Gay Games I: Swimming and Shades of Pink Flamingo

Produced and curated by Federation of Gay Games Archivist Doug Litwin and FGG Honourary Life Member Shamey Cramer
with Ankush Gupta, FGG Officer of Communications

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post 36 of 40 - 1 September - Gay Games I: Swimming and Shades of Pink Flamingo

“Passing The Torch: Ruby Anniversary Edition” is a factual timeline of the major events that have been part of the Gay Games evolution since its inception. The series will run from 28 July 2022 - one month before the 40th anniversary of the original Opening Ceremony at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium - through 5 September, the anniversary of Gay Games I Closing Ceremony. All postings will remain online and available for viewing at the FGG website.

* * *

CHARLIE CARSON: Jeff to pool to work out before tonight’s diving prelims and finals. Meet Ron and J.P. for brunch at Patio on Castro. Shop at card store, then All-American Boy, and Ron and I get a Gay Olympic Games silkscreen poster of a torch at an art store on Market. Ron finished third in last night’s 50 Free and would like to medal in tonight’s 100 – he’s seeded ahead of me and just behind Richard Hunter. Back to respective places to nap. Don’t feel quite as strong as yesterday but don’t worry about it. Meet at the Castro MUNI – J.P. is there and has just gotten a ticket by a plainclothesman for lighting a match. Car is crowded but glad to get a seat and off my feet.

The diving prelims are on when Frank and I arrive. Jeff has no problem qualifying. The stands are packed, and people are outside who can’t get in. After warm-up, the 100 Free is the first event. Once again, I finish 2nd to Richard Hunter all the way from Lane 6! Mark Wussler is third, bumping out Ron. I’m happy with that race but tell myself to relax because I want the 100 Fly. There’s really no time to think because the 100 Free awards come first. But then, I win it! Felt OK but wasn’t sure where I was at the end. I could see Edmonton’s Ross Armstrong take it out, but I just kept at a pace I was comfortable with and – I out-touched him by .06 seconds. Crowd is crazy over this race. Whew! Exhausted and happy on the awards stand. Seattle’s Dana Cox wins the 50 Breaststroke, denying Richard Hunter a gold medal sweep, because all of Richard’s relays have won gold as well. Finish third in the 100 I.M., and now I have a full set of medal colors. Happy, lucky guy. The crowd cheers for everyone, with some of the loudest applause for the last place finishers.

  
Gay Games I diving action

Diving Finals – Lynn Johnston dives very well and gets loud applause. Jeff and Dick Ferris have a tight competition with Ferris just enough better. Jeff is constantly smiling and popular with crowd, getting a big ovation for his silver. Rick Bohner is also diving and gets second in the Under 25 division. Jeff gives Lynn her bouquet during awards.  I decide to wear Blake’s medal around to keep mine in good shape - ha. Earlier in the meet Mark, Karen, and another woman and I hatched the idea of cross-dressing in the final event, the 200 yd. Mixed Freestyle Relay – Mark and I in women’s suits and the gals topless. But we finally decide the media would seize on that instead of the message we are trying to get out about taking sports seriously, so we nix it. Do an exhibition 100 Medley Relay with Andy, Mark and Pat and it’s fun to get back in the water one last time for a quick 25. L.A. guys sweep relay medals (Ron does earn another medal here), and everyone poses for pictures around the deck – we don’t want it to end! Never had and never will again go through an experience like it.

  
Charlie Carson with Ron  Kirchoff at the inspiration of the Pink Flamingo

Charlie Carson with his "chariot dogs" having fun at the Oasks

Church Street Station for dinner. Sit with Dennis, friend of Richard Hunter’s, and Jeff and I have a good time laughing with L.A.; we all head to The OASIS after for drinks.  Bartender says we can’t go in the pool – drat. Well, ham that I am, I have the women’s suit I possibly was going to wear earlier and go ahead and dress up so there’s something else going on besides our standing around drinking. Several of the swimmers are in on it, and while giggling ahead of time we hook up a bunch of medal ribbons as leashes and I drive Ron and Harry Starcevic as chariot dogs around the pool. People call out, “Esther!” – as in Williams. Do a bit on a deck chair I call Sea Animals of the World. The manager comes over and says I can go in! Crowd hoots as I do a starfish, alligator, the shark from Jaws, Susan Backlinie in Jaws (poor girl), and Flipper. A Sister of Perpetual Indulgence tries posing around the deck and gets frustrated being upstaged.

Get back into boy drag and we take a group picture. No one is in the mood to stop at 2 a.m. closing, but nothing is open except the Ritch Street spa. At this point we’re all friends so it’s all very chaste. Some with boyfriends won’t even get into towels. Jacuzzi with Mauro and Steve. Bobby Goldsmith wears all his medals into the hot tub and we’re tickled. Do some weight machines and – well, they sell carrot cake at the spa so we eat carrot cake. John, coach of Berkeley, drives me and Jeff home at 4:45am. A BLAST.

* * *

Team L.A. swimmers sweeping the 4 x 100 Individual Medley relay

Team L.A. swimmers Bill Swann, Jeff Shotwell, Richard Hunter and Steve Smetzer

SHAMEY CRAMER: The highlight of the Aquatics tournament for our Team LA swimmers was their l-2-3 sweep in the Men's 4X100 Individual medley relay. Due to regulations, we had to list our swimmers from different municipalities. Team Los Angeles had swimmers representing Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica (this was two years before West Hollywood became an incorporated city). Fortunately, that moment in time of the twelve of them on the podium with Coach Michael Roth was captured and appeared on the cover of many LGBT papers.

    
The iconic photo of Richard Hunter in the pool and on the book cover

But the moment that epitomized what those first Gay Games were all about belonged to Richard Hunter. There is an iconic shot of him leaping out of the pool, both fists pumped in the air, that killer smile of his opened as wide as can be, the look of pure joy and happiness spread across his ebullient face.

That photo became the cover of the brochure for Gay Games II. It, more than any other photo, captured the essence of what each and every Gay Games pioneer felt being part of that revolutionary event: we were free, we were strong and no one was going to rain on our parade; not the USOC nor those who had just named a strange new virus Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID, as it was first known) because it predominately affected gay men.

Besides being the poster boy for Gay Games II, Richard was featured in many magazines and caused a stir with Dr. Waddell and others when he appeared in an ad for HIM Vitamins wearing his Gay Games medals.

It was obvious from those first Gay Games that the West Hollywood aquatic athletes were a force to reckon with, in and out of the pool. As the Tournament Director Jill Ramsay wrote in her final report: "LA team especially strong. Shelley Farber got a Bronze in the Women's marathon in the morning, then swam two events in the afternoon - that's incredible. Cooperation from the LA team is overwhelming. They are close to setting statewide records. We're setting a precedent for future games. I think many Gay athletes didn't realize the standards of excellence we would be setting here."

Four weeks later, the LA swimmers founded West Hollywood Swim Club - later known as West Hollywood Aquatics - the first openly gay Masters swim club.

* * *

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Gay Games I: Swimming, Wrestling, and a Special Telegram

Produced and curated by Federation of Gay Games Archivist Doug Litwin and FGG Honourary Life Member Shamey Cramer
with Ankush Gupta, FGG Officer of Communications

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post 35 of 40 - 31 August - Gay Games I: Swimming, Wrestling, and a Special Telegram

“Passing The Torch: Ruby Anniversary Edition” is a factual timeline of the major events that have been part of the Gay Games evolution since its inception. The series will run from 28 July 2022 - one month before the 40th anniversary of the original Opening Ceremony at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium - through 5 September, the anniversary of Gay Games I Closing Ceremony. All postings will remain online and available for viewing at the FGG website.

