Supporters celebrate opening of Gay Games in Hong Kong, first in Asia, despite lawmakers’ opposition

By KANIS LEUNG
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — Scores of athletes have celebrated the opening of the Gay Games in Hong Kong despite opposition from anti-LGBTQ lawmakers, marking the first time the international sporting event to be held in Asia. Participants marked the opening Saturday. Nearly 2,400 athletes from about 45 territories, including Britain, the United States, and Australia, will compete in a variety of games, from tennis and swimming to culturally rich activities like dragon boat racing and mahjong in the nine-day event. LGBTQ+ activism is a rare spot that is still making considerable progress in Hong Kong under a government crackdown on its civil society following the 2019 pro-democracy protests.