All athletes are welcome to the Gay Games

Despite recent bans in the United States and ongoing discussions in several other countries about restricting participation of trans women in sports events, the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) stands in solidarity with all transgender and non-binary athletes

The Federation of Gay Games will continue to stand firmly in allowing all athletes to participate and compete in the sport that they wish and in the gender that they choose to identify as.

Our fundamental values of participation, personal best and above all inclusion means everyone is welcome to compete as they choose and we look forward to the next Gay Games in Valencia, Spain, June 2026.

Federation of Gay Games Board

Co-Presidents – Jan Schneider, Sophia Goodner-Rodriguez

Federation of Gay Games Narrows Host City Candidates for Gay Games XIII in 2030

This weekend, the Federation of Gay Games took an important step toward determining the host city for Gay Games XIII in 2030. Members and delegates gathered to review the six exceptional candidate cities and voted to narrow the field to three finalists. After thoughtful deliberation and a highly competitive process, the three short list cities moving forward are Auckland (New Zealand), Denver (USA), and Perth (Australia).

These cities represent the best in diversity, inclusivity, and capability to host an event that celebrates the values of the Gay Games. Each brings unique cultural and logistical strengths, promising an extraordinary experience for participants and spectators alike.

Lance Husak from the Denver team said “GGDen2030 is excited to continue our mission of bringing the Gay Games to Denver in 2030 to unite our global LGBTQ+ communities; Together! Out West!”. 

Angus McDougall from the Auckland team said “This milestone brings us closer to hosting an event that will unite communities, celebrate our vibrant LGBTQIA+ whānau, and showcase Auckland’s stunning waterfront, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultural identity to the world.”

Laurie Butterly from the Perth team said “We’re incredibly excited to move into the Top 3 to host Gay Games 2030. Perth’s bid is from ground up; directly from Perth’s LGBTQIA+ sporting teams. We want the world to share in our dynamic, vibrant and inclusive community.'

“We are thrilled to congratulate Auckland, Denver, and Perth on advancing as finalists on this journey toward selecting the host city for Gay Games XIII in 2030.” said Austin Manning, Officer of Site Selection at the FGG.  “Each city has worked incredibly hard to present themselves as a potential host, and has firmly stamped their local culture and uniqueness onto their proposals. This milestone is not just about choosing a city; it's about envisioning a future where LGBTQ+ sports and culture, and the values we have in common, shine brighter than ever.  We look forward to the next 12 months and working closely with the three teams as they prepare their final bid books for review in October 2025.”

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the three cities that did not proceed to the next round - Cape Town, Edmonton and Taipei,  as well as the team in Melbourne who withdrew from the selection process last month. Their dedication, creativity, and vision during the bidding process showcased their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and the values of the Gay Games. Their efforts  will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.

The journey is far from over. The next milestone in the process involves the short list cities delivering a more detailed document outlining the organisation of the event down to the smallest details to ensure everything is anticipated. The FGG will then undertake comprehensive evaluations and site visits to the finalist cities, culminating in the final vote at our Annual General Assembly in October 2025, where individual and group Q&A sessions and additional in person presentations will occur.

We look forward to making this pivotal decision and announcing the host city for Gay Games XIII in 2030.

FGG receives 7 comprehensive bids for Gay Games XIII 2030

Seven months following the opening of the 2030 Gay Games XIII Site Selection Process, the Federation of Gay Games is honored to receive seven comprehensive bids for initial review. 

In January 2024, the FGG received 26 letters of interest representing six continents. In May of 2024 that list included ten prospective bid organizations representing cities in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. As of the final submission deadline of 1 August 2024, the FGG is honored to receive completed materials from the following cities:

• Auckland, New Zealand

• Cape Town, South Africa

• Denver, United States

• Edmonton, Canda

• Melbourne, Australia

• Perth, Australia

• Taipei, Taiwan

Each city is invited to present their bid at the FGG Annual General Assembly in Washington, DC. The AGA will span five days from October 24-28, with particular focus on the bid proposals during the weekend’s special business, affording bid organizations the opportunity to speak directly with FGG Delegates, Honorary Life Members, and Volunteers; much of this delegation will be qualified voting members tasked with selecting three finalists cities in December 2024. 

Leading up to these in person presentations and meetings, the FGG engages each city in two question and answer periods in order to fully vet their respective proposals. Additionally, bid cities are to produce a 15-minute video showcasing their bid, their organization, their community, and their region to be submitted in early October 2024. 

