“Inclusion” is part of the FGG’s motto, and is a guiding principle for the FGG and the Gay Games. The FGG expects that hosts of each edition of the Gay Games will promote diversity and inclusion in their own organization and in their’ plans for the Gay Games.

Diversity and inclusion should be promoted in all areas of activity of Gay Games hosts (the following is adapted from LOCOG):

• Ceremonies: Venues and content should be accessible and celebrate the diversity of LGBT sport and culture
• Sports program: Venues and sports events should be accessible and cater to a diverse range of athletes
• Cultural program: Venues and cultural event should be accessible and address a diverse range of artists
• Spectators, visitors: Hosts should ensure that marketing and outreach to spectators and visitors of the Gay Games enhance diversity of the event
• Partnerships: Partner organizations should practice inclusiveness and represent the diversity of the local, regional, national and international community
• Procurement: Host suppliers should themselves practice inclusiveness
• Communication: In particular, websites must be designed to be fully accessible and user friendly
• Staffing: Recruiting, hiring, and operations should respect standards for diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination

Diversity: Strands of diversity

The following “strands” of diversity are commonly used:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Race, ethnicity, national origin
• Religion, faith, belief

We note however that religious belief may in no case be used as a justification for any form of discrimination with regard to others. Nor may religious belief be accepted as a motive for not respecting the rules of sport, notably in dress during sports competitions. Any religious activity associated with the Gay Games may not itself be discriminatory, in particular with regard to race, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

In addition, the FGG considers the following important criteria of diversity, in particular for the event itself:

• Socio-economic status: the Gay Games should be accessible to participants with a wide range of incomes; accessibility can be ensured by a variety of means, including scholarships and other solidarity schemes, as well as offering sports and cultural activities with a range of cost for participants
• Place of residence: the Gay Games welcome participants from the entire world, including countries where homophobia whether institutional or cultural is endemic
• Levels of ability: the Gay Games include sports and cultural participants of all levels; while distinction on the basis of ability may be appropriate in some instances, and in particular in establishing fair competition divisions, all events should be open to participants of any ability
• Body type and athletic aptitudes: the sports program in particular should offer events that cater to a variety of body types and a range of kinds of athletic ability (strength, speed, agility, endurance, tall, short, heavy, light…).
• Health status: Events must take into account the health issues, in particular chronic diseases and disorders, of participants; bidders and hosts must notably respect the FGG Charter for Sport and HIV/AIDS