Dennis Philipse, Founder and Co-Chair Gay Games Hong Kong and Emery Fung, Volunteer at Gay Games Hong Kong talk inclusion through the power of sports.
SDG 10 in the spotlight
Sustainable Development Goal 10 highlights Reduced Inequalities. The Gay Games were founded with a mission to bring acceptance of sexual diversity, featuring lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) athletes, artists, and other individuals. It’s the most inclusive sporting and cultural event in the world and we got to speak with the people behind it.
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Full transcription
Regina Larko 0:01
So I mean, I’m so curious. I mean, how did you first meet?
Emery Fung 0:07
Shall I start first?
Dennis Philipse 0:09
Yes, yeah. You start.
Emery Fung 0:10
So um, so Regina and others, we spoke about this before. So a couple of, it would have been round about a year ago now, when I started doing my – a year and a half – done my transition medically, and then I changed my name on LinkedIn, and so on and so forth. And I wrote a post on LinkedIn, explaining kind of my name change that kind of stuff. And then that got picked up a little bit in the LinkedIn community. Through that, I think then, one of the event that was coming up in pride, that just one of the events that happened in pride in June, Shout out, they reached out, but then to ask about wanting to be a speaker on the panel about LGBT in the workplace.
And then from there, I think then, from my understanding, I think then Dennis saw me on the website, and then kind of just saw my story on from there. And then he kindly reached out and then yeah, and then I got passed to meet a couple of people from the Gay Games to sort of do the onboarding process as a volunteer. And then yeah, that’s how I got involved. But I’ve never actually met Dennis in person until maybe just a month ago, maybe two months ago. So I’d only joined Gay Games, maybe back in March, I think it was. So we’ve been talking on and off for a couple of months, but never actually met in person until quite recently.
Dennis Philipse 1:32
And the most bizarre story is that we live literally opposite of each other one minute away. It’s the most bizarre thing. Yeah. So that’s really, it’s really true, it’s kind of funny. Yeah, yeah, I saw your profile. And then I connected with you, and it told you more about the Gay Games. Yeah. So that’s, that’s how it started.
Emery Fung 1:53
Yeah.
Regina Larko 1:54
That’s how that’s, that’s how it all started. And that’s what brings you here today to our recording and #impact podcast. Actually, this was a much better intro than I had prepared. So maybe I should just go with this. But I actually have prepared a little like official introduction as well. Are you ready to hear your official introduction for our amazing podcast community?
And actually, you know, the I’m so excited to have you here today with me because this was also a topic that our listeners really wanted to learn about and hear about. So I’m just so happy for them, that they get to hang out with us now for the next 30 minutes or so. And, yeah, you ready guys?
Emery Fung 2:37
Yeah.
Regina Larko 2:47
Today, I am welcoming Dennis Phillipse, founder and co chair of the Gay Games, Hong Kong 22. He is passionate about improving diversity and inclusion, creating a place of belonging by working together with an amazing team of volunteers to organize the biggest inclusive event in the world – the 11th Gay Games, Hong Kong that will take place in November 2022. They are open for all, and they’re for the very first time hosted in Asia. This is so exciting. Welcome, Dennis.
Dennis Philipse 3:25
Thank you for inviting us.
Regina Larko 3:27
We are also joined by Emery Fung, a keen advocate for the LGBT plus community, especially in the corporate world, and one of the 180 volunteers that is working together with Dennis to bringing the Gay Games really to life. In his day job, Emery is a corporate recruiter. He really loves the people’s business. And it really shows also in his amazing podcasts, The Awkward Turtle and The Awkward Turtle at Work. So check out this podcast as well. Emery, Welcome to #impact podcast.
Emery Fung 4:05
Thanks for having me. Listeners, to let you know, that I had Regina on a couple of weeks ago. By the time this comes out. So good to try the other side of the chair this time.
Regina Larko 4:15
Yeah, it feels different right being on the other side. Yeah. I really want to kick off with asking maybe a simple question with maybe with a very complicated answer, though.
What are the Gay Games?
Because I know there’s a lot of misunderstandings also, when I look at myself what I thought it was. So that I really want to clear up here. But you know, Dennis, actually, before I ask you this question, I want to take you back to that gym class class that you described when you were sharing about your work at your TEDx talk. And you were sharing about this young Dennis, that kid that was standing there in the gym, never feeling part of it and feeling left out.
What do you think? What would that young Dennis, that kid say to you today, as you’re running this amazing, inclusive event?
Dennis Philipse 5:22
I think he would say that he found his place of belonging, and a place where he can find his passion, and also his creativity. And also his tribe, found his community, that he was desperately looking for at a young age. And that’s about, let’s say, 30 years ago. And so in those 30 years, clearly, he has evolved. And working with an amazing team of people and to build something where he’s passionate about and he hopes that other people, like himself, now will be able to say this is something, I have found my belonging. Yeah, so giving something back for the younger generation. So they don’t have to search like he hopefully had to search that time.
