The year was 1983. The gay rights movement was gaining momentum, as was the AIDS epidemic. Ronald Reagan occupied the Oval Office, and David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” occupied every dance floor for a few minutes each night, not to mention the Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams” and Madonna‘s “Holiday,” also released that year.
Needless to say, it was a confusing time with life and death issues always at the foreground. A little campy fun was a valuable thing to share.
You know, like a relaxing board game for the whole family.
We’ve recently come across a minor footnote from 1983 that deserves sharing — Gay Monopoly!
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Gay Monopoly, from the tongue-in-cheek “Parker Sisters,” was played just like regular Monopoly, except it was way more fun.
“Tom of Finland” imagery aside, the game followed the same real estate model, except instead of houses and hotels, you bought bars and bathhouses.
Move over top hat and thimble — players could choose from a biker cap, handcuffs, a high-heeled shoe and more.
Currency is obviously much more fabulous in this alternate universe.
But it wasn’t all fun and games. If you landed on certain spaces, you’d read one of the “Family Pride” cards aloud, which gave a short bio of a notable gay person. The player who correctly identified the person could move their piece ahead on the board.
Players also had to identify the colors of the hanky code and perform camp challenges like saying “faaaaabulous” six different ways.
Did it promote stereotypes? Definitely.
Was it potentially offensive? Sure, if you want to take it there.
Does it sound like a great drinking game with friends on a Thursday night? We say bring it on.
However, Parker Brothers, manufacturers of the actual Monopoly, weren’t quite as into it. Rumor has it they sued the makes of Gay Monopoly — Fire Island Games — for copyright infringement.
If you have to have it, there’s usually a copy or two floating around Ebay for around $200.
Steven Mungin
Jose D. Medina
Matthew David Thompson
Matthew McMillion Adam Blake Collins
canadalaw
I played this game. Im not sure who the game belong to, but it was fun.
Glücklich
I WANT THIS!
Glücklich
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OovLEYMVpOE
Michael Golden
Sexy
Russell Reed
Forte Appling, Cameron Spooner
Rob Scoundrel
Just got rid of mine.
Sheldon Siegel
Do not pass Go-Go!
Ken Spragg
I have a copy of this, it’s a camp goldmine.
Mario Francisco Garcia
Love mine!!
Billy Budd
I used to play monopoly as a kid but I never thought of the possibilities. this is awesome. They should re-release it, and a new generation of kids will be able to play a game that fits their tastes.
Stached1
Haha this is funny.
@Rob Scoundrel: Did you sell it for $200?
Ken Nolan
I bought a set on eBay, about 10 years ago. It’s still lots of fun. Just checked eBay. There’s one copy up for bid. $75.00
Christopher Wayne Lykins
I get mine out here and there for parties.. always a blast.
Joshua Greenberg
Never heard of that version before…..
Robert Guillermo Hernandez
mjmarkic
I still have this on my Game Shelf. It’s like new… Guess I’m really dating myself…
Wayne_in_NYC
I have one that’s never been played. Monopoly always takes so long! Who in this generation of ADHD can sit and play a game for that long? LOL Only us old geezers, but I’d rather play strip poker with the ADHD crowd!
William Thomas Bramlett II
And this is news…
Devan Monroe
Pasith Saurré
Paul Lec
Peter next time we have to play that one!
William Rodriguez
This one got by me,I want one.
Sean Brennan
Must have.
Aaron Anderson
This needs to happen again!! Want!!
Paul Powers
They should’ve called it MAN-OPOLY. Duh.
1EqualityUSA
“MAN-OPOLY” good one. The lesbian version would have U-Hauls, gardening gloves, baby carriages, Home Depot carts, and gym equipment for game pieces.
Marky
[Inserts random name here like a douche as if it’s f-ing twitter]
Totally want a copy of this board game.
Robothedestroyer
https://youtu.be/JQCP85FngzE