The world’s only LGBTQ polo league returns to Wellington annually and when it arrives, it ushers in LGBTQ polo players from around the world and an inimitable atmosphere of riotous color, vibrant celebration and inclusion for all individuals regardless of race, sex, gender, or sexual identity or orientation.
Founder Chip McKenney established the event almost two decades ago as a way to expand his LGBTQ social network in Los Angeles, California.
“It started informally with just a few friends and friends of friends attending monthly polo clinics at the Santa Barbara Polo Club,” said McKenney. “The next year, we gained more participants in terms of both members of the LGBTQ community and allies and then, it really took off.”
Over 3000 players, attendees and revelers join the festivities throughout the year all around the world, from Argentina (home to the world’s first formal match in 1875) to London to Saint-Tropez to the sun splashed shores of South Florida.
“I began to strategically elevate awareness of the Gay Polo League throughout the sport of polo and LGBTQ communities and developed a narrative that reflected the core values of the league: supportive, safe, encouraging and always fun,” McKenney said.
In recent years, more and more athletes have come out as members of the LGBT+ community – NFL defensive end Carl Nassib, former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher, golfer Tadd Fujikawa, hockey player Luke Prokop and Olympic gold medalist soccer player Megan Rapinoe – but this wasn’t a historically common occurrence.
“Growing up, I did not see openly gay athletes identified on television. I assumed I was the only gay person who loved sports. In my adulthood, I witnessed how even the idea of being out could potentially ruin an athlete’s career,” McKenney said. “The Gay Polo League provides a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ athletes to train and compete, openly and authentically.”
“The Gay Polo League has become an instrument of change and oftentimes introduces gay people into the lives and consciousness of people who have not known gay people first hand,” he added.
“While Gay Polo events are fun and competitive, it is really the desire for equality that pushes us to do more and evolve every year,” McKenney said. “In addition to elevating LGBTQ athletes and creating awareness, we want to engage more people about the issues the LGBTQ community faces which, we hope, will lead to understanding, respect and empathy. Understanding is the cornerstone for equity and inclusion.”
To echo the words of Harvey Milk – hope is never silent – and the Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament is a boisterous and hopeful event shouting out inclusivity, diversity and above all, pride.