Regina Larko 6:19
And that brings us I mean, fast forward now a few decades, right? Yes. And now you’re here. And you are the leading voice of the Gay Games 2022. The first time that they are in Asia, this is such a milestone, also for when we’re looking at the 40 years history of the Gay Games. Can you fill us in a bit on what they are?
History of the Gay Games
The Gay Games started in 1982, by an Olympian and openly gay man, Dr. Tom Waddell. He participated in the Olympic Games in 1968 in Mexico.
Dennis Philipse 6:51
Okay, so the Gay Games started in 1982, by an Olympian and openly gay man, Dr. Tom Waddell. He participated in the Olympic Games in 1968 in Mexico, in a track and field. He was a Decathlet. Does anybody know what a Decathlet is?
A Decathlete is where you participate in all the 10 elements of the track and field. It’s one of the hardest sports actually, because you need to be very, very versatile. And he walks during the opening ceremony, as we all have seen recently, in the Tokyo games, he walks during the opening ceremony into the stadium onto the football pitch. And applauded by the 1000s and 1000s of people, as an openly gay man, he said, this was such a unique experience. This is something I want to give to all my other gay and lesbian friends. And because they’re being recognized as a human being. And so then he discussed this with a couple of friends.
And then he had the idea to organize the Gay Olympics. However, two months before that event started, and Olympic Committee sued him for using the word Olympics. So last minutes, all the T shirts and other merchandise had to be changed into ‘Games’. And so that’s just the first Gay Games in San Francisco.
And you know, what, who was the opening star was Tina Turner. She was performing at the first games. And she re-started her career at that time, actually. And so the Games changed her life with the Gay Games since then, has been changing all around the world as well.
So the Gay Games, like you said earlier, open for everybody to participate. Yeah, you don’t need to pre qualify, you don’t need to be the best of your country or nation, as the game is open for everybody, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race background, the only requirement is that you are 18 years or older, that’s the only requirement.
And the games have been held since then, every four years all around the world. And most of the times in North America, in Chicago, in New York, San Francisco, and Cleveland 2014. And 2002 was in Sydney, but that’s not Asia, and then in Europe a couple of times, and Amsterdam in 1998, where I attended as a spectator.
And then the last games were held three years ago, exactly three years ago in Paris, in August in the beautiful, very hot summer. So having the Gay Games for the first time in Asia, a region where two thirds of the population lives, and where being LGBTQ is still for many, many people a challenge compared to other parts of the world. We really believe that having this event for the first time in this region will be an opportunity for participants who normally could not come because it was too far away and to expand. It will be an opportunity for those to participate to come to Hong Kong and to participate in events that are bigger than ourselves.
Regina Larko 10:08
And obviously, I mean, right away when I started my research into what the game stand for – we here at #impact are focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals this season. So it instantly came to mind – SDG 10 – I just want to bring it up for all our amazing listeners who have been educating themselves on the SDGs to give you some context here as well. SDG 10 is focusing on Reduced Inequalities and target 10.2 of SDG 10 is that, and I’m reading this to you now because I haven’t memorized it yet although I should, ‘
‘by 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, political inclusion of all irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.’
And in our love about the Gay Games, that the tagline for these 2022 games is ‘Unity in Diversity’. And that actually brings me to something that you shared with me beforehand. Emery, where you said, and I’m trying to find this beautiful quote now, where you said that “I truly believe diversity is the way to go. It will make the world so much better in so many ways. And of course, having a ‘different’ background helps to see the beauty in diversity.” Emery what brought you to the Gay Games? And how do you feel about being part of this massive operation? And I mean, there will be, let’s just get that straight now on the record in the beginning, there will be 12,000 participants in the Gay games. So that’s kind of like the level of participants that you would see also at Olympic Games, right?
Emery Fung 12:04
Yeah, yeah, so definitely a huge event. So I first heard about it last year, I kind of saw it on different people’s websites and then I kind of got intrigued. Oh, I wonder what this is. Because I’m from Hong Kong originally. Personally, I’ve never really seen an event at that scale, especially for a sporting event, let alone an LGBT focus event.
So I was kind of reading it online, what we’re actually is kind of like you researching and looking at , you know , what is it all about, and how I can get involved and the different events. Obviously I got in touch with Dennis. That’s how I joined.
But what attracted me to actually join Gay Games, or why I wanted to be involved as a volunteer is actually quite different to what Dennis said earlier in his story. I was born female, and I went to all girls school all my life. And sport was kind of the only place, in the environment that it creates, that I felt safe to really be myself and kind of have that masculine touch when I was younger, so that was kind of something that I’ve always been very happy with you know, doing sports playing sports.
