It’s Official! Perth Signs Formal Hosting Agreement For Gay Games XIII 2030
Perth has officially moved from bid to delivery. According to OutinPerth, the city has signed the formal hosting agreement for Gay Games XIII 2030, confirming its place as the next home of one of the world’s largest inclusive sporting and cultural events.
From presumptive host to confirmed city
Perth was named the presumptive host city for Gay Games XIII back in October 2025, beating out Denver, USA, after a competitive 20-month bidding process run by the Federation of Gay Games (FGG). The formal signing of the hosting agreement now locks that in.
Alongside the hosting agreement, Perth Gay Games 2030 Limited executed a sponsorship agreement with the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA, the state’s official tourism body, supporting the delivery of what’s expected to be a world-class international event.
Michael Felix, Chairperson of Perth Gay Games 2030 Ltd, called it a turning point. “This is a major milestone for Perth and for the global Gay Games movement. With the hosting agreement now executed, we move from bid to delivery,” he said.
What to expect in March 2030
The Games are set to run from 9 to 16 March 2030 and will feature 36 sporting events and six cultural celebrations, alongside opening and closing ceremonies. Perth will become only the second city in Oceania to host the Gay Games, following Sydney back in 2002.
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby welcomed the news. “It is a great honour for Perth to host the 2030 Gay Games XIII, an event that celebrates sport, inclusion and diversity, and will bring thousands of participants and spectators to our State,” Whitby said.
The economic case is hard to ignore
Gay Games X in Paris in 2018 generated a total economic impact of US117.9 million, with locals and visitors spending US72.7 million across lodging, dining, entertainment and travel. Perth is positioning itself for a similar return.
Austin Manning, Director of Host City Selection at the FGG, put it plainly. “The Gay Games are built on the principles of participation, inclusion and personal best, and we are excited to see Perth and Western Australia bring these values to life for thousands of participants from around the world in 2030,” he said.
Perth Gay Games 2030 Ltd will shortly launch a public Expression of Interest process to recruit an executive team and additional board members. In the meantime, the immediate focus for the FGG remains on Gay Games XII Valencia 2026, with site selection for Gay Games XIV in 2034 opening in December 2027 and a host city announcement expected in 2029.
