August 08 - The Sports Issue
I was one of those stereotyped gay boys who were always picked last at games, who abhorred the competitive element, and who would put himself as far from the action as possible. In fact, the only time I can remember having ever actually caught a ball, it was pure fluke. We were playing cricket at school one balmy summer afternoon, and I’d put myself as far out of harm’s way as possible. I was in a world of my own, singing to myself and possibly making little daisy chains, when I stood up and yawned, arms stretched out, salute-to-the-sun style. I felt a massive thunk in my hand and the inexplicable sound of far-off cheering. Oh-My-God – I’d caught someone out. I felt such a fraud as I was congratulated on my magnificent, totally unexpected fielding skills. Shame.
Given this, it felt strange to edit a special sports issue of the magazine. And it was a surprise to have so thoroughly enjoyed doing it. I’ll be honest, I entered into this task with a heavy heart. But hearing the breadth of experience that we have as gay men in our Round Table (p 52), seeing Mark Berry’s wonderfully camp photos of gay and trans Mexican wrestlers (p 56), talking with the world’s top out sportsman, basketball player John Amaechi, about human rights in China (p 62) and reading Sally Howard’s beautiful exploration of the gay scene in Beijing (p 72), I felt spoiled. On top of that, DJ Luke Howard has introduced the idea that vogueing may be a uniquely gay sport (p 65) and Tim Teeman is snooker loopy (p 67) – I feel my horizons have been widened. I can see why they call it World of Sport.
So… on your Marks, get Set…Go…and the sports issue is off.
Photo: James O'Neil