I was usually, if I may say so myself, among the first couple of ones to be picked on a sports team. That’s kind of how it brought me to doing sports from a very young age. I was born here, but I was brought up in the UK a lot and education is a bit different there as well. So sport is a bit more embraced. And I went on to do sports management as my degree.
Now coming back after my degree with sports management, obviously, there wasn’t a lot of options to choose from. And, you know, then that kind of made me kind of feel, maybe sport isn’t the way to go or sport is not as important in Asia, especially in Hong Kong. Then I went into the corporate world. Then I kind of turned away a little bit with sports, which I kind of felt disconnected with sports in a way back in Asia and in Hong Kong.
And then a couple of years later, here comes along the Gay Games. And then it is exactly what I was meant to do, exactly what I studied to do for my degree organizing a big sports event, promoting grassroots diversity, all kind of stuff. And, you know, that’s really, really a lot of what I personally believe in. And, and that’s why I think it’s interesting to see as well is that, Dennis and I volunteer at the same event. But we still have very different stories that went backwards on why we choose to help in this games, or why do we want to promote this message through sports? Yeah, so that’s one of the main reasons why I think, you know, it is such a beautiful event to have in such a big scale as well, like you said.
Regina Larko 14:55
Dennis, when I’m looking over to you now. I mean, you are both volunteers for this organization, and Emery, you are volunteering, kind of like on the side now, as you’re still in your corporate job. And you did that for many years as well, Dennis, and then 2020, I think it was when you said, I’m going to dedicate all my time to this. How was that for you to make that transition to say, Okay, I’m going to leave behind my paying job now. But I’m actually dedicating all my working hours now to this voluntarily.
Dennis Philipse 15:34
So maybe let’s go back to how the Gay Games Hong Kong started more or less. And so about seven years ago, I broke up with my boyfriend at the time. And I was also in between jobs. And I do lots of trail running and hiking. But I didn’t really want to hang out in bars and clubs, etc. and I thought “Okay, where, I’m gonna find a new boyfriend and new friends?”
And then I realized that if you look at Hong Kong, and compare it with other places in the world, there are not many LGBTQ sport clubs. Yes, there are lots of WhatsApp groups of friends who do sports, but nothing is really visible. And so that’s why I started “Out in Hong Kong”, which is now a Facebook group with more than 6700 people. The idea was really to organize weekly sports events for the community.
So we had our first hike event in August 2014. And we had about 50 people coming to Dragon’s Back on a beautiful Sunday morning. And that was really great way to meet new people. Yeah, because somebody falls and somebody gets cramps, and you really see people connecting with each other. And then I realized this is a nice way to connect people together and something positive for the community, which Hong Kong doesn’t have.
And since then, we used to organize – before COVID – we used to organize every week two, three events, running, tennis, badminton, swimming, we did beach cleanups, we did camping with 60 people, that was really nice way to meet different people and to also come out of your comfort zone.
Because normally if you go to bar, you will talk to people who look like you or who you find attractive. But imagine the three of us will go on a hike. And somebody falls, there is a connection, right? Something you will never forget in your life anymore. So you’re really changing people’s lives and also building lifelong friendships. So it was really positive.
“Out in Hong Kong” is still growing. We also started “Out in Singapore” with 7000 people. So that has really been been quite successful in Asia. A couple of years later, after “Out in Hong Kong”, I remembered the Gay Games, which I attended in Amsterdam in 1998.
Unfortunately, I did not participate. I was just spectating. I went to the opening ceremony, and went to all the other events and I thought Wow, that was such an amazing event in Amsterdam. They had 14,000 participants from all around the world.
Can you imagine that was just the time there was hardly internet. So there must have used faxes for people, registration forms, etc. and then I thought wow, this is really great.
Bringing the Gay Games to Asia for the first time
Then I reached out to the Federation of Gay Games, which is like the governing body and to say, hey, how can we bring the Gay Games for the first time to Asia to Hong Kong.
Literally, five years ago, we started a bidding process. A bidding process a bit like the bidding process for the IOC. They had to submit a bid proposal. And then they we were bidding against 17 other cities, Los Angeles, San Francisco.
And the bidding proposal was 300 pages where you have to describe your plans, the venues and everything what you want to do. And then in 2017, we got shortlisted against Washington, DC and Guadalajara in Mexico. And we had to organize a site visit, inspectors came to Hong Kong, we had to show the environment about Hong Kong. How beautiful Hong Kong is, how safe it is, the great venues Hong Kong has. And then in November 2017, we went to Paris for the final presentations, next to the other bidding cities.
And then we got voted by the Federation Gay Games delegates. At that time we had a team of about maybe 20, 30 people are volunteers. And yes, it was quite a struggle to do next to the full time job because this took quite some time.
