Hong Kong hosted ‘best Gay Games ever’, event a step forward in battle for LGBTQ rights in city, organisers say at closing ceremony

Hong Kong recently hosted the Gay Games, which organizers and participants are calling the 'best ever. ' The event was significant for LGBTQ rights in the city, according to Lisa Lam, one of the event's leaders. She expressed joy at the unity the games fostered among diverse individuals. However, she acknowledged that this is just a small step in a much longer journey for the LGBTQ community.

The turnout for the games was lower than expected, with only 2,400 competitors from various regions, including mainland China, Asia, the US, Europe, and Australia. This was far less than the 15,000 athletes initially hoped for. Despite the lower numbers, Lam emphasized the importance of hosting the first Gay Games in Asia, highlighting Hong Kong's potential for equality. The event faced challenges, including opposition from anti-LGBTQ lawmakers who tried to stop the games, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

At the closing ceremony, there were performances by local artists and international dance groups. Although the stadium was only half full, the spirit was high. A long-time participant named Jon, who knew the founder of the Gay Games, expressed disappointment at the low attendance but still cherished the experience and his swimming victories. Owen Liu, another athlete, stressed the importance of visibility and representation for the LGBTQ community through the event. Despite some setbacks and less publicity than previous games, the organizers were praised for their efforts in making the event a reality.