Thirty years after Hong Kong decriminalised same-sex sexual acts between consenting male adults in private, discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation persists.
Discussion in Hong Kong over the city hosting the international sporting event has focused on the money it will generate and its potential to promote inclusion and diversity. However, the Gay Games are mainly needed because homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are readily found in sports, and LGBTQ+ people often feel unsafe or are excluded in sports settings.