Liverpool is among 25 cities across six continents which have been shortlisted to host the Gay Games 2030.
The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) announced the results for their bidding process earlier this January for their 13th Gay Games.
Formally known as the Gay Olympics and founded in 1982, this event gives an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to showcase their skills in sport.
After the success of Eurovision 2023, Liverpool stands in good stead against other cities in the running – including Melbourne, Johannesburg, Vancouver and Athens.
Head of Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation Andi Herring said: “We’ve always had that ambition to go for something as significant as the games and to show obviously what we all know the city does well is those big major events.
“So, when we set out back in 2019, we said we’d love to host either the games or something of that sort of scale and set our ambitions so to see ourselves actually on the list now, is super exciting.”
The winning city will not be announced until November 2025. However in March this year, each bidding city will receive a Request for Proposal, where they will submit their proposal for the games.
Watch Sophia Sciolti and Ethan Young’s video report here:
Officer of Site Selection Austin Manning said: “This record-breaking interest for hosting the 2030 Gay Games showcases a truly global sports and culture movement with regions around the world taking the first step in bidding to host the Gay Games quadrennial event.
“As regions and countries around the world continue to take legislative and social action to protect human rights and create pathways to equality for all, the 2030 Long List includes 25 cities committed to empowering, uplifting, and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community at home and abroad.”
The Gay Games will run for a week and will have an estimated 10,000 athletes participating.
Often, LGBTQ+ athletes are under-represented in the sporting world, so the Gay Games is very significant for the worldwide community.
Featured image (c) Ethan Young
