Denver gay games

“They’re going to have a stake in the legacy of the Games, as we work together. It’s our city’s love letter to the Gay Games…and every word counts!

Showtime in D.C.: October 2024

After submitting the Bid Book, the core Denver Committees will travel to Washington D.C. to defend our bid to the Federation of Gay Games Annual General Assembly.

The bid enjoys strong political backing, with Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston expressing their full support. The success of each step to host the Games in 2030 is dependent on community support and impressing the Federation of Gay Games (FGG). So get out there, wave those rainbow flags, and let’s show the world that when it comes to hosting the Gay Games, Denver isn’t just high in altitude – we’re high in attitude, aptitude, and pure, unadulterated awesomeness!

Denver’s Proposed Offerings: A Mile-High Extravaganza

Denver’s proposed offerings for the 2030 Gay Games include a diverse array of sports and cultural events, showcasing the city’s unique attributes and inclusive spirit.

Her general focus tends to be in the music genre, but she also has interest in psychological... In the coming months, Gay Games Denver 2030Bid Committee (GGDEN) will continue to build upon their bid book with more detailed plans for the 2030 Games, host a site visit of Federation of Gay Games (FGG) delegates and continue to build local and national support to host the games ahead of a final presentation and vote in the fall of 2025.

If chosen, Denver would bring the Gay Games back to the U.S.

for the first time since 2014. Local LGBTQ+ organizations are contributing their expertise in organizing tournaments and community events, leveraging their experience to strengthen the bid. Since then, the process narrowed from ten to six to three to now two. Governor Polis, as the first openly gay elected governor in U.S. history, brings a unique emphasis to the bid’s significance.

The collaboration extends beyond political figures to include a wide range of community organizations and businesses.

For Smith, the games mean far more than a sense of pride but a continuation of his uncles’ mission to fight for LGBTQ+ visibility. 

“We have to keep reminding the world that we are here to love and just be human,” Smith said. The city would also make sure “to acknowledge the land upon which the Gay Games will take place” with support and guidance from the Denver Indian Center to educate the public and invite them to connect with Colorado’s Indigenous community.

In a statement, Richard Scharf, the president and CEO of VISIT DENVER, said the city’s rich culture world-class dining and attractions, access to nature and commitment to inclusivity “illustrate how it would be the perfect destination to attract athletes and spectators from around the world to enjoy the 2030 Games.”

From his part, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said there was “no better place to host the Game Games than our vibrant and inclusive city.”

The bid committee’s work isn’t done, however.

The Gay Games are all about Participation, Inclusion, and Personal BestTM

Get Physical, Get Involved

Remember, this is about sports too! There, the team will highlight all that Denver has to offer in front of the international site selection voting delegation.

The Nail-Biting Finale: December 2024 – November 2025

The members of the FGG will vote and announce the top three cities in December of 2024.

The sports program features 36 events, ranging from traditional sports like track and field, swimming, and volleyball to Gay Games staples such as figure skating, tennis, and soccer.

Similar to the Olympics, the event is hosted every four years in cities around the world. These cultural offerings will highlight both local talents and global influences, providing participants and spectators with a rich, multifaceted experience that extends beyond sports. Specific events include a choral festival, band festival, and visual arts exhibition.

We’re talking Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok – heck, dust off your old MySpace if you have to! And the way that I, with certain privileges, can hold open doors and make sure other people have a chance to get into the conversation.”

If Denver gets chosen for the 2030 games, it will shadow Valencia through the 2026 games and have the torch passed to them at the end.