The Gay Games Are Heading To Perth, Western Australia In 2030
Perth, Western Australia, has been named as the host city for the 2030 Gay Games. Thousands of athletes and visitors are expected in the capital of WA for what promises to be a massive celebration of sport, culture and community.
The announcement came from Valencia, Spain, where the 2026 Games will take place. Austin Manning, who led the site selection process, announced that Perth was the chosen destination. The decision came down to a final showdown between Perth and Denver, Colorado.
How Perth beat 24 other cities.
The competition was fierce. Twenty-five cities across five continents initially threw their hats in the ring. Perth faced off against Adelaide and Melbourne in the Australian contingent. Adelaide’s bid was eliminated in August 2024, while Melbourne made it to the top 10 before withdrawing in December 2024 when government backing fell through.
The final round included Perth, Auckland and Denver. Auckland pulled out in April.
What sold the assessors on Perth?
Three city assessors from The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) visited Perth in early July. They toured potential event venues and got a taste of what the city could offer. The welcome was warm and vibrant. Connections Nightclub hosted the visitors, while a special reception at Council House made them feel at home.
A rainbow-wrapped Transperth bus shuttled them around town. Optus Stadium, Council House and the Matagarup Bridge lit up in rainbow colours during their stay. The assessors also met with Perth’s thriving LGBTQIA+ sporting community, which has grown significantly in recent years.
The history behind the games.
The Gay Games kicked off in San Francisco in 1982. They were originally called the Gay Olympics. Tom Waddell, an Olympian who competed in the decathlon at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, created the event. After his athletic career, Waddell became a medical doctor and recognised the discrimination LGBTQIA+ people faced in sports.
His solution? A sporting event where everyone was welcome. Unlike the Olympics, there are no qualifying rounds. Anyone willing to make the trip and participate can compete. No one needs to disclose their sexuality.
Where have the games been held?
San Francisco hosted twice, in 1982 and 1986. After that, the games travelled the globe. Vancouver, New York, Amsterdam, Sydney, Chicago, Cologne, Cleveland-Akron and Paris have all welcomed participants.
The 2022 games were originally planned for Hong Kong but got pushed to 2023 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Guadalajara, Mexico, was added as a co-host, splitting events between two locations.
Valencia will host the 2026 games from 27 June to 4 July.
What does this mean for Perth?
The event that will transform Perth into a global destination for LGBTQIA+ athletes and supporters. The economic boost will be significant. Hotels, restaurants and local businesses will benefit from the influx of visitors. More importantly, the games will shine a spotlight on Perth’s inclusive sporting culture and prove that the city can handle a major international event.
The 2030 Gay Games will be the first time the event has been held in Western Australia.