So then last year, a good friend of mine around I think he was 42 or so. And he was a very famous trail runner in Hong Kong, and he got brain cancer. He got the surgery, he also he unfortunately he got paralyzed. And then he passed away. And that was for me such a eye opener that I thought, wow, this is on such a young age, it was such an impact.
Then I realized, okay, this is what I’m going to do with my life, what will be my plans for next five years? And a friend of mine said, Imagine that somebody tells you that you only have six months to live, what are you going to do? What impact do you want to create? Yeah. Are you going to sit on an island? Are you going to write a book, I got to give something back to the community. And having that discussion that for me was a moment where I was, fortunately, I’m in a financial position that I can make the decision to say, I’m not taking a break, because a break means not working. And say I taking a break from paid professional life, and spends the next two years focusing as a volunteer together with amazing other volunteers organizing the Gay Games.
Because afterwards I am going to work again, yeah, I still make money from it. And but at least for now, having that opportunity, I just can focus on purely one thing, rather than having a full time job and juggling with the Gay Games. Because the Gay Games for me at the moment is about 60 hours a week.
And we have a couple of other people who have made the same decision. They parked their professional life to purely focus on on the Gay Games as a volunteer, because we believe this is something good for Hong Kong, we believe this is the right moment. But also it’s an amazing experience. Right? Like you said, this is the scale nearly the same size of the Olympic Games, with 12,000 participants, nine days for 36 sports. So it’s an amazing experience as well, on my on my CV.
Regina Larko 21:53
Absolutely. I’m sorry about your friend, Dennis, that must have been. Yeah, I mean, I yeah, I’m just sorry, that happened. And I’m, you know, I feel very, like very moved by that step you took in order to then say, you know, what, if you make money, of course, that’s important, you’re going to make the money to live. And I love that also that you brought that up Emery in your one of your latest episodes on your podcast, that when you’re looking at these passion careers, and people are taking this decisions that of course, it has to be financially responsible. Right.
Dennis, you said, you have the privilege, that you had the savings that you can take that time now for that. But isn’t that an amazing way to use that privilege that you have now? And for what you worked hard, right, because you had a busy job, and you saved up? And you made smart financial decisions that you’re able to do that now? I mean, it’s just amazing.
Looking at the the impact that you’re creating with the Gay Games. I loved what you shared about that, Dennis, on your LinkedIn profile. Yeah, I was really sneaky. I looked at all of the things you were posting recently. So I loved where you shared, one of the impacts, one of the impacts of the Gay Games is breaking down stereotypes of being LGBTQ+, and connecting the community at large through sports, arts and culture events open for all.
You know, there’s also the economic impact, you know, just a side note of an expected 1 billion Hong Kong dollars or us $128 million dollars for businesses and that it will bring to the city. So I mean, of course, you know, there is that note as well.
But actually, I’m always all about, let’s look even deeper, you know, besides that economic impact that it would have, like, I also want to look at the personal level. And Emery I’m looking over at you now. Because let’s look at the volunteers involved, and the people that are now being part of this.
I know that volunteering also impacted you in how you share about gender roles, right Emery? And also, for example, with your parents, and I’m only bringing this up, because you said it was okay to bring up. Yeah. So you identify as male, and you started your transition process, medically last year. And then you shared something with me when we recorded our podcast interview actually for your podcast, right? That you like, have these all of a sudden you’re having these conversations with your parents about. Yeah, yeah, I’m not gonna say more you say how that impacted you.
Starting open conversations with loved ones
Emery Fung 24:50
So a bit of context. So my family I would say a very traditional typical Cantonese family. Where I think they still believe very much in kind of traditional gender roles where, you know, what a man should be doing while women should be doing, what their roles are in the household and how work should be, you should kind of be, you know, go to a good school, get good grades, go to university, get a stable job, buy a house, all that kind of stuff, get married have kids, right?
So, you know, when I first well – it is weird saying this without because I hate using the word – coming out. But when I first came out to my parents, that was when I was like 14, 15 years old, that I was interested in girls, people in my same sex back then that obviously was already a hard conversation to have.
And being 15, as a teenager being that rebellious kind of age, living abroad away from my parents. So that was a big sort of clash already. And then, you know, a very typical style that we know, we never really speak about things like feelings and just thoughts, right.
We used to talk about what the next step should be, what was the score should go to what degree to choose? What job I should get into once I get out of university, all that kind of stuff. And so we never really spoke about any of this.
Up until recently. So when I first joined the Gay Games, I mentioned this to my parents, of course, the context was close to zero at that point. They were just like, oh, it sounds like a sports event. They knew about my new sports management degree there, right? Yeah. Okay, just do that, didn’t really think too much about it.
