Gay Games Hong Kong unfazed by potential censorship, organiser says

As Hong Kong prepares to make history as the first place in Asia to host the Gay Games, an international sporting and cultural event, one of its organisers has expressed confidence that censorship will not be an issue in the city. The games, which were postponed for a year due to Covid-19, will be co-hosted by Hong Kong and Guadalajara in Mexico from November 3 to 9 this year.

This marks the first time that the Gay Games, which have been going for 40 years, will be held in both Asia and Latin America.

Despite outbursts by various lawmakers during 2021, Lisa Lam, co-chair and general counsel of the Gay Games Hong Kong, said she was unconcerned about potential protests against the games. “[O]f course there will be different opinions, but I hope conversation and communication can be stimulated because of this event,” Lam said while speaking on a radio show on Friday morning.

Leung, said at the same meeting that the Gay Games might divide society and doubted whether the government would impart the same effort to promote heterosexual monogamy.

A 2018 study showed that most Hongkongers support same-sex marriage. By 2020, opposition to LGBTQ+ rights had reached a record low, with 60 per cent of survey respondents saying they agreed there should be legal safeguards against discrimination based on sexual orientation in Hong Kong.

Regarding the controversies related to the Gay Games, Lam said the event was open to everyone, not just a particular group of people, and expressed hope that it would promote dialogue between people with different opinions.

The seven-day event will include a range of sporting events, as well as art and cultural programmes such as concerts featuring local and international artists, exhibitions, and a festival village. The diverse programme aims to celebrate the richness of LGBTQ+ culture, the organiser said.

The Hong Kong edition will also feature new sporting events, including mahjong and dragon boat competitions. All events, except for the mahjong competition, have found their venues, mostly in private locations. 

“This is Hong Kong’s time, especially as we emerge strongly from the pandemic. By celebrating diversity, love and inclusivity, Gay Games will help show the world the liveliness and vibrancy of Hong Kong this November,” Lam said during Tuesday’s press conference.

The total economic impact on Paris – the host of the last Gay Games in 2017 – of this global event was over 100 million euros, according to the Federation of Gay Games.