And so Waddell created the Gay Games -- then called the Gay Olympics, until the International Olympic Committee sued over the name. The Gay Games sprung from activismThe first Gay Games were held in San Francisco in 1982, where transmission of HIV had peaked among the city's bustling gay community. HIV/AIDS awareness has been baked into the Gay Games since its inception: In addition to banning discrimination based on gender, sexuality, race and other traits, the Gay Games wouldn't allow any participant to be turned away based on their HIV status. The Gay Games go onThe opening ceremony of the first Gay Games was the stuff of Waddell's dreams. But if the last few decades of freedom and fun at the Games are any indication, the Gay Games will have a long, storied run.

Source: CNN July 31, 2021 09:56 UTC