“The submitted bids represent months of hard work and mobilization of resources from the bid organizations. The 100-page bid books showcase the unique approach each city has towards hosting Gay Games XIII.” said Austin Manning, FGG Officer of Site Selection. “After initial review of the received bid books, I am pleased to present such well articulated and organized bid books to the General Assembly. It is evident that these bid organizations have grasped the principles, scale, and legacy of the Gay Games.”

Gay Games is open to all, and since its debut in 1982 it has continued to perpetuate the legacy of changing cultural, social and political attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people. A core principle of the Federation of Gay Games is “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™”. These principles will be represented next in 2026 at Gay Games XII in Valencia, Spain. It has never been more important to stand up for the rights of the LGBTQ+ communities around the world.

Additional information available here: https://www.gaygames.org/site-selection

FGG notified of withdrawal of four local LGBTQ+ entities from Gay Games XII València 2026

San Francisco, USA  •  May 27, 2024  •  Duncan Campbell, Officer of Communications

[Spanish version below / Versión en castellano abajo]

• Four of the Valencian LGBTQ+ entities that have been collaborating with the organization of the Gay Games in València 2026 have withdrawn their participation from the Organizing Committee
  

• These LGBTQ+ entities have stated that the reason for withdrawal is due to the hijacking of the project by the PP and VOX local government and reduction of LGTBIQ+ rights

• The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) deeply regrets losing the support of the local LGBTQ+ entities, but respectfully accepts their withdrawal

• After confidently receiving assurances from the València City Council about their commitment to the organization of the event, the FGG can confirm that the Gay Games will continue to be held in València in 2026

The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) expresses its sincere regret as it announces the withdrawal of four local LGBTQ+ entities from its upcoming Gay Games event in València in 2026. 

The FGG has been working for multiple years in collaboration with a number of local LGBTQ+ entities and the Valencian City Council, to prepare for their quadrennial Gay Games event, due to be hosted in the city of València in June 2026.

These local LGBTQ+ entities are:

• The València Diversitat Foundation (FVD) along with its three member entities:

• Lambda - LGBT+ Collective for Sexual, Gender, and Family Diversity (Lambda). 

• Avegal Association of Companies and Professionals for Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals, and Bisexuals of the Valencian Community (Avegal). 

• LGBTQ+ Sports Club Dracs València (Dracs). 

We have been informed today of the decision that these four groups have withdrawn from the executive and organizational committees of the event. Their motives for withdrawal include the following:

• Unacceptable changes to the organizational structure of the Games

The organizational structure proposed by the FGG gives equal voting power to both the LGBTQ+ entities and the City Council, in all aspects of the organization and financial management of the event, with an additional voting right assigned to the FGG in the case of a deadlock.

The local LGBTQ+ entities have incorrectly stated that this agreement “allows the City Council to maintain tight control over any aspect of the tournament, without being obliged to take into account the opinion or vote of the rest of the committee members“.

The FGG firmly believes that the success of the Gay Games requires the active participation of both LGBTQ+ entities and the local City Council, both of which are investing considerable time and resources into the event.  For that reason we proposed a structure with equal voting rights and believe it to be the most fair and appropriate structure for all parties involved.

• Local LGBTQ+ entities would be forced to bear legal and financial consequences of decisions by the local government

The local LGBTQ+ entities have stated that, under the proposed agreement, they “would be forced to bear the possible fiscal, criminal and legal consequences of the decisions made by PP and VOX“.

This is incorrect and unsubstantiated.  In no part of our agreement are the local entities held responsible for any decisions made by the local government, and we actively negotiated the establishment of a new finance committee to avoid any such consequences.

• The local government have undertaken financial cuts and attacks on the LGTBQ+ rights of local people, businesses and entities

In May 2023 the Valencian state voted in a newly-appointed local government, controlled by a coalition of two parties: the PP (center-right) and VOX (right to far-right).  The LGBTQ+ entities have stated that this new government is responsible for book and film bans, a reduction in financial aid to the local entities, an attempt to control the Pride march, and the removal of a trans advisory council.

Whilst the FGG cannot validate or comment on any of these incidents, we are deeply aware of the ongoing erosion of LGBTQ+ rights and funding that is occurring throughout the world, particularly as a result of the growing support for right-wing governments.   

