Sports films featured at Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco

The Frameline Film Festival takes place in San Francisco from 14-24 June 2012. Below you'll find a selection of sport-related films to be screened at the festival.
View the printed program HERE.
Find all films and schedules HERE.

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Ballroom Rules 98 min. From foxtrot to tango, follow five Aussie couples as they prepare to compete against the world’s best queer ballroom dancers in this exhilarating and very personal doc.... Read more



Beautiful Games 90 min. From Brighton to San Francisco to Sydney, this trio of short sporty docs takes a sweaty look inside the traditionally macho and homophobic worlds of soccer and rugby to see what happens when gay athletes create their own teams and leagues. ... Read more



Beyond the Team USA , 2012 , 15 min. Take a peek inside the lives of the members of the San Francisco Spikes Soccer Club and see how they developed a deep sense of gay community, friendship and extended family on and off of the field.... Read more



Boy Cheerleaders UK , 2011 , 60 min. Armed with pairs of pompoms and an abundance of adolescent energy, the DAZL Diamonds cheerleading squad of South Leeds is preparing to become the first all-boy team to compete in the UK Cheerleading Championships.... Read more




The Last Waltz Australia , 2011 , 21 min. A young man loses his one and only love to a bush-fire disaster. Twelve months later, he returns to ballroom dancing, and he sees his dead partner on the edge of the dance floor for one final waltz.... Read more



The Naked-Boy Business, Part 2 USA , 2011 , 5 min. A dream-like confession set to music—two wrestlers, kicked off their team for posing nude, bare their souls and brave the consequences.... Read more



STRONG! 81 min. Castro muscle bears have nothing on Olympic power lifter Cheryl Haworth. This big, strong, healthy woman—who won a bronze medal in weight lifting at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney—challenges our traditional notions of health, beauty and femininity.... Read more



The Sydney Convicts Germany , 2010 , 45 min. The Sydney Convicts Rugby Union is as tough as other Australian team; the only difference is it’s an all-gay male squad. In just 45-minutes, you get an incredibly intimate insight into the players’ lives—and a brilliant look around many parts of Sydney. Rugby is not a game for the faint-hearted. In very flattering shorts, players carb-up before practice, seriously work out... Read more



Two Guys in a Backyard Australia , 2011 , 5 min. From Australia, we start with Two Guys in a Backyard where a man puts his friendship on the line during a backyard sparring session.... Read more



Why We Ride: The Story of AIDS/LifeCycle USA , 2012 , 13 min. Each year, more than 2,500 participate in a bicycle ride from SF to LA in order to raise money for the fight against HIV/AIDS. This film tells the story of this emotional journey.... Read more

Novel featuring Gay Games I now available in print and audiobook

From Jeffrey Hickey, author of Morehead:

One day a few years ago, while our twin 21-year-old sons were both at home and testosterone was running rampant in the house, I was inspired to write a story about my first day in college at SF State. By the time I finished that piece, about eight hours later, I knew I was writing a new novel. Unlike other books I’ve written, this came out in a rush. The entire process, start to finish, with three drafts and two professional edits, took seven months.

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Paperback (US)	Kindle ebook (US)	Audiobook (US)

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Morehead is the first person account of Dave Morehead, attending college and living (mostly) in San Francisco from 1978-1986. It is the story of a straight young man living in an increasingly gay city, at the height of the sexual revolution.

The novel was written for two reasons: To write a story that hopefully helps straight people get a grip on their homophobia. And—to finally honor the memories of all the gay friends I had from that era that died. I realized I’d never properly grieved for them. They just sort of disappeared at a certain point, and frankly, so did I. As for helping other straights, I know to persuade an audience that is hostile to your point of view; you must do so using their own language. I wanted Dave’s growth to be slow and believable, so you could see it through both his actions, and the way he wrote. Critically, for the persuasion to be most effective, Dave had to remain adamantly straight.

