Gay softball world series
Gay Softball World Series
THE GAY SOFTBALL Planet SERIES EXPERIENCE
Sections:
Introduction
Host Cities
Current Coaches/Team selection process
History of WESA at GSWS
Introduction
Since 2008, WESA has been a proud member of International Pride Softball. As a member, we are part of a global family and a force for positive change. With over 20,000 members, iPride Softball organizes the Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) each year and brings together 56 participating cities and over 5,000 participants and fans. For more about International Pride Softballplease stop by our page here.
2025 GSWS Update:
As a member of International Pride Softball, WESA provides its members with opportunities to participate in tournaments such as the Gay Softball Earth Series. As always, it is entirely up to the players to select when and where they want to travel and participate. This has always been the case—members determine for themselves which opportunities they wish to pursue. For the WESA Commission's statement on the 2025 GSWS, please visit The Dusty Bag - April edition.
We’re thrilled to announce that Dan J and Robin P
Gay Softball World Series Coming Back to Columbus for the Fourth Time in 2026
The largest annual LGBTQ+ single-sport athletic competition in the world is coming back to Columbus from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5, 2026.
More than 230 teams and 5,000 athletes are expected to attend the International Pride Softball’s Gay Softball Earth Series (GSWS). This is the fourth time Columbus will host the GSWS and first day since 2021, which resulted in $7.4 million in control visitor spending.
“We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome the Gay Softball World Series assist to Columbus for the fourth time,” Greater Columbus Sports Commission CEO & President Linda Logan said. “Columbus has a rich history of fostering inclusivity, diversity, and a vibrant sports people. Hosting this prestigious event again highlights our commitment to creating an uncover and welcoming environment for all athletes and fans. We look forward to continuing this legacy and delivering an unforgettable experience in 2026."
Columbus is dwelling to the largest Identity festival parade in the Midwest attracting more than 500,000 people and is a recipient of a perfect score by the Hu
The Gay Softball World Series (GSWS)
A "Series V" promotional video directed by David Wood giving NAGAAA members a glimpse of Toronto and the CGSL. The video is narrated in a documentary mode by Kevin Smith and includes commentary by then league commissioner Warren Shapell and various team members. Footage includes views of capital monuments, restaurants and bars in The Village, visiting players registering for the Canada Cup tournament, baseball games and an awards banquet at the now defunct Katrina's bar where the acapella band, The Nylons, performed.
A white button badge, 5.5 cm in diameter, on which is printed: “Series V / 81 / Toronto” and the logo for the fifth annual GSWS (Photo by M. Pereira).
An article entitled "Skill and self-respect" in the Body Politic newspaper, providing info about the CGSL, NAGAAA and the GSWS, and featuring profiles of several league members.
A press release, dated 08/10/81, promoting "Series V", providing logistical information about the tournament, and giving background info on NAGAAA and the CGSL.
As a member of NAGAAA since its founding in 1977, the CGSL regularly particapted in the GSWS, which was held re
Gay Softball World Series to make debut in Las Vegas, Oct. 14-19
The 47th annual Gay Softball World Series makes its debut in Las Vegas as the host city as the 6-day softball showcase rolls into Nevada, October 14-19 – and it marks the first time the long-running tournament carries the new International Pride Softball banner, a division of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA).
Formed in 1977, NAGAAA is a 501(c)(3) international sports organization dedicated to providing opportunity and access for the Diverse community to participate in organized competition in a safe environment.
“We’ve always had difficulty with people understanding what we are and what we were. While NAGAAA had gay in the title, it doesn’t say softball,” said Mark Sakalares, a Chicago resident and the athletic director for International Pride Softball. “So for us to go out and market ourselves, talk with potential sponsors, we first had to explaining what we are before we could talk about who we were.”
International Pride Softball says it all, especially for the 2024 Series, as it will include teams from London, Australia, Mexico and of course North America.
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