And then of course, since then, the news picked up a bit more about Gay Games in Hong Kong, and so on, so forth. And, you know, just so happens that I also did a speaking engagement on LGBT workplace a couple of months ago now. And, you know, we spoke about it. And then my parents checked in on me and said, Oh, we actually heard your seminar thing. It was all in English. So I was also quite surprised that they listened to it, because they didn’t really speak in English. My dad does a little bit, but not in a way that, you know, he doesn’t use it on a daily basis. And he uses a very formal written English, so I was very surprised that he listened to the whole hour of that talk.
And then also “Oh, so like, you know, what did you think of it?” And in a very typical Cantonese style, they kind of just said, yeah, we just talked about, you know, your, your barriers at work. And that was it.
And well, we’ve, we’ve got to this stage, I have to ask more questions. And then I said, “Oh, remember, I mentioned that I am volunteering with the Gay Games. You must have heard about it in the news recently, right?”
And then that kind of basically, from that question on it sparked an hour conversation with my mom about what gender roles are and what she thought about being LGBT doing and being LGBT work being everybody in society, especially in Asia and Hong Kong. And that has never happened.
I’ve never really sat down with my mom and talked for an hour, let alone on a phone call, on actual feelings, and about society and all that kind of stuff. That gave me a really good insight about Oh, these kind of Gay Games or these kind of events, this kind of speaking opportunities, which is we get now, especially June Pride Month, is really spreading that message to even people who are not in touch with that corporate world, who are not into sports, who are just the general public.
Because of this platform, I had more confidence as well to speak about this kind of things to my parents, which I think I would not have had three years ago, or maybe same time without volunteering at the Gay Games.
I don’t think I would have even dared to ask the question like that. So it was really insightful. And it gave me a lot of, I guess, a bit more encouragement to do more as well.
And I’ve since now share this with my friends as well, who have said, If I can talk about this with my parents, I think a lot of people can also talk about things that they don’t traditionally talk about with their parents, whether you’re not LGBT in the community, or you’re just an ordinary person, chasing your dream who maybe did a law degree because your parents wanted you to but actually, you don’t really fancy law degree, for example.
So yeah, I think the message is that I think people now in general, are a lot more open to just different people in the world. And because of media, because of the technology, because all these events, is really opening up people’s eyes. And in many ways, I did not expect.
Dennis Philipse 29:14
Wow, I got tears in my eyes, Emery, when you mentioned this. It is quite touching, actually. I think there’s also right, because the Gay Games is an event next year, November. But I think the journey to that, and having these discussions and again, we are not a political organization, we’re not talking about human rights or marriage equality, etc. For us, it’s really the purpose of the Gay Games is bringing people from all around together, worlds together, using sports, arts and culture, and then a community but also some fun, and to create positive attitudes.
We really believe in the universal power of sports, because it doesn’t matter where you come from, and what your background is, what your religion is your own sexual orientation, and sport. Everybody’s equal. Yeah, and And I think that’s amazing because you go play sports or somebody else on the other side of the world. Yeah. And you change your perceptions about the people being LGBTQ. But yeah, so in a way recreating also those talking points, but yeah, hearing your story, thank you for sharing that. That’s quite, quite touching. Actually, Emily, thank you so much.
Emery Fung 30:21
No, thank you. Yeah, thank you, for me reaching out as well, cuz I don’t think, again, I don’t think I would have had just the idea or even speak about these things. So I really, genuinely hope that when, from kind of here now on to the actual event is what is going to drive, I think the basic kind of for me is that it’s going to drive more conversations, right?
I don’t think Dennis and I or anyone in the volunteering team within the Gay Games, we are thinking that, oh, once the event happens, everyone’s going to be super embracive of you know, LGBT, everyone is going to be over the moon for us. And I think it’s just the point is just letting people know that we are just not that different. We just anyone that who walks on the street who has a job, who has a family who has cousins or that kind of stuff. And you know, the main thing just know drive more conversations.
The long-term impact of the Gay Games
Dennis Philipse 31:06
I always talk about snowball. And in Austria, where Regina comes from, there’s lots of snow, and lots of mountains. So imagine that you build a snowball, and you bring it to the top of a mountain and you drop it, the snowball gets bigger, bigger, bigger and becomes unstoppable.
Right. And I think that’s, that’s also how I talk about the Gay Games, it becomes unstoppable, inevitable, it’s gonna happen. It’s a one off opportunity once in your lifetime to be involved in this event. And it’s a great experience.
But yes, we have, obviously three stages: The build-up, organizing the event, then secondly is the event itself, the nine days event, but then afterwards, the real impact starts. Because people who have participated in the games, they go back to their communities to their countries, and there, they start telling their stories, they start building LGBTQ support groups, and then you really will see how the impact the legacy will continue. So that’s the most important elements here as well.
