European champion says Pride House Glasgow will be a ‘must-visit’ LGBTQ-inclusive space at Commonwealth Games
Two-time Commonwealth Games medalist and reigning European badminton champion Kirsty Gilmour is backing the Pride House project at Glasgow 2026; drop-in venue is the official LGBTQ community space of the Games, being held from July 23 to August 2…
Scottish badminton star Kirsty Gilmour is throwing her support behind Pride House Glasgow 2026, describing the venue as a valuable “safe haven” for the LGBTQ+ community at this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
The two-time Games medalist and reigning European champion is urging athletes, fans, and allies to visit the main Pride House Lounge at Speakeasy and swing by the other inclusive spaces in the project, which will launch alongside the start of the Games on July 23.
The initiative is being delivered by LEAP Sports Scotland, the charity dedicated to breaking down barriers and fighting discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in sport. LEAP Sports previously ran successful Pride Houses in Glasgow in 2014, 2016, and 2018.
The latest project has secured essential backing from the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, alongside funding from the Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund. This financial support will fund a campus of spaces in the city centre, featuring a broad programme of community engagement, public activity, and cultural events.
At the heart of the project is the Pride House Lounge, located within Speakeasy on John Street, near George Square. This drop-in space will allow visitors to gather, watch live sporting events, meet new people, and enjoy the excitement of the Games in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Nearby venues include the Pride House Events Room at Boardwalk, Impact Arts, which will host workshops and community debates. There will also be a Pride House Reading Room at Bigglestones Books, providing cultural and literary programming. Street exhibitions and public art installations will bring the celebration directly into the public eye.
Reflecting on her past experiences, Gilmour shared how much the project means to her.
“I’ve had the pleasure of attending Pride House during the Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,” Gilmour said. “Each time, I entered a space that I didn’t think was possible. It feels like a safe haven, where queerness was the norm and judgement is left at the door.
“Aside from being a warm and welcoming environment, it’s also a place of education. Pride House has taught me about how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go as a community.”
She strongly encouraged everyone in the city to check it out. “I can’t recommend a visit to Pride House enough to anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I would also encourage allies to go along and show some real, visible, and vocal support, especially in the political climate we’re currently living in.”
Cara Shearer, Vice-Chair of LEAP Sports Scotland, expressed gratitude for the funding.
She noted that public consultations showed a strong demand for a visible, community-led space. “Pride House Glasgow 2026 will create a welcoming space where LGBTIQ+ people and allies can come together to experience the Games, celebrate our communities and connect through sport and culture,” said Shearer.
Adrian Lismore, Chair of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, said the foundation was pleased to back the initiative. He called it “a space to celebrate sport and inclusion at the heart of Glasgow 2026, where LGBTIQ+ athletes and allies can come together, connect and enjoy the Games.”
The newly launched Pride House Glasgow website is now live, and organisers will update it with confirmed sporting, cultural, and social events over the coming weeks.
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Further reading…
Pride House Glasgow 2026 venues announced (LEAP Sports, April 2026)
‘Build on the buzz!’ What did we learn from Pride House Birmingham? (August 2022)
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