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Why a Gay Swimmer's World Record Mattered During the AIDS Crisis
In this clip from the doc Light in the Water, Michael Mealiffe shatters stereotypes at the 1990 Gay Games by triumphing in the 100-meter butterfly.
The clip below from Logo TV's new documentary Light in the Water shows an emotional moment at the 1990 Gay Games in Vancouver, when Michael Mealiffe broke a world record in the 100-meter butterfly. Representing the West Hollywood Aquatics Team, WH2O, he proved that gay men are just as athletic and capable as straight competitors -- and in this case, more so.
Founded in 1982, the Gay Games were held in a time when AIDS was becoming the leading cause of death for all Americans ages 25 to 44. During these dark days, the event was a rare chance to celebrate life and combat stigma. In between competitions, athletes put on a fabulous show called the Pink Flamingo. The show included an aquatic scene that created a red ribbon in the water to honor people with AIDS within the LGBT community.
Light in the Water premieres Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on Logo. Watch the trailer below.
