Gay Games XII València Opens with a Call for Greater Inclusion and Global Participation
By Mpho Molefe
VALÈNCIA, SPAIN — The Gay Games XII officially opened on 27 June 2026 at Estadi Ciutat de València, marking a historic moment as the international event arrived in Spain and the Mediterranean region for the first time. Athletes, supporters, and LGBTQIA+ communities from across the world gathered to celebrate a week dedicated to sport, culture, diversity, and human rights.
By evening, Estadi Ciutat de València had filled with athletes, delegates, and supporters as delegations from around the world marched in the Parade of Nations, transforming the stadium into a celebration of global LGBTQIA+ solidarity.
Hosted by drag performer Choriza May, the ceremony blended local Valencian traditions with international performances and paid tribute to the legacy of Dr. Tom Waddell, founder of the Gay Games movement. The event concluded with the ceremonial opening of the Games and a fireworks display that welcomed participants to a week of competition and cultural exchange.
Participants representing countries from across the world march during the Parade of Nations at Estadi Ciutat de València during the opening ceremony of Gay Games XII on 27 June 2026. | Photo Cred: Andile Msomi / Muholi Art Institute.
The celebration also carried powerful messages about participation and belonging. One speaker energised the crowd with the words, “Let the dolls play,” before declaring, “We are queer, and we are here.” The same speaker added, “We wish all of us to participate, especially for us who were never asked to join. We were never invited to so many parties.” She urged the audience to “always include those around you and strive to do better.”
Delegations from countries including Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo highlighted the significance of international representation, particularly for queer communities navigating legal and social challenges in their home countries. Their participation reflected the Games' commitment to creating spaces where everyone can belong, regardless of circumstance.
Participants representing Nigeria and Jamaica pose for a photograph during the opening ceremony of Gay Games XII València 2026 at Estadi Ciutat de València. Photo: Xolani Sithole / Muholi Art Institute.
Reporting from València as accredited South African media representatives, the Muholi Art Institute team witnessed both the progress and the continuing challenges facing LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide. The presence of athletes from across Africa underscored the importance of international platforms that affirm dignity, visibility, and belonging.
The atmosphere in the stadium reflected contemporary global realities. Ukrainian athletes received enthusiastic applause from spectators, while a moment of silence and collective standing honoured Venezuelan queer communities. The entrance of the American delegation drew audible reactions from sections of the crowd, illustrating how international politics continue to shape public conversations even within celebratory spaces.
The opening day further prompted reflection on representation. The relatively small number of Black and Brown lesbian and gay participants visible in the parade raised important questions about accessibility, visibility, and the barriers that continue to limit participation in global LGBTQIA+ sporting events.
Canadian football players Hector Mbang and Jason Baxter pose during Gay Games XII València 2026 after speaking to Muholi Art Institute about expanding access and participation in international LGBTQIA+ sporting events. Photo: Xolani Sithole / Muholi Art Institute.
In an interview with the Muholi Art Institute, Canadian football player Hector Mbang emphasised the importance of creating more accessible pathways for participation:
“I will say, since we cannot be everywhere, there has to be, let’s say, an online system that anybody can apply through, and we can reach as many people as possible. I think that would be the easiest way, because almost everyone can access the internet from anywhere. So if you can submit that way, we can take you depending on your situation.”
Fellow Canadian football player Jason Baxter highlighted the role that communities with greater resources can play in expanding opportunities for others:
“Yeah, I think increased visibility is obviously important. However, reaching out to the community directly to have people actively participate and contribute - because the gay community in more fortunate countries has the resources and capabilities, but no one is really trying to engage them directly to get them to actively participate. I feel like if we could lean on that a little bit more, I’m happy to donate a little more, which a lot of us are capable of doing. If we could do that more, we could definitely improve the ability for less fortunate people to participate.”
Fireworks illuminated Estadi Ciutat de València as the Gay Games XII were officially declared open, marking the beginning of a week celebrating sport, culture, diversity, and human rights. | Photo credit: Gay Games XII València 2026 Media Team
As the Gay Games XII continue throughout the week, the opening day demonstrated that the event represents far more than athletic competition. It serves as a platform for visibility, solidarity, and a collective commitment to ensuring that those who were once excluded are invited, welcomed, and celebrated.