* * *

Swim Coach Michael Roth

DR. MICHAEL ROTH: I was very proud of how well our swimmers performed. Not only were we representing Los Angeles, which would be hosting the Olympics two years later, but this was the first time gay people were being recognized for something other than their sexual preference or identity.

After each day’s competition, the team would often head into the Castro District. I remember telling them they were allowed thirty minutes before I made everyone go home and prepare for the next day’s competition.

  
Elizabeth Taylor in 1982

Halfway through the meet I received a telegram from a very special patient of mine. They read it over the loudspeaker, making sure to announce that the telegram was from none other than Elizabeth Taylor. The place went wild. That was a very special moment for me. For one of the most famous people on the planet to take the time to do such a simple gesture was very endearing. Elizabeth knew how much it meant to me, and how happy it would make me and everyone else feel. That’s the kind of person she was.

Towards the end of the meet, we still needed another woman to fill one of our mixed medley relays. A woman from the stands stepped forward, even though she really wasn’t a swimmer. I told her “just do the doggie paddle if you have to.” When she finished, the entire natatorium gave her a rousing ovation for her efforts. But that’s what the Games were about - everyone feeling welcomed and included.

Of course, this was the time when AIDS began ravaging the community. Many of the swimmers ended up becoming patients of mine, and I ended up losing over 500 friends to the disease. I had so many patients come to me by request. When I asked them why, they simply stated “because we heard you cared.”

Whether it was my work as the coach for the swim team, or working with my patients, more than anything, I tried; I really tried to do my best. But it is still very painful to remember all the loss we experienced.

* * *

 
Gene Dermody on the Gay Games I wrestling mat

GENE DERMODY: Don Jung’s Golden Gate Wrestling CLUB (GGWC), which was founded explicitly for Gay Games, was thrust into a leadership role as the excited wrestlers demanded more!

CA USA-Wrestling Officers and Officials were present to sanction and run the tournament out of respect for Don. Future CA-USA-Wrestling sanctioning was a major political hurdle now removed, and every Gay Games since has been sanctioned. No other Gay Games sport received official sanctioning in 1982 or 1986.

     
Gay Games I wrestling action

The welcoming address by Holocaust Survivor Dr. Allen Abraham, a retired wrestling coach and Athletic Director at Columbia University and then UCSF, cut the butterflies and fears of the wrestlers sitting nervously on the mats, and brought them to hugs and tears with these words (paraphrased): “Look around the room. See the future and be proud. By competing here today, you are ‘Changing The World’”.

 

The interpersonal connections created in 1982 were extraordinary because we were unknown to each other, and yet instantly we’re on the same egalitarian athletic/social page. These dynamic group connections within the sport competitions generated the powerful LGBTQ+ sport governing bodies that would proliferate local LGBTQ+ sports clubs. International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) was by far the most professional, successful, and the Role Model for other LGBTQ+ sports.

* * *

Gay Games I swimmers on the starting blocks

CHARLIE CARSON: Take it easy all day and don’t join the L.A. guys to sightsee.  Shave arms in morning. Meet Steve Smetzer to go to the souvenir store to buy pins and a Gay Olympic Games t-shirt. Rather than destroy inventory, vendors can still sell product if the word “Olympic” is covered at the point of sale (masking tape on the t-shirts; white paint on the pins – of course we remove the tape or scratch off the paint once purchased). Steve and I laugh at a t-shirt with “E.T. – Elizabeth Taylor,” sold!  Back to Dom’s to shave legs and nap two hours. Marcello’s for pizza. MUNI to the pool and don’t do much warmup. Shaved down; you feel like a bullet in the water.

     
Gay Games I swimming action and fabulous volunteers

Finals start. Chat with Allison and Karen and Scott and Hal, and Pat Prince from Honolulu. And then I win the 100 Backstroke – completely unexpected. And then move up from sixth to finish 2nd in the 50 Free! Hoppin’ all over the place, and wear my E.T. t-shirt on the awards stand. Blake decided not to come back from the Russian River for the 50 Fly that I scratched…um, OK… I didn’t need another final anyway. Do an exhibition relay with Andy, Pat and Mark Wussler of Tucson and we would’ve finished second. Tom Waddell gives medals tonight. Competition chair Jill Ramsey blows soap bubbles around us on the awards stand. The crowd treats us like rock stars, and in reality it doesn’t matter that there are no big names here. With our general equal level of ability, we have some very close races which makes things exciting regardless.

Swimmers out on the town on Castro Street

To the Castro afterwards with Mauro, Frank, Rick and Richard. Richard has won all his races so far and is our little meet’s star. Most of L.A. is at the Sausage Factory. Back to Dominic’s and – well, won’t name which roommate doesn’t come home tonight…

* * *

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Gay Games I: Spreading the Word and Tom Wins Gold

Produced and curated by Federation of Gay Games Archivist Doug Litwin and FGG Honourary Life Member Shamey Cramer
with Ankush Gupta, FGG Officer of Communications

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post 34 of 40 - 29 August: Gay Games I: Spreading the Word and Tom Wins Gold

“Passing The Torch: Ruby Anniversary Edition” is a factual timeline of the major events that have been part of the Gay Games evolution since its inception. The series will run from 28 July 2022 - one month before the 40th anniversary of the original Opening Ceremony at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium - through 5 September, the anniversary of Gay Games I Closing Ceremony. All postings will remain online and available for viewing at the FGG website.

* * *

    
Top: Tom Waddell throwing the javelin; Middle: Gay Games I medals; Bottom: Tom (left) with other medal winners 

* * *

SARA WADDELL LEWINSTEIN: I got the Dykes on Bikes to be our sports messengers during the Games. They brought us all the results for our 15 sports… daily, and everyday, so we could post everything. It was quite the sight for all of our eyes. Tom took the Gold medal in a few track and field events. Javelin was his best!

* * *

  
International Male store in West Hollywood and IM print ad

SHAMEY CRAMER: Three weeks after I founded Team Los Angeles in late June, my boyfriend died in a freeway auto accident. Since I used the last of my paid vacation days to attend his funeral, I couldn’t afford to take time off to spend the entire week in San Francisco.

On Monday, 30 August, my Team LA Co-chair Rand Wiseman-Curtright called me at my office to convey all the results he had accumulated. I wrote everything down as fast as I could, but it was impossible not to get choked up hearing the excitement and pride in his voice.

After typing up the information as a two-sided news sheet, I then ran off several hundred copies on the photocopy machine. After work, I took the bus into West Hollywood and get off in front of International Male clothing store, on the west side of West Hollywood. I would proceed to walk all the way home to my apartment on Sycamore – which was just under three miles – stopping in every bar and business where there would be gay people, and passed out the info sheet.

Team Los Angeles athlete (wearing "Olympic" t-shirt) on the Gay Games I track

Although people were wondering what I was doing the first night or two, once people saw it was me approaching the last two days, they got all excited to see what the latest news was coming out of San Francisco. Since there was barely any media coverage outside of the Bay Area on the Gay Games, providing this kind of immediate information “guerrilla-style” was the only way to get the word out in those pre-Internet days.

I did this every day that week before flying up to San Francisco on Friday evening.

* * *

    
Charlie Carson with fellow medal-winning swimmers poolside and around town. Note the woman in the second photo has the word "Olympic" crossed out on her shirt

CHARLIE CARSON: After the warmup we have a coach’s meeting, much of it led by Morri Spang of Minneapolis. We agree no more ad hoc relays being put together among individual swimmers now that we know each other’s abilities. Slightly annoyed, but I get it. Nobody likes the format of two days of prelims with two nights of finals, the nonstandard age groups, the one-entry-per-city rule; we’ll urge a sanctioned Masters format if there’s a second Gay Games. Today’s events start at 11:30. Qualify first in the 100 Fly this time – wow. Fourth in 100 Individual Medley. 50 Breast is a joke and missing qualifying is good for my humility. Telegram to L.A. coach, Dr. Michael Roth, from a patient: “The best of luck in San Francisco. I’m very proud of you all.” – from Elizabeth Taylor (!).

