04/10: April 2010
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
EGLSF Exhibition: Against the Rules Showing our Pride EGLSF is happy to annouce the launch of the updated exhibition on LGBT sport. We are especially excited to be able to send the exhibition around Europe, and beyond. If you are interested, you’ll find more information in this newsletter, and we welcome feedback from you. On a similar note - have you shown your pride yet by registering at one of the next LGBT sports events?
Contents EGLSF EXHIBITION: AGAINST THE RULES EGLSF INFO NEWS SECTION SPORTS EVENTS COMING UP...
The issue of gay and lesbian participation in sport is still a taboo subject that is usually only talked about behind closed doors, but rarely discussed in the open. There is hardly a single area of society in which the participation of homosexuals seems as abnormal as in sport. Even though society’s attitudes to sexuality have changed, the assumption still remains that sport and homosexuality do not mix; lesbians and gay men are still largely ignored or openly rejected in sport. However, the situation is slowly changing. Various social developments like the fact that sport is becoming a leisure activity rather than a form of physical training, the emancipation of women, the emergence of a gay and lesbian movement are starting to have an impact on sport, with the result that, even here, homosexuality can no longer be swept completely under the carpet.
“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” Oprah Winfrey, American Talk Show Host & Producer
Against the Rules – Lesbians and Gays in Sport, an exhibition presented by the acceptance campaign office of the ministry for youth, family and health of the North
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EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
Rhine-Westphalia regional government and organised jointly by SC Janus, Cologne’s Centrum Schwule Geschichte (Gay History Centre) and others, represented an initial appraisal of the subject. It was updated by the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) in 2010 and translated into English. The exhibition does not claim to be exhaustive, but aims to help remove the taboos from the subject of homosexuality and sport, and draw attention to the various forms of discrimination against sexual minorities in sport. The exhibition consists of 37 banners in total, giving introduction and information on elite athletes, discrimination, lesbian & gay clubs & federations, Gay Games, OutGames, EuroGames and portraying LGBT athletes Amelie Mauresmo, Babe Didrickson, Billie Jean King, Bob Paris, David Kopay, Gottfried von Cramm, Greg Louganis, Heinz Bonn, Ian Roberts, Imke Duplitzer, John Blankenstein, Judith Arndt, Justin Fashanu, Marcus Urban, Marie Carsten, Mark Tewksbury, Martina Navratilova, Otto Peltzer, Parinya Kiatbusaba, and Tom Waddell. The exhibition Against the Rules – Lesbians and Gays in Sport is a travelling exhibition by EGLSF. You can also show the exhibition yourself. You only have to pay for transportation costs. For information please contact us at exhibition@eglsf.info.
EGLSF Info EGLSF Board Meeting EGLSF Board is announcing a board meeting in Berlin, Germany between May 20-23, 2010. Board members will also attend the 2nd EGLSF Conference Football Against Homophobia which is taking place in Berlin at the same time. Members clubs wishing the board members discuss a certain topic should contact the board at eglsf@eglsf.info before May 17.
Gay Games Cologne Registration EGLSF is a partner organisation of the Gay Games Cologne 2010, so we warmly invite our members to register and participate in this event. May 31 is getting close. It’s a special date as it is the last day to register for the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. Only a short time left to secure participation at this sport and cultural event. At the Gay Games Cologne (July 31 till August 7) participants can compete in 35 sports, ranging from basketball to sailing, table tennis, chess, climbing, beach volleyball and many more. Apart from sport, 5 cultural events will take place during the Gay Games Cologne. The participants can enjoy a lot of interesting parties at the night-life in Cologne. The Games will be declared open on July, 31 with a spectacular ceremony in the RheinEnergieStadium. Every participant is going to enter in the stadium together with other participants of their respective countries and experience
an unforgettable moment. Best personal performance and sport in a pleasant atmosphere: this is the goal of the Gay Games Cologne. Every sportsman and –woman should reach his personal limit and experience wonderful competitions. The team of the Gay Games Cologne is happy about prominent support. The German Secretary of State Dr. Guido Westerwelle is taking over the patronage of the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. Westerwelle is chairman of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and has openly admitted to his homosexuality already in 2001. Besides, many actors and moderators have promised their support. The Australian Olympic Champion in high dive, Matthew Mitcham, is coming to Cologne too. Till May, 31 it is your chance too, to get a ticket for the Gay Games Cologne. As if to say: Be part of it! www.games-cologne.de
News Section
News submitted by our members Outgames voted best Danish event 2009 2 April 2010 The 2nd World Outgames was voted best event of 2009 in Denmark by the readers of ‘Politiken’, one of the largest national Danish newspapers.. The World Outgames was in close competition with a Greenpeace event held during the 2009 United Nations Climate Change
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EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
Conference in Copenhagen. The reasoning of the jury was the following: “5,500 temporary settlers were welcomed by residents of Copenhagen. For an entire week, there was open celebration of love with a surplus on the love-account.” And the readers of Politiken did agree and voted in large numbers Outgames the best event of 2009. Uffe Elbaek, former CEO of the organizing team in Copenhagen states: “It was not only the Outgames as an LGBT-event who deserved the award. It was also the City of Copenhagen. Because without the strong involvement from the citizens, the city and state, the Outgames would never have turned into the love affair between the global LGBT community and Copenhageners as it did.” Wessel van Kampen, GLISA International male co-President commented: “The Board of GLISA International is extremely proud and sees this award as a huge compliment for the Copenhagen organizing team! The GLISA model which is based on the three equally important components of Sports, Culture and Human Rights, was perfectly executed in Copenhagen. This award shows that Danes truly appreciated and supported the event.” Ole Udsholt, the person responsible for taking the first steps to bring the 2nd World Outgames to Copenhagen and a GLISA International Board member (Host City liaison), states: “My vision from the very start was to have an open and inclusive event in Copenhagen. Outgames being awarded as the best event of 2009 is a perfect example of how Outgames became an event for everyone.” Julia Applegate, GLISA International female co-President also stressed the fact that the Copenhagen event ended with a financial surplus: “The 2nd World Outgames this summer is the first
