the gay games

Even in the late 1900’s, homosexuality was viewed suspiciously in sports. Being an athlete meant being a manly jock, not a queer. However, in 1980, Olympic decathlete Dr. Ken Wendall devised a way to subvert this notion. He wanted to challenge traditional ideas about athletes and what they looked like. The purpose was to bring the “community together in friendship, to experience participation, to elevate consciousness and self-esteem, and to achieve a form of cultural and intellectual synergy” through a “process of altering opinions whose foundations lie in ignorance” (Cleveland Foundation). His solution was the Gay Games- a gathering of LGBT athletes in Olympic style competition. On August 28th, 1982, 1,350 athletes from 12 countries gathered in San Francisco for the first Gay Games. The Opening Ceremony was held in Kezar Stadium, former home of the ‘49ers, and Tina Turner performed in front of a roaring crowd.

The Games were a mode of sexual liberation, and a welcomed expression of freedom. They brought together a fragmented community and forged friendships. Many athletes commented that they were just happy to finally compete as themselves. Contrary to the closeted, masculine privileging world of traditional sports, the Gay Games were accepting and tolerant of sexuality, in addition to age and size. Unlike other competitions, the emphasis was not entirely on winning, but instead on camaraderie and personal bests.

The 1980 AIDS outbreak put a damper on the Gay Games. Between the first inaugural Games in 1982 and the second iteration in ‘86, many gay athletes received devastating news. Critics questioned the importance of the Games, stating that attention and funds should instead be put towards AIDS the crisis. But Wendall believed the Games could serve as an antidote to the AIDS outbreak. Having been diagnosed with the disease in ‘85, he thought they could provide a psychological boost for those suffering and also a way to encourage sick men to remain healthy and active. So despite the dismal circumstances, the Games went on. They served as a beacon of hope during a dark time, and actually ended up functioning as an educational tool as well. Organizers handed out free condoms and informational booklets. Though Wendall died within a year of the ‘86 Games, the tradition has survived well beyond is death.

Today, the Games continue on every four years, and have expanded internationally to destinations including Amsterdam and Sydney, Australia. They continue to function as a gathering point for both gay athletes and tourists. They have also become more competitive, as some of the sporting events are now sanctioned by the individual sport’s governing bodies. For example, times recorded at swimming events can now be counted towards U.S. master’s qualifications. The Games have undergone some growing pains, including questions on how to incorporate transgender participants. However, because of their cultural significance and overall celebratory nature, they seem to have staying power. In 2018, they will will head to Paris, and D.C. has recently announced an intent to bid for the 2022 Gay Games. Ken Wendall can rest easy knowing the legacy of his courageous and innovative vision has lived on.

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