We presented an aerobics marathon at the Virgin Active gym. Weather conditions changed our initial plans: we had originally planned to offer an aerobics marathon, a fashion show, music and Pansula dance, and a soccer fun match. But due to heavy rain, Petros Duma, chair of the event, negotiated with Virgin Active, where he works as an aerobics instructor, so that our event could proceed despite the rainfall.
The event went perfectly well, although cutting back on the programme decreased the number of participants. Those who came were all very excited. I was even more excited about the reception of Gay Games news from those attending, as I had absolutely no negative response from the straight people present. Instead, they all had very relevant questions for me. I have always had the impression that the general public in South Africa was rather homophobic, so this was a most pleasant surprise.
Everyone, including straight people, was interested to learn more about the Gay Games and they all took pamphlets to utilize the information. Even long after the event I still get enquiries from people who did not even attend the event.
December being a month of festivities it is appropriate to be able to bring a smile to a needy individuals, so we used this event as a fundraiser for Gay Games VIII.
a) We saw it appropriate that this event will highlight the visibility and the importance of the Federation of Gay Games to the LGBT community and all South Africans.
b) We aim to promote the spirit of unity and the involvement of our LGBT community in the Gay Games starting with Games Cologne and all the forth-coming Gay Games.
c) We mainly wish to raise funds for our organization to help people to participate in the Gay Games, with a focus on increasing women's participation in sports.
It was also the day for us to launch our new organization name. Our original name was "LEXIT" (Lesbians Exiting), but we have now chosen a new name: "KZN LGBT Recreation" (KwaZulu Natal Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgendered Recreation). We chose the term "Recreation" because we want to include competitive and leisure sport, as well as the arts. And we have decided to open up to all gay-orientated human beings, and not just lesbians. The need for this integrated organization arose during the Spar Ladies 10km race in July 2009. As a mixed organization, we will of course not abandon our fundamental goal, gender parity!
As our constitution stipulates: We pride ourselves for being Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered citizens of this beautiful province and would like to spread the words of health and fitness amongst LGBT community and everyone living in this province. We intend to encourage people to live together in harmony without any discrimination and participate in any Sports or Cultural activities.
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