worldwide LGBT event to have a financial surplus which will be distributed back into the LGBT community. When we received the audited financial report, we were thrilled, but this acknowledgement by the readers of ‘Politiken’ further confirms that the people of Denmark supported the event!” Continental Outgames will be held in 2011 in Vancouver, Canada and in Wellington, New Zealand. The 3rd World Outgames will be held in Antwerp, Belgium in 2013. http://www.glisa.org
CoE recommendation on LGBT human rights 3 April 2010 On Wednesday 31 March 2010, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted a recommendation to member states on measures to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This is an important achievement, being the first legal instrument in the world dealing specifically with one of the most long-lasting and difficult forms of discrimination to combat. The recommendation, which draws on existing standards in international legal instruments, in particular the European Convention on Human Rights, will advance the enjoyment of all human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. “The recommendation is an expression of the Council of Europe’s commitment to the equality for all and respect for the dignity of all. I invite all member states to make all the necessary efforts to implement this recommendation”, declared the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr Thorbjørn Jagland. EGLSF - the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation - welcomes this recommendation with open hands, and
we are especially happy to see that sport was given a special focus. Excerpt from the Recommendation CM/ Rec(2010)5 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity IX. Sports 39. Homophobia, transphobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity in sports are, like racism and other forms of discrimination, unacceptable and should be combated. 40. Sport activities and facilities should be open to all without discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity; in particular, effective measures should be taken to prevent, counteract and punish the use of discriminatory insults with reference to sexual orientation or gender identity during and in connection with sports events. 41. Member states should encourage dialogue with and support sports associations and fan clubs in developing awareness-raising activities regarding discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in sport and in condemning manifestations of intolerance towards them. http://www.coe.int
Over 6500 registrations for Gay Games Cologne 22 April 2010 Participants are coming from more than 70 countries to Cologne. The Rhein Energie Stadium is the venue for the spectacular opening ceremony. The central venues during the games are the villages in the city centre on Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz. In 100 days the Gay Games VIII Cologne
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EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
2010 will commence. The German foreign minister Dr. Guido Westerwelle (FDP) will officially open the largest sporting and cultural event in the world in the Rhein Energie Stadium on July 31st. Dr. Westerwelle has taken over the role of patron of the Cologne Gay Games. More than 6500 sportsmen and women from more than 70 countries have already registered for the sporting meet and cultural events. As a comparison: at the start of the year, around 2500 athletes participated in the winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. The deadline for registration for the Cologne Gay Games is the 31st May. A delegation of the Cologne Gay Games has recently returned from a promotion tour through the USA. The Gay Games will mobilise the whole city of Cologne from 31st July to the 7th August. “Gay Games Villages” will be located at Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz public squares. These are the special meeting points for the participants. A diverse program will be offered on numerous stages. More than 2000 people will be participating in the band festival, choral festival and cheer leading. Budding performers have until the end of April to apply to participate in the “Visual Arts” exhibition. Here, movement is also the major theme. Directly after the opening ceremony in the Rhein Energie Stadium, the LanxessArena in Cologne-Deutz will play host to the opening party. Tickets sales have already begun. The preparations for the Cologne Gay Games are running at full speed. In order to ensure the smooth running of the numerous cultural events and sporting meets, 3000 volunteers are required. Volunteers can register on the Cologne Gay Games home page. At the same time, a billet service has been arranged. Here, participants not wanting to overnight in hotels will be able to find suitable accommodation. http://www.games-cologne.de
Morgan wins gold at World Championship 27 April 2010 Chris Morgan, openly gay British Powerlifter and defending Gay Games champion, has successfully defended his world deadlift gold medal at the 2010 WDFPF World Single Event Championships in Moscow, Russia. Mr Morgan won the World Open Deadlift Title in the 82.5kg weight class with lifts of 210kg, 240kg and 250kg to clinch the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Championship, held netween April 23 and 25 2010 at the Park Hotel Ognikovo in the Istrinsky district of Moscow. Speaking about the competition, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won my third World Open Gold Medal here at the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Championships, completing my aim of winning back-to-back World Championship titles. It has been my goal since failing to regain my first world open title in 2005 to once again win and then defend the World Open Championship. It feels very satisfying to achieve something that I’ve never managed to do before in my sporting career.” “It fills me with great pride to be arriving at this year’s Gay Games in Cologne as a three time World Open Champion and to be representing the Federation of Gay Games as one of their global ambassadors,” said Chris. “One of the key objectives at this year’s Gay Games is outreach to Eastern Europe, so it seems particularly relevant to have been able to carry the Gay Games message at this year’s World Powerlifting Championships in Moscow, Russia.” Chris began his Powerlifting career at the 1998 Gay Games in Amsterdam where he won a silver medal. He won gold at the 2002 Gay Games in Sydney and at the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago. He will also compete in Powerlifting at the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany.
