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EM 2024: In Berlin there is a public viewing only for queer people

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Interview

Public Viewing for LGBTQ+ The European Championship in the “Pride House”: “Reconciling queer people with sport”

The Euro 2024 is at the same time as Pride Month: Can the two events grow together?

© IMAGO / Sportpix / Imago Images

During the European Championships, the “Pride House” in Berlin is offering public viewing for queer people. Project manager Alice Drouin explains in an interview why this is necessary and what kind of experiences the community has in the stadium.

The public viewing facility for the queer community in Berlin is called “Pride House”. Why?
The concept actually came about during the Olympic Games. There have long been houses there during competitions, for example for different nations. There have also been “Pride Houses” there for over ten years. Our public viewing concept is based on this and does not exist anywhere else in Germany. The Poststadion in Berlin is now the meeting point for the queer community during the European Championships. We will show all 51 games there. There is a program around it. So people don’t just watch football, they also get information and exchange ideas.

Who can come?
Everyone. Of course, we primarily want to address people who belong to the queer community. That means lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans*, intersex, and non-binary people. But we also invite all people who see themselves as allies. The concept is known under the English term “allyship”. This refers to people who are not queer but stand by our side in solidarity. And curious people are of course also warmly welcome. We have professionally trained staff on site should any problems arise.

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Alice Drouin, 36, is project manager of the “Pride House” in Berlin. She also heads the sports department for the Lesbian and Gay Association Berlin-Brandenburg eV. When Germany scored the equalizer in the match against Switzerland, she was sitting in the office – and heard around 800 people cheering.

And who is really coming?
Most Berliners take advantage of the offer. But we have also had international guests, for example Scottish fans, who traveled here especially for the concept. But the turnout is the biggest for Germany games. At each of the last two games, over 800 people came to us. I don’t know how many were queer, how many were “allies” or curious people. From conversations, I got the impression that there were a lot of queer people among them. But non-queer families also like to come, for example because less alcohol is consumed. There is also less shouting and people don’t stand so close together. It is more pleasant for people who cannot tolerate so many stimuli.

It almost sounds as if watching football in the “Pride House” was a quiet, rather joyless affair.
No, the atmosphere is just a little more relaxed. We have seven rules and the seventh is: have fun and enjoy yourself. Of course people should and want to be able to enjoy good football. Of course we also celebrate. But only in a context in which – that is another rule, for example – diversity is valued. Sport simply excludes many people. We want to reconcile queer people with sport. We want to create a place where everyone can feel like part of the European Championship. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

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Do we need to reconcile queer people with sport?
Not everyone. But the queer community experiences many microaggressions and even discrimination. Many have already had bad experiences in school sports. And when it comes to the offerings for the masses, marginalized people are ignored – even as adults. Because these are places where the standard is lived. In stadiums or at other public viewings, things often get physical, there are many intoxicated people, lots of alcohol, sometimes aggression. People stand close together. Not everyone feels comfortable with that.

But does that mean you have to isolate yourself? You could raise awareness by showing yourself and showing how things can be done differently. People who perhaps have little contact with the queer community could get to know it better.
And that’s exactly what’s happening in our Pride House Berlin! In the future, I would also like to see no more need for special offers. That would mean that all other offers are well thought out enough so that everyone feels comfortable there. As long as that is not the case, additions are needed. So that everyone can go to a place where they like to watch football. We have nothing against the other offers at all, we don’t want to get rid of them. It’s just that many queer people are simply tired – and that’s the weakest word to describe the feeling – of constantly having bad experiences. Or they are tired of always having to educate others.

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Do you have examples of concrete experiences?
I recommend the documentary “Diversity in the Stadium – Queer Fans”. In it, a trans person tells, among other things, what it is like for her to go to the stadium. It starts, for example, with the stewards at the entrance assigning you a gender and then you might be frisked by a man even though you are a woman. Or that you can’t go to the toilet you would like to go to. Then there are chants with anti-trans language, for example. In this case, it may not be directed against the person, but you know that you are included in the chant. That hurts. Outsiders may not find all of this bad, but things like that add up. It is the sum of bad experiences that make life hell.

Do queer people feel particularly threatened by the European Championships?
In general, you live with a latent feeling of being threatened. This is only exacerbated by larger numbers of people. But during this European Championship it is also Pride month. This is the best time of the year for the community, because queer people are actually never more visible. I have the feeling that this complements things a little, which is nice.

Pride month and the European Championships, do you think they go together?
I think it can work well. At least on paper, the two events have something in common: togetherness, openness to others, the joy of getting to know others.

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SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

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The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

 

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NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

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In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.


Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

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Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

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Only 13 years old, badminton-player-honors-fathers-dream-at-nationals/” title=”13-year-old Saskatchewan badminton player honors father’s dream at nationals”>Gautham Sumesh is preparing to realize the dream of his father, who died six months ago: he will soon participate in the National Badminton Championship.

My father was really addicted to badmintonrecalls the Saskatchewan teenager. He really liked that I played.

Gautham Sumesh has been playing badminton since he was old enough to handle a racket. The first time he managed to beat his father, Sumesh Pulavathil, he was offered a drink to celebrate the event.

Sadly, Sumesh Pulavathil died in a road accident near Estevan last October.

Despite the tragedy, the teenager continues to carry his family’s dreams: Gautham Sumesh won the provincial championships this year and is preparing to participate in the National Championship in New Brunswick.

He would be really happyhe believes.

Dreaming of badminton

The young player’s parents left India in 2022 in the hope that their son would become a top badminton player.

: Gautham badminton”,”text”:”When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badminton”}}”>When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badmintonexplains the latter’s mother, Gayathri Ramdas. It is the foundation of our family life.

Her husband put everything in place to help his son play. He bought him shoes and racquets, in addition to devoting many hours to coaching him and other children.

Sumesh Pulavathil (front) was an avid badminton player. (Archive photo)

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Although the family was devastated by Sumesh Pulavathil’s death, there was never any question of the teenager quitting badminton. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Since the death of his father, Gautham Sumesh has undergone intensive training, particularly in preparation for the provincial competition which took place in April.

He remembers that no one knew him when he started competing provincially, but that changed after his victory at the provincial championship.

: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”,”text”:”After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job! “Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”}}”>After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with meexplained Gautham Sumesh.

A portrait of Sumesh Pulavathil (far left) and his family.

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Despite his son’s success in the championship, Gayathri Ramdas believes the victory was bittersweet due to his father’s absence.

Despite everything, she watched her son grow up and demonstrate the values ​​of sportsmanship and good play that she and her husband wanted to instill in him, as he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional badminton player.

I’m little by little catching up on all the dreams we had.

With information from Janani Whitfield

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