02/09: February 2009
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
Just around the corner: anniversary AGA Love February is the month of LOVE. In the year EGLSF turns 20, we wish you plenty of love and enthusiasm, regardless of your gender, race, political or other beliefs, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. Share the love with your friends, partners, family, and do not forget to love the most important person in your life - yourself.
Contents ANNIVERSARY AGA EGLSF CONFERENCE FOOTBALL AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA NEWS SECTION SPORTS EVENTS COMING UP...
As announced several times, the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) is celebrating 20th anniversary in 2009. The Annual General Assembly (AGA) which will be held in the Hague, will therefore be special. On March 6, Building Bridges 3 conference will be held, and the registration is free of charge thanks to Homosport Netherland and the City of Hague. On March 7 and 8, the regular part of the AGA will take place. This year, the AGA will also be interesting because several important votings are to be held: board elections, AGA 2010, EuroGames 2011 and 2012, and other motions and proposals. All of our member clubs and partners have already been invited. New clubsa are also invited to join us. Information about the
“What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.� Ralph Waldo Emerson, American author and philosopher
AGA, updated also with AGA papers, can be found at http://www.eglsf.info/2009AGA
Page 2
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
EGLSF Conference Football Against Homophobia The European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) and the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network in co-operation with the Gay and lesbian Football Fan Club of FC Barcelona Penya Blaugrana de Gais i Lesbianes did hold the first EGLSF Conference Football Against Homophobia in Barcelona From February 6 to 8, 2009 the meeting did gather gay and lesbian football fan groups from across the continent to discuss the issues facing gay and lesbian football supporters and how they could be tackled. The participating organisations from Austria, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain and Switzerland were: Andersrum rut-wiess, Bayer04-junxx, Dublin Devils FC, English Football Federation (The FA), FairPlay. Viele Farben. Ein Spiel/FARE, Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN), Hertha Junxx, Kick it out/FARE, Meenzelmänner, Paris Foot Gay, Penya Blaugrana de
Gais i Lesbianes, Queerpass Bayern, Queerpass St. Pauli, Stuttgarter Junx, UK Pride Sport Summit, Wankdorfjunxx, WildparkJunxx Karlsruhe. A round of introduction made clear that the problems are the same everywhere: Discrimination happens first and foremost by ignoring homosexuality. In the entire world of football, clubs and associations with few exceptions choose to ignore homophobia and discrimination of gays and lesbians on all levels, for the simple reason that homosexuals supposedly do not exist in sport. But in order to tap the full potential of football, all forms of discrimination need to be counteracted. While racism is frequently on the agenda, discrimination and abuse based on sexual orientation, homophobia, and sexism are mostly neglected Only participants from England and Germany could report that the Football Federations of their Countries support their work. The FA is working closely together with the GFSN and has produced a program called “Football for All”. The German FA did support different evenings against homophobia and was also present during one of the biggest pride days in Germany in Cologne in 2008.
The Conference will from now on be held on regularly basis, so that the power and influence of football can be mobilised to create public awareness of issues such as homosexuality, gender, homophobia, and sexism. The first step to achieve these goals will be to create a special website for the conference on the EGLSF website with information on the work of all the groups, news items, reports of incidents, best practice etc. During the weekend it was possible to create a statement of Aims for the cooperation in future years.
Statement of Aims The European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation conference on football recognised that homophobic discrimination and abuse is preventing men and women of all sexualities from fully participating in the game and agreed to work together and support each other in combating homophobia in football. We intend to do this by: • providing a regular forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences; • encouraging the formation of gay and lesbian football supporter clubs and other footballing groups;
Page 3
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
• challenging stereotypes; • supporting greater visibility of gay and lesbian players and fans: • seeking footballing role models; • seeking the cooperation and support of Europe’s football clubs, the governing bodies and footballing agencies; and • providing a European social community of gay and lesbian football supporters. By working together across Europe we hope to demonstrate that a person’s sexuality is not a barrier to being part of football and to ensure that football is safe, inclusive and tolerant for all to enjoy the game. The closing session of the Conference was held right before the game of FC Barcelona vs. Sporting Gijon. After a welcome of all participants of the Conference from the board members of FC Barcelona in the museum of FC Barcelona where Tanja WaltherAhrens from EGLSF could ask FC Barcelona to sign the Declaration against Discrimination (attached) the gay and lesbian football fan club from Penya Blaugrana de Gais i Lesbianes did get its fan-plaque put onto the walls of Camp Nou.
