When the Gay Games were created in 1982, the United States had a president who blatantly ignored the gay community and their needs. Reagan even feared his own son was gay, and his attitude towards alternative lifestyles was fairly in line with mainstream culture.
Times have certainly changed.
To mark the opening of this year’s Gay Games which kicked off on Saturday in Cleveland, President Obama surprised everyone with a prerecorded speech.
“It’s been remarkable to see the Games thrive over the years…We’ve come a long way in our commitment to the equal rights of LGBT people here and around the world. I’m proud of my administrations record and the citizens who’ve helped to push for justice. And I know some of you come from places where it requires courage, even defiance, to come out, and sometimes at great personal risk.”
For more info on this year’s Gay Games lineup, visit the GayCities Gay Games Guide
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.
Watch the president’s full remarks here:
AxelDC
Nice to finally have a President who respects the gay community and our contribution to this great nation.
Desert Boy
Good on President Obama!!! I wonder if Hillary will do this if she’s elected president?
Billy Budd
@Desert Boy: Hillary will certainly do the same. Did you watch her interview with Ellen DeGeneres, a few years back?
Sweet Boy
I am tellling you guys…the US looks every day a bit more like Canada…good for everybody south of the border!
litper
Where is that drag queen that sued the gay bear bar? Now it’s her time to shine again and sue the GayGames for not bowing down to the trans propaganda!
Thad1527
The Gay Games are inclusive and open to everyone. Yes, you, gay men. lesbians, people who like gay people, trans people, family members and even I are welcome. Enjoy it. I wish I was in Ohio this week!
Saint Law
@litper: Oh, sweety, the way you keep banging that key-board you’ll break a nail.
Kangol
I’m glad President Obama has continued to stand with the LGBT community. I wish he’d speak out more about the terrible police violence against African Americans, though, and do something about the out of control surveillance-security state we’re living in.
Desert Boy
@Billy Budd: – No, I don’t watch Ellen.
Atomicrob
What a contrast to the right’s hero, Ronald Reagan who was silent on the AIDS crisis and offered no support whatsoever. I appreciate Obama’s leadership on LGBT civil rights issues.
tdx3fan
It was a great speech, but the real attention of the evening as far as crowd favorites go were the recognition of United States Senator from Ohio Sherrod Brown and his wife Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Connie Schultz. That was only really only rivaled by the introduction of the Russian athletes. Russia actually has a pretty decently sized contingent of athletes considering they are all most likely risking life in prison upon return to their country.
tdx3fan
@litper: Ha, ha, ha! One of the best performances of the night was by a set of three drag queens for the Akron recognition. Drag was definitely a part of the night. The gay games is open to all. We only get anywhere by welcoming those that stand with us.
tdx3fan
@Saint Law: Oh honey, trained chimps aren’t worried about breaking nails. 🙂