT athletes in this century. The NCLR seeks nothing less than a world in which openly LGBT sports figures can be hailed as champions and role models at every level of competition.
So this is how I came up with the idea to produce a party in the host city of the Women’s College Basketball Championships and how we can support one another to make our world a better place. We can also have a lot of fun doing it! I hope to meet you in Indianapolis!
Outsports and Equality California promoting first LGBT night with LA Clippers basketball team
From Outsports:
The NOH8 Campaign is joining us for Equality Night with the Los Angeles Clippers. The event, on Wednesday, Feb. 2, is the first LGBT night with the NBA team. The first 50 people to arrive at the event’s cocktail reception (starting at 6pm on the City View Terrace at Staples Center) will have their NOH8 photos taken for the campaign. The campaign sees it as another opportunity to challenge stereotypes; The event will be the largest LGBT night at an NBA game ever.
More info HERE.
The NOH8 Campaign is joining us for Equality Night with the Los Angeles Clippers. The event, on Wednesday, Feb. 2, is the first LGBT night with the NBA team. The first 50 people to arrive at the event’s cocktail reception (starting at 6pm on the City View Terrace at Staples Center) will have their NOH8 photos taken for the campaign. The campaign sees it as another opportunity to challenge stereotypes; The event will be the largest LGBT night at an NBA game ever.
More info HERE.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Ben Cohen and Hudson Taylor, together at last!
From Outsports:
Ben Cohen and Hudson Taylor, the two strongest straight allies in the fight against homophobia in sports, met in New York this weekend and will work together on their joint passion.
Wrote Cohen on his Facebook page:
Met Hudson Taylor last night what a great guy. We share the same passion on homophobia in sport and life in general. We also support the same charity’s which are GLSEN and It Gets Better campaign. This guy is a wrestler and is well on the way to being a Olympic champion.
Keep reading HERE.
Ben Cohen and Hudson Taylor, the two strongest straight allies in the fight against homophobia in sports, met in New York this weekend and will work together on their joint passion.
Wrote Cohen on his Facebook page:
Met Hudson Taylor last night what a great guy. We share the same passion on homophobia in sport and life in general. We also support the same charity’s which are GLSEN and It Gets Better campaign. This guy is a wrestler and is well on the way to being a Olympic champion.
Keep reading HERE.
At long last, we can see the beautiful Golden Rik Awards won by Gay Games VIII
Here are the Golden Rik Awards won by Games Cologne, one for the best event (Gay Games VIII) and the other for best cultural event (Gay Games VIII opening ceremony). Congrats to all the volunteers of Games Cologne and SC Janus!
And while we're looking back at Gay Games VIII, thanks to Felix from SC Janus for helping to get an important shipment of goods from Cologne back to San Francisco! The last box has arrived, and everything seems to be in one piece.
Shipping issues provided the behind-the-scenes drama for Gay Games VIII, so thanks to the Games Cologne volunteers, to Darl Schaaff and Doug Litwin from the FGG, Valarie McCall from the City of Cleveland, and from several other people who spent a great deal of time and effort in trying to sort out some messy situations!
And while we're looking back at Gay Games VIII, thanks to Felix from SC Janus for helping to get an important shipment of goods from Cologne back to San Francisco! The last box has arrived, and everything seems to be in one piece.
Shipping issues provided the behind-the-scenes drama for Gay Games VIII, so thanks to the Games Cologne volunteers, to Darl Schaaff and Doug Litwin from the FGG, Valarie McCall from the City of Cleveland, and from several other people who spent a great deal of time and effort in trying to sort out some messy situations!
Auf Deutsch: Goldenen Rik von Gay Games VIII
Von SC Janus:
Goldener RIK 2010 für die VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010!! Hunderte Mitglieder des SC Janus haben an der Organisation und Durchführung der VIII. Gay Games mitgewirkt - und sind jetzt mit zwei (!) goldenen RIKs geehrt worden! Herzlichen Dank, die bei dem RIK-Voting mitabgestimmt haben - und vielen Dank für soooo viele Stimmen!
Goldener RIK 2010 für die VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010!! Hunderte Mitglieder des SC Janus haben an der Organisation und Durchführung der VIII. Gay Games mitgewirkt - und sind jetzt mit zwei (!) goldenen RIKs geehrt worden! Herzlichen Dank, die bei dem RIK-Voting mitabgestimmt haben - und vielen Dank für soooo viele Stimmen!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Why LGBT sport? The example of a water polo player
From a Lodon Orca's player via the club's blog, a message that helps explain one aspect of the desire for LGBT athletes to compete in gay-friendly clubs and events:
As I'm heading temporarily back to Australia to sort out the renewal of my visa, I've been reflecting on my time with London Orca and Out To Swim.
It was nearly 18 months ago that I made the decision to give water polo with London Orca a try. One of my friends had been playing for a while and I was looking for a new challenge and a bit of extra fitness. Any regrets? That I didn't do it sooner!