Richard Ferris, Chair of Gay Games I diving event

Leave because the break is four hours until 6:30. Jeff stays to dive and is concerned because Diving Chair Richard Ferris is good. Getting to know Andy and Scott from Sacramento – already a couple at 19 and 20 and adorable. Eat at Norse Cove, then to City Athletic Center with L.A.’s Mauro Bordovsky, Mike Wallace, Frank, and others.  The jacuzzi hits the spot. Home for a nap and it’s back to the pool. Decide to skip the 50 Back I’m likely to qualify in because I can’t handle four finals on Wednesday night – the schedule really is insane. Watch and visit with others. L.A. and Berkeley dominate tonight’s relay finals.

(L to R) Charlie Carson, Richard Hunter, Ron Kirkhoff

Home with Jeff and the Castro is hopping. Hamburger Mary’s for dinner with Jeff, Frank and J.P. Lanctot (another from L.A.!). Meet up with other swimmers and head to the Oasis bar, a former hotel with a bar by the outdoor pool. We’re starting to be amazed at the lack of coverage in the local papers – isn’t this the most important thing in the city now? Then to the Midnight Sun, a video bar, with a hilarious Edith Prickley skit from SCTV and The Go-Go’s Vacation. Good crowd but we don’t stay out too late – the bigger finals races are still to come. Yup, I’m shaving.

* * *

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Gay Games I: Bowling, Medals, and Swimming

Produced and curated by Federation of Gay Games Archivist Doug Litwin and FGG Honourary Life Member Shamey Cramer
with Ankush Gupta, FGG Officer of Communications

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post 33 of 40 - 28 August: Gay Games I: Bowling, Medals, and Swimming

“Passing The Torch: Ruby Anniversary Edition” is a factual timeline of the major events that have been part of the Gay Games evolution since its inception. The series will run from 28 July 2022 - one month before the 40th anniversary of the original Opening Ceremony at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium - through 5 September, the anniversary of Gay Games I Closing Ceremony. All postings will remain online and available for viewing at the FGG website.

* * *

  
Park Bowl: Site for Gay Games I and II bowling. Photos: Jim Hahn

JAMES HAHN: The next morning, on Sunday, I bowled in Singles and did pretty well. However, later that afternoon, I learned that my favorite grandmother had passed away on the day of Opening Ceremony. This happened before the days of cell phones and all my mother knew was that I was in San Francisco. She actually tracked me down through the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and I got the message from the Reverend Mother.

I did manage to place 18th and I thus made it to the next round, something I’ve done in each subsequent Gay Games, except for New York.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: It was at the San Francisco Tavern Guild gay bowling leagues where Tom Waddell met Sara Lewinstein. Thus, the roots of the Gay Games can be traced to those leagues held at Park Bowl on Haight Street a half-block from Golden Gate Park.]

* * *

The Gay Games I medal

SARA WADDELL-LEWINSTEIN: My women's bowling team won the Gold Medal. After receiving the medal and placing it around my neck, I quickly left for the Powerlifting / Weightlifting event, where I had been asked to give out their medals. When I walked into the facility, everything stopped! The place was full of people who all started standing up and clapping.

I quickly turned to see what they were clapping at, only to find that the whole place was clapping for me! They had not seen the medals yet, and here I was, walking in wearing one of the very first ones to of been given out. I proceeded to hold up my medal for everyone to see, and they could not stop cheering. I was in tears holding it and could not believe what was happening.

This was definitely a very special moment for me.

* * *

   
Charlie Carson (L); Hal Herkenhoff (R) at Gay Games I

(L to R) Steve Smetzer; Ric Bohner; James Ozanich; GGI 50 yard Backstroke at Gay Games I. Photo: Charlie Carson

CHARLIE CARSON: Morning of the first competition, with finals for longer distance events and the 100 yd. Mixed Gender Relays. See the heat sheets and I get that same old swim meet feeling I hadn’t had in six years. And then I tell myself I’m too old to be nervous and that calms me down: will just do my best. I’ve clipped my body hair but haven’t decided yet whether to shave down.

Swimming has about 125 participants. The hot hunks are Richard Hunter of L.A., Chris Dale of Minnesota, and Berkeley’s Hal Herkenhoff. New York guy Blake shows up and says he wants to swim only the 50 Fly before heading to the Russian River. We’re in the same age group so the one-person-per-city rule governs. Since I’m in most all the other sprints I say OK.  Bomb the 200 IM – not happy with my time – still, seriously, what did I expect training on my own at NYU? But then I start qualifying for some event finals.

Turns out there are no national caliber athletes. We are all pretty much second tier swimmers who had some local age group and, for a few, collegiate success – with several recreational swimmers like Australian Bobby Goldsmith who, during the warmups, we’re teaching to touch with two hands in breaststroke. Bobby entered almost every event in the 36-45 age group; he’s bubbly and charmingly clueless about swimming rules. I squeak through into the 50 Free at 6th. I’m second in the 100 Back and feel better. After Blake qualifies for the 50 Fly, we put together a 100 Mixed Medley Relay with Californians Allison Tierney and Karen Cagle. Our relay wins and I have a gold medal – the pressure is off! Yay! Do a Men’s 100 Medley Relay with Blake, Bobby Goldsmith and another guy (whose name I’ve forgotten), but we don’t place. Blake leaves for the Russian River.

Jeff and the other divers can’t warm up because the 1650 Freestyle takes too long. He becomes fast friends with Minnesota’s Lynn Johnston, the only female diver. Swimmers hang out watching the track and field events next door. Meet Ron Kirkhoff and Steve Smetzer (L.A. – so many from L.A.!). In the showers afterwards, L.A.’s Rick Bohner says about me, “Look at those buns!” Café San Marcos for dinner. Hang out with Steve in the evening and head back to Dominic’s early to get plenty of sleep for tomorrow.

* * *

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Gay Games I Opening Ceremony

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY - GAY GAMES!!!

Produced and curated by Federation of Gay Games Archivist Doug Litwin and FGG Honourary Life Member Shamey Cramer
with Ankush Gupta, FGG Officer of Communications

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post 32a of 40 - 28 August: 1982 - Gay Games I Opening Ceremony

“Passing The Torch: Ruby Anniversary Edition” is a factual timeline of the major events that have been part of the Gay Games evolution since its inception. The series will run from 28 July 2022 - one month before the 40th anniversary of the original Opening Ceremony at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium - through 5 September, the anniversary of Gay Games I Closing Ceremony. All postings will remain online and available for viewing at the FGG website.

* * *

Lighting of the torch at Gay Games I by George Frenn (L) and Susan McGrievy (R). Photo: Lisa Kanemoto

To see a video of the Gay Games I Opening Ceremony and the lighting of the torch by Olympian Susan McGrievy, click HERE

To see an interview with Susan McGrievy about the GGI Opening Ceremony , click HERE

Chris Van Scoyk at Gay Games II in 1986

CHRIS VAN SCOYK: The Opening Ceremony was held at Kezar Stadium and it was an unforgettable feeling of pride and exhilaration to march together with our team and teams from around the world. And dancing with Dana Cox from Seattle while listening to Tina Turner sing was totally sublime. Gosh, we were lucky to be part of the first Gay Games. For sure an experience that was a highlight of my life. San Francisco was so welcoming and we were treated like celebrities wherever we went in the city. I will never forget the emotions of that time. We knew we were making history for our community.