Regina Larko 32:11
Absolutely. And I mean for you on a personal note, Dennis, one of the moments that that impacted you personally, I’m sure there were so many I mean, I brought up before you know, when the Cathey pilots, they flew you back after you won the Gay Games, Bid and they actually announced it in in the plane in a welcoming you back bringing bringing their – I get goosebumps- bringing the games home, so to say, ride home to Hong Kong.
But I imagine that these moments, and I guess maybe Emery story was not one of them as well, that you, you have to kind of no matter in what kind of change making business you are in, you have to collect these moments of impact and memories that keep you going on those days when you’re like, Oh my god, are we even going to be able to do this?
I mean, we’re living through a pandemic still. It’s so unexpected, like so – what is the word – , you have no way to plan certain things. And I read this in another interview, that you’re also really good at having all these contingency plans as well. Like you’re really putting all the scenarios in places where like, what if that would happen? What if that would happen? So that you can go ahead organizing this and running it safely and just running it right? No matter what happens? But how is that? Is there some moments that you think back of when you face these massive setbacks? Where you doubt like, why am I even doing this?
Dennis Philipse 33:49
Oh, yes, I think everybody has had those moments, right? And especially because its through long periods here. We’ll be working on this already for five years, we still have more than one half year to go, and moments where you think, Okay, why is this happening?
On the other hand, moments, like what Emery just mentioned, are the moments we sparkle and give you the energy to keep going. You mentioned the story of the captain of Cathay Pacific who mentioned that, within a couple of months ago, for example, we have an internal webinar for our 180 volunteers, and one of our volunteers who work for recruitment, recruiting all the volunteers. He had to present two slides during the webinar. But he never in his life presented slides before. So he had been rehearsing very hard on it.
And I had to send a WhatsApp messages go look you can do it. And then he presented those slides and everything, that’s fine. But then Wow, what you’re doing is kind of mentioning on the fly you are really empowering people and not as directly as purpose but on the way, people will be changing people’s lives and perspectives here.
And I think that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing right. And we have so many of those messages. We get a nearly on a daily basis that people say, Well, I’m so excited looking forward to come to the Gay Games in Hong Kong. And people are preparing for that as well, because people need to prepare to participate in a sport.
We also have, for example, put a funding support program in place to provide people from all around the world who need financial support, we will give them free registration fees, and flight tickets and accommodation. And via crowdfunding, we’ll be able to give those people those entries.
We really want to make the event inclusive as possible, and reading the applications from people from all around the world, telling why they want to come to the Gay Games, why they are so inspired, that really gets me sometimes I have tears in my eyes and reminding me why we’re doing what we’re doing.
For example, we talking to a football team in Cambodia. It’s a lesbian/transgender football team of 15 people, and a lesbian as transgender in Cambodia, it’s quite, it’s quite blurred, actually, people, when people have short hair, they are called lesbian. And he and she is kind of combined. But imagine that we get the football team from Cambodia to participate at the Gay Games. That’s one of our goals, because we really are looking forward to seeing them walking into the stadium and to participate in Tseung Kwan O, because I really believe this will change those people’s lives, and also their perspectives, and all of the people’s perspectives and changing this and telling stories, right? Because the Gay Games is all about the stories and how it changed the lives and views along this journey.
Regina Larko 36:49
This is beautiful. And I know I would love to continue talking for hours with you really, I want to actually everyone who is interested in learning more, I also want to encourage them to reach out to you to hear more of those stories and maybe even become part of this community, right this amazing community.
I can relate to that when you’re organizing something big together. I was part of the organizing committee for TEDxTinHauWomen for a few years. And it’s not, as you know, that’s not comparable with the scale of it. But what it does is, it really to create this, it’s like you said, it’s like once you’re part of it of this community, it lasts like there are these ripple effects and these connections that you’re making there within that community. I mean, they last a lifetime. So that is so so powerful.
And you know, I thank you for all you do, for all the hard work, you put in all the volunteering hours that you’re actually bringing this here, and inviting people to join in. I mean, could they just join in to volunteer? What are the people kind of like you’re looking for if you can give us an insight? How does a day as a volunteer look?
Volunteering with Gay Games Hong Kong
Emery Fung 38:07
Yeah. So I mean, just to give you a bit overview about what kind of teams you can be in, of course, you know, sports is kind of the main focus of the games, we have those sports. And no, we tried to have at least have two coordinators per sport. So if you have that for 36 sports, it takes you up to about 70, 80 people, right? And of course, we still have different teams that we are part of. So for example, I’m also a part of the local outreach team.
Can you hear the sirens?
Regina Larko 38:39
Oh, we can! Yeah. Oh, that’s all right. Coming coming to us from the quarantine hotel.
Emery Fung 38:47
Yes, currently in quarantine.