They went on to state that their withdrawal “is a measure necessary and solely responsible to protect the original project of the Gay Games València 2026”

This statement conflicts with our own experience working with the City Council.  The FGG has met various times with them to gain assurances from them about their commitment to the funding of the event, the availability of government-owned sports and culture venues, and the confirmation that participants will be able to attend and compete as their authentic selves.  We are confident that the City Council is willing to support the event adequately and as agreed in our original discussions with the previous city council and local government.

The FGG have consulted various times with the local LGBTQ+ entities, and after have negotiated a fair and appropriate organizational structure, and assurances over the funding and running of the event.  Unfortunately these negotiations have not been deemed sufficient for the local LGBTQ+ entities and so they have decided to withdraw from the organization of the Gay Games.

We deeply value the support and contributions that these four LGBTQ+ entities have made to the development and organization of the event so far, and we regrettably accept their decision to withdraw. We would like to extend our gratitude to them for their hard work, past support and collaboration. While they may not be physically present at our future events, their spirit of inclusivity and advocacy will continue to resonate throughout the Games.

At the Federation of Gay Games we take very seriously the decision to work with local governments who may not completely share our values.  We aim to be completely transparent with all our stakeholders about how our decisions are made and why we believe the Gay Games should be hosted in València despite the concerns of the local LGBTQ+ entities. 

First and foremost, we believe that it is essential for the LGBTQ+ community to be proudly visible everywhere in the world.  Our visibility highlights the struggles we face, and shines a light on the needs of our community, especially where we lack rights and respect.  We want the Gay Games to be a beacon of light for the LGBTQ+ community, a place where every member of our community can find a safe and inclusive space to be their authentic selves, and this is needed even more in countries or communities which lack LGBTQ+ rights.  As a community we have a responsibility to be visible in the face of adversity.

We have consulted at length with the local government to understand their motives behind wanting to host the event in València.  We have made sure to have guarantees from them on their support for the event, both financially and logistically.  We have ensured that our participants will be completely safe and free to be their authentic selves.  The local government has agreed to allow equal voting rights between themselves and the LGBTQ+ entities, across the organization of the Games.   We are confident that this is a fair agreement for the hosting of an international event of this scale, and we are confident that they support our event completely.

Furthermore we believe that hosting the Gay Games in València is an incredible opportunity for the local LGBTQ+ community and will have a lifelong impact on local people, businesses, community groups, sports, culture and tourism.  We have seen time and again the immense impact that the Gay Games has on host cities, both socially and financially ($117.9 million local economic impact from the Gay Games in Paris 2018).

Based on all these factors, we have decided that we will continue to host the Gay Games in València in 2026.  

We acknowledge that choosing to proceed with the organization of the Gay Games without the support of these four local LGBTQ+ entities might be disappointing for our participants and supporters, especially those from the local community.  We have worked incredibly hard to organize these Games up until now, and have worked equally hard to keep these entities involved in the organizational structure.

That said, we have chosen to continue to host the Gay Games without the support of these four local LGBTQ+ entities.  We deeply empathize with their frustrations with the local government and wholeheartedly support their decision to not work with them.  However we staunchly believe that we must fight for our visibility at all times.  We have a moral and ethical responsibility to remain visible and provide a platform to highlight the needs of our community, especially in places where the rights and welfare of LGBTQ+ people, and in fact all marginalized people, are being eroded.  To withdraw the Gay Games from València now would be to concede defeat and let our community down.

We want to reassure all stakeholders that the Gay Games in València will proceed as planned. We firmly believe that València is the ideal host city for our Games, and we are confident in the continued collaboration with the València City Council to deliver a successful and memorable event. Having worked alongside the local community for a number of years, we know our event holds immense significance to them and local businesses, as well as across Spain and Europe.  Our other stakeholders, including athletes, sponsors, Spanish LGBTQ+ sports teams and other community members, also remain firmly committed to the event.

The FGG remains steadfast in its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights in sports and beyond. We look forward to welcoming athletes, spectators, and partners from around the world to València in 2026 for our celebration of LGBTQ+ sports and culture.

