Queer Sports Leagues in Rio de Janeiro

A handball championship for LGBTQIAP+ club teams held at the Rio Olympic Park Velodrome. This inclusive two-day tournament is free and publicly open, and is supported by the Rio de Janeiro sports authorities and Brazilian Handball Confederation . For example, the second edition in 2022 featured 8 teams from clubs in four states.

A large board game festival for the LGBTQ+ community in Rio de Janeiro, now in its sixth year. SeJoga sets up multiple game arenas (analog tabletop games) across the city and has become a key event promoting social inclusion and community through gaming .

An annual road race held in Rio’s Quinta da Boa Vista park around Pride Month. The event includes 5km and 10km courses and draws thousands of runners. It explicitly aims to combat discrimination on the basis of gender, race and sexual orientation – in 2024 it attracted about 5,500 participants in pursuit of inclusion .

A 7-a-side society football league in Rio de Janeiro organized by the local Liga de Futebol 7. It features teams of LGBTQIAP+ players competing in a state championship format, known as the Carioca LGBTQIAP+ Série A .

A beach volleyball festival held annually in Rio’s Ipanema Beach during Pride Month. Organized by Olympic gold medalist Jaqueline 'Jackie' Silva, it is open to all participants and promotes equality and inclusion through multiple mixed-gender beach volleyball matches .