* * *

Entrance of the Board of Directors. Sara Waddell Lewinstein is third from the right, alongside Tom Waddell. Photo: Lisa Kanemoto

The Gay Games Board on stage at the Opening Ceremony

SARA WADDELL-LEWINSTEIN: My first memory is of the Board of Directors marching around the field at Kezar Stadium while leading the participating athletes to the stage. I had recently become the Co-Sports Director for the Games, after previously working on the Board of Directors as the Bowling Co-Chair and Women's Outreach Lead. Standing alongside me was Chris Puccinelli, Zohn Artman, and Dr. Tom Waddell. And as we lined up, alternating between men and women, we held hands, full of excitement and pride for having been able to successfully kick off this incredible event that brought us all together.

* * *

The Gay Games I Opening Ceremony. Photo: Lisa Kanemoto

JACK GONZALES: My arrival in San Francisco for Gay Games started in the Castro district. We had to register with photo IDs at a school. It is also where we met our host (for those of us who requested housing). I recall the city being very active with the influx of thousands of people. San Francisco was the perfect city to host these first Games. AIDS / HIV was around, but still in the early stages. One saw no evidence or concern about this soon to be Gay Epidemic. Everyone was in a joyous mood. The City was very busy. Restaurants and bars/nightclubs were packed nightly.

The San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band and Twirling Corps performing at the GGI Opening Ceremony 

For its first large scale event of this magnitude, it was well organized with no noticeable mishaps. It definitely helped if you were the type of person that can move forward in any circumstance. I recall the Opening Ceremony at Kezar Stadium. All the different cities and countries were dressed to represent their respective teams. It was very inspiring with a splash of awe when we walked into the stadium. There were so many people in the stands. The athletes walked into the stadium with their team/city. We stood / sat while we listened to the various speakers. The entertainment was Tina Turner. She was magnificent. She gave everyone additional energy through her singing & music. It was wild. At the conclusion, everyone emptied the venue on their way to dinner, dancing or wherever.

* * *

The Gay Games I stage where Ken Ward and his fellow musicians were supposed to play. Armistead Maupin is speaking

KEN WARD: A jazz band which had been recently formed out of the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band and Twirling Corps, and was run by an absolutely CRAZY musician named Guy Foster-Hayden. This preceded the formation of the City Swing Big Band by 2 years. The Foster-Hayden band was asked to open for Tina Turner who was the entertainer for the Opening Ceremony. We were ready to go but were then told that there was a problem with the sound system, so we would have to wait a while. We waited and waited and waited, and eventually were told that the sound system would not be fixed in time for us to play before Tina Turner. BUMMERRRRRRRRR! Our big chance squelched.

  
The San Francisco Band on the field (left) and with the Los Angeles Band (right)

So we sat in the bleachers at Kezar Stadium watching and listening to the San Francisco and Los Angeles gay bands play and saw the two conductors embrace to loud cheers in the middle of the field.

* * *

Tina Turner wow-ing the GGI Opening Ceremony crowd

DOUG ORLOFF: In San Francisco, I stayed with friends of friends who graciously let me and my partner stay in their spare room. On a side note, that partner and I got together in 1979 in Kansas City and we are still together 43 years later. 

When the Opening Ceremony was starting, we were outside the stadium just like the Olympics, and we marched in as a team under our city flags. We had no idea what to expect. It might just be our loved ones and friends inside the stadium. But as we cleared the tunnel, and walked onto the track, the roar was just crazy. There were thousands of people in the stands cheering us and celebrating like only LGBT+ people can. 

I was walking by Bill Swann and Ron Kirkoff and I couldn’t speak. I was choked up and very emotional. Ron, of course, was cracking jokes and laughing. He had the whole team start waving to the crowd like we were royalty. The mantra was “Furs, pearls, tiaras” as we waved the stiff hand gesture Queen Elizabeth does.

All hell broke loose when Tina Turner performed. That a big star would perform for a gay event was bananas. We danced, we sang, and when she did “Proud Mary,” she tore the place down!

* * *

Team Los Angeles entering the Gay Games I Opening Ceremony

JEFF SHOTWELL: When we arrived in San Francisco, all the swimmers were assigned to different "hosts" who had opened their homes to house many of the gay athletes. I was paired with Bill Swann and our hosts were so welcoming. As a matter of fact, it seemed the entire city of San Francisco layed out the welcome mat for all of the athletes - we were cheered and applauded everywhere we went. It was an unbelievable experience.

I have 2 very fond memories of the Opening Ceremony.  The first was walking into the stadium as the "Los Angeles Team" in our uniforms (t-shirts, I believe) and seeing the massive crowd and all of the people cheering! It was overwhelming and that feeling is seared into my memory. I felt to be a real part of the gay community that day.  The second memory was seeing Tina Turner perform on stage for all of us. Tina Turner! What a performance! The atmosphere in that stadium that day was electric. We all knew we were part of something big, but did we realize we were making HISTORY? I didn't, nor do I think many of my teammates thought we were - at the time. All I knew is I was having a blast with this great group of guys, in a fabulous city, doing something I really loved - swimming.

* * *

  
(L) Tina Turner wows the crowd at the GGI Opening Ceremony; (R) Team Minnesota at the GGI Opening Ceremony

San Francisco Examiner coverage of Gay Games I. Jean-Nickolaus Tretter (left in glasses) and Team Minnesota teammate Morrie Spang (holding flag)

JEAN-NICKOLAUS TRETTER: I remember Tina Turner. Of course, she had just left Ike Turner, and what I remember is the biggest ongoing discussion was whether she was a lesbian or not. Back in those days, you just didn’t do things like that, performing at a large, all-gay event. A lot of the lesbians took off their shirts. Team Minnesota had 87 participants for Gay Games I - the largest team from outside California.

* * *

Gene Dermody (center) with Team New York members at GGI Opening Ceremony

GENE DERMODY: I wrote this letter (below) to my YMCA training partner soon after the Opening Ceremony, and it was later included in an LGBTQ+ Castro anthology. I was 34 years old, but it reads like I was 15 years old and I had just won my first tournament. This is how life-shattering this Gay Games experience was for me. I gave up my thirteen-year safe, tenured position teaching and coaching in northern New Jersey and moved to San Francisco within six months with no apartment and no job. The Gay Games had exposed the critical mass of the community that I had been desperately searching for in all the wrong places. It was also the best personal and professional decision I could have ever made:

Saturday 28 August 1982 Gay Games Opening Ceremony Outside Kezar Stadium, San Francisco

It is hard being so jaded to convey the absolute feeling of liberation and joy I felt that day at Kezar Stadium. I have never experienced that level of exhilaration since. As preparations were being made inside the stadium, some 1,300 athletes milled about outside for some three hours, in the typical cool fog of San Francisco. We could hear the wild cheering inside, but were not yet sure what they were excited about. Could it be us? Many “travel-challenged” like me, who thought California summer weather was hot and humid, arrived dressed only in shorts, t-shirts, and back-packs, not prepared for the overcast 60-degree chilly winds.

But we didn’t notice our goose bumps. We were too busy checking out the other athletes. Where did they all come from? Like the kids we never allowed ourselves to be, we were soon making new friends, sizing up the caliber of competition, and networking with our alter egos.

The buzz was incessant, but it was a markedly “different” banter for a Gay group: “Where did you Wrestle? Who was coaching at Bakersfield? What weight would Larry Blakeley compete at? How much weight did you cut? Would Title IX kill Princeton’s program? When are the weigh-ins?“..etc. It was as if -everyone- was finally speaking”‘my” language, and I had finally found “my” lost tribe!

As we were ushered into the stadium by city for the “March of the Athletes,” I was handed one of the New York City flags to lead Team NY’s athletes. A warm sun suddenly exploded out from behind the clouds, as if on cue, to announce the entry of gods into Valhalla. I vividly remember Tina Turner singing on stage and crying profusely for no apparent reason. I felt as if I had finally come “Home” after a very long exile.

