First held in San Francisco in 1982, the Gay Games have brought together people from all around the world to share in the spirit of diversity and equality. This year, Hong Kong and Guadalajara, Mexico are co-hosting the event from Nov. 3-11. While they are held every four years, COVID-19 derailed the event slated for 2022.
Initially, the games were to have taken place just in Hong Kong, but organizers decided to have some of the competition played in Mexico because of Hong Kong’s COVID-19 regulations.
Hong Kong will host a variety of competitions including rowing, martial arts, fencing, dodgeball and even dragon boat races. Guadalajara, meantime, will host swimming, volleyball, golf, softball, powerlifting, tennis and more.
Lisa Lam, co-chair of Gay Games Hong Kong, said in a news release: “Inclusion, solidarity, spirit, and resilience. These four words are the bedrock of identity for the Gay Games, which is gearing up for its 2023 edition in Hong Kong. In what will be the first ever Gay Games held in Asia, the event will arrive at a time when these four words hold more value than ever before.”
Although promoted as gay, anyone over the age of 18 can participate, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or even training level.
Visit gaygames.org