Denver Restarts Bid Committee for 2030 Gay Games

Denver, which was a quarterfinalist in the bid race to host the 2022 Gay Games, has reconvened its Bid Committee to vie for the opportunity to host in 2030 as one of 11 cities from throughout the United States among the 25 destinations worldwide bidding to host the Gay Games XIII in 2030.

“I am thrilled at the prospect of hosting the 2030 Gay Games in our vibrant city,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. “Embracing diversity and celebrating inclusivity, we stand ready to welcome athletes and artists from around the world with open arms, ensuring an unforgettable experience filled with unity, pride, and the spirit of competition.”

Teaming with Visit Denver, GGDen2030’s Bid Committee comprises a group of athletes and artists spanning various age groups, gender identities, races, professional backgrounds and sexual orientation. If selected, Denver would be the first city in the region to host the Gay Games.

“Colorado is a state where athletes can thrive no matter who they love or how they identify,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “Colorado is the best state for athletic training and events and we welcome athletes of all backgrounds. I hope to welcome the Gay Games to Colorado in 2030, and maybe I’ll even try out for the baseball team.”

The Federation of Gay Games announced announced earlier this year the 11 U.S. cities are Atlanta, Birmingham (Alabama), Boston, Denver, Honolulu, Miami, Minneapolis, Oak Creek (Wisconsin), San Antonio, San Diego and Seattle. San Diego reached the semifinal stage of the bid process for the 2026 Gay Games, which were awarded to Valencia, Spain. Over the next two years, bidders will develop their plans in coordination with the FGG and its member delegates leading to the announcement of the 2030 presumptive host in November 2025.

Along with the 11 cities from the United States, other bidders include Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth from Australia; São Paulo, Brazil; Edmonton and Vancouver from Canada; Frankfurt; Athens; Auckland, New Zealand; Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa; Taiwan and both Liverpool and London from the United Kingdom.

“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,” said Austin Manning, officer of site selection, Federation of Gay Games. “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.”

In March 2024, each of the cities received a request for proposal detailing the documentation bidders are required to submit, covering a broad range of subjects. The FGG will have a first in-person contact with bidders at the FGG Annual General Assembly in Washington in October 2024, where bidders will be invited to attend an information session and interact with stakeholders and member organizations, including presentation of Preliminary Bid Books and participation in Q&A sessions.

The Gay Games sporting and culture event regularly draws more than 10,000 LGBTQIA+ participants and allies to the host region. The inaugural Gay Games was held in San Francisco in 1982. Subsequent Gay Games in North America were held in San Francisco (1986), Vancouver (1990), New York (1994), Chicago (2006), Cleveland+Akron (2014) and Guadalajara (2023).