The Mile High City has officially launched its strong bid for host city of the 2030 Gay Games, the current largest international LGBTQ+ sports event, and has started a GoFundMe to support bid-related expenses.
The Gay Games is essentially the queer-centric Olympics spinoff, hosted every four years in different cities around the world and bringing together upwards of ten thousand global participants. The core principles of the Federation of Gay Games have been Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best since they were developed by Olympic decathlete Dr. Tom Waddell in 1982. Unlike the Olympics, however, anyone can sign up to partake in the competition, and the Federation of Gay Games has given out over a thousand scholarships to help the underfunded compete in the 10-day event since 1986. Additionally, the Gay Games have recently reinforced their support for trans athletes, following the barrage of hatred and legislation against them in the United States as of late.
Denver has a rather secure bid to host the 2030 Gay Games due to existing high-volume infrastructure, having the largest international airport in the Western Hemisphere (DIA), and a supportive environment both politically and in terms of sportsmanship. The GoFundMe adds on that we’re set up quite well statistically to host this massive LGBTQ+ event; “Denver demonstrates exceptional LGBTQIA2S+ support, evidenced by pioneering political leaders like Governor Jared Polis, Mayor Mike Johnston, strong city council representation, progressive policies, the thriving ‘Lavender Hill’ district, massive PrideFest attendance, and top safety rankings, ensuring a welcoming and affirming environment.”
Denver also happens to be home to Fran Simon, whom OF spoke to last October, who is not only one half of the first queer couple to be legally married in Colorado, but has legendarily participated in the Gay Games three times and is supporting this bid quite loudly.
Just an hour south of Denver is Colorado Springs, touted as ‘Olympic City USA’, and while Colorado Springs tends to lean conservative politically, it’s clear that the US base for international sports competition is definitely in Colorado. The slogan for the bid to host what will be the thirteenth Games is “Together Out West,” representing the inclusive and vibrant atmosphere of the Mile High City. The prospective host will be announced this October, one year before the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia. However, in order for Denver to be truly considered, funding is needed to support things such as the 2030 bid book production, the required four-day-long site inspection (coming up this July), and fulfillment of the in-person winning bid presentation requirement at the 2026 Gay Games.
You can support the bid for Denver to host the 2030 Gay Games here, and you can sign up to participate in future Games here!
