Gay Polo League (GPL) is celebrating its 15th annual International Polo Tournament in April. For founding president Chip McKenney, the time and effort put into achieving this milestone “went by in a blink.”

“I think part of it is because it's such a passion project for me, and I love the GPL, and I love what it represents and how it celebrates the best of our communities,” McKenney said. “I'm not surprised it's lasted the test of time, but I certainly am thrilled it has.” 

GPL is a nonprofit that promotes inclusivity in the sport of polo and raises money for charities that support the LGBTQ community. Its International Polo Tournament will be held on April 26, where six teams will play for top trophies. 

General admission tickets cost $50, but if you’re looking to upgrade your experience you can purchase a tailgate spot anywhere from $900-1,800, depending on the space you need. Reserving a 10x10 tailgate area comes with 10 admissions to the event and a 10x20 space comes with 20 tickets, so make sure you have a group ready to go.

McKenney said tailgating is an event of its own. There are 64 available spots, and a panel of judges walk around and award people in miniature competitions such as Best Cuisine and Best Spirit.

Whether it's participating in the tailgating competitions or watching the matches, McKenney said the tournament, which typically draws in about 2,000 people, has a light-hearted yet competitive atmosphere.

Saturday won’t just feature the polo matches. This is the first year the South Florida Pride Marching Band will perform, and groups like the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida will return.

Though there’s fun to be had around every corner, there’s a meaningful purpose behind the fanfare. This is the second year GPL is partnering with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to ending AIDS and eliminating stigmas surrounding the disease.

Last year, McKenney said GPL raised $111,000 for the foundation. He hopes to reach $250,000 this year, and to see that number rise in the coming years.

A portion of ticket sales will go toward the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and there will be a fundraising party on April 25 to benefit the organization. It will feature music, dancing, an open bar, entertainment and, most importantly, everyone is encouraged to wear their “finest wig.” Tickets cost $250.

Events like the tournament shouldn’t be taken for granted, McKenney said. He noted that in a political and social climate that consistently targets the LGBTQ community, visibility is more important than ever.

“Some of our rights that we fought so hard and we took for granted are under threat,” McKenney said. “I urge everybody to be out and to come and just be present and show the best of us to the rest of the world, because that's how we're going to build allies and protect our rights.”

McKenney said he received aggressive emails a couple of years ago questioning the decision to continue holding the tournament in Florida — a state defined by its controversial and anti-LGBTQ governor. 

Although he understood the concern, he said Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presence and anti-LGBTQ sentiment made it a priority for GPL to stay.

“It's galvanized me to be a little bit more out there and to push a little harder for visibility,” he said. “Now I see that the ripple effect has to happen. [The tournament] has to be, and it has to be talked about and promoted weeks after, to make sure that people understand it wasn't just a flash. It was something that's here, and we're going to stay here.”

Even though the event is a statement in itself, it’s also a time to turn off your brain and immerse yourself in the community. McKenney said the environment is welcoming, the people are friendly and you’ll never feel isolated.

“Even if you come alone, you won't be alone for long,” McKenney said.

Visit gaypolo.com to purchase tickets and learn more.