* * *

Mauro Bordovsky (L) with Shamey Cramer at the Gay Games IX send-off party in Los Angeles

MAURO BORDOVSKY: Entering Kezar for the Gay Games I Opening Ceremony was amazing and emotional. Although I had competed extensively for my University in Brazil, the Gay Games and entering Kezar Stadium was the first time I felt like an Olympic athlete. The city of San Francisco was very welcoming. Many people on the streets, on public transportation, at events, at restaurants, etc. were curious about us athletes, the sport(s) in which we were participating, and how we were doing. Some restaurants even gave free food to gold medalists. I stayed with local hosts, which was a great way to make new friends and get to know a new city.

* * *

Read more about the Opening Ceremony in Post 32b

* * *

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

1982 - Final Preparations - California, Here We Come!

Produced and curated by Federation of Gay Games Archivist Doug Litwin and FGG Honourary Life Member Shamey Cramer
with Ankush Gupta, FGG Officer of Communications

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post 31 of 40 - 27 August: 1982 - Final Preparations - California, Here We Come!

“Passing The Torch: Ruby Anniversary Edition” is a factual timeline of the major events that have been part of the Gay Games evolution since its inception. The series will run from 28 July 2022 - one month before the 40th anniversary of the original Opening Ceremony at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium - through 5 September, the anniversary of Gay Games I Closing Ceremony. All postings will remain online and available for viewing at the FGG website.

* * *

Coach Michael Roth at Gay Games I

DR. MICHAEL ROTH: I finished my Master’s degree in 1964 and started medical school in 1966. In between that time, I became a high school substitute teacher and swim coach in the Detroit area, with my mentor being John Zwick. During that brief period, I actually coached a handful of All-American athletes.

Richard Hunter was a patient of mine, and he and Ric Bohner asked me if I would be interested in coaching the swimmers they had recruited to participate in the first Gay Olympic Games later that summer. Besides getting the newfound team ready for competition, I also made a lifelong friend with Mike Wallace, another doctor on the team. And let me tell you, as an experienced coach, I worked them hard! But it paid off.

* * *

Volleyball action at Gay Games II in 1986. Photo: Ann Meredith

JACK GONZALES: In order to prepare for the upcoming Gay Games, the majority of our Los Angeles team played (drilled) at the Hollywood YMCA with a volleyball club (Universal Volleyball Club). The majority of the club were straight with the exception of my team. Our sexual orientation was never brought up, but I suspect that the coach and other players ‘knew our story’. We had quite an exceptional group of individuals that made up the team. All had excellent skills which made for a very talented team.

* * *

The Gay Games I banner with "Olympic" covered over

A rare unaltered Gay Games I poster

Gay Games posters before and after removal of "Olympics"

SARA WADDELL LEWINSTEIN: In the last month prior putting on the first Gay Olympic Games, this is what we were all doing: crossing out the word Olympic from EVERYTHING! Shirts, posters, medals, EVERYTHING! Tom was also securing advertising for our first program; he was everywhere. Speaking on radio programs, board meetings, and he took over last minute as the sports director, along with myself. We were both the International Sports Co-Directors, which happened in the last month. We were everywhere doing everything last minute, especially with trying to get as many entries as possible. Everything was last minute. Men and Women coming together for the first time in his/her story. The First Gay Bleep Games! What a sight for sore eyes, as we everyone started arriving.

* * *

Print ad for Gay Games I 

     
Charlie Carson and friends around San Francisco. Photos: Charlie Carson

CHARLIE CARSON: Fly TWA to San Francisco. Things are fun right away. Athletes identify each other with big grins upon landing – I meet a group of Los Angeles swimmers and we share a van into the city. One, Frank Maciejewski, turns out to be the third housemate with me and Jeff at Dominic Galardi’s house, as many residents offer hosted housing. We head to Registration to pick up our participant packet and then the San Francisco State University pool to loosen up. Discover the sometimes-chilly S.F. August air. Dinner at the Norse Cove with Frank and Rafael Montijo (who would become one of International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics’ co-founders). Jeff and I go to L.A. swimmers’ team meeting at the Hilton – lively group, and there are so many they’ve divided into L.A., Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica to get around the “one swimmer per city” rule (ha!). Undercurrent on the street is about the USOC’s lawsuit a few weeks back that stopped the use of the word Olympic in between the two words Gay Games.

* * *

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

1982: August - Response to the Olympic Injunction

Produced and curated by Federation of Gay Games Archivist Doug Litwin and FGG Honourary Life Member Shamey Cramer
with Ankush Gupta, FGG Officer of Communications

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post 30 of 40 - 26 1982: August - Response to the Olympic Injunction

“Passing The Torch: Ruby Anniversary Edition” is a factual timeline of the major events that have been part of the Gay Games evolution since its inception. The series will run from 28 July 2022 - one month before the 40th anniversary of the original Opening Ceremony at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium - through 5 September, the anniversary of Gay Games I Closing Ceremony. All postings will remain online and available for viewing at the FGG website.

* * *

Team Los Angeles member Phil Manciero wearing unaltered "Gay Olympics" shirt at the GGI Opening Ceremony, 1982

SHAMEY CRAMER: In mid-August, 1982, we had our Team Los Angeles send-off party at Studio One, with drag queen Kenny Sacha as the MC. The funds we received from Christopher Street West allowed me to design and print our yellow and teal t-shirts for everyone, with the words Team Los Angeles Gay Olympic Team across the front. Our athletes wore these into Kezar Stadium for Opening Ceremony under their navy zip-up hoodies.

  
Announcements about the reaction to the Olympic injunction

That same week, we received the shocking news: the United States Olympic Committee had won the right in court to prevent us from using the word "Olympic." Every item printed, etched or embedded with the word Olympic had to either be destroyed, or the word removed. It really did seem the USOC wanted to be excessively vindictive and cause as much financial pain as possible, which only made our athletes dig their heels in even further.

More Team L.A. members proudly wearing their "Gay Olympics" shirts

Not a single member of Team Los Angeles covered over the word “Olympic” on our Opening Ceremony t-shirt. Our thought was “if they want to arrest us over the use of a simple word, then come and get us!” We were ready for that fight.

Attorney and Olympic swimmer Susan McGrievy in 2009

To see a video interview about the USOC case with activist attorney (and torch bearer at Gay Games I) Susan McGrievy, click HERE.

* * *

"Gay Olympic Games" banner at Reno Gay Pride, June 1982

* * *

GENE DERMODY: I got to San Francisco ten days before the Opening of Gay Games I as a wrestler from New York City. The California Superior Court decision had come down a week before my arrival. I was not involved with San Francisco Arts & Athletics, but because of my friendship with Don Jung and his involvement with Golden Gate Wrestling Club, and the planning of the wrestling event, I became a keen observer.

  
(L) Gay Olympic Games poster before and after defacing. (R) Tom Waddell covering the "O" word

Don worked as a wrestling coach at Mission High School on 18^th Street, not far from the Castro District. He was the artist who designed the Gay Games I poster art used on the one very striking Gay Olympic Games poster (human form icons of each sport). They were the posters where the word OLYMPIC was eventually crossed out - purposely, but not very well - and manually fixed around the Castro where they were already posted in windows. Don was obviously upset at having his artwork defaced, but c’est la vie.

Another unaltered Gay Olympic Games poster

San Francisco Arts & Athletics, the nonprofit that produced Gay Games I and II that evolved to become the Federation of Gay Games, had no “excess” funds, according to SFAA Board member Paul Mart. Board member Sara Lewinstein only had a few dozen of these posters, and carefully guarded them as they were valuable.

I remember going around the Castro one night with Don to cross out the word “Olympic” on the posters. We also went to a few Polk Street bars as well. The patrons were not keen on defacing the posters, but SFAA apparently was under pressure to clean up.

