Gina Benjamin, vice captain of a Women’s seven-a-side team, speaks during an interview in Hong Kong, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. Set to launch on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, the first Gay Games in Asia are fostering hopes for wider LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Asian financial hub. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)Gina Benjamin, vice captain of a women’s seven-a-side team, poses for photographs during an interview in Hong Kong, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. Set to launch on Friday, Nov.
This weekend the drama teacher along with diverse teams of male, female and transgender players will take to the pitch with what she calls “a big purpose.” She hopes participation in the games can show the government the city’s strong support for equal rights for same-sex couples.
“Biases come from misunderstanding or stereotypes,” Lam said. “Bringing different people together, you are able to break down stereotypes.”The opportunity to grow Hong Kong’s reputation as an inclusive international financial hub did not draw much support from the government. Some lawmakers have even attacked the games, with one suggesting it could pose a threat to national security. headtopics.com
The COVID-19 pandemic is largely to blame for its downsize. As Hong Kong grappled with the uncertainty of when stringent quarantine rules for travelers would be eased, Guadalajara in Mexico was named as a co-host for the games.
Others are hesitant to visit due to the risks posed by a Beijing-imposed national security law that has jailed and silenced many activists following 2019 pro-democracy protests. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, will not send a national delegation to Hong Kong out of safety concerns. headtopics.com
LGBTQ+ activism is a rare spot that is still making considerable progress in Hong Kong under a government crackdown on its civil society.for transgender people to have their gender changed on their official identity cards and backed the granting of equal housing and inheritance rights for same-sex couples married overseas. Hong Kong is now moving toward a framework for recognizing same-sex partnerships following ain September.