The chapter that deals with the First Gay Games is the longest in the book and is the pivotal chapter, for me, in telling the story. I needed an event that was culturally and sociologically significant, while also being mostly regional. The Gay Games were almost serendipitous for this text. It’s the only chapter where Dave hardly makes an appearance, though he wrote the text. I spent a couple of weeks in the history section of the main SF library and had the entire staff pulling out hundreds of pages of documents, letters, legal briefs, and more. I tried to represent a variety of viewpoints, from San Francisco Arts and Athletics, the US Olympic committee, an alleged religious leader, sociological, personal, entertainment, and more. These weeks of research were also pragmatic for me, because they gave me a chance to rest my wrists and arms from furious typing. Once I sorted through the information, I was able to create the “Group Discussion” project. And once I realized I could do a faux Howard Cosell voice, I had the instrument I needed to write the piece.

When the text was finished, I contacted my friend, Lauren Pizzi, to help me with the audio book and live shows. She insisted I get a younger man to play Dave, even though she knew how much I wanted to read it myself. She was right. I needed a young actor, closer in age to Dave, and talented enough to tap into the semi heroic dumb shit male I created. So she recommended Joseph Rende, and he was a perfect fit. Lauren played almost all the women, and I play everyone else. We recorded the audio book, and then rehearsed for three live shows to be filmed in HD. One was at the Dance Palace in Point Reyes. The other two (and the sight for the video you saw) were at the Climate Theater in SF. My wife Karen (who works at Pixar) got one of her co-workers to help with the filming, and then Karen edited them. We’ve got another 90 minutes to release when the book comes out, and then another hour to release incrementally through the remainder of this year. I’ve given greater than 900 Readers Theater performances for children, families and now adults over the years. I love to read aloud.

UCLA figure skaters and ice hockey players say "You Can Play"

UCLA ice hockey players and figure skaters join together in support of the You Can Play project, in the fight for respect in sports. Watch their You Can Play video below.

New wrestling club in Denver

Nice news from a new Wrestlers Without Borders member in Denver:

The Denver Wrestling Club was founded May 17, 2012 by Coach Greg Lines who was San Diego Wrestling Club's head coach from 2004 to 2012.

Denver Wrestling Club is Colorado's only year-round freestyle/folkstyle/greco-roman wrestling club catering to adults who have an interest in learning and practicing the sport of amateur wrestling.

Everyone is welcome to join and wrestle with us - irrespective of skill level, age, race, gender, sexual oriendtation, or physical disability. Beginners especially welcome!!

We are a sanctioned member of USA Wrestling.

Over the summer we will be recruiting members and securing a practice location. The new club will have mats once a facility is secured...thank you Josh Watkins! Our goal is to start holding practices in the fall/winter 2012, and hold a WWB tournament in 2013.

Greg Louganis to guest star on Old Dogs web series

We have already written about the web series Old Dogs and New Tricks, which stars Gay Games medal winner Jeffrey Olson. We now learn that the coming third season will feature Gay Games Ambassador Greg Louganis in three episodes.

Will Greg's work as a dog trainer be part of the story? Find out inl early 2013.

En français / Le Paname Boxing Club pour pratiquer la boxe française

News of a new LGBT club in Paris, for those interested in savate:

Le Paname Boxing Club est une association parisienne de boxe française ouverte aux gays, lesbiennes, bi, trans qui souhaitent pratiquer ce sport sans craindre que leur orientation sexuelle leur porte préjudice.

Les portes du club sont ouvertes à tous ceux qui partagent ses valeurs de tolérance et de convivialité.

Après plusieurs mois d’élaboration du projet, la première saison du Paname Boxing Club débutera en septembre prochain. Soyez les premiers à nous rejoindre pour participer à l’aventure!

La boxe française est accessible à toutes et à tous: il est possible de s’entraîner quel que soit son sexe, son âge, son niveau ou sa puissance.

For the first time, men to be involved in Olympic victory ceremonies... but only in certain roles

I read a few stories about the announcement by LOCOG, the host committee for the London Olympics, that for the first time men would be involved in medal ceremonies.