Flag Corps performing at the Opening Ceremony. If you look closely, the word "Olympic" is marked over on their shirts

I do not remember Don doing any other object defacing. Most of that defacing work was done by Sara’s people. There was not a lot of swag with the word “Olympic” on it to sell to begin with. Printing was very expensive, and carefully managed. I had one of the original grey T-Shirts with blue lettering “Gay Olympics” on it, and finally wore it until it was threadbare.

* * *

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

1982: Building Momentum and the National Torch Relay

Produced and curated by Federation of Gay Games Archivist Doug Litwin and FGG Honourary Life Member Shamey Cramer
with Ankush Gupta, FGG Officer of Communications

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post 29 of 40 - 25 August - 1982: Building Momentum and the National Torch Relay

“Passing The Torch: Ruby Anniversary Edition” is a factual timeline of the major events that have been part of the Gay Games evolution since its inception. The series will run from 28 July 2022 - one month before the 40th anniversary of the original Opening Ceremony at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium - through 5 September, the anniversary of Gay Games I Closing Ceremony. All postings will remain online and available for viewing at the FGG website.

* * *

Richard Hunter (center) on the medals stand at Gay Games I

SHAMEY CRAMER: I will always remember the first time I met Richard Hunter. But then, everyone remembers the first time they met Richard Hunter - he was just one of those guys. He, more than any other individual, was the nucleus that led to the founding of West Hollywood Aquatics, the first team within United States Masters Swimming whose mission focused on the inclusion of Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender athletes. But that was still a few months down the road.

After meeting with US Olympian Susan McGrievy on June 1 1982 to formally create Team Los Angeles, I quickly organized those from the list who had contacted her or the San Francisco organizers. We called the first meeting of all athletes on Sunday, 13 June in the Poinsettia Park gymnasium, where a newly-formed men's basketball team was scrimmaging. The meeting started at 6pm, with swimmers, volleyball players, runners, wrestlers and others, all meeting for the first time. You could feel the electricity.

Team LA at the Gay Games I Closing Ceremony led by Richard Hunter and Ric Bohner

The meeting was barely underway when it came to a complete standstill: through the north doors came two bronzed, bare-chested Adonises in cutoffs and sandals. The one carrying a piece of corrugated cardboard had a personality the size of Texas, and this brilliant, mega-watt smile that just wouldn't quit. He was one of those people who just couldn't help himself from making an entrance - it was just part of what made Richard Hunter who he was. The sleepy-eyed beauty at his side was Ric Bohner, a swimmer-diver who would also become one of the original founders of WH2O.

They had just returned from Venice Beach (the gay beach at that time) where they were recruiting new team-mates. Richard showed us the cardboard sign, which read something to the effect: “Los Angeles Swim Team forming for Gay Olympics in San Francisco - Swimmers Needed." As if either of them needed a reason to talk to men in speedos. But it worked. They actually recruited some of our best swimmers with that hand-made sign.

My Team LA Co-chair Rand Wiseman-Curtright and I continued to work with Richard and Ric, and others who began creating the structure of the swim team. Two car washes were arranged in the parking lot of the Detour, a gay bar located at Sunset Junction in Silverlake. Thanks to Ron Kirkhoff, they became a car wash AND a bake sale. I arranged a third car wash for the swimmers in the Studio One parking lot in West Hollywood.

Between the funds raised from these events, plus the $1,000 grant we secured from Christopher Street West Pride Committee, we were able to cover the cost of registrations, uniforms and equipment for nearly all of our 147 athletes.

* * *

Jean-Nickolaus Tretter in 1983

JEAN-NICKOLAUS TRETTER: When we contacted San Francisco Arts & Athletics about having the torch relay come through Minneapolis-St Paul, they said no; there was no way to get it from Cleveland to San Francisco because there was no one willing to organize a run through the central United States. Since we really wanted to be part of the torch relay, and were already promoting the Gay Games, Team Minnesota volunteered to take up organizing the relay through the entire central part of the United States. But there’s a little problem there. The Great Plains states are very flat and very long, and to have enough runners to cover that entire distance would be extraordinarily difficult. The gentleman running the torch relay out of San Francisco told us “just get the torch to Denver. We don’t care how you do it, but we can take it from there.” So we made a few changes.

One of the things the torch relay had to do was make money for the Gay Games, so the various torchbearers had to get financial pledges for every mile they carried it. We had enough people to run it from Cleveland through Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin to Minneapolis-St. Paul, but then there was central and southern Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas - the whole thing going to Denver. What we came up with is that people didn’t have to run those distances, they could either ride on a bike, or if we absolutely needed to, people could drive those distances in a car. Then, for the driving segments, we allowed people to pledge as low as a penny a mile. It ended up working out quite well. We did a big send-off from the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, and the people in Lincoln Nebraska and Wichita Kansas got their communities together and threw big welcoming parties.

We weren’t sure about having people running or being alone on a bicycle on some of those prairie roads. We were concerned about having openly gay people running through those areas, where people tend to be a little more conservative and unwelcoming, so we followed them all the way in a van to make sure they were safe. When we got to Denver, we heaved a great sigh of relief, then turned right around and went back to St. Paul.

The torch arriving in San Francisco for Gay Games I

And the torch got to San Francisco just fine.

The 1982 National Torch Relay schedule included the following cities:

• June 13 - Stonewall Inn, New York City
• June 24 - Piedmont Ohio
• June 26 - Columbus Gay Pride Parade
• June 27 - Columbus
• June 28 - Findlay
• June 29 - Toledo
• June 30 - Angola IN
• Jul 1 - South Bend IN
• Jul 2 - 5 - Chicago, IL
• July 6 - Milwaukee, WI
• July 7 - Madison
• July 8 - Madison
• July 9 - Sparta
• July 10 - Eau Claire
• July 11-15 Minneapolis/St Paul, MN
• July16 - Albert Lea, MN
• July 17 - Des Moines IA
• July 18 - Omaha, NE
• July 19 - 20 - Lincoln
• July 21 - Fairmont NE
• July 22 - Minden, NE
• July 23/24 - McCook, NE
• July 25 - Imperial
• July 26 - Sterling, CO
• July 27 - Ft. Collins, CO
• July 28 Boulder, CO
• July 29/30 - Denver, CO
• July 31 - Empire, CO
• Aug 1 - Kremmling, CO
• Aug 2 - Hayden, CO
• Aug 3 - Elk Springs, CO

* * *

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post Scripts

Produced and curated by Federation of Gay Games Archivist Doug Litwin and FGG Honourary Life Member Shamey Cramer
with Ankush Gupta, FGG Officer of Communications

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post 28 of 40 - 24 August - Post Scripts

“Passing The Torch: Ruby Anniversary Edition” is a factual timeline of the major events that have been part of the Gay Games evolution since its inception. The series will run from 28 July 2022 - one month before the 40th anniversary of the original Opening Ceremony at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium - through 5 September, the anniversary of Gay Games I Closing Ceremony. All postings will remain online and available for viewing at the FGG website.

* * *

Kate Rowe (right) at Gay Games VIII in Cologne, 2010

KATE ROWE: The world has changed in the last 40 years. LGBTQ+ sport has changed. There are far more opportunities for LGBTQ+ sport and culture. My belief is that Tom Waddell’s vision and model was the way forward. But now in 2022, we need to change the model to fit the new world.

We still don't have enough young people, people with disabilities or other diverse constituencies. We have not made progress on equal participation of women, yet in mainstream sport, great inroads are being made. We can learn from them all.

I have been a passionate believer in Tom Waddell’s vision and played my part. It is up to us all and the board now and in the future, to rise to the challenge of change.

