The Gay Games, a pioneering event at the intersection of sports, culture, and LGBTQ+ activism, traces its roots to the vision of Dr. Tom Waddell, an accomplished Olympic decathlete.

Launched in 1982, the inaugural Gay Games unfolded in San Francisco. Waddell's motivation was clear: to create an inclusive space where LGBTQ+ athletes could participate without the specter of discrimination, fostering a sense of community and breaking down societal barriers. The event attracted over 1,300 participants from 12 countries, taking part in various sports and cultural events, and the Opening Ceremony notably featured a performance by Tina Turner. 

Gay Games II was held in 1986, again in San Francisco, with a number of new events added. Total participation exceeded 3,500 artists and athletes. 

The third edition of our event, Gay Games III took place in Canada in 1990, where the stunning natural landscapes of Vancouver provided a picturesque setting for the Games. There were 7,300 athletes and 1,500 artists participating in 27 sports and more than a dozen cultural events. For the first time, several sanctioned world records were set in the swimming event.

In 1994, Gay Games IV was held in New York City, who’s opening ceremony included a stirring speech by Olympic diving legend Greg Louganis, who would go on to become a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate. Additional world records were set in the swimming events, further marking the Gay Games as a legitimate sporting event. 

Gay Games V was held in Amsterdam in 1998 which brought together a record number of 14,000+ participants from 73 countries and the highest percentage of women participants to date. A major controversy took place over the presence of same-sex figure-skating pairs which ultimately led to rules changes among the international sanctioning bodies.

Next came Gay Games VI held in Sydney in 2002, the first time in the Southern Hemisphere. The stirring Opening Ceremony featured performances from k.d. lang and a speech by out gay High Court of Australia Justice Michael Kirby. The Games were officially opened by New South Wales Governor Professor Marie Bashir.

In 2006 Chicago took centre-stage at Gay Games VII, where 70 countries participated, with 11,500 athletes and hundreds of artists taking part in 30 sports and more than 15 cultural events. The opening and closing ceremonies took place at iconic pro sports stadiums: Soldier Field and Wrigley Field, respectively. Many significant cultural performances took place at the lakefront Grant Park and the new Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park

2010’s Gay Games VIII, held in Cologne, featured a “Cultural Village '' that was introduced as a hub for artistic expressions, featuring exhibitions, performances, and discussions, further reinforcing the belief that LGBTQ+ inclusivity extends beyond sports.  Notably, Olympic gold-medal winning out gay diver Matthew Mitcham was a visible presence, participating in the International Rainbow Memorial Run and meeting swimmers at the pool.

Gay Games IX were held in Cleveland + Akron in 2014, where a number of prominent LGBTQ+ athletes and celebrities appeared. A highlight of the Opening Ceremony was a video welcome by US President Barack Obama. 

Our tenth edition, Gay Games X in 2018, hosted in Paris, France, featured an incredible marathon finish line, which was set against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.

And finally our most recent event, Gay Games XI in the series, was hosted in not one but two separate continents - for the first time in Asia in Hong Kong, and the first time in Latin America in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2023.

The Games have seen remarkable moments that transcend the confines of athletic prowess.  From the visionary ideals of Dr. Tom Waddell in 1982 to the diverse, global celebrations of the last 41 years, the Games have significantly impacted the landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in sports and culture, transcending artistic and athletic achievement to become a cultural force driving positive change. 

Our next Games will be our twelfth, Gay Games XII, and will be hosted in the Spanish city of València in 2026. We are looking forward to seeing the contribution that València gives to this enduring story of progress, resilience, and inclusivity.