Here's the start of the LOCOG press release:

London 2012 Victory Ceremonies podiums, ceremonial costumes, make-up and flowers revealed

The official London 2012 Victory Ceremonies podiums, ceremonial costumes, make-up and flowers have been revealed today. These components will be used across 805 Victory Ceremonies taking place in over 30 London 2012 venues.
Taking place soon after a medal event finishes, the design of the Victory Ceremonies has been created to be an exciting celebration of the achievements of every medal-winning athlete.
The unique design of the royal purple podiums and costumes has been created by students at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London. The students have worked with London 2012 over the last eight months to create and develop the designs.
When designing the podiums, the team of students - Gaetano Ling, Hong-Yeul Eom, Luc Fusaro, Heegun Koo and Yan Lu - used dynamic lines representing the energy that the Games and athletes represent. 40 podiums will be used across all the Victory Ceremonies and approximately 4,400 medal-winning athletes will stand on them to celebrate their success formally.
The ceremonial costumes will be worn by Games Maker volunteers in athlete and presenter escort roles and flower and medal bearer roles.

Other news reports said that for the first time men would be involved in victory ceremonies, which was great to hear. But some of these reports (and not just those from the Daily Mail) said that the roles would be segregated. This surprised me, and since the press releases from LOCOG weren't clear (for example this press release about make-up design, which says: "The make-up which will be worn by all the athlete and presenter escorts and medal and flower bearers", which implies that either women are in all roles, or men will be wearing make-up), so I asked the press service of LOCOG for clarification. 

They (promptly) responded: "The team is mixed and will be seen in the presentation very much as a team. The members of the team have 3 specific roles: the roles of leading the party (as presenter escort and athlete escort) are females, and the role of carrying the tray which holds the medal and flowers (flower and medal bearer) is male - a traditionally more decorative role. The medal and flower bearer leaves the party after the presentation has been made, whilst the female presenter escort and female athlete escort remain with the party for their exit from the presentation in front of the fans in the stadiums."

Why make an effort for equality, inclusion and parity by admitting that these ceremonial duties are not reserved for "decorative" females (good news), only to segregate the various roles according to gender?

In a context where the gender of Olympic volunteers has been an issue (for example the refusal of Iran to accept that the volunteer sign bearer at past opening ceremonies be a woman), LOCOG should show true equality and parity. This is definitely a good news/bad news kind of story.

-- Marc Naimark

Auf Deutsch / 29 June 2012 / Fussballfans gegen Homophobie

Anlässlich des einjährigen Bestehens der Kampagne "Fußballfans gegen Homophobie" wollen wir euch zu einem ersten Netzwerktreffen in Berlin einladen. Für den 29.06.2012 haben wir eine Podiumsdiskussion zum Thema - Wirklich kein Tabu mehr? Homophobie im Fußball und Gegenstrategien - (info HERE) geplant und für den 30.06.2012 gibt es ein Kleinfeldturnier der Fans von Tennis Borussia Berlin mit Freund_innen und Unterstützer_innen der FfgH-Kampagne. Am Abend nach dem Turnier wollen wir dann mit euch gemeinsam auf der Soliparty feiern.
Mit dabei sind:
- Björn Peng

Facebook event HERE.

Matthew Mitcham in action

From Gay Games Ambassador Matthew Mitcham: "International co-operation in motion. Canada, Brazil, Australia and Mexico in Fort Lauderdale, Florida." The US Diving Grand Prix took place there earlier this month.

Registration open for Public Markets Conference in Cleveland

From the Project for Public Spaces, news of their conference this September in Cleveland. We particularly recommend the video below:

Celebrating 25 years since our first gathering, the 8th International Public Markets Conference will set a new direction for the vital role markets play in transforming local economies and communities.

The conference will highlight the burgeoning local food scene in Cleveland and throughout Northeastern Ohio – a region that offers an abundance of markets to suit all interests. The conference will also spotlight one of Cleveland’s greatest treasures – the West Side Market, which is celebrating its centennial in 2012, and is arguably the most architecturally significant market building in the US. The West Side Market is the anchor for the vibrant market district of Ohio City, known as “Cleveland’s artisan neighborhood.” The market has a rich and storied history that has been key to its resilience, and a major driver in Cleveland’s resurgence. Cleveland is the perfect place to celebrate the economic and social power of public markets!

