Why LGBT sport? A great example from the TIP Paris International Tournament

At last weekend's TIP Paris International Tournament there was a screening of clips from TV and movies about LGBT sport. During the discussion period I took issue with the moderator's position that in the absence of homophobia, there would be no need for LGBT sport.

I believe that there is a need for LGBT sport, independent of the very real problem of homophobia, in part because of the social role of sport. I also feel that there are modalities and values of sport found in the LGBT community that are distinct and worthwhile.

We saw an example of this at the TIP track meet. The last-place runner in the 5K track event was far behind everyone else. For the final lap, dozens of runners joined her to encourage her to the end. It's a moment that people who were there will take with them forever, and perhaps more meaningful than any medal they might have won. 

-- Marc Naimark

(Thanks to Jean François Vansnick for this great photo)