In Ron Kaplan’s article “Rogel Alpher Is Wrong. The Maccabiah Games Aren’t Racist” a photo is captioned:
The Maccabiah: Just as ‘exclusionary’ as the Paralympics, Gay Games and the Women’s Islamic Games’
It is wholly incorrect to claim the Gay Games are exclusionary.
I participated in the 2002 Sydney Gay Games and it was my understanding at the time that anyone could participate, irrespective of their sexual orientation. At no stage in the event registration was I asked what my sexual orientation was, and no one cared whether I was gay, straight or somewhere in-between.
In fact it was the sense of inclusion that made the Gay Games so important to me. I wanted to be involved in an event that did not discriminate against anyone, or tell anyone they couldn’t participate because of who they were.
The Gay Games are a welcoming space, not an exclusionary space.
Yes I too competed in the Gay Games 2002 in Sydney and included everyone regardless of sexual preferences/race or religion. The officials too.
What events were you in? I was in swimming.
Sorry for taking so long. I was in field hockey and played in second side. I’ve just left a small review of David van Gend’s blah book
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