Who We Are

The Hawaii Gay Flag Football league (HIGFFL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ folks to compete and connect through flag football. Besides hosting a yearly tournament, 10-week season, and travelling national teams, we also give back to our community. In 2023 we held monthly food drives for Gregory House, collected donations for Maui Community Foundation, and just recently volunteered with Special Olympics Hawaii.

Our Board

Commissioner

Aaron Thomas

Womens+

Alex Simpson

Vice-Commissioner

Elliot Dimacali

Treasurer

Corey George

Secretary

Kiersten Shimazu

Football Operations

Michael Kukahiwa-Haruno

Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Ava Ladner

Player Development

Cameron Walsh

Recruiting

Mii Li Fortner

Our Story

May 2013

HIGFFL Founded

The HIGFFL was established in May 2013 with less than 20 people playing pickup games. Today it has grown to over 120 active players.

October 2013

First Gay Bowl

In October 2013, the HIGFFL proudly joined Gay Bowl XIII in Phoenix, representing a Hawaii team for the first time ever: Honolulu Riptide.

February 2016

First Aloha Classic

In February 2016, the HIGFFL introduced the Aloha Classic tournament, providing an exciting platform for local players to compete along side national players for the first time.

October 2022

Hosted the National Gay Bowl XXII Tournament

In October of 2022 the HIGFFL successfully hosted over 1000 queer athletes from all across the US and Canada to compete right here in Hawaii. HIGFFL originally won the bid to host Gay Bowl in 2020 but the event was cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

October 2022

First Womens+ Gay Bowl Entry

In a historic milestone, HIGFFL’s Women+ team made its debut as the first entry to the Gay Bowl XXII in October 2022, marking a significant step forward for women’s inclusion in the sport.

October 2022

Gay Bowl XXII Champion

HIGFFL achieved a remarkable victory by securing the Gay Bowl XXII championship in the D division,.

November 2023

Turkey Bowl

HIGFFL hosted its inaugural Turkey Bowl in November 2023, creating a new tradition of food, friends, and flag football.