Gay Games 2022 will see Hong Kong values put to the test
Nigel Collett says hosting the event will be a chance for Hong Kong to boost its economy and global standing, and for its government to prove that it rules for all, and that the church and state do not mix
The government is in a bind. On October 30, the Federation of Gay Games selected Hong Kong to host in 2022. The organisers of Hong Kong’s successful bid beat Washington and Guadalajara to win the event.
In Washington and Mexico’s Guadalajara, the city mayors turned out to welcome the visiting inspectors from the Gay Games, pledging facilities, money and public support.
That we won nevertheless is to the great credit of the many young, local volunteers.
The Gay Games is Hong Kong’s moment to show the city’s inclusivity. Are we ready?
This, though, has the government caught on the horns of a dilemma, for none of the options open to the government are attractive to those in power.
Lam and her government have three choices. One, they could oppose the Games being held. It is too late for this now and, were it to be attempted, the image it would send to the world of a government in hock to bigotry would be a public relations disaster.
It would also forfeit the very large sums to be made from the estimated 15,000 athletes and 40,000 spectators expected to attend. Sydney’s Gay Games of 2002 brought over A$100 million (HK$599 million) into its economy. The Cleveland Gay Games of 2014 netted US$52 million.
The business community is unlikely to forgive the Hong Kong government were it to turn away this flow of cash.
Gay Games Hong Kong 2022
Secondly, the government could ignore the Games, adhere to a policy of preventing the pre-booking of facilities, and refuse to hold out a helping hand.
But with such a high-profile event – involving men and women, straight as well as gay, from almost every country – to behave in such a fashion would be almost as calamitous as blocking the Games entirely. If a major sporting event turned out to be a damp squib because of a lack of official support, the status and reputation of our city would hit the skids.
Hong Kong must play the game over the Gay Games
The third avenue open to the government is to embrace the Games, turn on the taps of government largesse, ensure that all the necessary facilities are reserved in advance for the Games, and put out the red carpet to welcome them in 2022.
This is clearly the course that is best for Hong Kong, but it is one that would have to be taken by overriding the outcry – one that has already started – from those who decry any official acknowledgement of same-sex love.
Gay Games a chance to boost tolerance in Hong Kong
It would mean Lam having to ignore what the Roman Catholic cardinal will certainly be whispering in her ear. She herself would have to go to the Gay Games, welcome everyone warmly and thank them for being in our city. She will not find this easy to do.
It is clear that the issue of the Gay Games is of greater significance for Hong Kong than a mere matter of sport.
Let’s hope that our government will grasp this nettle and take up the Gay Games torch on behalf of us all.
Nigel Collett is a writer, activist and secretary of the Pink Alliance. The views in this article are his own
