The International Gay Games : subverting homophobia or selling out?

This article is concerned with the politics of the International Gay Games, which were last held in Sydney, Australia in November 2002. It critically analyses the ways in which the Games can be said to challenge heteronormativity both in sport and in wider society. It briefly traces the history and development of the Games since their inception in 1981, and the ideological legacy of their founder, Dr Tom Waddell, in the context of opposing arguments that sport is irredeemably heterosexist or that it can be reclaimed for the purpose of normalising homosexuality in an empowering way. In analysing issues surrounding gay, lesbian and other identities; access and equity in Games participation; the forms of competitive and non-competitive sport promoted by the Games; and their relationship with mainstream sports organisations, the article seeks to understand the political potential of the Games. It concludes with an assessment of the current Games format and canvasses an alternative structure that might more clearly define and extend the capacity of the event to achieve its founding objectives.