One of the world’s largest and most inclusive sporting events is headed Down Under! While anticipation is building for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, Aussies have plenty to get excited about before then. First up: the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, followed by the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, and now the 2030 Gay Games.
Founded in 1982 in San Francisco by Olympic decathlete Tom Waddell, the Gay Games were created as a response to the exclusion of LGBTQIA+ people from mainstream sport. After a fierce bidding war that began with 25 cities across five continents, Perth has officially been named the host of the 13th event in 2030. The final vote took place in Valencia in late October, with Western Australia’s capital just edging out Denver, Colorado, to be crowned the next city host. This is a major moment for Australia, marking only the second time the Games will take place in Oceania, following Sydney in 2002.
Lord Mayor of the City of Perth Bruce Reynolds said, “For more than 27 years, the City has supported Pride WA, and we’re thrilled to see their bid to host the Gay Games 2030 come to fruition.”
Running from March 9–16, 2030, the Perth Gay Games will welcome thousands of athletes, artists and visitors from around the world for a week-long celebration of sport, culture and pride. Competitors can take part in up to 36 sporting competitions – from athletics, swimming and cycling to basketball, football and more – while cultural enthusiasts can enjoy instrumental music, choral singing, dance, cheerleading, live theatre, poetry and art exhibitions. The Gay Games will also feature a vibrant opening parade, International Rainbow Memorial Run, a lively Festival Village, diverse workshops and an unforgettable closing ceremony to cap off the festivities.
Unlike traditional sporting events, the Gay Games have no qualification standards, no requirement to be out and no barriers to entry. That means anyone can join in – as an athlete or a spectator – and enter as many sports as they like. Best of all, everyone takes home a participation medal – so pretty much everyone wins!
The next Gay Games will be held in Valencia, Spain, from June 27 to July 4, 2026, with the Perth tournament to follow in five years’ time.