By LUKE VOOGT
Local LGBTI people will have a chance to compete for sporting glory in an inaugural Geelong Pride Games this November.
The games would be a “visible” event to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sex (LGBTI) community, said organiser Justin Gummer.
“It’s for people to come along and be who they are,” he said.
“We want to reduce the stigma of our gender-diverse community.”
Mr Gummer said the event was not just for serious athletes.
“They already have the World Gay Games, which has more athletes competing in it than the Olympics.”
His event would instead give LGBTI people of all sports abilities a go.
“What we’re doing is more social and anyone can have the chance to play.”
The games will run over Melbourne Cup weekend with events such as 10-pin bowling, pool and par-three golf.
Mr Gummer said he created the event for Geelong but hoped it would attract participants from out of town.
The games could promote Geelong as a “gay-friendly” city and encourage people to visit, he said.
“It’s to let people know there are things happening in Geelong for the LGBTI community.”
Geelong community services provider Diversitat is supporting the games which would raise money for initiatives assisting the region’s LBGTI community.
Mr Gummer said anyone who wants more information could visit geelongpridegames.wix.com/2016.
