These 3 Cities Are on the Shortlist for Hosting the 2026 Gay Games XII
This post is also available in: Español
This weekend the Federation of Gay Games General Assembly took place to reduce the host city candidates for the 2026 Gay Games XII from eight cities to three. Initially 20 cities had made bids to host.
Federation Of Gay Games Announces 2026 Gay Games XII Shortlist Bid Cities. Congratulations to Guadalajara (MEX), Munich (GER), and Valencia (ESP).#Gamesthatchangetheworld #Spain #Mexico #Germany #Munich #Valencia #Guadalajara #sports #Culture #LGBTQ #UnityInDiversity pic.twitter.com/Sz8PU4EW5p
— Gay Games (@GayGames) February 1, 2021
The shortlist bid cities are Guadalajara, Mexico; Munich, Germany; and Valencia, Spain.
David Killian, Officer of Site Selection, had this to say: “FGG wishes to thank all eight bid cities who truly put forth wonderful bids that illuminated the Federation’s principles, and we look forward to continuing the process with these three finalists.”
First held in San Francisco in 1982, the Gay Games promote the principles of “Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best” and are the primary cultural and sporting event held by the Federation of Gay Games (FGG). Held every four years, they’re open to all people: old, young, gay, straight, and regardless of “sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political belief(s), athletic/artistic ability, physical challenge, age, or health status.” If this sounds incredibly cool, it’s because it is incredibly cool.
The FGG is a nonprofit organization striving to promote equality, respect and understanding for everyone. In addition to holding this incredible event, it awards scholarships to underfunded individuals all over the world to bring them to the Gay Games, as well as giving back to nonprofits in the host cities themselves. This year, site inspections are scheduled to take place in June and July (in compliance with travel regulations and guidance) and the final voting to determine the host city of the 2026 Gay Games XII will take place in Hong Kong during the FGG’s Annual General Assembly meeting. The winner will be announced shortly after!
Previous Gay Games have been held in cities like Amsterdam, Chicago, and Paris.
Gay Games XI will take place in Hong Kong in November 2022, marking the first time the Gay Games will take place in Asia.
Have you ever been to the Gay Games? What host city would you most like to see win the bid for the 2026 Gay Games XII?
