Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. Hong Kong will host the Gay Games in November
together with Guadalajara, Mexico. For the first time in the Games’ 40-year history, an Asian city is co-hosting. As our government is trying to restore Hong Kong’s image as a hub for world-renowned events, the Gay Games is a perfect occasion to showcase our city’s inclusive and vibrant nature.
We were chosen to host the Gay Games back in 2017. However, the event so far has
not yet received our government’s full endorsement.
In contrast, the games in Guadalajara have received government support, including from the local tourism bureau. When Paris hosted the games in 2018, the government provided financial backing and the event was vocally supported by the mayor of Paris and the tourism bureau.
However, the organisers of the games in Hong Kong have
not received any funding from our government, merely a reminder that the games must be conducted in a “lawful, safe and orderly manner”, whether events are held in public or private venues.
Meanwhile, we have heard homophobic, discriminatory and disrespectful remarks
from legislators. Lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu described earnings from the games as “dirty money”. Another legislator said the games would divide society.
This is in stark contrast to a large number of Hong Kong residents’ feelings – 86 per cent of Hongkongers aged 18 to 40 support LGBTQ rights, according to a survey by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute last year.
Neither being homosexual nor hosting the Gay Games will do any harm to our community, but prejudice and homophobia that paint a significant portion of our population as inferior harms and divides our society.
A recent Court of Final Appeal
ruling has paved the way for a more inclusive society by requiring the government to create a framework for the recognition of same-sex partnerships. The Gay Games come at exactly the right moment for Hong Kong to demonstrate our inclusiveness, diversity and openness. This is also a golden opportunity for our government to “tell the world a good Hong Kong story” and restore our reputation as a safe, multicultural and welcoming city.
The games are a more effective way to promote Hong Kong tourism and nightlife than the recent Night Vibes campaign.
Taiwan
legalised same-sex marriage in 2019. LGBTQ inclusivity is a global movement. As Asia’s World City, why should Hong Kong lag behind our Asian counterparts when we can lead?
Christopher Ip, North Point
‘The Chief’ was a man kind in word and deed
The late
Sir T.L. Yang (whom I call “the Chief”) was a person who, as chief justice and in many other capacities, occupied a distinguished position in public life (“Yang hailed for ‘sense of duty and strict morals’”, October 15). Upon the passing of such persons, much is recalled and recounted about their careers. That is fitting. But it is also fitting that a word be said about what the Chief was like as a man.
I had the honour of over 50 years’ friendship with him. It began when I, then in the first year of my practice at the bar, received a letter from the Chief, who was then a District Court judge. It was an invitation to lunch. I showed that letter to my former pupil master,
Ronald Arculli, and said to him, “This is very kind of him. But why is he doing it? He doesn’t know me.” Ronnie replied, “He’s like that.”
Yes, the Chief was like that: a greathearted gentleman, kind and courteous in word and deed.
Kemal Bokhary, Stanley
