The Gay Games, a global sporting and cultural event celebrating diversity and inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community, made history when they opened their doors in Hong Kong for the first time.
Despite resistance from some lawmakers and conservative groups, supporters of the event applauded the start of this historic occasion.
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- What are gay games in Hong Kong?
- When did gay gaming start in Hong Kong?
- Why were some legislators against it?
What are gay games in Hong Kong?
Credit: AP
The games are held simultaneously in Guadalajara, Mexico, with many of the same events, a first for the competition, which began in San Francisco in 1982.
During the nine-day event, around 2,400 competitors from 45 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia, will compete in various events ranging from tennis and swimming to culturally rich activities such as dragon boat racing and mahjong.
Following the parade of athletes, a series of performances highlighted Hong Kong Chinese culture while combining modern dance, musical theater and lion dancers.
When did gay gaming start in Hong Kong?
Despite resistance from anti-LGBTQ lawmakers, dozens of competitors welcomed the start of the Gay Games in Hong Kong on Saturday, marking the first time the international sporting event has been staged in Asia.
Credit: AP
Why were some legislators against it?
LGBTQ+ activism is a rare bright spot in Hong Kong, despite the government’s crackdown on civil society following the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
Following last month’s court victories over housing and inheritance rights for same-sex couples married abroad, the games raise hopes of greater integration of sexual minorities in the Asian financial powerhouse.
Following a landmark verdict issued in September, the city is also moving toward a framework to recognize same-sex relationships.
However, the city’s LGBTQ+ progress has been inconsistent.
There is no law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and same-sex marriage is not permitted.
While social acceptance of sexual minorities is increasing, particularly among the younger generation, a segment of local society remains conservative.
Several pro-establishment MPs, including Junius Ho, have publicly condemned the event, which takes place from Friday to Saturday.
Credit: South China Morning Post
Ho warned Chief Executive John Lee to be wary of “bad ideologies” encroaching on Hong Kong and acts of “soft resistance”, according to a letter he posted on Facebook on Friday.
He agreed with other critics who believed the games advocated for the legalization of same-sex marriage, which they said violated a national security law Beijing imposed on the former British colony after the protests.
Earlier this week, Regina Ip, a famous pro-establishment politician and Hong Kong cabinet member, faced criticism from gay rights critics for her support of the games.
Since organizers won the bid to host the games six years ago, the event has faced several obstacles, including inadequate government funding.
The COVID-19 epidemic not only forced the event to be postponed for a year, but also indirectly caused its reduction.
This occurred when Guadalajara, Mexico, was named co-host of the games when the city was unsure when travel restrictions would be relaxed.
Some LGBTQ+ advocates have avoided visiting Hong Kong due to concerns about the security law, which has been used to arrest some of Hong Kong’s leading human rights activists.
Credit: Asahi
However, some visitors from Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, came to the city under the nickname Chinese Taipei.
Hong Kong and Beijing have defended the security law, saying it has restored calm to the city.
Self-governing democracy Taiwan is the only region in Asia that allows same-sex weddings.
Last month it hosted the last of more than 20 annual gay pride parades, which attracted 176,000 spectators and participants.
According to Alonso Chen, a frequent attendee of the Taipei event, while some members of Taiwanese society remain fiercely critical of the LGBTQ+ population, the presence of parents with their children at previous events demonstrates growing acceptance.
“This is very important to me because parents show their children that this is a normal part of life.”
They tell kids, “Look, they’re like your classmates or your teachers.” We are equal and nothing is different.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn