Why the Gay Games?: The Gay Games were established to provide a competitive sporting environment where anyone is free to express themselves and "experience camaraderie and validation through sport and culture," as the Federation of Gay Games promises.
Are Gay People not Allowed in the Olympics?: Of course, there are some present and former Olympic athletes that are openly gay and many more that aren't out. The Gay Games weren't established to replace the Olympics, only offer a forum for athletes to focus on personal performance without worry of exclusion or discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, physical challenge, health status or athletic/artistic ability.
When did the Gay Games Start?: The Gay Games, previously known as San Francisco Arts & Athletics, was established on 1980 by Dr. Tom Waddell, a 1968 Olympic decathlete who later died of AIDS complications in 1987, and a group of San Francisco residents. Today, the quadrennial event is held in various cities throughout the world. The first Gay Games was held in 1982.
What Sporting/Artistic Events are Offered at the Gay Games?: Gay Games VII in Chicago (held July 15-22, 2006) expects over 12,000 participants from over 70 countries to compete in 30 events with competition levels ranging from recreational to elite. View the full list of Gay Games Chicago sporting events.
Can Anyone Participate in the Gay Games?: There are no pre-qualifying events or times required to participate in the Gay Games. The Federation of Gay Games "welcomes all people without regard to their sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political belief, physical ability, athletic/artistic ability, or HIV status. There are no minimum standards to participate at the Gay Games; the only requirement is a desire to support the ideals of the Games."
How do I buy Tickets or Register?: Athletes, artists, coaches, managers, volunteers and spectators should visit the Gay Games Chicago registration site for more team registration and ticket information.
Where were previous Gay Games Held?:
- Gay Games I - San Francisco (1982) 1,650 participants
- Gay Games II - San Francisco (1986) 3,500 participants
- Gay Games III - Vancouver (1990) 7,300 participants
- Gay Games IV - New York (1994) 12,500 participants
- Gay Games V - Amsterdam (1998) 13,000 participants
- Gay Games VI - Sydney (2002) 11,000 participants
- Gay Games VII - Chicago (2006) 12,000 expected
- Gay Games VIII - Cologne (2010)
