'Gay Games not a platform for political statements'
The Gay Games Hong Kong Organising Committee on Wednesday stressed that the upcoming games will only focus on sports, and arts and culture, after a community group accused it of using the event to advocate LGBTQ+ rights. News commentator Thomas Leung, who leads the group, said the organising committee should not use the games – to be held from November 3 to 11 – as a platform to promote LGBTQ+ movements in Hong Kong. “We shouldn't turn this into mainstream education and they shouldn't be allowed to brainwash our younger generation," he said. They also criticised Executive Council convenor Regina Ip for being an officiating guest, saying her support for the games is contradictory to the definition of marriage. In response, the Gay Games’ organising committee said the event is only a platform for sports, arts and culture which promotes inclusivity and diversity. “Our motto is ‘Unity in Diversity’ and our mission is to facilitate an event where people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, or nationality, can come together in a spirit of friendship, respect, and celebration,” it wrote in a statement. “Our focus is solely on promoting inclusivity and unity through sports and culture… We reiterate that the Gay Games are not a platform for political statements or activities.”