Sports Events Coming up... Events submitted by our members
Badminton
Nuremberg Badminton Tournament 2010 Nuremberg, Germany 15 May 2010 singles/doubles competition details and registration online www.rosapanther.de orgateam@rosapanther.de
Multisports
Paris International Tournament 2010 Paris, France 21 May – 24 May 2010
The International Tournament of Paris (TIP) - 20 sport disciplines will be represented in this tournament. There will be also room for great moments and our outstanding closing party/ show we are sure you will never forget! www.paris-tournament.com contact@paris-tournament.org
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EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
Multisports
AAXWO Aarhus, Denmark 21 May – 23 May 2010 Handball, volleyball, womens football, badminton (social tournament), running and walking in Aarhus, Denmark, during Whitsun 2010 with a big closing party including dinner. www.danishdlite.dk/aaxwo danishdlite@aaxwo.dk
Multisports
Pfingstturnier 2010 Halle/Saale, Germany 21 May – 23 May 2010 www.saaleperlen.de info@saaleperlen.de
www.riminipiadina.com pink@riminipiadina.com
International Volleyball Tournament C www.barbie-und-ken.de info@barbie-und-ken.de
Multisports
Pride Games 2010
Multisports
TIGALY 2010
Manchester, United Kingdom 6 June – 13 June 2010
Lyon, France 18 June – 20 June 2010
Pride Games is back again this year in its regular home in June. Come to Manchester and take part in any one of our tournaments, courses and ‘give it a go’ activities. Pride Games Manchester, compete, learn, have fun! www.pridegames.org help@pridegames.org
Volleyball Badminton
2nd Badminton Tournament Rennes, France 28 May – 30 May 2010
BogaVolleyTournament Bologna, Italy 11 June – 13 June 2010
16. Come-Together-Cup Köln Cologne, Germany 3 June 2010
Galibi Cup Prague, Czech Republic 25 June – 27 June 2010
Volleyball
Barbie & Ken Cup 2010
Pink Piadina 2010 Rimini, Italy 4 June – 6 June 2010
www.gaysport.cz/galibicup2010 lacocs@seznam.cz Beach Volleyball
Berlin, Germany 11 June – 13 June 2010 International Volleyball Tournament // Level C // Berlin 11. - 13.06.2010 //
www.come-together-cup.de ctc@netcologne.de
Beach Volleyball
www.tigaly.com volley@c-a-r-g-o.org
Football/Soccer
www.bogavolley.it bogavolley@libero.it
www.glsrennes.com contact@glsrennes.com
Football/Soccer
The Tigaly tournament is coming back the 18th,19th and 20th of June in Lyon (France). This year, Tigaly becomes multisports with badminton and volleyball. The two activities will take place in the same place. There will be a party coming after the tournament, and a brunch on Sunday. We offer free hosting. Book your week-end and come as many as you can.
18th Lesbian and Gay City Festival QUEER BERLIN IS CALLING YOU!
BARBIE & KEN CUP 2010
CampPink Beach Volleyball 2010 Rotterdam, the Netherlands 9 July – 11 July 2010
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
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04/10: April 2010
Two days of Beach Volleybal, sun, fun, party, BBQ, camping, picnics, outdoor activities and much much more during the best LGBT Beach Volleyball tournament in Europe!!!
Multisports
Budapest Splash 03 Budapest, Hungary 20 August – 22 August 2010
www.rozeblok.nl/camppink info@rozeblok.nl
Multisports
Gay Games Cologne 2010 Cologne, Germany 31 July – 7 August 2010
The 3rd edition of Budapst Splash is on. Multisport Tournament with Badminton, Handball & Swimming in Central Eastern Europe. A wonderful summer ending occasion for you, come and join us for a weeend of fun... www.atlaszsportclub.hu/bpsplash info@atlaszsport.hu
EGLSF Newsletter
With a total of 35 athletic disciplines, Gay Games VIII covers from 31 July till 7 August 2010 a wide-ranging program that is sure to include a sport for you. Whether a team effort, such as Soccer or Volleyball, or an individual/pairs event, such as Bodybuilding or Figure Skating – from Inline Speed Skating to Golf and Chess, there is something here for everyone. www.games-cologne.de office@games-cologne.de
If you would like to have your events listed in our Newsletter, or would like to share the news from your club, please visit www.gaysport.info and submit your content. All submissions are subject to approval. To subscribe, go to www.eglsf.info.
Fotos: Public, non-copyrighted
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.