Hong Kong Hosts First Gay Games in Asia Despite Opposition from Lawmakers

First International Gay Games in Asia Attended by 2,400 Athletes from 45 Countries, Sparking Controversy and Hope for Greater LGBTQ+ Acceptance in Hong Kong Despite Conservative Opposition

The first International Gay Games in Asia was held in Hong Kong, with nearly 2,400 participants from about 45 territories competing in various sports and culturally rich activities, despite facing opposition from conservative lawmakers in the region.
The Gay Games in Hong Kong, the first such event in Asia, are seen as a step forward for LGBTQ+ acceptance, amid recent advancements in housing and inheritance rights for overseas same-sex couples and efforts to establish a framework for recognising same-sex partnerships.
Major opposition to the games came from several anti-LGBTQ+ lawmakers, such as Junius Ho, who publicly voiced their disapproval of the event and expressed concerns over alleged 'bad ideologies' contaminating Hong Kong.
Prominent pro-establishment politician Regina Ip, a member of the Executive Council, faced criticism from anti-gay rights skeptics for her support for the games, however, she stood firm, attending the opening ceremony and praising the city's commitment to openness and liberalism.
Financial and logistical challenges also posed hurdles for the event, including limited government support, pandemic-triggered delays and parallel hosting in Mexico. Despite this, the organisers went ahead, seeing the games as an opportunity to promote inclusivity and dispel social prejudices.