Photos: 10th Gay Games Kicks Off in Paris
The first Gay Games was held in 1982, in San Francisco.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants celebrate during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
By Jeff Taylor
August 6, 2018 / 12:22 PM
The 10th Gay Games officially kicked off this weekend, on August 4, in Paris, France.
The event, modeled after the Olympics and first held in San Francisco in 1982, brings LGBTQ athletes from around the globe to compete in a show of solidarity, strength, and unity. It will continue through August 12, with some 12,700 participants from 91 countries, according to Reuters.
Athletes from countries that still have laws banning consensual same-sex relationships, as well as other restrictive anti-LGBTQ laws, are among those countries represented, including athletes from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Russia.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Participants marching onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of the French team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Participants of the French team marching onto the field.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of the French team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo (C) smiles as she visits the installations during the inauguration of the sport village of the 2018 Gay Games' edition, on the Parvis de l'Hotel de Ville, in Paris, on August 4, 2018, on the sidelines of the opening of the Gay Games. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo (C) smiles as she visits the installations during the inauguration of the sport village of the 2018 Gay Games' edition, on the Parvis de l'Hotel de Ville, in Paris, on August 4, 2018, on the sidelines of the opening of the Gay Games.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
French Sports Minister Laura Flessel gestures as she delivers a speech on stage during the inauguration of the sport village of the 2018 Gay Games' edition, on the Parvis de l'Hotel de Ville, in Paris, on August 4, 2018, on the sidelines of the opening of the Gay Games. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
French Sports Minister Laura Flessel gestures as she delivers a speech on stage during the inauguration of the sport village of the 2018 Gay Games.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
A man wears a cosplay of the statue of liberty as attends the inauguration of the sport village of the 2018 Gay Games' edition, on the Parvis de l'Hotel de Ville, in Paris, on August 4, 2018, on the sidelines of the opening of the Gay Games. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
A man wears a cosplay of the statue of liberty as attends the inauguration of the sport village of the 2018 Gay Games' edition.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of theUS team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Participants of the U.S. team marching onto the field.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of theUS team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of the South African team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Participants of the South African team marching.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
A participant of the Brazilian team marches onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
A participant of the Brazilian team marching.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of the Puerto Rican team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Participants of the Puerto Rican team marching.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of the Irish team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Participants of the Irish team marching.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of the Irish team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of the Chinese team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Participants of the Chinese team marching.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
A participant of the Australian team holds an inflatable kangaroo as he marches onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
A participant of the Australian team holds an inflatable kangaroo as he marches.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of the Mexican team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Participants of the Mexican team marching.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Participants of the Mexican team march onto the field during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games at the Jean Bouin stadium in Paris on August 4 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
A performer sings during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Drag queen Ada Vox sings during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
A man prepares to light the flame during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games edition at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on August 4, 2018. - French capital, Paris, hosts the Gay Games from August 4 to 12, 2018, bringing together participants from around the world for a week of sport and culture in a carnival atmosphere. Paris will welcome more than 10,000 participants from 90 countries around the world, including some where homosexuality is illegal or repressed. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
A man prepares to light the flame during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gay Games.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
Athletes compete at the fencing event of the 2018 Gay Games at the Salle Armand Massard in Paris on August 5, 2018. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
Athletes compete at the fencing event of the 2018 Gay Games at the Salle Armand Massard in Paris on August 5, 2018.
LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images
French Athlete Olivier Helan Chapel shakes hands with others athletes at the fencing event of the 2018 Gay Games at the Salle Armand Massard in Paris on August 5, 2018. (Photo by Lucas Barioulet / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP/Getty Images)
French Athlete Olivier Helan Chapel shakes hands with others athletes at the fencing event of the 2018 Gay Games.
Latest News
- Hope You’re Hungry — the ‘Drag Me to Dinner’ Trailer Is HereThe campy cooking show premieres May 31 on Hulu.05/08/2023
- Jonathan Groff Joins 'Doctor Who'The already-stacked cast includes Jinkx Monsoon, Neil Patrick Harris, Ncuti Gatwa, and more.05/05/2023
- Hayley Kiyoko Pushes Back on Nashville Anti-Drag Laws, Brings Queens on Stage"We will not be silenced," said the "Girls Like Girls" singer.05/04/2023
- Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee Make Theater History With Tony NominationsThe gender-nonconforming actors are breaking down barriers on Broadway05/03/2023
- 40 Drag Superstars Serve (Food) in Hulu’s ‘Drag Me to Dinner’Alaska, Jackie Beat, Jinkx Monsoon, and many others will appear in the campy competition series, premiering May 31.05/01/2023
- Queer Partners Try Out Polyamory in Enlightening 'Couples Therapy' Clip"If you're not relying on a long-standing tradition you have to invent something new."04/28/2023
