As a resident of Chicago, the host of Gay Games VII which start on Sat the 15th, I was made aware of the existence of these games just yesterday by a poster, and it got me thinking. Why do homosexuals need their own games? There is nothing to say they cannot compete in the Olympics or any other major sporting competition, and I wouldnt think that being gay would put a person at a disadvantage(its not like paralympics where they dont have the use of their legs.) So if it is like I think and being homosexual doesn't impair a person from playing sports, then the gay games are extreamly discriminatory against heterosexuals and should not continue. Can you even imagine what a huge fuss would be made by the media and the gay community if someone started 'The Straight Games'. How is this any different?
2006-07-14 02:52:03 · 8 answers · asked by Don’t Tread On Me 3 in Sports ➔ Other - Sports
i'm a lesbian and i agree with you. there's no reason that gays or lesbians should segregate from the olympics or any other games. perhaps the reason many are hesitant to unite with the olympics, however, is because of the harsh and rude comments people make about gays and lesbians like the ones on this forum.
2006-07-14 07:18:38 · answer #1 · answered by mary. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sir I am a member of the IGRA (International Gay Rodeo Assoc). We hold our gay rodeos though out the country. We do this because we enjoy the sport of rodeos and the fellowship we have created by the common bond of being gay. I have in the past competed in the Straight Rodeos. I was also outed in them. This caused me a great deal of problem. I was harassed, called names and shuned by people I once respected and they respected me. I had to leave the rodeo circuit I was once on for fear of the discrimination that the competitors and staff carried towards me. Cowboys can't be gay.
So I joined the gay rodeo. I did this so I could compete without fears and discrimination by straights. When the world accept us as equals in all of society. When we can marry and compete without fear, then I'm sure the gay games, rodeos and such will disappear. There will be no need for them any more. Until then we will hold them and compete with people who do not hate us, but respect us.
For the record IGRA has been around for 21 years now and going strong. We hold rodeos in the USA and Canada. We held 21 rodeos last year, and we have 28 state or regional organizations. www.igra.com
2006-07-14 07:17:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason separate games seem necessary is because there is a lot of prejudice in mainstream sports against gay atheletes--every time a major athelete comes out of the closet, its a huge deal and can destroy his or her career. Also, in many team sports, some straight atheletes have a real problem playing on teams with gay people.
The homosexual community would love nothing better than if all that prejudice were defeated, and we could all compete in sports together. Maybe someday.
2006-07-14 02:57:42 · answer #3 · answered by Torero In Red 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Plenty of gay women play sports, and are accepted by teammates. But a lot of men tend to be more homophobic and are very uncomfortable with the idea that another man could be undressing and showering in the same lockerroom as they are. So they Gay Games give gays a chance to be open about their sexuality, and play sports, without having to hide it from teammates and possibly the media.
However, having played on a women's hockey team, we all knew who were lesbians and who weren't. It didn't really matter to any of us, tho'. So I'm pretty sure on most men's teams they know who's gay and who isn't - unless individuals are in denial about it.
2006-07-14 05:03:46 · answer #4 · answered by Cassie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I suppose the gays want to be among themselves and what is wrong with that given the way they are still being treated by heterosexuals despite all the "gay liberation" progress that has been made in recent years.
2006-07-14 02:57:03 · answer #5 · answered by Dennis J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well there is an obvious homophobia in sports. Maybe they want to play sports in an enviroment that allows them to be who they are. I would love for them not to need to do it but at this moment in time many people are very narrow minded, especially when it comes to who should be playing sports and the average viewer.
2006-07-14 02:59:33 · answer #6 · answered by Sodarules 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No homosexuality does not impair the abilty to play sports. They are doing it because they want to promote themselves and are using this occasion as attention drawing to their activities. In deed what a grat achievement to be proud about !
2006-07-14 02:59:31 · answer #7 · answered by rks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand it either... makes no sense. Being pidgeon holed because of a sexual preference, minority, race, or religion just flat out boggles me. Certain 'divisions' such as male vs female competition only makes sense...but gay or straight? Crap.
My only thought is that perhaps it's comfort level (which again only highlights our own intolerance for anything outside what one calls 'normal').
2006-07-14 03:00:10 · answer #8 · answered by colourshift 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