More than 10,000 athletes, artists, supporters and volunteers gathered in Valencia in Spain, from 27 June to 4 July for the 12th edition of the Gay Games, one of the world‘s largest LGBTQIA+ sporting and cultural events. Perth in Western Australia will host the next edition of the Games in 2030.
The Games opened with the traditional opening ceremony and Parade of Nations, welcoming participants from around the world before a packed programme of sport, culture and community events.
Competitors took part in 39 sports, ranging from swimming, football, basketball, rugby and athletics to sailing, dragon boat racing, water polo, artistic swimming and open water swimming. Valencia also showcased local sporting traditions through demonstration events, including pilota valenciana, the region’s historic handball game, and colpbol, a Valencian team sport centred on cooperation.
Sporting events were spread across the city, with Valencia’s coastline hosting the water sports programme, while sports halls, stadiums and public spaces accommodated team sports and road races, including 5 km and 10 km races, a half marathon and a triathlon.
Beyond competition, the Gay Games once again underlined their cultural mission. Participants enjoyed an extensive arts programme featuring the Gay Games Band Festival, a choir festival, concerts, exhibitions, workshops and other cultural activities throughout the week. The event concluded on Sunday evening with a closing ceremony and farewell celebration.
Earler in the year, during the Federation of Gay Games‘ Annual General Assembly in Valencia, the organisation also officially confirmed Perth as host city for Gay Games XIII in 2030, following a competitive international bidding process.
Perth was selected after a multi-year evaluation involving cities from five continents. More than two dozen cities initially expressed interest in hosting the Games before the shortlist was narrowed to ten candidates: Adelaide, Auckland, Cape Town, Denver, Edmonton, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Perth, Taipei, and Vancouver. Denver in Colorado, emerged as the other finalist before Perth secured the hosting rights.
The Federation of Gay Games said Perth’s successful bid reflected strong collaboration between LGBTQIA+ organisations, sporting bodies, local government and tourism authorities. Pride WA, Tourism Western Australia, the City of Perth and the Western Australian Government were among the organisations credited with helping secure the Games.
Held every four years, the Gay Games are built around the principles of participation, inclusion and personal best, welcoming everyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, athletic ability or background.
With Valencia 2026, which also had the support of governments on several levels, now concluded, preparations will begin for the 10-day event in Perth, while the Federation is already looking further ahead.
The bidding process for the 2034 Gay Games is scheduled to open in December 2027, with the next host city expected to be announced in 2029, around a year before the Perth Games begin.
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