Denver Gay and Lesbian Flag Football set to rock the Gay Games

by Danielle Ennis

Photo by Charles Broshous

February was a tough month for gay athletes, as Russia’s anti-gay laws persecuted those who were out and forced many to remain closeted. The 2014 Winter Olympics showed that the light on sexual equality is still dimly lit in many homes and countries. But in just a few months, at the 2014 Gay Games, the world’s biggest multi-sport event this year, countries can (and will!) wave the rainbow flag that unites us all.

 The Gay Games, first started in 1982, follow the format of the Olympics: cities and countries bid for their location, athletes and cultural participants wait every four years for the events, and colorful opening and closing ceremonies celebrate diversity. This year, the Gay Games will be held in Cleveland, a city not widely considered a mecca for LGBT communities. But in this town of great sports venues, the Gay Games committee hopes to make a change with the week-long festival. Hosting and planning an event with such vast involvement will show that the people and their surrounding communities are informed, educated, and evolved.

 Flag football will have its debut in the games this August and who better to showcase it then a Denver squad? Our fastest and finest will introduce international spectators to the sport where scoring is the same as traditional football, but instead of tackling, defenders pull flags off players’ waists in order to stop play. This means more agility, and less aggression. Fewer players on the field makes for quicker action and the ever-entertaining chance of missing the flag while grabbing something else instead. It’s the full package.

Of the expected 10,000 participants (nearly equivalent to the athlete count in the Summer Olympics), Denver’s very own Gay and Lesbian Flag Football League (DGLFFL) will be sending 16 of their players. The challenge: The league needs $15,000 to cover air, hotel, transportation, and registration fees. How you can help: Donate to the league or sponsor individual players on their website, DenverGayFlagFootball.com. The perk: Your donation is tax deductible! The bigger perk: The league will be hosting an underwear run and underwear auction at the Denver Eagle this summer to fundraise. Keep your eyes (and wallets) open.

 Learn more about the Gay games at GG9cle.com and tune in on August 9 to watch DGFFL pull flags as we pull for the medal.