For further inquiries or information, please contact Duncan Campbell

Contact Information

Duncan Campbell, Officer of Communications

duncan.campbell@gaygames.net

+34 678946763

—

FGG notifica la retirada de cuatro entidades locales LGTBIQ+ de la estructura organizativa de los XII Gay Games València 2026

• Cuatro de las entidades LGTBIQ+ valencianas que han estado colaborando con la organización de los Gay Games en València 2026 han retirado su participación en el Comité Organizador

• Estas entidades LGTBIQ+ han manifestado que el motivo de la retirada se debe al secuestro del proyecto por parte del gobierno local del PP y VOX y la reducción de los derechos LGTBIQ+

• La Federación de Gay Games (FGG) lamenta profundamente perder el apoyo de las entidades LGTBIQ+ locales, pero acepta respetuosamente su retirada

• Tras recibir con confianza las garantías del Ayuntamiento de València sobre su compromiso con la organización del evento, la FGG puede confirmar que los Gay Games se seguirán celebrando en València en 2026

La Federación de Gay Games (FGG) expresa su más sincero pesar al anunciar la retirada de cuatro entidades LGTBIQ+ locales de su próximo evento de los Gay Games en València en 2026. 

La FGG lleva varios años trabajando en colaboración con varias entidades LGTBIQ+ locales y el Ayuntamiento de Valencia, para preparar su evento cuatrienal Gay Games, que se celebrará en la ciudad de València en junio de 2026.

Estas entidades locales LGTBIQ+ son:

• La València Diversitat Foundation (FVD) junto con sus tres entidades miembros:

• Lambda - Colectivo LGBT+ para la Diversidad Sexual, de Género y Familia (Lambda). 

• Asociación Avegal de Empresas y Profesionales para Lesbianas, Gais, Transexuales y Bisexuales de la Comunidad Valenciana (Avegal). 

• Club Deportivo LGTBIQ+ Dracs València (Dracs).

Hoy se nos ha informado de la decisión de que estos cuatro grupos se han retirado de los comités ejecutivo y organizador del evento. Entre los motivos de su retirada se encuentran los siguientes:

•  Cambios inaceptables en la estructura organizativa de los Juegos

La estructura organizativa propuesta por la FGG otorga el mismo poder de voto tanto a las entidades LGTBIQ+ como al Ayuntamiento, en todos los aspectos de la organización y gestión financiera del evento, con un derecho de voto adicional asignado a la FGG en caso de bloqueo.

La FGG cree firmemente que el éxito de los Gay Games requiere la participación activa tanto de las entidades LGTBIQ+ como del Ayuntamiento local, que están invirtiendo mucho tiempo y recursos en el evento.  Por esa razón, propusimos una estructura con igualdad de derechos de voto y creemos que es la estructura más justa y apropiada para todas las partes involucradas

• Las entidades LGTBIQ+ locales se verían obligadas a asumir las consecuencias legales y financieras de las decisiones del gobierno local.

  Las entidades LGTBIQ+ locales han manifestado que, en virtud del acuerdo propuesto, "se verían obligadas a asumir las posibles consecuencias fiscales, penales y legales de las decisiones tomadas por PP y VOX".

  Esto es incorrecto y no tiene fundamento.  En ninguna parte de nuestro acuerdo se responsabiliza a las entidades locales de las decisiones tomadas por el gobierno local, y negociamos activamente el establecimiento de un nuevo comité de finanzas para evitar tales consecuencias.

• El gobierno local ha emprendido recortes financieros y ataques a los derechos LGTBIQ+ de la población, empresas y entidades locales.

En mayo de 2023, salió de las urnas un nuevo gobierno local recién designado, controlado por una coalición de dos partidos: el PP (centroderecha) y VOX (de derecha a extrema derecha). Las entidades LGTBIQ+ han afirmado que este nuevo gobierno es responsable de la prohibición de libros y películas, de una reducción de la ayuda financiera a las entidades locales, de un intento de controlar la marcha del Orgullo y de la eliminación de un consejo asesor trans.

Si bien el FGG no puede validar ni comentar ninguno de estos incidentes, somos profundamente conscientes de la continua erosión de los derechos y la financiación LGTBIQ+ que está ocurriendo en todo el mundo, particularmente como resultado del creciente apoyo a los gobiernos de derecha.

Continuaron afirmando que su retirada “es una medida necesaria y únicamente responsable para proteger el proyecto original de los Gay Games València 2026”

Esta declaración entra en conflicto con nuestra propia experiencia trabajando con el Ayuntamiento. La FGG se ha reunido varias veces con ellos para obtener garantías de su compromiso con la financiación del evento, la disponibilidad de instalaciones deportivas y culturales propiedad municipal y la confirmación de que los participantes podrán asistir y competir como ellos mismos. . Confiamos en que el gobierno municipal esté dispuesto a apoyar el evento de manera adecuada y según lo acordado en nuestras discusiones originales con el gobierno municipal anterior.

