Letters | Full support for Gay Games can tell a good Hong Kong story

Readers discuss the lacklustre official support for the Gay Games to be held in the city, and the character of the city’s first Chinese chief justice

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A runner with his feet in the starting blocks prepares to begin a track and field event at the Gay Games VII at Hanson Stadium in Chicago, Illinois on July 21, 2006. Hong Kong was chosen to host the games in 2017. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 11:30am, 19 Oct 2023

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Hong Kong will host the Gay Games in November together with Guadalajara, Mexico. For the first time in the Games’ 40-year history, an Asian city is co-hosting. As our government is trying to restore Hong Kong’s image as a hub for world-renowned events, the Gay Games is a perfect occasion to showcase our city’s inclusive and vibrant nature.

We were chosen to host the Gay Games back in 2017. However, the event so far has not yet received our government’s full endorsement.

In contrast, the games in Guadalajara have received government support, including from the local tourism bureau. When Paris hosted the games in 2018, the government provided financial backing and the event was vocally supported by the mayor of Paris and the tourism bureau.

However, the organisers of the games in Hong Kong have not received any funding from our government, merely a reminder that the games must be conducted in a “lawful, safe and orderly manner”, whether events are held in public or private venues.

Meanwhile, we have heard homophobic, discriminatory and disrespectful remarks from legislators. Lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu described earnings from the games as “dirty money”. Another legislator said the games would divide society.

This is in stark contrast to a large number of Hong Kong residents’ feelings – 86 per cent of Hongkongers aged 18 to 40 support LGBTQ rights, according to a survey by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute last year.