Event will be held in Latin America for the first time

The interior Mexican city of Guadalajara is gearing up to host the Gay Games later this year and in doing so is proudly taking on a trailblazer image.

The games will run from Nov. 3-11 and organizers note that it marks the first time that an event that dates back to 1982 will have been held in Latin America.

The Gay Games are billed as “the most important sports and cultural competition of diversity organized by the LGBT+ community.”

This year’s games will feature 22 sporting events, 15 cultural ones and opening and closing ceremonies, and organizers expect there will be over 6,000 competitors and over 10,000 others from some 50 countries on hand for the event.

Running, swimming, basketball and golf will be among the sports people are being invited to compete in.

“The most macho city of our country is really interested in diversity. We are really proud [to host the games],” Gustavo Staufert, executive director of the Visitors and Conventions Office of Guadalajara, said during Mexico’s annual tourism show Tianguis, held in Mexico City in late March.

Authorities in Guadalajara’s state of Jalisco are pointing to a number of developments in Jalisco that will be welcomed by the gay community, including the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Gay rights often encounter resistance in Latin America but Staufert’s colleague Monica Sanchez promised that those attending the games will find a welcoming environment.

“This is the time to celebrate… to be inclusive,” she said during the presentation.

But Sanchez said the games — held every 4 years — have traditionally drawn a largely male audience and she’s hoping more women will be on hand this November, and she also hopes to see the games attract more Latin Americans.

Games organizers note that Guadalajara has already hosted the Pan Am Games and facilities from that athletic spectacular will be reused in November.

There aren’t any qualifying standards for people wanting to compete other than being at least 18 and the average age of competitors in the past is 40.

Organizers note that those wanting to compete don’t have to be part of the gay community.

This year’s Gay Games won’t look to turn a profit, with any surplus money being donated to different causes, including assisting people living with AIDS.

Guadalajara is close to the oceanside city of Puerto Vallarta, long seen as being welcoming to the gay community, and Luis Villasenor of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board added during the presentation that his office is hoping that those who head to Guadalajara in November also take time to visit Puerto Vallarta.

Villasenor said Puerto Vallarta stages the “most successful” Pride celebration in Latin America and is “very proud” to be gay-friendly.

“See you in Guadalajara and after we’ll be ready for you in Puerto Vallarta to share some shots of tequila.”