Meet these local Gay Gamers

Kenneth “Scott” Kohanowski
Team New York Aquatics

“When I was a kid, I was picked on and always the last one chosen for any team sport. Even in swimming, my gym teacher assumed I sucked and put me in the slow lane. But I was a fast swimmer and had been competing since I was in first grade. That feeling of being stereotyped at such a young age has stuck with me my entire life.”

Kerri Lanoue
NY Stonewallers

“[I want] to show the rest of the world that there is no difference between heterosexual and homosexual sports, let alone a difference among all of us as a people. The most valuable part of attending the games is being able to represent the LGBT community and NYC as a whole.”

Ali Blank
Sky Rink Team

“It’s important to always be who you are and to be confident with your heart. I always try to relay who I am when I skate, and always try to be who I am off the ice. Why work so hard at something and hide it? Or feel something so strong and not share it? The friends I’ll get to meet and the stories I will get to hear will be the most valuable [part of the Gay Games] to me.”

Larry Buenafe
New York Ramblers Soccer Club

“When I joined the club in 1988, I was just coming out. I loved soccer, and it was wonderful to discover others with the same passion. The most moving part of the Gay Games is meeting people who are still struggling in their countries to win the freedoms we mostly have. Being able to support others the way the Ramblers supported me when I first came out is important to me.”

Dane Grams
Front Runners New York

“It’s important to be an out athlete to show that members of the LGBT community are accomplished athletes who contribute enormously to teams and events around the world. The most exciting part about going to the Gay Games is going with 46 of my fellow teammates. I can’t wait until we march into the stadium together during the opening ceremonies in our navy and orange!”

Kristopher Bryan Burrell
Metro Wrestling Club

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to test my skills against some of the best gay wrestlers from around the world. Also, thinking about being in the presence of so many gay athletes is awe-inspiring. I can only imagine how incredible the atmosphere will be in Cologne in such a supportive—as well as competitive—environment.”

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