Gay rolling

For much of the 20th century, widespread discrimination and harassment forced gay men and lesbians to hide their sexual orientation. A police raid on a gay bar in New York City sparked the Stonewall uprising, rousing many people to campaign for gay pride and liberation.

By the late s, cities in the United States and Canada had gay and lesbian bowling clubs. Inspired by this article about gay sports in America, New York bowler Leo Gender began phoning urban gay bowling leagues to promote gay rolling idea of inter-city bowling tournaments. While meeting in LA, they decided to merge into one group.

Hack suggested they call it the International Gay Bowling Organization. Bowlers travelled from 13 different cities to convene—and bowl—in Houston, Texas. The program, filled with gay-friendly sponsors, was inexpensively photocopied. IGBO grew exponentially during its early years.

The next year, 29 cities sent 44 bowling leagues to Seattle, making IGBO the largest such sport organization in the world. InIGBO directors officially implemented a program of activism.

Oaks Park Roller Rink

The next year, teams began listing names and constructing AIDS quilt sections, first shown at the tournament. Although initially organized for gay rolling and fun, IGBO gained in stature as it grew in numbers. Liberation Now For much of the 20th century, widespread discrimination and harassment forced gay men and lesbians to hide their sexual orientation.

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