El FGG ha consultado varias veces con las entidades LGTBIQ+ locales y luego ha negociado una estructura organizativa justa y adecuada, y garantías sobre la financiación y el funcionamiento del evento. Lamentablemente estas negociaciones no se han considerado suficientes para las entidades LGTBIQ+ locales y por eso han decidido retirarse de la organización de los Gay Games.

Valoramos profundamente el apoyo y las contribuciones que estas cuatro entidades LGTBIQ+ han hecho al desarrollo y organización del evento hasta el momento, y lamentablemente aceptamos su decisión de retirarse. Nos gustaría extenderles nuestro agradecimiento por su arduo trabajo, apoyo y colaboración en el pasado. Si bien es posible que no estén físicamente presentes en nuestros eventos futuros, su espíritu de inclusión y defensa seguirá resonando durante los Juegos.

En la Federación de Gay Games nos tomamos muy en serio la decisión de trabajar con gobiernos locales que tal vez no compartan completamente nuestros valores. Nuestro objetivo es ser completamente transparente con todas nuestras partes interesadas sobre cómo se toman nuestras decisiones y por qué creemos que los Gay Games deberían celebrarse en València a pesar de las preocupaciones de las entidades LGTBIQ+ locales.

En primer lugar, creemos que es esencial que la comunidad LGTBIQ+ sea visible con orgullo en todo el mundo. Nuestra visibilidad resalta las luchas que enfrentamos y arroja luz sobre las necesidades de nuestra comunidad, especialmente donde carecemos de derechos y respeto. Queremos que los Gay Games sean un faro de luz para la comunidad LGTBIQ+, un lugar donde cada miembro de nuestra comunidad pueda encontrar un espacio seguro e inclusivo para ser auténtico, y esto es aún más necesario en países o comunidades que carecen de LGTBIQ+. derechos. Como comunidad tenemos la responsabilidad de ser visibles ante la adversidad.

Hemos consultado extensamente con el gobierno local para entender sus motivos detrás de querer organizar el evento en València. Nos hemos asegurado de tener garantías por su parte en su apoyo al evento, tanto económica como logísticamente. Nos hemos asegurado de que nuestros participantes estén completamente seguros y libres para ser ellos mismos. El gobierno local ha acordado permitir la igualdad de derechos de voto entre ellos y las entidades LGTBIQ+, durante toda la organización de los Juegos. Estamos seguros de que este es un acuerdo justo para la celebración de un evento internacional de esta escala y estamos seguros de que apoyarán completamente nuestro evento.

Además, creemos que organizar los Juegos Gay en València es una oportunidad increíble para la comunidad LGTBIQ+ local y tendrá un impacto de por vida en la población local, las empresas, los grupos comunitarios, los deportes, la cultura y el turismo. Hemos visto una y otra vez el inmenso impacto que los Juegos Gay tienen en las ciudades anfitrionas, tanto social como financieramente (117,9 millones de dólares de impacto económico local de los Juegos Gay en París 2018).

En base a todos estos factores hemos decidido que seguiremos albergando los Juegos Gay en València en 2026.

Reconocemos que elegir continuar con la organización de los Juegos Gay sin el apoyo de estas cuatro entidades LGTBIQ+ locales podría ser decepcionante para nuestros participantes y seguidores, especialmente aquellos de la comunidad local. Hemos trabajado increíblemente duro para organizar estos Juegos hasta ahora, y hemos trabajado igualmente duro para mantener a estas entidades involucradas en la estructura organizativa.

Dicho esto, hemos decidido seguir organizando los Gay Games sin el apoyo de estas cuatro entidades LGTBIQ+ locales. Empatizamos profundamente con sus frustraciones con el gobierno local y apoyamos incondicionalmente su decisión de no trabajar con ellos. Sin embargo, creemos firmemente que debemos luchar por nuestra visibilidad en todo momento. Tenemos la responsabilidad moral y ética de seguir siendo visibles y proporcionar una plataforma para resaltar las necesidades de nuestra comunidad, especialmente en lugares donde los derechos y el bienestar de las personas LGTBIQ+ y, de hecho, de todas las personas marginadas, se están erosionando. Retirar ahora los Gay Games de València sería reconocer la derrota y defraudar a nuestra comunidad.