The next conference will most probably be in Paris in 2010, to bring ideas and views together so that in the end commitment and support in different countries will be collected and have more impact then regional or national activities. For further Information please contact: Tanja Walther-Ahrens, EGLSF +49 30 832 10 148, tanja@eglsf.info
News Section
News submitted by our members France against homophobia 26 January 2009 Following several recent cases of homophobia in French football, a meeting was held on 17 December 2008 between the French League, Paris Foot Gay (Association against homophobia in football) and the Inter LGBT (French group promoting the rights of gay, bi, lesbian and transsexual people). This meeting concluded with the following proposals and initiatives: 1) the court cases in relation to the football clubs of Montpellier, Marseille and Lyon (where homophobic incidents have been reported) will be heard by the French Discipline Commission in January 2009; 2) The French League and Paris Foot Gay will organise special events for the World Day Against Homophobia with volunteering professional clubs, starting on 17 May 2009;
3) the by-laws of the French League will be amended to include article 225 of the French Criminal Code, in particular the paragraph regarding discrimination based on sexual orientation; 4) The French League will co-finance a video against homophobia in football; 5) The French League will urge professional clubs to sign the Charter against Homophobia; and 6) The French League will report to Paris Foot Gay any information relating to homophobic actions or speeches in French stadiums. Paris Foot Gay and Inter LGBT welcome the acknowledgement and significant progress made by the French League and its president Frederic Thiriez in relation to homophobic discrimination encountered daily in French football. EGLSF congratulates the organisations and parties involved in their active step against homophobia. http://www.parisfootgay.com
FARE tender for consultant 27 January 2009 FARE, the European anti-discrimination network, has launched an open tender to seek an external consultant who can advise on future development of the network. If you can demonstrate the skills, insight and passion to help, FARE offers you the satisfaction of knowing you will have made your mark in assisting football take on the challenges of fighting discrimination and promoting equality. This opportunity to work closely with football fans, European-wide NGO’s and stakeholders of European football comes as the network looks to ensure it is meeting the needs of all stakeholders, is organised to meet funding commitments, and is identifying new areas of activity. Piara Powar, Director for Kick It Out, a
Page 4
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
UK member of FARE said: “Collectively FARE’s activities at national and international level, lobbying policy makers and national governments means we are well known across the continent. We’re looking to appoint an experienced consultant who can help take us forward. An interest in the game would be helpful, but a grasp of the current issues and debates on the race and equality agendas in Europe and how they relate to football is more important. The role will involve undertaking a maximum of 25 days work, which includes travelling to meet key partners. It will be hard but rewarding work the benefits of which you will be able to follow.” Applications should be sent by email to Piara Powar (piara@kickitout.org) and Johan Van de Ven (johan@eglsf.info), deadline 13 February 2009. http://www.farenet.org
Sports Events Coming up...
Events submitted by our members
ski holiday in the French snow. We plan to arrive February 21 and stay there for a week at hotel Eclose. The days will be spent in the snow, the evenings at bars and afterski. The nights might be spent at the disco or …? If you and your club are planning for a ski holiday next year, why don’t you come and join us? Pan Idræt has arranges ski trips for many years in Italy, several places I Austria and now France. This year we expect to be at least 40 people tumbling in the snow! http://www.panidraet.dk perhornrasmussen@mail.dk
Multisports Swimming
Vienna Valentine ‘09 Vienna, Austria 13 Feb – 15 Feb 2009
3rd Jocs Taronja València, Spain 27 Feb – 1 Mar 2009
Homophobia & Football 27 January 2009 Homosexuality in football is sometimes said to be a taboo subject by both players and the media. From 2008, homophobic chanting at football grounds has been outlawed but the traditions and culture of the game do not exactly breed an environment in which gay players are likely to feel comfortable or thrive. The video embedded from homotopia.tv shows a section from a lively debate held on 3rd November 2008 at Hope University in Liverpool, UK about this topic.
