The Hong Kong Gay Games are set to start in a few weeks while organisers express worries over official foot-dragging and the National Security Law. They fear raising the Gay Pride Flag could lead to arrest. But Regina Ip, convenor of the Executive Council, said Games attendees need have no concerns.
The first Gay Games was staged in San Francisco in 1982 largely the work of Dr Tom Waddell. In Hong Kong the organisers are Lisa Lam, Alan Lang, David Ko, Shawn Griffin, Tommaso Panerai, Kitty Mak, Charlz Ng, David Chai, Charmaine Chan, Steve Hancock, Bo Ng, and Stef Tang. On their website they say the Games aim to promote social inclusion for all people of LGBTQ persuasion and to encourage understanding by non-LGBTQ people.
On their website posted a week ago the organisers say they have faced “extraordinary challenges”. Despite the all inclusive nature of the Games — anyone regardless of sexual orientation can take part — the government’s reaction has been “lacklustre”. Securing venues has not been easy and the Games could not be going ahead if it were not for sponsors. The event has attracted adverse comment from some conservative lawmakers with one describing the financial benefits they will bring as “dirty money”. There have been a petition and small protests.
Nevertheless the Games are set for nine days, from 3-11 November. The programme includes swimming, badminton, table tennis, football, trail running, dragon boat racing and mah-jong. There will also be art and other cultural events.
So far 1600 participants have signed up and the organisers are aiming for a target of 3000.
The organisers say “. . . Concerns are being raised overseas about any impact the National Security Law may have on participants. . .Athletes might even be arrested for raising the rainbow flag.”
“The Games, with so much to offer, now have the unfortunate distinction of being simultaneously criticised, for different reasons, by conservative lawmakers and some LGBTQ activists”. Regina Ip described safety concerns as “totally unwarranted”.
The website says, “The Games were awarded to the city partly in the hope they would help promote understanding and respect for members of the LGBTQ community. That is an important objective and can still be achieved.
“But the event has broader appeal, generally promoting values of diversity, inclusivity and openness. Participants and spectators should be warmly welcomed. The city can take much pride in staging a successful Gay Games.”
You can learn more at gghk2023.com
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