The UK city has thrown its hat in the ring to bid for the highly anticipated sporting event
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES (VIA CANVA)
Liverpool was one of the 25 cities announced on the long list to host the 2030 Gay Games. Alongside cities such as Adelaide and Taipei, the UK city has expressed interest in holding the prestigious sports event.
Founded in 1982, the Gay Games is a worldwide sport and cultural event that promotes acceptance, diversity, and inclusion in sports. The event invites thousands of LGBTQIA fans and allies to enjoy the week-long event. The next Gay Games will take place in Valencia in 2026.
Andi Herring, CEO of LCR Pride Foundation, said: “Since founding LCR Pride Foundation one of our ambitions has been to host The Gay Games. Five years later, it is great to see our city region listed in the long list for the 2030 Games and are delighted to be amongst such good company.”
“Our commitment to making Liverpool City Region the most LGBTQIA-friendly region in the UK has gone from strength to strength in the past five years, combined with the region’s rich sporting history and renowned reputation worldwide makes the city region a fitting host.”
The Gay Games has historically had a huge economic impact on the cities which host it, with the 2018 Games in Paris generating over 100€ million for the city.
Liverpool is no stranger to hosting international events, having successfully held the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “We’re a city committed to embracing all communities, and hosting the most successful Eurovision ever showcased how we – on a global stage – excel when it comes to fostering diversity, combining it with creativity and scouse flair.
Over the next two years, the 25 cities bidding to host the Games will develop plans about how they will conduct the week-long event. We’ve got our fingers crossed that the 2030 Games will be close to home!
DIVA magazine celebrates 30 years in print in 2024. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
