Steroids and the Gay Games: A Quandary?

With all the news that keeps coming out about Major League Baseball players pumping steroids into their veins in an effort to get a cheater’s advantage, I started wondering about the use of steroids in our community, especially in terms of gay men and athletics.

I came across a really interesting dilemma facing some gay athletes:  therapeutic steroid usage.  Many gay athletes (and straight athletes, for that matter) may have actual therapeutic needs for steroids, HIV medical regimens being one of the primary needs.  It is not uncommon for HIV+ athletes to be on steroids for the treatment of some of the medical consequences associated with HIV. 

So, is that cheating? 

Jack Mackenroth Goes For Gold Again

Jack Mackenroth may not have grabbed the top prize while on Project Runway, but he's no stranger to winning. 

Having won gold medals at a number of Gay Games, he's taking another shot at gold, this time at the 2009 Outgames in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

I Want My Gay Olympics! Unfortunately.

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Now that autumn has arrived, and the air draws a nice, cool chill into the house at night, I realize that something was missing this summer. I want my Gay Olympics!!

Steroid Testing Comes To Gay Games

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The 2010 Cologne Gay Games VIII will be testing for anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs in all sporting events for the first time in Gay Games history.  The Cologne Gay Games plans to base it’s testing on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).  This expanded testing to all sports follows the 2006 Chicago Gay Games that just tested athletes in bodybuilding, power lifting and wrestling.

EuroGames video

With the start of the EuroGames only a few days away, the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) have released a series of videos showcasing the games, the athletes and the sportsmanship.      

Originally posted by James Schend

Needed: Bloggers at EuroGames Barcelona 08!

  We know the inside stories are always the best to read but almost never get any press.  We want to fix that and need your help to do it! 

If you're going to Barcelona for EuroGames 2008 the end of July we want to hear from you!  Send a note to sports@planetoutinc.com letting us know when you'll be there, what events you plan to see and what you'd like to write about. 

What you cover is up to you.  Report on what you see and hear!  Introduce us to the people you meet.  And, of course, share your photos of the gayest sporting event in Europe this summer! 

You're fans are waiting so email today!