FEATURE Sports Complex Muscled Out: Gay Games VII Bans Steroid Use Jim Provenzano | June 06, 2005 Competitors in the men's physique events at Gay Games VI, 2002 - Photo: Jim Provenzano With steroid scandals rocking professional sports, several athletes have come out about steroid use, and over a dozen minor-league players have already received fines or been cut from teams. High-profile players have become the focus of such investigations, and such tougher regulations have even had an effect in gay sports events. In his recently published book, Juiced, Jose Canseco (outfielder and power-hitter for the Oakland A's, Boston Red Sox, and other teams) describes several times during his career when he was cloistered in a men's room stall as Mark McGwire dropped his pants and asked him to inject steroids into his buttocks. At invited congressional hearings held earlier this year in Washington, D.C., McGwire refused to admit to using steroids. He also made obtuse comments about not judging other athletes, and even mentioned "sexual orientation" as one of many things about which he said he doesn't judge others. While gossip about the goings-on of pro athletes in men's-room stalls led to some speculation in online gossip forums, for out gay athletes, the situation is less about sexual orientation and more about health, cheating, and potential discrimination. For athletes with HIV, most of whom are male, supplements and steroids are often used as a treatment regimen. The connection of steroids with gay men's health – even bodybuilding HIV- users – has been documented for years. A 1996 Gay Men's Health Crisis Treatment Issues article written by David Pieribone discusses testosterone and chemically similar synthetic anabolic steroids, which are often used by athletes and body builders to increase their muscle mass and stamina. But abuse has led to other health problems. Although anabolic steroids can be dangerous, Pieribone writes, "Testosterone-replacement therapy can improve patients' mood, sexual function, appetite and energy, although the long-term effects on immune function are not known. Testosterone replacement is generally not sufficient to manage weight loss, and increasing testosterone levels to above normal can have adverse effects, including liver damage." The study cited also says that some synthetic oral testosterone derivatives "have fewer side effects, and anecdotal reports claim that they increase immune cell populations (CD8 and CD4)." For many HIV patients suffering from weight loss, careful use of testosterone and steroids has become a part of their health regimen. One unusual offshoot of this treatment is the ability for HIV-positive people to work out and gain muscle mass more easily. This may give some competitors in sports an unfair advantage. One Australian competitor, who did not place in men's physique at Sydney's Gay Games VI in 2002, commented that he knew several competitors were on steroids, but didn't want to say that on the record or be quoted by name. "I don't want to make it sound like sour grapes," he said, "but I got eliminated in prejudging against guys who were on something. It was obvious." To counter this disproportionate advantage, organizers of Chicago's Gay Games VII announced in April that physique, powerlifting, and wrestling events would involve post-event testing for some competitors. In powerlifting, participants must sign up for the new "Out-of-Competition Athletes Registry" by July 15, 2005 – one year before Gay Games VII opens. "The Gay Games' principle of 'personal best' encourages individuals to participate at their own level of skill without the use of performance-enhancing drugs," stated a press announcement. "The Federation of Gay Games and Chicago Gay Games condemn doping practices and the use of banned substances to enhance performance in sport." Along with drug tests at the Gay Games, powerlifters who win but are not part of the new "Athletes Registry" will receive their medals only after automatic drug tests come back negative. In another change, possibly not related to such potential conflicts, the medals ceremonies for all events will be held at one evening event during the closing ceremonies - after such test results can be determined. In the powerlifting competition, participants who are HIV-positive and taking steroids or similar supplements will not be allowed to compete in regular competition. Yet, Nancy Harris, the CGI Sports consultant who worked with the Federation of Gay Games on the new policy, says, "Our powerlifting competition remains inclusive," and that the events will feature a "Guest Lifter" classification. "(This) will allow athletes using otherwise banned medical therapies for conditions such as HIV to participate and be judged alongside their peers without being subjected to drug testing," Harris says. "While 'Guest Lifters' will not be eligible for Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals, all will receive a Gay Games participation medal and the opportunity to perform their personal best." Athletes with HIV may critique this exclusionary policy at the next Games. But it may be the only way to prevent some athletes – even those with life-threatening illnesses – from getting a perceived upper hand. Jim Provenzano is the author of the novels PINS and Monkey Suits. Read more sports articles at www.sportscomplex.org Related stories Strong Man: Powerlifter Chris Morgan's Road to Success [23/05/2005] Gay Games 2010 bid – latest update [13/03/2005] For more info on Gay Sport in South Africa contact Gay Sport SA