The eighth Gay Games opened on Saturday with a Ceremony attended by almost 10,000 people. The Games run until August 7 in Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities and home to a thriving gay scene.

The three-hour Opening Ceremony saw fire-eaters and cheerleaders entertain crowds at the RhineEnergie Stadium, before Games participants entered in procession. Reports indicate that the biggest applause was reserved for those nations in which homosexuality is punishable by death, as well as for the host nation.

Hosting the event was MP Guido Westerwelle, Chairman of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), a member of the coalition ruling the country. The high profile MP has come under fire from Germany LGBT groups in the past, for not being open about his own sexuality and refusing to quickly act on gay rights once in power. His name has attracted broad media attention, however, and his speech was welcomed at the Ceremony:

Westerwelle announced: “We will never forget the generation that fought for our freedom”, adding, “our thoughts are with all lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people in the world, who are still treated like criminals. No religion can ever justify murder.”

His close was rallying: “We want no privileges, we just want respect! I hope one day we can all be who we are without having to be afraid.” He was joined by other speakers as well as performers and DJs.

It is only the second time that the Games, which were first held in San Francisco in 1982, have been hosted by a European city. As well as sporting events, the Gay Games are regarded as a cultural celebration. They are open-entry: anyone can compete, regardless of gender or sexual orientation and there are no qualifying standards. Founded by Tom Wadell, a former Olympic athlete, they are designed to promote inclusion as well as celebrate sporting achievement.

Comments are closed.