Copenhagen. To get a Tel Aviv beach
Itai Pinkas. Promoting gay tourism
Photo: Meir Azulay
Pride Parade in Tel Aviv
Photo: Ofer Amram
Proudly introducing gay Tel Aviv
Israeli city invited to participate in gay World Outgames in Copenhagen. Tel Aviv reps hope to put city on map of international gay tourism
Israeli cultural figures, including musicians, filmmakers and dancers, will take part in the World Outgames, "an international sporting and cultural event celebrating the talents and contributions of homosexual, bi-sexual and transgender men and women from every corner of the globe."
The games will be held in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, in July and August 2008.
Copenhagen mayor Ritt Bjerregaard recently approached Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and invited him to set up a compound at the event in order to promote tourism to the Israeli city. Other cities that will be represented are Rio de Janeiro, Melbourne and Amsterdam.
Huldai appointed City Council member Itai Pinkas and the coordinator of the pride parade in Tel Aviv Adir Steiner to organize the project.
The two decided to erect the compound on the beach, and turn it into a typical Tel Avivian strip of sand, complete with paddle ball games, falafel and surfboards. "This is an opportunity to put Tel Aviv on the world map of gay tourism," Pinkas stated.
Pinkas and Steiner have also compiled a list of cultural figures that will represent Israel in the games alongside local athletes, including singer Dana International, DJ Ofer Nissim, singer Ivri Lider, and filmmakers Gal Uchovsky and Eytan Fox.
The organizers are also looking into the possibility of inviting Israeli dancers and choreographers to join the delegation.
In addition, the Israeli organizers plan to throw a dance party each night during the games, and host leading DJs from the Tel Aviv night scene.
"The invitation to take part in the events reflects recognition in Tel Aviv as a city that celebrates pride," Steiner concluded.
