Gene Silbert and John Kiley met in New York City in the spring of 1953. Over the years, their relationship, one of notable longevity, has grown as their interests have expanded. More than a decade after they met, John then in his 40s, began running – for fitness, as well as for personal fulfillment and the camaraderie he felt with the athletic community. In subsequent decades, Gene too became an avid runner, accompanying John on long runs as they traveled the world together. A competitive runner, John completed his first marathon in 1972 and, along with Gene, ran dozens of road races through the 1970s, '80s and '90s. Recently, John has also taken up competitive, Masters-level swimming, while Gene has continued with his running.

Now in their late seventies, Gene and John feel that exercise has contributed to a healthy, productive lifestyle, and the athletic community has brought additional texture to their lives. The couple wishes to promote these benefits for future generations of gay and lesbian athletes.

The Gene & John Athletic Fund of Stonewall, formerly the Gene & John Rainbow Community Foundation, was launched in 2002 at Gay Games VI in Sydney Australia. The Athletic Fund is Gene and John's way of giving back to a community that has been so supportive and inspiring to them.