Registration for the 11th Gay Games is now open for those who wish to join the rainbow Olympics. The games will take place next year from 3rd November to 11th November.
The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) were thrilled to announce that the games will be co-hosted by Hong Kong and Guadalajara, along with being the first Gay Games in both Asia and Latin America.
FGG has urged those who wish to participate to sign up quickly as due to the current world circumstances, they are “working to a much tighter timeframe.”
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Co-presidents Joanie Evans and Sean Fitzgerald released a joint statement, expressing their excitement for the event and “are really looking forward to seeing thousands of people signing up to compete in the various sporting disciplines and cultural activities in both our host cities.”
“Ensuring that everyone whoever they are, whatever their background, sexual orientation or gender identity, have the right to take part in their chosen identity being the most inclusive games, with personal best, participation and above all inclusion, at its heart,” the statement read.
Guadalajara and Hong Kong Keen To Host
Gay Games Guadalajara’s Monica Sanchez said that after recent world issues, it was time “to meet again, to hug each other and with pride celebrate our freedom.”
“The appointment is in Guadalajara, at the XI Gay Games 2023. It will be a unique experience; the first time that we will meet again at the biggest diversity party after the global health emergency; and it will be the first time that we will do it in Latin America,” Sanchez said.
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“You are part of this history, and we want to celebrate it with you. See you in Guadalajara, the most Mexican, progressive, and gayest city in Mexico.”
Gay Games’ Hong Kong co-chair, Lisa Lam had confirmed that Hong Kong was ready to take on this challenge.
“We are telling the world that Hong Kong is ready to rise to the challenge of hosting this international, multi-sport arts and culture event,” Lam said.
“[Which] for many participants this will be once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience that gives them a sense of belonging and empowerment, making friends for life.”
What Are The Gay Games?
FGG is a global governing body for the Gay Games and is in charge of the oversight of the games, along with continuing to produce the games.
Since its establishment back in 1982, the quadrennial games have taken place in seven countries, with participants coming from over 100 countries. It was started by Olympian Dr. Tom Waddell due to his experiences at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.
The 11th edition of the Gay Games is underway.
Unusually, the 11th edition of the Gay Games is being simultaneously hosted by two cities - Hong Kong and Guadalajara.
What is the Gay Games?
The first major international multi-sport event for LGBTQ athletes was the Gay Olympics – the brainchild of Tom Waddell - held in San Francisco in 1982. Following legal action by the International Olympic Committee, subsequent events were known as the Gay Games.
The Gay Games have subsequently been held pretty much every four years, with cities bidding to host the event.
What sports are included in the 11th edition of the Gay Games?
Name a sport and there's a pretty good chance that it is included in the Gay Games - everything from badminton to rowing to wrestling.
For the 11th edition of the event, some sports are being held in both venues, whereas some sports are only featuring in one of the venues. For example, Mahjong is included in Hong Kong but not in Guadalajara - maybe that's not surprising.
Navigating the challenges
With Hong Kong grappling with a range of political challenges, and Mexico being hit by a number of extreme weather events, preparations for the Gay Games hasn't been particularly straightforward.
But, so far, everything seems to be running smoothly - events are being held, medals are being won, and LGBTQ sportspeople are setting personal bests.
Where have the Gay Games been held?
1982: San Francisco
1986: San Francisco
1990: Vancouver
1994: New York
1998: Amsterdam
2002: Sydney
2006: Chicago
2010: Cologne
2014: Cleveland
2018: Paris
2023: Originally planned for 2022, the Gay Games are being held in Hong Kong with Guadalajara (Mexico) joining as co-host.
2026: The games will be held in Valencia.
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