NATIONAL flags representing the 28 Commonwealth member states that criminalise consensual same-sex intimacy will fly in central Glasgow during the 2026 games, each marked with a black mourning ribbon.
The exhibition, titled "Zero Flags", will involve flying the flags of the Commonwealth countries which still ban same-sex marriage and consensual same-sex intimacy.
Nigeria, Jamaica and Malaysia are some of the many countries which will be on these flags, with Malaysia having severe consequences such as corporal punishment and imprisonment.
There will be further information found on panels and QR codes which will explain the legal and human rights situation facing LGBT+ people in each country.
The exhibition will open in Candleriggs on Thursday July 23 and will run until August 2.
Pride House, the official LGBT+ venue for the games, will also offer information, advice and one-to-one support to athletes and their delegations.
Hugh Torrance, executive director of Pride House organisers LEAP Sports Scotland, said: “This is an exhibition that should ultimately cease to exist. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, at a future Commonwealth Games, there were no flags left to display?
“Zero Flags Commonwealth shines a light on the uncomfortable reality that many Commonwealth nations still criminalise consensual same-sex intimacy.”
“Many of these laws have their roots in Britain’s colonial past, and this is a moment to acknowledge that shared history, recognise the consequences people continue to face today and work together towards meaningful progress.”
Glasgow has played a key role in the International Pride House movement since 2014 where the city hosted the first Pride House in Commonwealth Games history.
This year’s Pride House is spread throughout Glasgow’s Merchant City with several spaces and exhibitions rather than just one traditional venue, with the lounge being hosted by Woody’s, formerly Speakeasy and the Pride House Reading Room at Bigglestones Books.
Phil Batty, CEO of Glasgow 2026 said: “As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know what it means to feel welcomed to this city; to be accepted and to be able to be your true self. For far too many people across the world, those freedoms cannot be taken for granted.
“That is why we are so proud that Glasgow 2026 has helped create a space and a platform for this conversation, and why I am grateful to all those who has made this powerful installation possible."
Alex Johnston, legacy manager at Glasgow 2026, added: “It will provide a collective platform to influence and drive positive change for LGBTIQ+ acceptance and equality across sport and the Commonwealth.”
“It will also educate, inform and showcase the best of LGBTIQ+ talent and creativity in Scotland.”