Have a great Valentine. We welcome you to the 3rd Vienna Valentine, an international swim competition open to EVERYONE - regardless of nationality or sexual orientation. Vienna Valentine ‘09 promises an exciting weekend in a charming metropolis with new things to discover everywhere. Registration closes on January 25, 2009. Be part of it – register now. http://www.kraulquappen.at info@kraulquappen.at
Samarucs will host the third edition of Jocs Taronja from February, 27th until March, 1st, in València, including volleyball and swimming competitions. We hope you to come South again! http://www.samarucs.org infosamarucs@hotmail.com
Football/Soccer
Galibi Cup Prague, Czech Republic 6 Mar – 8 Mar 2009 lacocs@seznam.cz
Multisports
Pan GaySki 2009 Alpe d’Huez, France 20 Feb – 1 Mar 2009 Pan Idræt, Copenhagen, goes to Alpe d’Huez for a great
Multisports
Out To Swim Competition 2009 London, United Kingdom 7 Mar – 7 Mar 2009
Page 5
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
Volleyball
Braunschweig, Germany 20 Mar – 22 Mar 2009
again) in competitions in the following seven disciplines: badminton, basketball, bowling, football, swimming, table tennis and volleyball. For further information just have a look at our site.
http://www.sls-bs.de volleyball@sls-bs.de
http://www.duessel-cup.de answers@duessel-cup.de
Volleyball
Synchronized Swimming
2009 Black Cat Tournament
Men’s Cup 3
Löwen-Cup 2009 Out To Swim London will be hosting its annual competition on March 7, 2009. Disciplines will include: diving, swimming, synchronized swimming and waterpolo. Please check the OTS website for further details. http://www.outtoswim.org mikeguy01@gmail.com
Multisports
Wild Wild South 2009 Stuttgart, Germany 13 Mar – 15 Mar 2009 You are cordially invited to join our Wild Wild South Tournament 2009. We expect more than 400 participants form all over Europe for this multisports event. Apart from the sports competition, we will organise a big party event on Saturday night and a brunch on Sunday. Have a sports and fun weekend with us in the “wild south” of Germany!
Turin, Italy 27 Mar – 29 Mar 2009 http://www.gsgattonero.org streghevolley@libero.it
Volleyball
Goud Groningen Lente Tournament Groningen, the Netherlands 27 Mar – 29 Mar 2009
European amateur Men’s Synchronized Swimming Tournament. http://www.menscup.org info@menscup.org
Badminton
7th Easter Badminton Tour Rotterdam, the Netherlands 10 Apr – 13 Apr 2009 Friday 27 welcome and registration, Saturday 28 tournament and party, Sunday 29 farewell brunch. http://www.goudgroningen.nl goudlentetoernooi@hotmail.com
Multisports
Duessel-Cup Duesseldorf, Germany 3 Apr – 5 Apr 2009
http://www.wildwildsouth.de info@wildwildsouth.de
Milan, Italy 9 Apr – 12 Apr 2009
Ketelbinkie proudly invites you, to register for the 7th great, international Easter Badminton Tournament 2009 for all lesbian and gay people in Europe. The tournament will take place from April 10 - 13 2009. We expect, looking back to the success of 2007, again at least 150 participants and will make every effort to make this tournament successful again. http://www.ketelbinkie.net/badminton tournament@ketelbinkie.net
Volleyball Springtime in Duesseldorf: Welcome to our 3rd edition of the famous DuesselCup. We hope you will join us (once
Häschenturnier Hamburg, Germany 10 Apr – 13 Apr 2009
Page 6
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
18th Easter Tournament - International Gay & Lesbian Volleyball Tournament.
Volleyball
Multisports
IV Juegos del Cierzo
8th Brescia Volley Spring Tournament
Zaragoza, Spain 17 Apr – 19 Apr 2009
http://www.startschuss.org volleyball@startschuss.org
Brescia, Italy 1 May – 3 May 2009
Squash
Easter Tournament 2009 Amsterdam, the Netherlands 11 Apr – 12 Apr 2009 Rainbow Squash’s 11th international squash tournament will take place during Easter 2009. Two playing days. All levels welcome. http://www.rainbowsquash.com toernooi@rainbowsquash.com
Elaios will host the fourth edition of Juegos del Cierzo from April, 17th until 19th, in Zaragoza, including volleyball male and female competitions. The registration terms will be available after 19 th January,in the website. We hope you to come South again! http://www.elaios.org voley@elaios.org
Multisports Multisports
9th ZLG Tournament
HOT Helsinki Badminton & Volleyball Tournament
‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands 24 Apr – 26 Apr 2009
Helsinki, Finland 17 Apr – 19 Apr 2009
Already our 9th International ZLG Tournament theme this year “Dat gaat naar Den Bosch toe” takes places from 24 – 26 April 2009 in a slightly new setting. Participants may compete in Volleyball, Badminton or Aerobics. Highlights will be the Welkom Bol on Friday, of course the sports and party on Saturday and our famous SeeYouAgain Brunch on Sunday. We provide limited hosted housing.
