(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, after the Federation of Gay Games announced Hong Kong as the site of the 2022 Gay Games, Mayor Bowser released the following statement:

“Over the last several days, Gay Games DC showed the very best DC has to offer. Our bid proved that Washington, DC is strong not simply because we are diverse, but because we celebrate our diversity and inclusion. As the world questions how the United States will position itself on the global stage, it is incumbent upon all of us to continue showing the world who we really are. This bid represented our DC values, which represent the very best American ideals: all are created equal. We congratulate Hong Kong, and it is our hope that the 2022 Gay Games spark reforms to bring about equality for our LGBTQ friends there too.”