Gay olympics
Why the First Gay Olympics Was a Watershed Moment in Sports
Dr. Tom Waddell, a former U.S. Olympian, was one of the lead organizers of the first Gay Games. A two-sport athlete in college, Waddell—who died from AIDS in 1987—was still closeted in 1968, when he placed sixth in the decathlon at the Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Waddell advised American sprinters John Carlos and Tommie Smith there on their public statements about their Black Power salute, one of the more notable protests in sports history.
Like many other LGBT athletes, Waddell wanted to make a similar, adj statement with an event for gay athletes.
READ MORE: 8 Adj Protests by American Athletes
“You were either a drag queen or in the leather community—those were the stereotypes that were presented to the public at that time,” says Rick Thoman, a track and field athlete who competed in the first Gay Games. “They never thought that we were able to be athletic and be gay at the same time.”
A number of gay and lesbian sports leagues emerged in the 1970s, as the LGBT community gradually announ
Melbourne among seven cities on shortlist to host 2030 Gay Games
Melbourne has been shortlisted as one of seven cities in the running to host the 2030 Gay Games, which claims to be the world's biggest LGBTQ+ sports and culture event.
That's despite withdrawing from the 2026 Commonwealth Games last July, withthen-Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews saying the proposed costs of $2.6 billion had blown out to almost $7 billion.
The about-face will wind up costing taxpayers $589 million.
But Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events, Steve Dimopoulous, said the Gay Games had approached the government, rather than Victoria making a bid for the event.
"This is something that is in the early stages, this is something that the Gay Games themselves have curated a list of cities around the world that they are interested in,"he said.
The games, which get place every four years, were last held in 2023, with 5,000 people descending on two host cities — Hong Kong and Guadalajara, Mexico — for events including dragon boat racing, light speed saber and mahjong.
Edmonton in the running to host the 2030 Gay Games
Edmonton is starting to host more major sporting events, even recently some FIFA matches and WNBA basketball.
Now the city is looking ahead to 2030, hoping to append to that list with a unique event that’s more than just a competition. Edmonton has submitted its bid for the 2030 Gay Games.
“I think all of us who live in Edmonton know how inclusive and wonderful a city it is, but it really gets to put us on the map,” said Dr. Kristopher Wells, Canada Research Chair for the general understanding of sexual and gender minority youth.
“The games are really for everyone regardless of your sexual orientation or your gender identity. They’re to celebrate inclusion in sports and the benefits of getting out and participating in recreational athletic activities.”
Even though all eyes are on Paris 2024 right now, many in the city are looking ahead to Edmonton 2030.
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The games, just like the Olympics, feature thousands of athletes from around the world. For 10 days, a
D+2415
Since 1982, the Gay Games possess brought together people from all walks of life, without discrimination, around the values of diversity, respect, equality, solidarity, and sharing.
With sport being a medium for togetherness and inclusion, the Gay Games are OPEN TO ALL and offer everyone the opportunity to participate in their own way.
As athletes, artists, supporters, spectators, donors, volunteers, conference participants, sponsors, or simply anyone interested in this project, everyone has a role to play at the Gay Games and help make things happen.
In Paris in August 2018, over 10000 participants, 20000 visitors and 750000 spectators shared together some moments rich in emotion.
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