So yeah where was I, I’m also part of multiple teams at the moment. So football is kind of the first thing that I got involved in organizing a football tournament. Then I joined the local outreach team. The Gay Games traditionally have always been obviously in the US and Europe, right? As Dennis mentioned earlier, so we really want to make sure that we’re going to have an event in Hong Kong, we have to make sure it caters to people in Hong Kong and across Asia.
So we have a dedicated team, basically, who who runs that. So what our team basically does is running different events, spreading the word of what Gay Games is in Asia, because especially Asia, we know there’s a lot more I guess, communication, a lot more advertisement and education to do as well.
And within that I also sit on the Trans Advisory Council making sure what the forms are decision forms, we will come over to visit to Hong Kong. Everything is very inclusive, the language we use, the venues we use, we have, you know, try our best to have gender neutral toilets and things like that.
How to get involved as a Volunteer in Gay Games?
So there’s literally what you can think of that happens in an event. We will have a team for it. We have a Marketing Team, we have a PR team that runs behind the scenes. So, you know, I think the thing is, you don’t have to be a specialist in one area, I think if you just want to volunteer, because you believe in the values of Gay Games, we have people in a team where it doesn’t do any sports.
Equally, I was pleasantly surprised that they’re also allies in the volunteering organization, because, you know, one would assume you have to be gay, to be part of this community. But in fact, the message we’re bringing is that anyone, you can participate in terms of being a spectator, you can be as an athlete, or you can actually volunteer and, and again, there’s no restrictions, you can literally be anyone to help us out as well.
So there’s definitely no particular look or profile that we look for is basically anyone I would say, you know, we welcome anyone that wants to put in a couple of hours a week. Of course, with Dennis, he puts in long hours, more than a full time job, I put a couple of hours here and there. So what you can pull in and what you feel comfortable with, that will be always welcome.
Dennis Philipse 41:01
Allies are very important, right? Because it’s quite inspiring, to have allies who are willing to put the neck out and be involved and to get the support. And I truly believe in the power of allies. Because if we including them, and be able to make a positive impact.
Unity in Diversity
And you already mentioned our tagline unity in diversity. And Emery talked earlier about diversity. And I also believe in a unity element here. And we all know what happened in Hong Kong for the last couple of years. And having unity is a very important element.
Because it doesn’t matter where you come from, if you’re yellow, or blue, or pink or purple. And let’s get everybody together for and event that bigger than ourselves, and to celebrate unity in diversity. Because we want to have some fun, we want to celebrate something? And let’s celebrate it. And I really believe in that element there.
Emery Fung 41:56
The past two years, Hong Kong had I think we it’s safe to say that no matter what you think about what’s going on, I think we all need a bit of a fun event to happen at some point soon. Right? And what amazing timing.
Regina Larko 42:07
Yeah, I was just about to say that as well. Like, we all need to, we need some laughter we need some fun. And when I’m looking at the at the opening ceremony, for example, from the last games in Paris, you can really tell, it’s gonna be amazing, it’s so exciting that this atmosphere that you experienced for the first time in 98, Dennis, you know, that got you all really fired up about this community spirit will be happening here as well.
It’s gonna be wonderful. And I’m thrilled to see it come to life. And of course, we here at #impact will follow all the way up to what’s happening so that we can keep our community updated, as well, as things are taking more and more shape.
You know, my guests, they always have to go, you know, it, have to go through the quickfire round with me to wrap up our session. So, and actually, you know, I do it a little bit differently today, because why not, actually I want to kick it off with a little bit of quote here beautiful quote, because Emery you shared this with me beforehand, as well.
I could just leave that standing there as the final conclusion of it. But actually, I then will ask you some more fire questions. But what you said, Emery, is that “having more understanding in the world’s problems, driving everyone to make change, even if that battle has nothing to do with them.” I love that.
So here’s the unity again and here are my quickfire questions for you.
Making an impact means, Dennis.
Dennis Philipse 43:52
means a willing to put your neck out. Willing to roll up your sleeves and use your heart and listen to your heart and use your brains.
Regina Larko 44:09
Love it. Emery.
Emery Fung 44:12
impact means helping a cause that doesn’t necessarily have to do with you. It could be a very selfless thing that you just because you want to make an impact because you believe in the value for everyone else.
Regina Larko 44:26
Who inspires you in the way they are tackling the Sustainable Development Goals or in general someone making an impact with their work?
Emery Fung 44:40
For me, I’ve been really in touch wit following a lot of what Brene Brown and Simon Sinek doing the moment. I listened to all the podcasts and reading their books, there’s a lot to catch up on. But the message is basically everyone is different. And you can only create your own path that suits you.
