Hong Kong overcomes political obstacles to celebrate diversity in successful Gay Games

The closing ceremony of the Gay Games in Hong Kong will be filled with disco and dancing as participants and volunteers celebrate the end of the week-long sporting event. While there is a sense of jubilation, there is also a feeling of relief for organizers. The event, which was once known as the Gay Olympics, has faced controversy since its inception in the 1980s. The event celebrates inclusion and diversity but has faced new challenges in Hong Kong, a city that has seen its political freedoms and cosmopolitan character decline due to the pandemic and China's tightened rule. Hong Kong won the bid to host the games in 2017, but since then, the city has experienced a crackdown on political dissent and LGBT activism. China's largest Pride March in Shanghai has been suspended, gay university students have reported discrimination, and Beijing's long-standing LGBT center shut down. Despite these challenges, some participants still believe that Hong Kong is more diverse and inclusive compared to mainland China. However, Hong Kong's reputation has kept some people away, and the Games had to be pushed back a year due to the city's stringent Covid response. The event has attracted over 2,300 participants, with more than half of them being locals. Some participants chose to go to the Games in Mexico due to concerns about the National Security Law in Hong Kong. Pro-China conservatives in Hong Kong's parliament argued that the Games were a "promotion of the gay movement" and could involve national security issues, although they didn't provide specific details. While there is support for the Games from the government, there has been little public promotion, and events have been more underground compared to the Mexico Games. Some participants have expressed disappointment about the lack of branding and promotion around the event. Games organizers emphasize the non-political nature of the event, promoting diversity and inclusion through sports and cultural activities. However, some activists find it disappointing that there has been little mention of the local context of gay rights struggles. Overall, this event celebrating the community is welcomed, particularly in a time when opportunities are becoming scarce.