Anton Hysén win's Let's Dance; see interview in Sweden's QX magazine

Congratulations to Anton who last night won Sweden's Let's Dance! 

Sweden's QX magazine has published a fun feature on out footballer Anton Hysén. From the English summary:

Anton Hysén: It's only an ass, What's the big deal" 

In QX's May issue, 2012, the Swedish soccer player Anton Hysén poses naked. His behind has created a lot of interest in Sweden lately, so he decided to show it all! After all, what's the big deal!

QX releases it's 200th issue in May. Photographer Magnus Ragnvid and editor Anders Öhrman met the world famous soccer player Anton Hysén to talk about the year of wild activity that has passed since he came out as a gay professional soccer player.

Anton has also had huge success as one of the celebrity dancers in the Swedish version of Let's Dance.

And a lot of interest has been focused on his behind.

So why not let the world see it?

In the interview, Anton Hysén dismisses the rumor that he has given up soccer for a life in TV game shows and the international limelight. In fact his team, Utsikten BK, has moved up one division and he trains two hours every day. On top of that he now trains three hours a day in dance for the Let's Dance show.

His goal is set higher than the Swedish league, Allsvenskan. For him playing for a US soccer team is the main goal.

Keep reading HERE.

Sports Illustrated takes an in-depth look at transgender atheltes

Sports Illustrated examines the situation of trans athletes, with a focus on Kye Allums and Keelin Godsey

Playing fields have long been segregated on the basis of sex. But what happens to the athletes whose physiology doesn't match their gender identity? Against whom do they compete? What obstacles do they face? And how are they being treated by sports' governing bodies?

Read it HERE.

In italiano / Photos from Boga tournament against homophobia online

Find photos of last weekend's tournament against homophobia held in Bologna by Boga Calcio and ICONS HERE.

Auf Deutsch / 2 June 2012 / Respect Gaymes in Berlin

Am Samstag, dem 2. Juni 2012, von 10 bis 21 Uhr finden zum siebenten Mal die vom Lesben- und Schwulenverband Berlin-Brandenburg (LSVD) organisierten Respect Gaymes im Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn Sportpark in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg statt. Bei freiem Eintritt wird bei dem Sport- und Kulturevent unter dem Motto „Zeig Respekt für Schwule und Lesben!“ für ein vorurteils- und diskriminierungsfreies Miteinander geworben. Bei der Veranstaltung werden wieder 60 Fußballteams gegeneinander antreten. Außerdem wird es ein Beachvolleyballturnier geben und alle Gäste dürfen sich bei der neuen Trendsportart Jugger ausprobieren.

Die Bühne übernimmt am 2. Juni ab 11 Uhr für einige Stunden der HipHop geht anders! e.V.. Dabei werden die Ergebnisse eines Jahres Arbeit mit Jugendlichen aus Berliner Schulen vorgestellt. Die Schülerinnen und Schüler zeigen ihr Können in HipHop, Rap, Beatboxen und vielem mehr. Außerdem gibt es ab 16 Uhr zum dritten Mal bei den Respect Gaymes ein Breakdance Battle organisiert von der Breakdance Connection. Das VIP-Fußballspiel mit Prominenz aus der Politik und Community findet ebenfalls wieder statt, zudem verschiedene Workshops. Im Infoareal laden mehr als zwei Dutzend Vereine zu diversen Mitmachaktionen ein. Und am Abend sorgen die Berliner Nachwuchsbands Goose On Fire, KissMe I’m The Cook und John Doe der Berlin Music Association für gute Unterhaltung.
Eintritt frei!

Bingham Cup this weekend in Manchester

Best of luck to Village Spartans as they host this weekend's IGRAB Bingham Cup. From Pink News:

Manchester will play host to the Bingham Cup this weekend, where gay and inclusive rugby teams from around the world will compete for the 2012 title.

The New York Gotham Knights will defend their title as world champions at the three-day tournament beginning tomorrow at the city’s Broughton Park ground.

More than 30 clubs from 15 countries around the world, including Manchester’s Village Spartans RUFC, will arrive in Manchester for the largest event in the biennial Cup’s history.

