Compete recently had the opportunity to discuss soccer, COVID-19 and more with International Gay & Lesbian Football Associations’s president, Gus Penaranda.
Compete
How did you get involved with International Gay & Lesbian Football Association (IGFLA)?
Gus
It was my association with the New York Ramblers in 1999 that introduced me to IGLFA through the IGLFA World Championship in Sydney Australia
Compete
What is your favorite part of being involved with IGFLA?
Gus
I have to say that my top two favorite things about being in IGLFA is the ability to continue to play soccer (at my age) and all the friends around the world that I would have never met if I did not join.
Compete
How long have you been with IGLFA?
Gus
I have been playing in IGLFA Tournaments since 2000 but I have been a part of the board since 2016.
Compete
What makes LGBTQ+ sports special?
Gus
Safety and acceptance were key in the beginning. Being gay and playing sports in the 1980’s was not “in” so the New York Ramblers gave me an out and thanks to my best friend Brian for bringing me to my first practice, I have 20 years invested now and very happy about it.
Compete
What qualities make a good sports leader?
Gus
Patience lol, sports is sports, there is no such thing as “Gay Sports” the games are the same but personalities, well that is another story. A good sports leader has to be patient and honest because unlike straight organized sports where the rules and the coach or manager call the shots, in gay sports, you bring together many personalities and sometimes it is not easy but once you start playing the game, regardless of the game, it all comes together.
Compete
How has the coronavirus impacted IGFLA? If so how?
Gus
The coronavirus has forced the cancellation of many small tournaments run by some of our members, it has also delayed planning in future tournaments because of lock down rules and now with our next tournament just six months away, we have to rework how we bring together hundreds of athletes in one facility with close contact on the field so that the risk of any transmission is limited. This will also mean much longer days as the games must be spread out for safety.
Compete
Has the coronavirus impacted you personally? If so how?
Gus
Yes, in the last few months many of my older friends have passed away which is difficult but as I stay at home watching Netflix or Hulu, it is clear that I need to change where I want to go with my life. Where most of my friends are with their partners and kids, I was alone.
Compete
How do you see coronavirus impacting sports in the short term?
Gus
Recreational sports depend a lot on membership fees but also sponsors. I see a drastic reduction in donations to these sports organizations which will end some unless they can get creative
Compete
In the long term?
Gus
Travel, in normal times, the issues were normally about time off and money, now depending on the tournament, people will worry about infection and illness and weigh the value of participating at risk or just staying home and safe.
Compete
Ending on a different note. What is your favorite quote?
Gus
If you are lucky in life, you will grow old, don’t dismiss us, we still have a few tricks left in the game.
Photos Courtesy of Gus Penaranda
