PARIS (AP) — Paris has won the bid to host the 2018 Gay Games, the lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender community’s answer to the Olympics.
The Gay Games, which expects more than 15,000 competitors, is held every four years and is taking place this year in the Ohio cities of Cleveland and Akron.
In recent months, opposition to a gay marriage bill has exposed deep divisions in French society over gay rights, attracting tens of thousands to protests for and against such unions.
Paris’ Deputy Mayor Philippe Ducloux said Tuesday that “for all Parisians, it will be an honor to welcome the 10th Gay Games. All participants will be welcomed.”
France’s Sports Minister Valerie Fourneyron said she hoped the games would make “for a more inclusive and generous society in France.”
