Topic
The Gay Games is a worldwide sport and cultural event that promotes sexual diversity, featuring lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) athletes and artists. Founded as the "Gay Olympics", it was started in the United States in San Francisco, California, in 1982, as the brainchild of Olympic decathlete (Mexico City 1968) and medical doctor Tom Waddell. Hong Kong was announced as the host city of the 11th Gay Games in 2022 at a gala event in Paris on October 30, 2017. It won with a clear majority of votes, in the first round of voting. The event was delayed until 2023 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is the first time that the Gay Games will be held in Asia
The event attracted controversy before it opened yet its mission of “unity in diversity” is one that we should all rally to and embrace.
Inclusivity and acceptance is the message as competition begins in Hong Kong, the first place in Asia to host the event.
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Being a co-host of the scaled-back event in November next year will provide a perfect opportunity to show that Hong Kong is reconnecting with the world
Hong Kong should be proud to have been chosen as the first Asian host of the event, yet some in society – including lawmakers – are bringing shame to city with their discriminatory comments.
- Gay Games Hong Kong co-chair Lisa Lam says ‘it’s only a small step in a long journey’
- Some participants express disappointment over the low numbers at the controversy-hit Games
While some lawmakers and critics say event will undermine traditional Chinese family values, organisers call it milestone in long fight for recognition.
More than 500 competitors took part in dragon boat racing on Shing Mun River, including 11 teams of overseas contestants.
Hong Kong co-hosts Asia’s first Gay Games since sporting event was established in 1982, despite calls from critics for contest to be cancelled on national security grounds.
‘We are not a political party. We have no political causes. The games are to promote diversity and inclusion,’ says Lisa Lam, co-chair of the Games, as event begins.
Veteran politician Regina Ip hits back at anti-LGBTQ lawmakers calling for cancellation of Gay Games, with group seeking her resignation for officiating at event.
They also call for top government adviser Regina Ip to resign for agreeing to officiate at opening this weekend, but she rejects claims against Games as ‘ridiculous’.
Readers discuss the lacklustre official support for the Gay Games to be held in the city, and the character of the city’s first Chinese chief justice.
Four ‘supporting organisations’ have done little to help with grants, venues or promotion efforts
Lisa Lam, co-chair of the Gay Games Hong Kong, says the Zhuangzi, a foundational work of Chinese philosophy and literature, gave her perspective on being a lesbian.
Host Brian Leung and others say show made a big impact on LGBTQ community by airing issues that mattered.
Readers write in about the significance of the first Gay Games to be held in Asia, the possible expansion of Brics, and why China must stop the Ukraine war.
Former security minister Regina Ip says fears of those refusing to come for November Games are ‘totally unwarranted’.
Readers discuss ways to prevent non-emergency patients seeking treatment at emergency rooms, mental health support for local vets, the misguided call to cancel the Gay Games, and the use of paper arrival cards at immigration.
Activists accuse organisers of ‘aligning with pro-authoritarian figures persecuting’ residents.
Postponed event set to attract 30,000 participants and spectators to the city in November, having raised over US$3million in absence of government support.
Lisa Lam, co-chair of event, says registration was low when it opened last October amid quarantine rules for travellers.
Two sister exhibitions launched this week as warm-up acts for 2023’s Gay Games Hong Kong, one of photos from previous Gay Games and the other celebrating LGBTQ artists.
Less than a year before Hong Kong co-hosts the Gay Games, a survey reveals some of the issues the city’s LGBTQ community faces in the sports and fitness industries.
Readers discuss appeals for Hong Kong to embrace same-sex marriage and the Gay Games, and the growing ranks of rule-breakers in the city.
Organisers planning 22 sporting events, down from 36, and are expecting about 7,000 participants, instead of 12,000.