Former England rugby World Cup champion, Ben Cohen MBE said: “I’m passionate that anyone, regardless of their background, should be able to play rugby. Events such as this tournament show how rugby has become more inclusive and it also helps break down barriers and bring more people into the sport.”

Gareth Thomas, the UK’s first professional rugby player to come out as gay, will host the tournament’s Gala Dinner at The Palace Hotel on Sunday, 3 June.

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester said the city’s large gay community and “sporting” identity made it “an ideal host city for the Bingham Cup”.

Keep reading HERE.

Pride Games add sailing, basketball, cycling, and multi-terrain 5K run

Pride Sports Manchester keep adding events to the 2012 Pride Games

Ride With Pride: 14 July 2012

Last year’s inaugural Pride Ride in the stunning Peak District saw some amazing riding: everyone had a brilliant time! So don’t miss out on the 2012 ride along the beautiful lanes of the Cheshire Plains, with the odd hill still. Not as much like Switzerland as last year, maybe, but you’ll nevertheless get the chance to tackle Alderley Edge’s Swiss Hill on this classic ride.
Register now for the 60 mile or the 60 km route, both are fantastic. On the day we’ll give you a detailed route map, we’ll check your bike out and carry out any minor repair or fine-tuning needed ready for the 10am start. Once again we’ll have back-up on the ride in the form of Al and Patrick from BikeRight!
And if you’ve any queries before the ride just contact Al or Patrick on 061 230 7007 or email mountainbiking@bikeright.co.uk.

Register HERE.

Basketball taster: 17 July 2012

The Slam Dunkin' Divas, Manchester's one and only women's LGBT Basketball Club, are inviting their
male friends for a mixed taster session! Last year's taster was a big success, and we are hoping the
basketball fanatic guys out there will join us for a fun night of basketball. So whether you're an absolute
beginner, a Michael Jordan, or you're returning to the sport after many years, this is the session for you.
Our qualified coaches will be leading the two hour session, feel free to email at slamdunkindivas@googlemail.com us with any questions you may have.

Register HERE.

Multi-terrain 5K Run: 21 July 2012

As part of Manchester Pride Games, Manchester Frontrunners are organising a 5km multi terrain run in Chorlton Water Park. This one lap course starts at the scenic Chorlton water park, and will take you along the Mersey River and down country lanes, with a few hills and stiles thrown in along the way to keep it interesting.

Manchester Frontrunners is proud to be a friendly club, and this race is open to all. No matter what your running ability our team will be there to cheer you along all the way round. There shall be prizes for the top three men and women finishers.

Register HERE.

Sailing: 21 July 2012

Are you a sailor? Fancy trying it? LGBT and want to meet people?
As part of the Pride Games, we are offering: a sailing taster session and an improvers session. Both sessions will be run simultaneously so choose which one you'd like to attend and register above.

So whether you're a complete Beginner, Improver, Ellen MacArthur or fancy coming as a social member...come and join us! We are the The Sailing and Cruising Association...! (Gay Sailing)
Come for the day - meet us to find out more, have a sail (if you fancy) and a pint..!

Register HERE. Find out more on our Facebook page - HERE

Last three days to take advantage of Eurogames party promo offer

You have until 23:59 pm on Sunday 3 June 2012 to register and receive a special gift from us – a free ticket for the "Night of the Cities party", to be held in the FriGo-EuroGames Village) on the evening of Friday 29 June.

Register HERE.

Please also find the attached schedule of all the events (sports, parties, conferences, exhibitions, etc) to see that we are offering you an exceptionally colorful couple of days!

Make sure your place is booked at the awesome EuroGames Budapest, and tell your friends, too, not to miss this great opportunity!

Download the program of sports, culture, conferences and other events HERE.

Anton Hysén in finals for dance contest:

Out footballer Anton Hysén has reached the finals of Let's Dance, the Swedish version of Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing With the Stars.

The finals are Friday, so cross your fingers! And let's look forward to some same-sex dancing on these shows!

Euro Pride House welcomes fans at UEFA Euro 2012

Next week Warsaw will see the opening of “Euro Pride House”, a place for the LGBT community to enjoy Euro2012 in safety alongside straight friends, allies and fellow supporters in an environment of tolerance and respect for fundamental human rights.