* * *

Rob Smitherman at Gay Games 9, Cleveland+ Akron, 2014

ROB SMITHERMAN: The Federation of Gay Games, which began as San Francisco Arts & Athletics, has been an amazing institution for the past 40 years, keeping alive the Gay Games vision first begun in 1982. The board, the Assembly, and the many volunteers for the FGG have worked to make each Gay Games better, and they provided the structure for success.

A group that deserves much of the credit for each Gay Games is the host city working group that actually produces the Games. Each city organization must develop, manage, and create the event from scratch, using the guidelines set out by the FGG. Every Gay Games has produced an amazing event, with over 30 sports, several cultural events, an opening and closing ceremony, and often a festival village. These successes have been due to the host city leadership, volunteers, and staff devoting their lives to the Gay Games in their city.

I have attended every Gay Games since Amsterdam in 1998. I was fortunate to be part of the staff at the Chicago Gay Games, working as a sports manager. I then worked for the host teams in Cologne in 2010 and Cleveland/Akron in 2014. I also have been a member of the Steering Committee, a working group that has several representatives from the FGG and the host city. This has allowed me to be in awe of the host city volunteers and staff, those that make the Gay Games actually work.

Each host city organizing committee is a bit different. The group could consist of almost all volunteers with a few paid staff and consultants, or it could have a larger paid staff overseen by a volunteer board. Whatever the form the host is made up of people who are passionate about the Gay Games and the LGBTQ+ community. These people give up part of their lives for many years to make the Gay Games successful in their cities.

Since I was not part of the host city organizing committees before Chicago I cannot recognize individuals of those teams specifically. However, those organizers created an incredible event for each Gay Games, and then “passed the torch” to the next one. Each host city was able to build on the success of the previous one, and each learned from their challenges and difficulties.

Many people deserve praise, but from an operations and production standpoint, one person who deserves special recognition is Stuart Borrie of the Sydney Gay Games. Stuart created a report that is the most comprehensive and clear explanation of how to organize a Gay Games. We are still using it 20 years later. He is a major reason that the host cities after Sydney were able to create a successful event.

Gay Games VII: Chicago 2006 was organized by a dedicated team of volunteers, including the co-chairs Suzie Arnold and Sam Coady, and vice-chairs Tracy Baim and Kevin Boyer. They led a volunteer team that consisted of many in the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago. They also hired a great staff that produced each aspect of the Gay Games.

Gay Games VIII: Cologne 2010 was the dream of the LGBTQ+ Sports Club in Cologne, SC Janus. Annette Wachter and Michael Lohaus were the co-chairs, with Armin Lohrmann as the executive director, and they provided such great leadership. They led a team of volunteers, most of whom were part of SC Janus. Imagine having over 10,000 people for a week-long event that was produced almost exclusively by volunteers. Their success was a result of the passion and love that they had for Cologne and for the LGBTQ+ community.

Gay Games 9: Cleveland+Akron 2014 was a special and unique Gay Games, hosted by two small cities, both with a small LGBTQ+ sports community. The eventual group that organized the Gay Games was a volunteer board headed by Steve Sokany and Hollie Ksiezyk. The board relied on a staff to organize and produce the events, headed by Executive Director Tom Nobbe, as well as Marketing Director Ann Gynn and Development Director Mary Zaller. The board, staff, and volunteers produced a successful Gay Games in so many ways, including making a positive impact in the local communities, and creating a small budget surplus that eventually was able to donate to local LGBTQ+ causes.

Gay Games 10: Paris 2018 was led by Manuel Picaud, as well as Co-President Pascale Reinteau, who developed an outstanding team that produced yet another successful Gay Games. The French LGBTQ+ sports club FGSL contributed to producing many the sports events. Emy Ritt, prior FGG Co-President, was a great asset in the ultimate realization of the most recent Gay Games. These leaders and countless volunteers produced an amazing event in an amazing city.

We now have three host cities for future Gay Games. Hong Kong, led by Lisa Lam and Alan Lang, have developed a dedicated group of volunteers to manage and produce the Hong Kong version of Gay Games 11. Guadalajara Gay Games 11 is quickly bringing together the city, volunteers and staff to host a successful event. Valencia is just getting started with its plans to produce Gay Games 12. 

We also need to acknowledge the cities that bid to host the Gay Games but were not chosen as host. Each of those cities have had volunteers who dedicated several years of developing and presenting bids for the Gay Games. I have had the honor of meeting, working with, and sharing the disappointments of many of the great representatives from the bid teams of these cities. These wonderful volunteers deserve our respect and thanks.

Being part of the host city team has been a life-changing experience. The drive, determination, and passion of each host city organization has created the Gay Games that we know today. I wish I could name all of the people who have made a difference for each host city, but the list would be too long. Please join me in honoring them by remembering their dedication and commitment to making each Gay Games a success.

* * *

Joanie Evans announcing the new host for Gay Games XII in 2026

JOANIE EVANS: I have now been to 7 out of 10 Gay Games held so far. Over the past 20+ yrs, my involvement with the FGG has been varied: I’ve been an Observer, Vice President of Diversity, member of various committees, and was even part of the London 2018 Gay Games Bid Team and for the past 8 years as Co-President.

* * *

Doug Litwin (right) at Gay Games IV, NYC 1994

DOUG LITWIN: My Gay Games story has continued through Amsterdam, Sydney, Chicago, Cologne, Cleveland + Akron, and Paris and it’s not stopping any time soon. Happy Fortieth Anniversary, Gay Games!

* * *

Emy Ritt at FGG annual meeting in Cape Town South Arica 2008

EMY RITT: Since 1982, Gay Games Hosts and the FGG have been consistently analyzing the lessons learned in order to form a more perfect Gay Games and to reach a Personal Best with each new edition. We thank all Host Organizations and FGG volunteers for their enthusiasm, dedication, and personal sacrifice for the Gay Games.

Being a part of the Gay Games has been a life-changing experience and an immense privilege. Giving back to the Gay Games, even if just a little, has been a ‘raison d’être’ for over twenty years, an amazing adventure, and the greatest gift of all. Now, with gratitude, the baton has been passed to the next generations. Thank you. Merci.

* * *

  
(L) Jessica with her father Tom Waddell, Gay Games II, 1986
(R) Jessica at Opening Ceremony Gay Games VII, 2006 (photo : Beckermedia)

JESSICA WADDELL-LEWINSTEIN: Over the last 40 years, I have grown up with the Games while watching the Games grow alongside me. The Games is an intrinsic part of my being, and I owe a lot to it. My life, my career, my extended family. It has shown me the benefits of celebrating our differences, and bonding through our similarities. To value diversity, and the ability to show each other respect. The importance of standing together in solidarity and standing up for equality. Values that I can only hope to instill in my own two children now.

* * *

Shamey Cramer with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin

SHAMEY CRAMER: When one donates time to a non-profit, most of that work is done selflessly, anonymously and without reward. I will always want to be best remembered as the founder of Team Los Angeles, and one of the few that actually worked with Tom Waddell to create an international governing body during the first four years of operations.

I am also proud of the work I did with Rand Wiseman-Curtright and Phil Manciero to establish the Los Angeles Festival Games between Gay Games I and II, which led to a very cohesive queer sports network in Los Angeles. To this day, we still have one of the most successful queer sports communities - as competitors as well as producing sports tournaments and festivals.

Although I spent an additional four years founding and overseeing two Los Angeles Gay Games bid finalists, it is the writing and event producing I did during my six years on the FGG Board that made the greatest impact. That, and mentoring the new generation of LGBTQ+ sports administrators around the world.

* * *

Derek Liecty celebrating his 90th birthday, July 2022

DEREK LIECTY: I was asked to be a founding member of The Federation of Gay Games in 1989 and served for thirteen consecutive years as Director.  My main focus with The Federation was to do outreach outside the United States bringing the message of the Games of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best to as many countries as possible with encouragement to attend the Games.