Dennis Philipse 45:00
I think the founder of the Gay Games, Dr. Tom Waddell. He passed away after the second Gay Games, unfortunately, unfortunately, of another epidemic that time the HIV and AIDS epidemic. And so the HIV and AIDS is a very important element of the Gay Games, where we, as part of Memorial, where we think of everybody who passed away at that time. And there are a couple of videos still of him, where he talks about his vision of the Gay Games, what he wanted, and why he started this and what he wants to do, to give back to the community. I think that’s quite inspiring. Even 40 years later, and is still quite resembling, in many, many ways.
Regina Larko 45:51
And what could everyone do right now to make the world a better place?
Register for the Gay Games
Emery Fung 45:57
Register for the Gay Games! As a volunteer or anything!
Dennis Philipse 46:02
Get involved for the Gay Games! Yeah, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Imagine that Olympic Games will be coming to Hong Kong. Everybody will be jumping on the chairs and say I want to be involved. Right. So this is different scale, but I mean, a different experience. And yet, it’s a world class event for the first time here. So get involved, like Emery said, right, pre-register now. Get started, joining your sports team. Or join us as a volunteer on the team.
Regina Larko 46:38
Yeah, please do that. Where should they go? Yeah. Emery. Do you want to send them to where they should go?
Emery Fung 46:44
Yeah, Can I just add one more thing quickly? At the time of recording last night, it was the iconic win last night, Fencing for Hong Kong. And I think the…
Regina Larko 46:54
At the Olympic Games, Tokyo. Because our episodes are going to be listened to for years. They really are. So we are recording. What’s the day to day 27th of July, and the Olympic Games Tokyo just happening? Yes, please. Let’s bring that up.
Emery Fung 47:10
Yeah, so I just want to say last night was the first gold medal that we had for Hong Kong since 25 years, right. And I don’t know about you guys, but I think everyone can agree that since last night, the spirit from one medal, for people who didn’t really watch Olympics, who didn’t really do anything in sports, who just didn’t really do anything in this community, but I think it’s safe to say that is brought everyone together.
And I think, you know, it really speaks volumes of how sports, whether if you do sports or not, it really brings people together and it brings unity. And I think, you know, of course, it’s a different level, a different scale. But I think you know, I think there’s going to be elements of the Gay Games that’s going to bring a similar feeling a similar environment for us in Hong Kong next year.
Dennis Philipse 47:54
And yesterday, also Tom Daley got Gold for Synchro Diving. And his quote was that I hope that any young LGBT person out there can see that no matter how alone you feel right now, you are not alone. You can achieve anything. And I think that’s quite inspiring.
Yeah. So I hope that the younger generation, the people who are stuck on the gym classroom, and they say, Well, yeah, Tom Daley wins gold. I also want to do that. Yeah, it also gave me a sense of belonging.
Regina Larko 48:28
Hmm. So where can they go now? We are going to send all our listeners over now to your website. Where should they get in touch?
I will repeat this now. Did I memorize it correctly? www.gghk2022.com Yes. So and we will put this of course in the show notes as well in this description so that you can easily click on it.
Thank you so much for for coming on #impact. It was such a it was such an honor. Good luck with with the next coming months. And with then making this massive impact with this biggest inclusive game in the world!
Dennis Philipse 49:17
So my last question to you is what is your sport and did you already pre register Regina?
Regina Larko 49:23
Oh my goodness, you’re turning the tables now. Yeah, I was just thinking like, what should I register for? So actually, I was I would say my sport is basketball. I’m a basketball girl. Yay.
Dennis Philipse 49:37
Did you already preferred?
Regina Larko 49:38
I didn’t.
Dennis Philipse 49:40
Okay, just go to our website. www.gghk2022.com
Regina Larko 49:46
I’m gonna be there as the basketball. well, cheerleader. Yeah. That I can do as well. Yes. Yeah. So I’m gonna be I’m gonna be looking over there. So that I can be part of it as well. That’s wonderful. Thank you so much for joining today.
Oh, this was so fun.
I hope you are heading over there right now to follow the journey of Gay Games, Hong Kong. And I would also love to invite you to join #impact club. If you’re listening now all the way to the end, then I have a feeling that you will love what we are doing over there.
As a Club member, you are not only supporting our production, making sure that we keep featuring all these inspiring voices that deserve to get heard. But also you will get access to our private LinkedIn community to connect with other changemakers, to our former guests, to our team. But also join us for virtual coffee breaks so we can really celebrate and inspire each other to keep going on our own changemaking journeys.
It’s really such a nourishing place and the best community. I’m always so so happy when I get to meet up with these brilliant brilliant people. So head over there to www.hashtagimpact.com/club . Thanks so much for joining today. Talk to you very soon. Bye.
Featured guests:
- Dennis Philipse | Founder & Co Chair, Gay Games Hong Kong 2022
- Emery Fung | Volunteer, Gay Games Hong Kong 2022
More #impact episodes!
- Listen to one of our #impact classics featuring Bess Hepworth from Planet Ally, sharing about her LGBTQ+ advocacy work.
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