On the Line

To add to the list of reasons why I wish I was still in Florida, at this very moment the much hyped, much talked about, and much anticipated Gay Polo Tournament is kicking off at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington. The first major tournament of the Gay Polo League will surely be one to remember, and hard to top next year.  GPL President Chip McKenney and the rest of the League have been working towards this event for a long time.

Last fall I interviewed Chip for Sidelines and found him to be an all around great guy; friendly, passionate about the GPL and a huge polo enthusiast. So, even though I can’t be there in person today, in honor of the First Annual Gay Polo Tournament here’s that interview in full:

Five Questions for the Gay Polo League

By Erin Gilmore | Sidelines Magazine | November 2009

Polo’s never seen anything like this. Based in Los Angeles, California, The Gay Polo League introduces polo enthusiasts to a unique organization the embraces polo while welcoming gay men and women to the sport. Founder Chip McKenney was happy to sit down with Sidelines to tell us more about this polo league which is slowly spreading its wings, with chapters developing in other California cities and plans for an eventual nationwide reach.

Sidelines: Was there a catalyst that inspired you to create the gay polo league?

CM: Two personal objectives inspired me to create the GPL. First, I wanted to meet gay men and women who share my interest in participating in a unique horse sport. Second, I wanted to create something important that did not exist within the world of organized gay sport. I am happy to say, I accomplished both objectives.

Sidelines: Where and how often does the Gay Polo League gather, and how competitive are its players?

CM: On a weekly basis, GPL holds events of some sort at the California Polo Club, in Lakeview Terrace. Every other Wednesday, we schedule Intermediate Chukkers, every other Saturday, we schedule Developing Rider Clinics for less experienced players/riders.

On a monthly basis we participate in matches at other polo clubs, such as Will Rogers Polo Club, Menlo Polo Club, San Diego Polo Club, Santa Barbara Polo Club and Empire Polo Club. Plus, we host social events for our members, friends and other polo players. .  .gay and not gay.

Many GPL players are very competitive. For example, we recently sent three teams to participate in the Mack Jason Invitational Polo Tournament at the Menlo Polo Club. Two GPL teams won their divisions and the third team placed second! Several of our members are rated by the USPA. Our teams practiced and drilled diligently to prepare for the tournament. Bottom line, we encourage all members to play up to the level they aspire to – some are more competitive than others. . . however, there is room for every type of player within the GPL.

Chip McKenney goes for the hook at the Menlo Circus Club. Photo by Dominick Lemarie

Sidelines: You must have known that your very name would attract attention, much less your url (www.gaypolo.com). Why did you choose such a “colorful” moniker?

CM: Plain English ruled this decision. We wanted a name that identified who we are as a league. We also wanted a name that would be easily Googled so people searching to see if such a league exists would find us. Simple.

Sidelines: What does the GPL hope to accomplish, both for gay players and for polo?

CM: Our primary goal is to evolve the Gay Polo League into a national organization with chapters in major cities. Currently, GPL has members in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City and Florida. We plan on developing those chapters into active, well-organized extensions of the GPL then expand beyond. Our ultimate goal is to introduce the sport of polo into the Gay Games!

For gay people, GPL hopes are many. . . to be a role model for great sportsmanship, share unique experiences, foster a love of polo within our community etc. Historically, polo was not a “gay friendly” sport – we intend to change that.

For all polo players, we hope to share our enjoyment of the sport with others. We want to promote polo as a sport readily available to anyone wanting to give it a try. In fact, we work hard with polo clubs to promote polo as a sport open to everyone, not just the wealthy.

Sidelines: Ave you run into any negative attention, or stereotyping from other players? If so how have you dealt with it?

CM: So far, we have not encountered any negative reaction at any polo club we have attended. In fact, everyone has welcomed us. It has been amazing how accepting the world of polo is.

At times, I have been asked “what does being gay have to do with the game of polo?” –I reply “nothing – it has to do with who the league is. . .it’s a gay league of polo players.”