For forty years The Gay Games has carried on the legacy of Tom Waddell and I am so privileged to have been a part of this world changing event.

* * *

Kurt Dahl with Joanie Evans speaking at Gay Games 9 Opening Ceremony

KURT DAHL: Being part of the Gay Games movement has forever changed my life. I never expected to be a Co-President of an organization like the FGG. I also never expected to meet so many amazing people over the past 20 years. I still remember going around with David Kopay in Cologne handing out medals, and meeting people like the US Ambassador to Germany Philip Murphy (now Governor of New Jersey), Matthew Mitcham, Cyndi Lauper, Ben Cohen, Esera Tuaolo, among others.

Again, thanks Gay Games, for changing my life.

* * *

Jeffry Pike at Gay Games II, San Francisco 1986

JEFFRY PIKE: My connection to Roy Coe stays vibrantly alive through the Roy M. Coe Scholarship Fund. For me, one of the truly rewarding aspects of meeting and knowing the recipients of the Coe Scholarship Fund is to see how their stories are changed after they attend the Gay Games. Be it providing new leadership in their communities or being more assured with who they are on this planet, they each now have a greater “a sense of pride.”

* * *

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Visions for the Future & Gay Games XII: Valencia 2026

Produced and curated by Federation of Gay Games Archivist Doug Litwin and FGG Honourary Life Member Shamey Cramer
with Ankush Gupta, FGG Officer of Communications

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.

Post 27 of 40 - 23 August - Visions for the Future & Gay Games XII: Valencia 2026

“Passing The Torch: Ruby Anniversary Edition” is a factual timeline of the major events that have been part of the Gay Games evolution since its inception. The series will run from 28 July 2022 - one month before the 40th anniversary of the original Opening Ceremony at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium - through 5 September, the anniversary of Gay Games I Closing Ceremony. All postings will remain online and available for viewing at the FGG website.

* * *

KATE ROWE: The world has changed in the last 40 years. LGBTQ+ spirt has changed. There are far more opportunities for LGBTQ+ spirt and culture. My belief is that Tom Waddell’s vision and model was the way forward. But now in 2022, we need to change the model to fit the new world.

We still don't have enough young people, people with disabilities or other diverse constituencies. We have not made progress on equal participation of women, yet in mainstream sport, great inroads are being made. We can learn from them all.

I have been a passionate believer in Tom Waddell’s vision and played my part. It is up to us all and the board now and in the future, to rise to the challenge of change.

* * *

IVAN YAP: Since Hong Kong won the bid in 2017 to host Gay Games 11, it has lifted up the dynamic in Asia. FGG Asian membership has grown from one member organization to seven. The Straits Games has also transformed from a social sporting event group into an internationally legalised organisation when it has jointly formed and registered with the Taiwanese government together with two other organisations from Taiwan and Japan.

This regional organisation is now carrying the name Asia Pride Games Alliance with the headquarter residing in Taipei, Taiwan. The first Asia Pride Games was also held in Taipei with fullest support from the Taiwanese government. The 2nd edition of the Games is going to be carried out in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2023.

* * *

EMY RITT: Over time, the current FGG Site Selection process, led by David Killian, has matured into a more formal and serious business negotiation. Are there still potential issues and pitfalls to avoid? Of course, but the Site Selection process has been improved as the FGG organization has matured, and the last 2+ years of COVID and other challenges have been a reminder that there will always be unexpected issues requiring creativity and flexibility in order to continue the Gay Games legacy.

* * *

SHIV PAUL: In my capacity during my time on the FGG Board as Vice President of External Relations, I endeavoured to be the voice of FGG in the external world, protecting the brand and using it to shine a light on the LGBTQ+ communities’ struggles and its successes. When I am asked why it is necessary to have a Gay Games, I always reply that the fact it is still here 40 years later, in part, answers this question. The Games has always fought to enable participation, inclusion, and (the delivery of your) personal best in sport and culture, and also in life. My dream for the future of the Games is for it to be a truly visible, prominent, and loud representative voice for the LGBTQ+ communities at the most important tables in the world. The most important fight of all is for everyone to feel embraced by the loving arms of inclusion and belonging whenever and wherever they choose to present their true selves. But for as long as there are spaces and moments where those are lacking, the arms of the Games will always be there.

* * *

TONY SMITH: Another element of the future continues to be the very essence and importance of the Gay Games and its mission. With the world experiencing more and more tolerance and equality, the future of the Gay Games was questioned many times. The Gay Games mission is to promote equality through sport and culture, and this will continue until the entire world experiences true equality. This equality includes the evolution from the history of focusing on Lesbians and Gays to our bisexual, trans and queer members of our family. The 2026 bids for Guadalajara, Munich, and Valencia reflected today’s world in these regards and their commitment to address these newer challenges for our LGBTQ+ community. The bids from these cities also emphasized further evolution of sports to include modern events such as Quidditch from Harry Potter and E-sports.

While the visibility and equality of the LGBTQ+ community continues to grow, we also continue to have setbacks. It is paramount for the future of the Federation of Gay Games to have the pulse of the entire world and continue working to promote equality through sports and culture for unforeseeable years in the future.

* * *

LAURA MOORE: I have, in the past, thought that the Gay Games might become obsolete. I imagined a time when LGBTQ+ people would be integrated into all areas of society. Working on the Gay Games Scholarship Committee, I realize how incredibly privileged most Gay Games participants are. The Gay Games remain a necessary and life affirming resource. Today, living in a country that is sliding swiftly backwards, I realize that I will continue to fight the same battles I have been fighting for the rest of my life.

I hope the Gay Games survive. It is increasingly difficult for hosts to be able to accommodate an ever-increasing list of events. As equitable as we want to be, we lack the volunteer power necessary to include winter sports that need to be outdoors. For many years, the volunteer FGG Board of Directors and sports and culture leaders were getting older. Today we have a wonderful team of younger dedicated volunteers bringing their views and experiences to the FGG and Gay Games.

One of the most challenging issues for us is the name “Gay Games.” I agree with the traditionalists among us that we should honor Tom Waddell and his vision. On the other hand, I recognize that there are now many queer people who don’t see the word “Gay” as applying to them. I am proud to serve on the FGG Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee where I have had the opportunity to have my own biases and assumptions challenged. I believe that we need to be relevant in ways that will grab the attention of the younger people who are the future of our movement.

* * *

MARK BROWN: Other than having the Gay Games come back home to San Francisco, I would love to see them take place in Las Vegas. There’s already an annual gay sports festival with thousands of athletes, so they have plenty of experience running things, including many of the Gay Games events. And they’re used to hosting big events there, so the travel costs for attendees would be reasonable.

* * *

JEAN-NICKOLAUS TRETTER: We need to have something like the Gay Games and other similar institutions. That is so future generations can learn that they are not just a sexual anomaly; they are a very important people with a history, with a culture, and with outstanding abilities. No matter how good you are, or not, by participating in the Gay Games you become someone and have an identity about yourself and others around you. It builds self-confidence and self-worth within ourselves and our communities. Besides, those Gay Games medals hanging on your walls look pretty impressive when people come over.

* * *

  

GAY GAMES XII: VALENCIA 2026

The Gay Games will be coming to Valencia Spain in 2026! They were chosen at the 2021 Annual General Assembly in Brighton UK.

To read the press release about this news HERE.

  

To see a video of the final phase of the multi-year Site Selection process at which Valencia was announced as the host for Gay Games XII in 2026, click HERE.

The FGG wants to thank the bidding teams from Guadalajara and Munich, who were both finalists for Gay Games XII.

Read the entire "Passing The Torch" series as it is posted daily HERE.