Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2023 (which is also taking place in Guadalajara, Mexico) is taking place, but is contending with some obstacles, including political backlash and low registration numbers, media outlets have reported.
According to Outsports, the registration numbers for Hong Kong were fewer than 2,400 people; for Guadalajara, they were slightly higher. They will each individually be the smallest-scale Gay Games since the first event in San Francisco in 1982. The combined total of under 5,000 is the lowest (by far) since 1986. When Chicago hosted the event in 2006, more than 11,000 people participated.
Due to the low numbers, some of the plans presented for hosting the Games in both locationsincluding venueshave been scrapped. In addition, some sports (such as track and field, rugby 7s and field hockey) have been canceled.
Also, CNN noted, eight city lawmakers backed a petition from conservative groups calling for the games to be canceled altogether, claiming the event is advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and spreading "Western ideology."
However, Gay Games co-chair Lisa Lam responded, "All our books have been checked by professional accountants, open and transparent," adding organizers had been "abiding by the local laws since day one."
Andrew Davis