Denver Falls Just Short in Bid to Host 2030 Gay Games
Perth, Australia announced as presumptive host
DENVER, COLORADO, USA (October 28, 2025) Yesterday, Perth, Australia was announced as the presumptive host of the 2030 Gay Games XIII, winning the rights to host the Games over Denver.
The Gay Games Denver 2030 Bid Committee (GGDEN) and Visit Denver are proud to have made it to the final round of the selection process and are excited to support Perth as they prepare to host the largest worldwide LGBTQ+ sporting and cultural event in 2030.
“Despite the challenges that face our LGBTQ+ community, Denver showed up as inspiring proof that far more individuals are working to create unity through love. The world needs it now, more than ever, and our GGDEN supporters and bid committee should be proud” said Lisa Seib, GGDEN co-chair.
“We congratulate Perth on earning the honor of hosting the 2030 Gay Games and thank all 25 bid cities and the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) on the continued work to promote equity, diversity and inclusion through sport and culture worldwide. GGDEN also expresses sincere thanks to all supporters, volunteers, and our bid committee, as we are extremely proud to make the top two bid cities and could not have made it without you” said Lance Husak, GGDEN co-chair
Over the last two years, GGDEN, working closely with Visit Denver, showed the world that Denver stands as a beacon for LGBTQ+ inclusivity through a competitive bidding process. Denver was one of 25 initial cities to express interest, one of seven to submit a formal bid book outlining plans for the games, and one of two finalist cities to present to the full panel of FGG voting delegates, board members, and Honorary Life Members. While ultimately unsuccessful, Denver’s bid showcased the city as not only a prime international sporting destination, but also a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance at a time when these values are increasingly under attack.
At Community Nights, Pep Rallies, and a whole host of other featured events, the greater Denver community showed up and showed out, sending a clear message that the Mile High City stood behind the bid and, more importantly, behind the LGTBQ+ community.
“While we’re disappointed not to host the Gay Games, we’re proud to be a city where everyone is welcome,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “Denver will continue to stand for unity, dignity, and equality. We look forward to continuing our supporting events and initiatives that bring communities together.”
GGDEN thanks all those who supported the bid in ways large and small, encourages every athlete to continue to show up and show out for their community, and looks forward to supporting both the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia as well as the 2030 Games in Perth.
To learn more about and register for the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia, Spain, visit the Valencia Games website.
ABOUT THE GAY GAMES
The Gay Games is an international sporting and cultural event held every four years under the principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™. A participant doesn’t have to be LGBTQIA2S+ to participate as the Gay Games is open to all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, athletic or artistic ability, age, physical challenge, or health status. The Federation of Gay Games mission promotes equity, diversity and inclusion through sport and culture. The Gay Games was conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and was first held in San Francisco in 1982. Subsequent Gay Games were held in San Francisco (1986), Vancouver (1990), New York (1994), Amsterdam (1998), Sydney (2002), Chicago (2006), Cologne (2010), Cleveland+Akron (2014), Paris (2018), Hong Kong and Guadalajara (2023), and Gay Games XII will take place in Valencia in 2026.
ABOUT THE GAY GAMES DENVER 2030 BID COMMITTEE (GGDEN2030):
The GGDEN Bid Committee is a dedicated volunteer group of community leaders, organizers, and advocates working to bring the 2030 Gay Games to Denver, Colorado. The committee is committed to showcasing Denver’s inclusive spirit and its capacity to host a world-class event that celebrates diversity and promotes human rights.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lance Husak and Lisa Seib, Gay Games Denver 2030 Bid Committee Co-Chairs info@ggden2030.com
Matthew Bendure, Gay Games Denver 2030 Bid Committee Communications Director matthew@ggden2030.com
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