Queremos asegurar a todos los interesados que los Juegos Gay de València se desarrollarán según lo previsto. Creemos firmemente que València es la ciudad anfitriona ideal para nuestros Juegos y confiamos en la colaboración continua con el Ayuntamiento de València para ofrecer un evento exitoso y memorable. Habiendo trabajado junto a la comunidad local durante varios años, sabemos que nuestro evento tiene una importancia inmensa para ellos y las empresas locales, así como para toda España y Europa. Nuestros otros grupos de interés, incluidos atletas, patrocinadores, equipos deportivos españoles LGTBIQ+ y otros miembros de la comunidad, también siguen firmemente comprometidos con el evento.

La FGG se mantiene firme en su compromiso con la diversidad, la inclusión y la promoción de los derechos LGTBIQ+ en los deportes y más allá. Esperamos dar la bienvenida a atletas, espectadores y socios de todo el mundo a València en 2026 para nuestra celebración del deporte y la cultura LGTBIQ+.

Para más consultas o información, comuníquese con Duncan Campbell.

Contact Information

Duncan Campbell, Officer of Communications

duncan.campbell@gaygames.net

+34 678946763

FGG announces 10 cities have successfully moved into the Gay Games XIII 2030 Long List

• Ten cities  across five continents have officially moved into the next stage of the bid process for the 13th Gay Games event due to be held in 2030

• Criteria for forming part of the long list of bid cities includes submission of an official letter of intent and payment of first bid fees

• The next milestone in the bid process will be August 2024 when these cities will be expected to submit their first bid books, outlining how the city plans to host the Games

The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) is excited to announce that 10 cities have successfully continued to the next stage in the process to host the Gay Games XIII 2030.

The long list of bid cities includes:

• Adelaide, Australia

• Auckland, New Zealand

• CapeTown, South Africa

• Denver, Colorado, USA

• Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

• Frankfurt, Germany

• Melbourne, Australia

• Perth, Australia

• Taipei, Taiwan

• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The bid process began in January 2024 with 25 cities across five continents expressing an interest in bidding to host the 13th Gay Games event in 2030.  

Ten of those cities have now moved to the next stage of the process, by submitting an official letter of intent to bid and payment of the first bid fee. Each of these cities have participated in a number of meetings over the last few months in anticipation of this deadline, including informational sessions, Q&A sessions, and individual meetings.

These cities are now expected to submit a first version of their “bid book” - a document which describes how they aim to host the Gay Games in their city - by August 2024.  This document will validate that they understand and have control over the whole process of the organization and delivery of the 10-day event.

These ten cities will then be invited to present their bids to our extended delegation at the FGG Annual General Assembly in Washington DC in October 2024, and the three finalists will be announced in December 2024.

While this is the end of the 2030 timeline for many of the original bid cities, the FGG  recognises that the partnerships and good faith effort that went into and arose from this early interest will help shape those communities moving forward.

This is an exciting moment and significant early milestone in the bid process showcasing an earnest commitment, both financially and spiritually, to the work that lies ahead. All ten of these cities are on course for a busy six months  of bid development, bid book creation, video production, community partnership, and exhaustive question and answers. One of these cities will be successful in their endeavor to host the Gay Games, and is on a six year timeline towards the Gay Games XIII Opening Ceremonies. 

The FGG congratulates those cities moving forward and thanks all of those who have participated up to this point. 

Additional information available here: https://www.gaygames.org/site-selection

The FGG continues to work with the Valencian government and local LGBTQ+ entities to ensure delivery of the Gay Games

On March 8, 2024, the Valencian City Council announced a new organizational committee structure for the Gay Games 2026 in which the number of votes for local LGBTQ+ entities is lower than what was originally discussed.

The Federation of Gay Games is working with both the Valencian City Council and LGBTQ+ entities, including Samarucs, Dracs, The Fundació València Diversitat, Lambda València and AVEGAL, to discuss this decision and negotiate the best terms.

For us to ensure the delivery of our groundbreaking international event, it is essential that we have both the local government and local LGBTQ+ entities involved and represented in the organization of the Games. 

The discussion about the involvement and responsibilities of these parties is ongoing, and we are working to find a suitable resolution in the coming days.

With just a few months left before registrations open, we are working hard to ensure we have the right configuration of teams at our side, and we continue to move forward with preparation for the Games in the summer of 2026.

