Sunday, February 27, 2011

Gay Surfers to be Represented at Sydney Mardi Gras


I have written about GaySurfers.net before. The group launched in Australia with a goal of creating a network around the globe to create a global community of gays who love the sport of surfing and which would include members from around the world who may be isolated geographically or socially. This goal is being realized and soon I will be writing about an event to take place in North Carolina's Outer Banks in conjunction with OBXPridefest. Back in Australia, GaySurfers.net ("GS") is poised to gain more visibility as the group prepares to participate in Sydney's Gay Mardi Gras event. Here are some details and more information can be found here:
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This year, the 2011 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras will have for the first time in history, a group of surfers taking part in the parade and marching along Oxford Street with their surfboards. Thomas, the founder of GaySurfers.net explains, “By participating in Mardi Gras, we are showing the public that a healthy diversity exists in both the gay community and the surfing community.”
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GaySurfers.net launched in February 2010, is free to join and offers gay surfers from every point on the planet a place to meet, socialise, create surf GROUPS based on geographic location and plan surf EVENTS. Members can post UPDATES about what’s happening in their surf world, share articles and favourite surf spots, participate in FORUMS and upload surf videos and photos. One exciting component of the website is the global mapping of gay friendly surf spots, surf tours, accommodation and businesses. ‘It’s fast becoming a global surf guide for surfers who are gay.’ In just one year, GaySurfers.net has almost 3,000 members from around 80 countries. Australia itself has 650 participating members and 250 of these surf Sydney’s surrounding beaches.
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Our site breaks down prejudice and builds up self-esteem by creating a network of openly gay surfers who understand the trials of being homosexual within surf culture; essentially, we’re making it easier for them to accept themselves. That’s a big part of our mission: to remove shame from the equation and help gay surfers be the best they can be.
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The site is designed for men and women, and all ages seem to be jumping on board. ‘We’re stoked that younger surfers are finding and using the site to network with other surfers.’ This is especially important as younger guys who are just discovering their homosexuality need the most support and encouragement – especially in light of recent, tragic news of homophobic bullying and suicides among gay teenagers.
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As GaySurfers.net grows, I hope our message of acceptance and understanding spreads throughout the global surfing community. Nomads unite! Gay or straight, we all share a passion for the greatest sport in the world.

1 comment:

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