Hong Kong hosted ‘best Gay Games ever’, event a step forward in battle for LGBTQ rights in city, organisers say at closing ceremony
- Gay Games Hong Kong co-chair Lisa Lam says ‘it’s only a small step in a long journey’
- Some participants express disappointment over the low numbers at the controversy-hit Games
“It’s great to see so many people coming together, that is what the Gay Games is all about, bringing people from all backgrounds together,” Lisa Lam, co-chair of the Hong Kong event, said. “But it’s only a small step in a long journey [for the LGBTQ community].”
About 2,400 participants from Hong Kong, mainland China, the rest of Asia, the United States, Europe and Australia competed across 18 events, far short of the 15,000 athletes and 36 sports first envisioned.
“We delivered the first Games in Asia. The Gay Games happening here shows the world that Hong Kong can be equal,” Lam added.
The Gay Games Hong Kong co-chair said the organisers were exhausted after some had contributed more than five years of their lives as volunteers to make the event happen.
Federation of Gay Games co-president Joanie Evans said the city’s event was “the benchmark” for future events.
