Athletic pride

Last week, in this space, I unofficially declared July as gay pride month in the world of sports and provided some examples of how athletic competition isn't always such a welcoming environment for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. I have no doubt that the boys of ancient Greece participated in a wide variety of "sports" when they gathered for athletic competition, but the cultural understanding of sexuality today is very different. In the modern world, you might get away with a slap on the ass on the playing field -- but you'd better not come out to your teammates.\nNevertheless, there have been some major strides in recent years. Well-known sports figures such as Esera Tuaolo (NFL) and Sheryl Swoopes (WNBA) made headlines nationwide when they rejected the socially-imposed confines of the "closet," and publicly discussed their same-sex relationships. And this month's issue of Out Magazine reports that many straight, international sports stars from Australia and Europe, such as David Beckham, have openly pursued and embraced their gay fans (even rewarding them with photo shoots!).\nThe marquee event takes place this week in Chicago, where almost 12,000 athletes from more than 70 countries have gathered to participate in Gay Games VII. Participants will compete in more than 30 sports from power lifting to basketball to a marathon — in which I'll compete on Saturday.\nThe founding principles of the Gay Games, which began in 1982 in San Francisco with only 1,350 participants, are "Participation," "Inclusion" and "Personal Best." The events are open to anyone: no qualifying events, times or requirements. Over the 25-year history of the Gay Games, more than 50,000 participants of different races, genders, sexual orientations, physical abilities, health statuses, religions and so on have celebrated the spirit of sports and inclusion.\nDespite the celebratory spirit and emphasis on inclusion, the games in Chicago have met resistance from folks who, in my definition, do not exemplify these principles.\nFive Republicans on the Cook County Board of Commissioners removed their names from a proclamation welcoming the Gay Games to Chicago. Residents in the suburb of Crystal Lake opposed holding the rowing event in their city, until the City Council opted for the spirit of inclusion and voted to host the event. And organizations, such as the Illinois Family Institute, have threatened to boycott Walgreens for its financial support of the games.\nBut with every medal awarded next week, the Gay Games athletes and their proud supporters will stand taller and prouder in the face of bigotry, intolerance, homophobia and narrow conceptions of gender identity. In the broader social picture, we can ensure participation in our communities and organization if we foster inclusive and welcoming environments. And I truly believe that such attitudes will help us all achieve our personal bests in sports, in work, in family and in life.\nRaces, ball games and other competitions will be won this week, but in the end, no one really loses. We all achieve victory when the values of these games prevail.