Memories of
Gay Games Amsterdam 1998
It was a milestone in the Pink Revolution and for many people a highlight in their lives: Gay Games Amsterdam 1998. On 1 August 2023, it will be 25 years since this unique sports and cultural event started. We are going to celebrate!
IHLIA preserves the archives of this vibrant event, but what are the stories behind all those special archives? Together with former participants and organisers, IHLIA will collect and share the memories.
In the run-up to August 2023 the Gay Games will be brought to life through known and unknown anecdotes and stories, videos and photos.
Join in! Share this site with others, react to the stories and send us your own photos and memories. Together we will proudly look back and enjoy the event that made Amsterdam the Gay Way to Europe.
Everyone can participate until 8 August 2023!
We are counting down again…
until 1 August 2023, exactly 25 years after the start of the Gay Games Amsterdam 1998
Memories ↗
Read the stories collected by the editors of Initiative Group Gay Games Amsterdam 1998-2023.
Whether it concerns highlighting special items, such as The colorful accreditation pass, the Bidbook or the special life stories of participants and volunteers, such as Michael Bhola, you are back in 1998.
Agenda ↗
In addition to collecting the stories, the initiators also go out or organize a meeting about this event.
Next event
29 July – 8 August | IHLIA
MINI EXHIBITION
Memories of Gay Games Amsterdam 1998 at IHLIA
Share your memories ↗
Join us! Comment on the stories, share your own photos and memories. Your story may also be featured on this site.
Latest reaction
Gerdinand Wagenaar, interpreter at Gay Games Amsterdam 1998 – ‘He became an idol for me. I had no idea what his sexual orientation was, but at the Gay Games, he was one of the volunteer interpreters.’
- Harvey Fierstein on tour with Bob and Betty
The photos hang framed on the wall of singer Wilma Bakker at home. In the summer of 1998 she performed as Betty in the show ‘Bob and Betty’ during the Gay Games boat tours of Holland International. The photos show that several celebrities were there, including Harvey Fierstein. Holland International was of course interested in… Continue reading Harvey Fierstein on tour with Bob and Betty - A small, beautiful anecdote
On Movisie.nl, the series of experience stories of Gay Games participants, visitors and organisers continues to grow. The latest story is of Joni Oyserman: ‘Veel dove mensen zeggen dat ze nooit meer zo’n fijne bubbel hebben meegemaakt.’ (‘Many deaf people say they have never experienced such a nice bubble again’ – Sorry it’s in Dutch!’)… Continue reading A small, beautiful anecdote - Bob van Schijndel looks back with photos
‘It is nice to do something together with other gay men – in the back of my mind I hoped that there would be a nice type for me. But I met my partner somewhere else.’ Gay Games Amsterdam 1998 ‘We were a bit disappointed that we had to go to Amersfoort for the swimming.… Continue reading Bob van Schijndel looks back with photos - We have raised the percentage of women considerably!
‘Each team had a yellow ball with a logo, mine has become hard but I cherish it. I was the organiser of the football for Gay Games Amsterdam 1998,’ says Riet Willems. ‘It was not always easy working together, but I carried on because I am a sportsman and football is close to my heart.… Continue reading We have raised the percentage of women considerably! - A world-class lady
During the preparations of the Gay Games, e-mail and internet were not yet commonplace. The communication was mainly on paper: there was a magazine in English called Friendship that participants could subscribe to and a magazine for volunteers called Inzet. The editorial board consisted – how could it be otherwise – of volunteers. Coen Bosselaar,… Continue reading A world-class lady - Dare to be different
KLM was one of the major sponsors of Gay Games Amsterdam 1998, notable for not being at the forefront of gay rights. Everyone who was there at the time remembers the postcards with swans and lots of blue. How they came about is explained by Hugo Lingeman, at the time ‘internet chief’ as he himself… Continue reading Dare to be different
Who are we?
This website is an activity of IHLIA and the Gay Games Amsterdam 19998-2023 Initiative Group, consisting of Marian Bakker, Marc van den Broek, Janine van Doorn and Paul van Yperen.