Throughout June Euro Pride House will screen matches, host a table football tournament and play host to a range of debates and networking events. Of course, there is also a very well stocked bar and great local seasonal food for any fans looking for a friendly place to relax during the tournament.

For more information about the Launch of Euro Pride House contact: Lou Manders, EGLSF Co-President: lou@eglsf.info

15 August 2012 / Seattle Orcas supporting Swim for Life donor registry drive

Seattle Orca swim club had one entry two years ago and two entries last year in the Puget Sound Swim for Life. How many will sign up this year? More about the event:

It's a little-known fact that thousands of leukemia and other patients every year don't find a life-saving bone marrow donor match in time, even with a national registry of 9.5 million possible donors. The tissue-typing requirements are precise and costly and the donor registry simply isn't long enough.

Swim for Life is your opportunity to change that reality, and have fun doing it.

In just the past two years alone, the swim has raised enough to test and add 1,100 new donors to the national Be The Match registry.

Swim for Life is an annual 2.5 mile, team-based swim across Lake Washington from Medina Beach Park to Madison Park. A team is four or fewer swimmers and a kayaker, so you always have a safety boat near you.

This combination builds team spirit and a collective feeling of accomplishment; many swimmers who meet each other in this event continue to swim together over the year and return as a team the next year.

More info HERE.

You Can Play infographic of NHL participants

The website "Sixteen Wins" has made an infographic showing stats on NHL players involved in the You Can Play project.


Visit the You Can Play website HERE.

Auf Deutsch / Volker Beck warnt Homosexuelle vor Ukraine

Friend of the Gay Games Volker Beck, a German member of parliament, warns homosexuals against going to Ukraine for the Euro 2012 football cup:

Der Grünen-Politiker Volker Beck hat Homosexuelle vor einer Reise zur Fußball-EM 2012 in die Ukraine gewarnt. Ihre Sicherheit sei nicht gewährleistet. Zwar könne die Polizei für Sicherheit sorgen, wenn sie das wolle. «Aber gegenüber Menschen mit anderer Hautfarbe oder Lesben und Schwulen will sie das eben nicht» so Beck.

Die Sicherheit von Fußball-Fans in der Ukraine ist nach Auffassung des Grünen-Politikers Volker Beck während der Fußball-EM 2012 nicht gewährleistet. Es sei zu bezweifeln, dass in der Ukraine «wirklich alle Fans bei der Europameisterschaft gleichermaßen sicher sind», sagte Beck der Nachrichtenagentur dapd.

Die Polizei könne für Sicherheit sorgen, wenn sie das wolle. «Aber gegenüber bestimmten Gruppen, wie Menschen mit anderer Hautfarbe oder gegenüber Lesben und Schwulen, will sie das eben nicht», fügte der Parlamentarische Geschäftsführer der Grünen-Bundestagsfraktion hinzu.

Keep reading HERE.

San Francisco Giants 10th LGBT Night salutes Gay Games 30th Anniversary

The scene was electric. ATT Park, home field for Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants. A full house of 42,000 fans on hand for a divisional rivalry game with the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was also the 10th Annual LGBT Night game from this pioneering pro sports team. The crowd included 1,000 purchasers of a special LGBT ticket that included a private pre-game party and an exclusive rainbow-themed knit cap. For the second year in a row, these special LGBT tickets sold out weeks before the game.

Just before the Giants came to bat in the bottom of the 6th inning, the enormous scoreboard presented a wonderful video salute to two major anniversaries being celebrated in 2012: the 40th Anniversary of the San Francisco Gay Softball League, and the 30th Anniversary of Gay Games I. The ovation for this video must have inspired the team, since they promptly went out and scored to tie the game 1 - 1.



One inning later, a quintet of singers from the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco led the sold-out crowd in an a capella performance of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," also captured on video. This too must have inspired the home team since the Giants went on to score two more runs. They won the game 3 - 1, breaking the four year "curse" of losing on LGBT Night.

