About Us
Our roots date back to 1987 when we were established to continue the spirit of LGBTQIA+ aquatic competition inspired by the Gay Olympics. We are proudly recognized as the sole international organization for inclusion in aquatic sports. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, can participate and thrive in aquatic sports.
Our legacy and tradition remain, but our focus on inclusivity has grown stronger to ensure that our organization truly represents the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
About Us
IGLA+ is the world’s foremost international organization solely devoted to developing and promoting swimming, water polo, diving, and artistic swimming amongst the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.
Our mission is to promote participation in aquatic sports amongst the LGBTQIA+ community along with our allies while ensuring maintenance of the highest international standards for all Gay Games and IGLA+ Championships.
Fluidity
We believe everyone should have access to aquatics, no matter who they are. We create a welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy water-based activities.
Connectivity
We believe in building connections that go beyond the pool, ensuring our members feel a sense of belonging and support throughout their aquatics journey.
Accessibility
We believe aquatics should be accessible to all through assistance and providing resources to those who need it, ensuring that nobody is excluded due to constraints.
The IGLA name was chosen in 1987 to keep the community spirit of competition going from the recently held Gay Olympics that had started in San Francisco by Tom Waddell. The Gay Olympics was later forced to change its name to Gay Games but the event itself was successful in allowing LGBTQIA+ and allied athletes from around the world to compete in Olympic, exhibition and art events.
To carry on the international aspect for the LGBTQIA+ aquatics community the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics was named to hold a yearly international championship event. By Gay Games III IGLA was officially a part of the Games organizing.
In 2024, our organization rebranded to IGLA+, dropping the name 'International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics.' This change was driven by a need to adequately better represent our community.