27 Jan, 2008
1st Asia-Pacific Out Games
Posted by: AJ In: Bakla Sports| Balitang Bakla| Paano Ba Maging Bakla| Video of the Gay ()
Play With Your Neighbors! This is the theme for the first ever Asia-Pacific Outgames which will be held in Melbourne, Australia on January 30 to February 3, 2008.
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….Oh and one sport that many look forward to is Dancesport! Instead of the usual male-female pairing, this sport will feature couples who belong to the same sex (i.e. male-male, female-female).
Beyond the obvious sporting aspects, the Melbourne games will also feature Rainbow Conversations, a two-day conference in which a diverse group of activists, academics and community leaders will explore LGBT human rights issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Approximately 40 speakers will discuss themes such as law, education, health, workers’ rights and business in three concurrent sessions.
The organizing body of these inaugural games has three key initiatives on tap that are unique and socially responsible. The first of these, “Greening the Outgames,” is designed to lessen the environmental impact of such a large event by monitoring water conservation and electricity use, minimization of waste and recycling.
The second initiative is aimed at acknowledging and paying respect to indigenous Australians, particularly the Kulan nation, the original inhabitants of what is now Melbourne. The games will also work in conjunction with OutBlack, an Indigenous gay men’s support and social group, by encouraging Indigenous participation in the games.
Thirdly, the games will be working closely with gay youth, and queer youth forums will be featured topics as part of Rainbow Conversations. (source)
Visit the Melbourne Out Games website for more information on the first Asia Pacific Outgames.
