The Transgressive Potential of the 2014 Cleveland/Akron Gay Games Legacies

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) sport events potentially represent a significant transgressive and alternative space in the world of sport. There has been a scarcity of research on the full range of legacies that these types of medium-sized events can have, as previous studies focus on larger mega-sport events like the Olympics and/or economic and infrastructural aspects. This study evaluates the potential sociopolitical and sport legacies of the 2014 Gay Games held in Cleveland/Akron, based on interviews with 29 key stakeholders and complemented with conversations with 46 local residents. It demonstrates a range of positive sociopolitical and sport legacies were cited, although awareness of possible negative legacies and barriers also emerged. The discussions, centered on legacies, show the Games have symbolic significance for both the gay and wider community and accelerated the process of more accepting societal attitudes towards LGBTQ people. The conclusion discusses the somewhat qualified transgressive potential of the Games to challenge wider existing dominant heteronormative values in the local area.