gayboomers and the middle aged queer » Denmark’s Got Gay Spirit

Denmark’s Got Gay Spirit

Coming out isn’t a sport, but if you’ve stepped out of the closet you can come play in Copenhagen at the World Out Games 2009 from July 25 to August 2.

By Nif Leder

It’s not all fun and games, but a meeting of the minds as well. Copenhagen’s Pride festival runs parallel to the schedule, so you are bound to be surrounded by a buffet of gays, lesbians and transsexuals (oh my!). There are five pillars that support The Out Games message of elevating the quality of life of gay peoples: sustainability, cultural diversity, social innovation, transparency, and generosity.

Originally held in Montreal, Canada in 2006, Copenhagen, Denmark won out against other capital cities to host the second annual event that had over 18,000 participants attend in its inaugural year. Denmark was the first country to legalize same-sex unions in 1989, so visitors shouldn’t fret about feeling comfortable at all. The city’s slogan is “Love of freedom. Freedom to love.” It accentuates the acceptance of all shapes, colors, and sizes, and you don’t even have to be an athlete. The idea in general is to touch every aspect of life: body through the physical sports, mind through lectures and conferences, and spirits through the meeting of gay brothers and sisters from all over the world. Cultural events and some just for fun sign-ups allow everyone to enjoy some time horsing around and not necessarily taking score. Surround yourself with other semi-pros by signing up for a workshop (Ultimate Frisbee to Tai Chi), volunteering to organize an event, or register to compete in the dance category and make your partner your partner on the dance floor.

If its information that you seek, attend one of the many key note speaker’s addresses on topics ranging from human rights to relationships. From Thomas Hammarberg, the Commissioner for Human Rights for the Council of Europe, to John Amaechi, Retired NBA player and Amnesty International Ambassador, to Parvez Sharma, a Muslim gay filmmaker, there will be good discussions abound from all different perspectives. Or if your ears desire a more melodious sound, hit the choir festival or another music performance or party in town. You can find division specific guides online, and any other kind of information you can imagine, including how to register, on the official website: www.copenhagen2009.org.

For more information on Denmark please click the following:
A Smorgasbord of Prides
LGBT Travel Website Directory
The Grand Tour

Technorati Tags: copenhagen denmark, cultural diversity, gay brothers, gay film, international ambassador, john amaechi, montreal canada, physical sports, pride festival, same sex unions

Comments

3 Responses to “Denmark’s Got Gay Spirit”

Don Will on July 3rd, 2009 5:15 am

New blog post: Denmark’s Got Gay Spirit http://bit.ly/13LtMp
Paul on July 3rd, 2009 8:50 am

Copenhagen did not “win out against other capital cities to host the second annual event”. There were no other bidding cities – especially as the first Outgames in Montreal made a US $7M loss.

Copenhagen is a nice place but it is the 5th most expensive city worldwide so, not surprisingly, only an alleged 5,000 of the much hyped 8,000 participants have registered.

For a real international gay sports & cultural event see http://www.games-cologne.htm
Don Will on January 10th, 2010 7:33 pm

New blog post: Denmark's Got Gay Spirit http://tinyurl.com/yk92oyp