Feel the warm northern atmosphere and have a nice weekend in Helsinki, the Daughter of the Baltic Sea! We welcome you to participate in the 2nd HOT Helsinki Badminton & Volleyball Tournament. In badminton we have levels A, B and C in single and double. In volleyball we have one level (B). After the games on Saturday night we will party and on Sunday we continue with the brunch. We try to offer you free private accommodation. We are looking forward meeting you in Helsinki! http://www.hot.fi/index.php/Tournament info@hot.fi
http://www.zlgdenbosch.nl info@zlgdenbosch.nl
Multisports
PRAGUE RAINBOW SPRING 2009 Prague, Czech Republic 1 May – 3 May 2009 http://www.pratety.cz pratety@seznam.cz
For the 8th time in a row, Le Iene Volley is happy to invite all italian and european volleyball players to play with us in Brescia! We’ll welcome you in a genuine atmosphere and give you the chance to stay at a wonderful residence on the Garda Lake with very low fares! 20% discount on Inscription fee for OUTREACH COUNTRIES! Levels of play will be A, B+, B- and C. Check Milano (Orio) or Verona airports for low cost flights. Soon more infos on our website! Ciao! http://www.leienevolley.it info@leienevolley.it
Badminton
Queensday Tournament Delft, The Netherlands 1 May – 3 May 2009 The cutest tournament around; if you never been there.. come and find out. If you were... you already know:-) And for those who never experienced queensday in Holland, this is the perfect opportunity to make it a long weekend. Celebrate Queensday on the 30th of April in Amsterdam, get sober on the first of May and sweat out the calories on the 2nd of May. http://www.rozeblok.nl/orange badminton@rozeblok.nl
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
Page 7
02/09: February 2009
Volleyball
Badminton
Barbie & Ken Cup 2009
Berlin 2009
Berlin, Germany 8 May – 10 May 2009
Berlin, Germany 29 May – 2 Jun 2009
Berlin is back again! 3 days of competition - men/women - 5 levels - singles/doubles/ mixed doubles Only 50 EUR, Party and Brunch included. Limited to 300 participants. International Gay Tournament, Volleyball Men C
http://www.vorspielbadminton.de berlin2009@vorspielbadminton.de
http://volleyball.vorspiel-berlin.de/ken robert@le-dimanche.de
Golf
Multisports
1st Golf Gay Week Tournament
Sports@Europride 09 Zurich, Switzerland 29 May – 1 Jun 2009 http://www.europride09.eu cristian58@bluewin.ch
“15th Come-Together-Cup 2009” (CTC) in Cologne. “Closer is impossible” is the theme of the soccer event to promote integration of all minorities. The aim is not only to play soccer against each other, but also to find the time to talk and celebrate together. Organised by volunteers for the 15th time in 2009, the Come-TogetherCup is Germany’s biggest soccer benefit tournament. The audience generally fights for seats to watch the celebrity game, in which many famous names from the world of culture, politics and the general media can’t wait to somehow get the little round thing into the big square thing. So grab your whistles and get cheering! http://www.come-together-cup.de ctc@netcologne.de
Maspalomas, Spain 7 Jun – 14 Jun 2009 http://www.grancanariagolfgayweek.com croman@lopesangroup.com
Football/Soccer
15th Come-Together-Cup
Fotos: Page 1: Homosport Netherland Page 2: Queer Football Fanclubs Others: Public, non-copyrighted
Cologne, Germany 11 Jun – 11 Jun 2009
Contact Us European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) c/o NCS Meeuwenlaan 41 NL-1021 HS Amsterdam The Netherlands eglsf@eglsf.info www.eglsf.info EGLSF Newsletter (ISSN: 1876-1763) is published by the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation. EGLSF is registered as a nonprofit sports organisation with the Chamber of Commerce in The Hague and enjoys participatory status with the Council of Europe.