Contact Information

Duncan Campbell, Officer of Communications

duncan.campbell@gaygames.net

International Day Against Homophobia in Football

On Monday 19th February, in the middle of Football v Homophobia month, International Day Against Homophobia, (Biphobia and Transphobia) in Football is celebrated. This day commemorates the birthday of Justin Fashanu – the first professional UK footballer to come out as gay openly in the media.

The day is recognised around the world with varying sporting Clubs highlighting  campaigning in different ways. The Dracs de Barcelona have a special campaign to collect clothing, household goods and non-perishable food for our less fortunate members of the LGTBQI+ community, who live in very poor conditions or directly on the street.  The promotion and dissemination of images and posters that promote LGTBQI+ inclusion in the world of sport in general and especially in football, through the hashtag that gives its name to or any information follow the video or go to this Instagram profile.#XutemcontraHomophobia. 

Football v Homophobia in the month of February in now an integral part of the UK Diversity Calendar, having celebrated its 15th anniversary this year at the Houses of Parliament on the  5th February earlier this month. The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) were there and represented by its Co- President Joanie Evans and Vice President of External Relations – Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett.

The evening amongst fellow activists, LGBTQ+ amateur sports teams, role models and politicians discussed in full with expert panelists on the issues of Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia in football in particular but recognising these issues go across many sports with detailed social media analysis and first hand experiences of homophobia at UK football grounds was saddening but the mood was resolute and resilient that more work is needed and we have to work together to eradicate this from the game, that so many love. 

Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett, who attended the event with several different roles coinciding on one night, felt “the event had been an enormous success, of networking, listening to others experiences and sharing ideas on best practice on how to combat this unacceptable scourge, on the “beautiful game” and how education and working together is the best way to change peoples behaviour”. A massive thanks, goes to Jon Holmes from OutSports and Sportsmedia LGBT and Lou Engelfield from Football v Homophobia for organising the event, hosted by Hannah Bardell MP. 

Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett 

Vice President of External Relations.

FGG’s reaction to the UCI’s unilateral ban on all female transgender athletes

On 14th July 2023 the UCI - the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events - decided that all “female transgender athletes who have transitioned after (male) puberty will be prohibited from participating in women’s events”. 

This blanket decision takes none of the previous WADA rules into consideration with strict home limits, testing procedures and protocols and instead opted for just an outright ban.

The Canadian former competitive cyclist Melanie Hudson wrote to the FGG to express her sadness at the ruling and asked that we would make a very clear public statement of support for her and trans women athletes in cycling in general.

The FGG fundamental values - participation, inclusion and personal best - mean that we welcome all participants to compete in the category of their choice and however they identify. 

Athlete Ally who work with the Gay Games to provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people in sport felt “UCI had chosen fear and exclusion over actual fairness and inclusivity, taking rights and opportunities from one does not equate to fairness for all”.

Later this year, at our upcoming 11th Gay Games in Guadalajara and Hong Kong, we will strive to highlight ways to make sport as inclusive as possible, but at the foremost is the ability for people to compete in their chosen gender and that remains a fundamental principle of the Gay Games.

FGG Reaction to the Unilateral Ban on Transwomen Competing in Athletics

As with the decision by Swimming’s governing sport body FINA and then by World Rugby (WRU), the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) condemns in the strongest possible terms the decision by World Athletics that has chosen to ban transgender women from competing in the female category at international events.

Even with the 17 studies cited by anti trans activists, like Sharron Davies MBE, that show that transwomen will always have some advantage over cisgender women because of having gone through male puberty, the previous rules had always allowed women to compete as long as they reached a certain level of testosterone in the body. For the past eight years, that rule has been successfully implemented with no issues at all.

There have been so few transwomen, two in fact out of 88,000 women competing at that level in Athletics. That means the studies used are not able to determine whether that advantage is significant. Even it was, there would need to be such a large influx of trans women athletes to make any significant difference. This is simply a decision taken by World Athletics to discriminate and exclude transwomen, which the FGG wholly opposes.

The FGG reinforces its message of inclusion for all trans and non-binary athletes and artists for cultural events at the Gay Games. They will be able to participate or attend in their chosen gender, and there will be support and encouragement based are our three key founding values of Participation, Personal Best and above all Inclusion for our trans and non-binary siblings.

We look forward to trans and non-binary participation in November 2023 at our co-hosted Gay Games 11 in Guadalajara and Hong Kong. If you haven’t yet registered, please go to https://gaygames.org where you can click on either city’s logo to learn more and register today.

Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett FGG

Vice President of External Relations