Most Recent Modification: 07 April 2000
The Federation of Gay Games
Most Recent Modification: 07 April 2000 |
Member of The Federation of Gay Games |
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The following comments have been contributed by members.
"Gay & Lesbian hockey can provide a space where gay people can play a sport with relative safety and friendship. By bringing together people who share experiences such as being gay, of discovering one's athletic talents as an adult, or of being rejected by peers gay and straight, gay hockey can increase their enjoyment of the sport."
Michael Roeder, San Francisco, CA
"Gay hockey is an opportunity to feel included, part of a group all working toward a common goal -- self improvement. It is an opportunity to be in community and not alone. An opportunity to feel a sense of community. I used to feel that I was so alone -- that I was the only homosexual in the world. I don't feel that at all anymore and the TGHA has helped me foster those positive feelings.
"We need gay hockey because it is a safe comfortable environment where we do not have to lie anymore. We can be ourselves for perhaps the first time in our lives. It is totally empowering."
Mark Stephenson, Toronto, ON
Contribute your thoughts on what it means to belong to a gay or lesbian team and/or the future of gay hockey!
thoughts@igliha.org
Who Are We?
Gay and lesbian ice hockey tournaments date back to the 1990 Gay Games in Vancouver, BC. The IGLIHA was formed in 1992 in conjunction with Montreal's inaugural tournament. The association was not much more than a mailing list designed to spark communication between gay & lesbian hockey players, supporters and fans. The IGLIHA list still operates and generates various topics of discussion.
Since that time, new teams, tournaments and clubs have been formed forcing the advancement of a governing body to represent the sport at Federation of Gay Games meetings and events. The IGLIHA has taken the role as a unifying force in gay & lesbian hockey and has generated a resource for the organizers of North America's annual tournaments.
In 1998 member teams selected an executive committee to take IGLIHA to a new level. This executive comprises individuals from across North America. Primary business is done using the internet with regular meetings at various tournaments. Also in 1998, IGLIHA adopted a logo representing the world, hockey and the gay community. The official web site followed in early 1999.
In the coming years IGLIHA will target its efforts on recruiting members from around the world, making its presence known to both the straight and gay leagues. Membership recruitment will see IGLIHA sanction more tournaments and work with Gay Games organizers in assuring the best for our sport.
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