Staffing the informational table and promoting Gay Games 9
were (left to right) Martha from Team SF,
Mike from Team SF, and Tyler, co-chair of Team SF.
They're all wearing the knit cap given to the 1,000 purchasers
of the special LGBT Night game tickets.

Earlier in the game, several local LGBT organizations staffed an informational table at the Giants' "Community Clubhouse" area behind home plate. All the groups mentioned above were represented, and postcards and brochures for Gay Games 9 - Cleveland 2014 were distributed. Overhead, the recap DVD from the 2006 Chicago Gay Games showed on a large flat-screen monitor.

A portion of the proceeds from the 1,000 special LGBT tickets will be shared by several beneficiary organizations: the Federation of Gay Games, Team San Francisco, and the San Francisco Gay Softball League.

To the San Francisco Giants, for the 10th year in a row, the LGBT Community of the San Francisco Bay Area says "thank you" to the most generous and progressive of all professional sports organizations!

FGG to participate in Nike Sports Summit

The Federation of Gay Games is pleased to be invited to this event, and is looking forward to what we are sure will be productive discussions. From Outsports:

Homophobia and transphobia are persistent problems in sport that have silenced gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender athletes and coaches for much of the last century. Thanks to pioneers like former NFL player Dave Kopay, tennis great Martina Navratilova, and transgender professional tennis player Renee Richards, the climate for LGBT athletes and coaches began to shift three decades ago…but only marginally.

In contrast, 2011 was a watershed year in the fight to end homophobia and transphobia in sports. We have finally reached a tipping point when anti-gay slurs, silence and discrimination are no longer the accepted norms in sports. Increasing numbers of LGBT athletes are coming out, and many more straight allies are speaking up to support them. Joining established athletics-focused groups like the NCLR sports project and Outsports.com, LGBT advocacy groups like GLSEN, It Gets Better andGLAAD are widening their focus to include sports. It seems as though more new organizations are also coming forward to fight discrimination in sports every few weeks. Each organization is doing great things. Some target high schools sports, others target college athletics or professional sports; Some focus on legal advocacy, others outreach or media.

These changes are exciting and reflect a shifting culture in sport. Once dominated by discrimination and silence, a new climate of support and openness for LGBT athletes is emerging. The increasing numbers of groups focused on making sports a great place for everyone who wants to play or coach are helping to speed up the pace of change. But our effectiveness in ending homophobia in sports has been limited because we are not working together effectively. Despite being led by athletes and coaches whose success is built on communication and teamwork, most of these advocacy groups aren’t talking to one another. We all share the same goal, but we haven’t been playing like a team.

On June 14 in Beaverton, Ore., that will change. Thirty leaders who are actively advocating for LGBT equality in sports will come together at Nike World Headquarters for the first-ever Nike LGBT Sports Summit. The goal of this ground-breaking event is to create a team game plan for ending homophobia and transphobia in sport that takes advantage of the best thinking and strengths of each organization. The aim is to increase our ability to collaborate on bringing about the change we all are committed to.

For the better part of three days, summit participants will identify and commit to completing specific action plans toward ending anti-LGBT discrimination in sports. They’ll also forge inter-group relationships to carry out these action plans. The organizations involved in this inaugural summit include the American Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance, Athlete Ally, Br{ach the Silence,Campus Pride, ESPN, Fearless campaign, Federation of Gay Games, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), It Gets Better campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Nike, Our Group, Outsports, StandUp Foundation, and You Can Play project.

To maximize the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts, we envision this summit as the first of an annual event. Our intention is to include other organizations and individuals who share our goals as we extend our network over the coming year. The 2013 summit will be open to everyone who is committed to ending homophobia and transphobia in sports.

Thanks to Nike’s commitment to making sport a respectful and inclusive experience for LGBT athletes, we have an opportunity to make the next 12 months an even more amazing year of progress for LGBT athletes and coaches at all levels of sports. We’re also blessed to have the support of online sports leader SB Nation and worldwide tech leader Microsoft. The commitment of these companies, along with the organizations involved, opens an opportunity like never before to make equality in sports a reality for all.

We hope that pioneers of our movement will be proud to see the progress we are forging on the foundation of their courage and determination. Together, we will end homophobia and transphobia in sports. We hope you will join us in the coming year.

