TBT – Gay Monopoly Was A Thing. Wait ’til You See The Tokens!

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There are fun board games and there are board games you are good at. We all strive to find that healthy mix of success and happiness. Monopoly was not one of those for me.  I was good at it, but just never liked the game. Maybe if my parents had bought me this version back when I was in the 5th grade (1985), I would have enjoyed it more.

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"Gay Monopoly – A celebration of gay life."

Tongue in cheek version of the classic Monopoly. Player tokens are altered – now you can choose from a jeep, teddy bear, blow drier, leather cap, handcuffs or a stiletto heel. Properties have been changed to a 'gay' theme as well – e.g. Fire Island and Castro Street. Instead of buying houses and hotels, you can buy bars and bathhouses. The money denominations include $3.00 bills.

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One departure from the original Monopoly is the inclusion of Family Pride cards. When landing on the appropriate space, the description of a famous gay man is read aloud, and the player who can correctly identify the person can move ahead to any space on the board. Also different is the addition of Camp Cards. When these are drawn, you must perform the indicated action (ie. 'say: 'faaabulous!' six different ways and receive $3). Finally, there are "hanky code" cards, where the player must identify what each color of the code meant, and what it meant when worn in each (left and right) rear pants pocket.

Rumor has it that there were only a very limited number of copies of this game, as it was produced by The Parker Sisters, a division of Fire Island games, and were sued for copyright infringement by Parker Brothers (the company is no longer in business). – boardgamegeek.com

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Here's a story from the Boston Phoenix published on April 16, 1985 (click image for larger view).

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Boardgamegeek.com informs us that much of the profits from the $15 game were donated to AIDS research and support organizations. Head over to their site and see where you may be able to find this 30+ year old piece of history.

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styles medium public images blog posts Adam Dupuis 2016 08 04 castrostreetgamecardgaymonopolyasldkf 465 494 int styles medium public images blog posts Adam Dupuis 2016 08 04 GAY MONOPOLY BOARD GAME VINTAGE 1980S RETRO 03 465 250 int styles medium public images blog posts Adam Dupuis 2016 08 04 pic48115 md

h/t:  Boardgamegeek.com

4 thoughts on “TBT – Gay Monopoly Was A Thing. Wait ’til You See The Tokens!”

  1. I literally bought this for less $20 at a yard sale benefiting the Atlanta Sisters and it’s traveled around with my things for last 10+ years. I had no idea it was so rare. Mine is not in mint condition (at least the outer box) but everything inside for play is in terrific shape.

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  2. I literally bought this for less $20 at a yard sale benefiting the Atlanta Sisters and it’s traveled around with my things for last 10+ years. I had no idea it was so rare. Mine is not in mint condition (at least the outer box but everything thing inside for play is in terrific shape.

    Reply
  3. I have one of these here in

    I have one of these here in London – purchased whilst on holiday in US in early/mid 1980's. Still in near mint condition, since over the years found other games to play with other boys! Keeping it to brighten up my days in the twilight home in the future!

    Reply
    • Hey Jeremy

      Hey Jeremy

      Could you drop me a line please, had a question relating to the game (im not going to ask to buy it) haha

      Thanks!

      Reply

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