As one of the few left-handers in the team, my water polo skills developed quite quickly and by regularly hitting the Out To Swim swimming sessions my swim-fitness developed nicely too. Being part of the gold-medal winning team at the Gay Games in Cologne was fantastic, but really every tournament that we've played has been a lot of fun and it's been great to see the overall standard of our water polo improve each time.
The local games in the London League have often felt like hard work - long trips out into the suburbs to play experienced teams that play a physical game, but we're definitely matching it with them now.
It's the social aspect of London Orca and Out To Swim that I'll miss the most while I'm away - from a few quiet drinks after training, to the annual Christmas party, to big nights out on the town, to be part of such a fantastic and diverse network of people has really helped me enjoy my time in London immensely.
See you all soon!
Sads.
As I'm heading temporarily back to Australia to sort out the renewal of my visa, I've been reflecting on my time with London Orca and Out To Swim.
It was nearly 18 months ago that I made the decision to give water polo with London Orca a try. One of my friends had been playing for a while and I was looking for a new challenge and a bit of extra fitness. Any regrets? That I didn't do it sooner!
As one of the few left-handers in the team, my water polo skills developed quite quickly and by regularly hitting the Out To Swim swimming sessions my swim-fitness developed nicely too. Being part of the gold-medal winning team at the Gay Games in Cologne was fantastic, but really every tournament that we've played has been a lot of fun and it's been great to see the overall standard of our water polo improve each time.
The local games in the London League have often felt like hard work - long trips out into the suburbs to play experienced teams that play a physical game, but we're definitely matching it with them now.
It's the social aspect of London Orca and Out To Swim that I'll miss the most while I'm away - from a few quiet drinks after training, to the annual Christmas party, to big nights out on the town, to be part of such a fantastic and diverse network of people has really helped me enjoy my time in London immensely.
See you all soon!
Sads.
Greco-Roman wrestler comes out publicly
Via Outsports:
In October, I profiled AK, a former University of Maryland football player and now an elite-level Greco-Roman wrestler who is gay. At the time, AK did not want his full name used, but that has now changed. His name is Akil Patterson and he decided to come out publicly since his family and close friends and many in the wrestling community know.
Keep reading HERE.
In October, I profiled AK, a former University of Maryland football player and now an elite-level Greco-Roman wrestler who is gay. At the time, AK did not want his full name used, but that has now changed. His name is Akil Patterson and he decided to come out publicly since his family and close friends and many in the wrestling community know.
Keep reading HERE.
Gay rock climbing event set for California
From Outsports:
This spring, national LGBT rock-climbing group Homo Climbtastic will host its next major climbing trip in Bishop, Calif. The trip from April 14-18 will feature bouldering in some of the West’s most renowned boulder areas plus sport climbing in the incredible route-packed Owens River Gorge. The four-day convention already has an RSVP list over 50 and is expected to outpace last summer’s trip to West Virginia’s New River Gorge, which was at the time the largest gathering of gay climbers ever.
Homo Climbtastic is the two-year-old brainchild of Atlanta climber Alex Rowland and friends who set out to connect climbing gays across the country with organized rendezvous in insanely amazing climbing spots around the nation. HC quickly spawned a gaggle of local and like-minded clubs around North America, including groups in Austin, Toronto, Boston, Orlando, Vancouver and St. Louis. The national group will co-host April’s Bishop trip along with two local clubs, the L.A. Heel Hookers and the Bay Area’s Flame and Flash.
Keep reading HERE.
This spring, national LGBT rock-climbing group Homo Climbtastic will host its next major climbing trip in Bishop, Calif. The trip from April 14-18 will feature bouldering in some of the West’s most renowned boulder areas plus sport climbing in the incredible route-packed Owens River Gorge. The four-day convention already has an RSVP list over 50 and is expected to outpace last summer’s trip to West Virginia’s New River Gorge, which was at the time the largest gathering of gay climbers ever.
Homo Climbtastic is the two-year-old brainchild of Atlanta climber Alex Rowland and friends who set out to connect climbing gays across the country with organized rendezvous in insanely amazing climbing spots around the nation. HC quickly spawned a gaggle of local and like-minded clubs around North America, including groups in Austin, Toronto, Boston, Orlando, Vancouver and St. Louis. The national group will co-host April’s Bishop trip along with two local clubs, the L.A. Heel Hookers and the Bay Area’s Flame and Flash.
Keep reading HERE.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Federation of Gay Games Amazon online stores available in US, Germany, and now France

Vous trouverez la nouvelle boutique en ligne Amazon.fr ICI.
For the German Amazon.de store, click HERE.
For the US Amazon.com store, click HERE.
En français: Boutique Amazon en ligne
Vous trouverez la nouvelle boutique en ligne Amazon.fr ICI.
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