Ben Cohen profile

MetroSource magazine has an in-depth profile of Ben Cohen:

His StandUp foundation has become a major force for good in the lives of LGBT students. Now, Ben Cohen speaks to Metrosource about how he went from scoring rugby goals to fighting for kids’ rights.

If you’re a fan of international sports, you might know Ben Cohen as a British rugby star. If you’re an admirer of brawny, hairy-chested men, you may recognize him from his series of sexy pin-up calendars. But if you’re a member of the gay community, you’re probably most familiar with him as the founder of the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, the organization he created to combat homophobia and bullying among schoolkids.

So how did this straight sportsman become a champion of gay kids’ rights? In some ways, the gay community chose Cohen. “While I was playing rugby, I realized that I had a gay following,” Cohen tells me. About six years ago, it was brought to his attention that — of his tens of thousands of Facebook fans — a vast majority of them were gay men. Cohen didn’t mind that these fans might like him more for his pecs than his performance on the field, but it did plant the seed of an idea: He wanted to do something to give back. “To be able to say, ‘Look guys, there’s more to me than — and I can’t believe I’m saying it — looks and a hairy chest,’” he says.

Keep reading HERE.

Greater Cleveland Sports Commission hosts national youth wrestling championship in Akron

From USA Wrestling:

This event features competition for University age athletes (born 1988-1994 and must have graduated from high school; 2012 graduates not eligible) in Men's Freestyle and Greco-Roman. In 2011, the event set records for competitors in the Men's Freestyle division. Sign up today to be a part of the action!

The event also features competition for FILA Cadet age athletes (born 1995-1997) in Men's Freestyle and Greco-Roman. The champion in each FILA Cadet weight class qualifies to represent the United States at the 2012 FILA Cadet World Championships.

Top three place winners at this event qualify for your state's Cadet national teams (above the state limit) in the style in which you qualify. This is only for athletes born in 1996 or 1997. Athletes born in 1995 do not qualify for their Cadet national team. Athletes must still adhere to all state policies and you qualify in the style in which you place. The ASICS/Vaughan Junior & Cadet National Championships will be held in Fargo, ND, from July 14-21.

Sports clubs featured in NYC Pride Guide

Sports clubs featured in NYC Pride Guide

Why LGBT sport? A great example from the TIP Paris International Tournament

At last weekend's TIP Paris International Tournament there was a screening of clips from TV and movies about LGBT sport. During the discussion period I took issue with the moderator's position that in the absence of homophobia, there would be no need for LGBT sport.

I believe that there is a need for LGBT sport, independent of the very real problem of homophobia, in part because of the social role of sport. I also feel that there are modalities and values of sport found in the LGBT community that are distinct and worthwhile.

We saw an example of this at the TIP track meet. The last-place runner in the 5K track event was far behind everyone else. For the final lap, dozens of runners joined her to encourage her to the end. It's a moment that people who were there will take with them forever, and perhaps more meaningful than any medal they might have won. 

-- Marc Naimark

(Thanks to Jean François Vansnick for this great photo)

14 July 2012 / Pride Games adds Rowing challenge

Pride Games is an annual multi sports festival for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their friends. Held at various sporting sites in Manchester, it's the perfect opportunity to try a new sport, re-awaken old talents or brush up on current skills...have loads of fun and meet new people!  ​

After Track and field on 14 June and Squash on 21 June, Pride Games is adding a new event, Ergonomic Rowing, on 14 July 2012.

The Rowing ergometer challenge (2km) is brought to you by Open Athletics.

In the spirit of indoors rowing, complete 2k on a indoor rowing ergometer...but 'al fresco' and as quick as you can! Come anytime from 3pm to 5pm to complete the challenge and record your time. Medals for the 3 fastest men and women to cover the distance.

Register online now at www.pridesports.org.uk or just turn up and pay on the day.

More info HERE.



IGLA 2012 opens in Reykjavik

Accreditation is open at Reykjavik's Mál og Menning bookstore for IGLA 2012 annual championships.

Best wishes to hosts, volunteers, and participants in the competitions that begin tomorrow!