EDGE New York City

The Federation of Gay Games marked its 30th anniversary in West Hollywood with a celebration honoring those who have helped LGBT athletes achieve equality.

The Gay Games VIII in Cologne, Germany, from July 31 to Aug. 8, were an emotional high for EDGE’s Roger Brigham, who coached a wrestling team -- and himself took the gold.

A dispute between the Cleveland Synergy Foundation and the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) has energized rumors that unless a new organizer can be secured for the 2014 Gay Games, Cleveland may lose the event to Washington, D.C.

EDGE editor/reporter Roger Brigham shares his experiences as a participant at the Gay Games VIII, held in Cologne, Germany, in early August. In Part 1, he describes the opening ceremonies & the world of sports the games open to LGBT enthusiasts.

"Playing Around: The Gay Games and Other Sports" exhibit will remain on display at the Stonewall Library & Archives in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., through Aug. 31.

The Gay Games vows that those who take proscribed meds because of their HIV will not be singled out, but some see problems in Cologne later this summer. EDGE examines both sides of a contentious issue.

Special symbol of the gay rights movement will travel to past Gay Games Host Cities, arriving in Cologne in time for 2010 Opening Ceremony

Openly gay Australian diver and Olympic gold medalist Matthew Mitcham will be among thousands of athletes and artists who will converge on Cologne, Germany, later this year for the eighth edition of the Gay Games.

Both Washington and Boston are great towns, but the enthusiasm of the Ohio city’s government and citizens makes it a slam-dunk for the 2014 event.

The financial, as well as cultural, incentives of the Gay Games has drawn several cities into competition to host the event in 2014--including Cleveland, Ohio.