Klaus Wowereit, the major of Berlin and Dr. Theo Zwanziger, the president of the German Football Federation (DFB) opened on may 4, 2010 the exhibition "Against the Rules – Lesbians and Gays in Sport" from the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) in front of 150 invited guests from politics, sport and lesbian/gay community. On 38 banners the exhibition shows the development of the lesbian/gay sport respectively the situation of lesbians and gays in sport from mainstream to elite sport.
In his welcome speech Klaus Wowereit stressed: "We need to campaign, so that the same rules apply in stadiums and society. Sport and homosexuality still do not go together in lots of minds. We would like to support the removal of taboos regarding Homosexuality and Sport."
This statement was underlined by the speeches of Louise Englefield, EGLSF co-president, and Iris Hugo-Bouvier, European Football Federation (UEFA). Before Dr. Theo Zwanziger said in his dedicated speech that he hopes this will be a successful exhibition, the Berliner dance club pink ballroom added a splash of color to this already entertaining opening which was presented by the charming radio personality Shelly Kupferberg.
The exhibition will be in the main Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus) until May 26, 2010. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 18.00 hours, except holidays. Admission is free. From June 15 to June 25, 2010 the exhibition will be shown at the Town Hall Wilmersdorf as part of the Berlin pride weeks. From there the exhibition will travel to the Gay Games in Cologne.
The exhibition can also be rented. For details, please see the website.