An Interview with Gay Games' Ambassador: Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett
Interviews
Adrian Hyyrylainen-Tret, myGwork member and the Federation of Gay Games’ Ambassador and Vice President of External Relations, shares why they are taking part in the upcoming Gay Games 2023.
Hi Adrian, can you tell us a bit about yourself, and your involvement and sporting achievements in the Gay Games?
I’ve been a sports fanatic ever since I was very young. Growing up in Norwich, England, I have been an avid Italian sports fan ever since receiving my 4th birthday present – a Ferrari – which set me on that course – following the legendary Italian driver Michele Alboreto, and then following Juventus and the Italian National football team. I played all different types of sport until around 13, ranging from football, tennis, athletics, cricket and table tennis. However, I lost my passion for sport when I started realizing my sexuality and how uncomfortable I felt, especially with team sports. It took 27 years to play football again for Soho FC, which was one of the sports I participated in at the 2018 Gay Games in Paris.
I’ve been involved in LGBTQ+ sports advocacy ever since 2004, when I joined the Irons golf, and also met my first partner which rejuvenated my love of sport. I dutifully joined him in supporting Chelsea FC. In 2008, I was a founding Member of the UK LGBT sports network and ever since then have played a part in supporting LGBTQ+ sport in the UK, as political lead for the 2018 London Gay Games Bid, and Chair of the Awards Panel for Out for Sport since 2021.
I joined the Board of the Gay Games after helping to arrange the Memorial Moment for the online Annual General Assembly in 2020. I was firstly recruited into the Human Resources role on the Board in April 2021 and then in April 2022, was asked to step into the Vice President role of External Relations, as the first non-binary Vice President of the Federation of the Gay Games.
Which Gay Games did you attend last and which sporting activity did you take part in?
I’ve attended two Gay Games to date: 2010 in Cologne, and 2018 in Paris, where I played golf in both; coming in 5th - two shots at the bronze medal at a truly challenging course outside Paris. I’ve also competed in the Cha Cha Cha Dance competition in Cologne, and in Paris I ran both the 5km and 10km cross country and also played briefly for Soho FC in the football tournament; so a multitude of sports.
Can you share some of your top highlights from the last Gay Games that you attended?
Paris was an amazing venue centered right at the heart of the city, with both opening and closing ceremonies around the Hotel de Ville. The atmosphere was just so fabulous, and I made many new friends and acquaintances which is a key part of the Gay Games experience.
Which sports activities will you take part in this year, and in which location?
At this year’s Gay Games, I will be taking part in the Powerlifting, my primary sport; Golf; and 5km and 10km runs in Guadalajara, Mexico. I will be competing in the first Mx Powerlifting competition, as the first Non-Binary British athlete (as far as I’m aware) to compete openly at the Gay Games, and indeed internationally.
Why would you recommend others to take part in this year’s Gay Games?
The Gay Games provides an overwhelming experience of coming together as part of a massive LGBTQ+ community and being able to exist, as you are, be who you are and compete in the choice of gender that you identify with. My first two Gay Games provided me with some of the most amazing experiences and I’m hoping Guadalajara, will provide me with another life-changing experience in the LGBTQ+ sports arena. We still have a month to register for the Gay Games, so sign up to one of your life-changing experiences.
Click here to find out more and register for this year’s Hong Kong Gay Games or click here for Mexico’s Guadalajara Gay Games.
myGwork is the official media partner of the Gay Games 2023.
