GGHK2023

Gay Games XI Hong Kong 2023 (2019-23)

From a stirring visual identity to campaign storytelling and immersive venue branding, the 2019–2023 rollout of the Gay Games XI in Hong Kong exemplifies modern, culturally grounded, problem-solving brand thinking.

Our multi‑modal brand & creative direction effectively blended the local traditions with the target progressive messaging through branding, storytelling, social engagement, physical activations, and the necessary, COVID-related postponement, to deliver a memorable First for Asia.

A truly inclusive world-sport event that exceeded the expectations with added economic and social values, a tangible cultural shift, a legacy impact and with a new standard for future global and local inclusive events.

Concept & Identity

Logo: “Sail of Unity”
Inspired by the traditional Sampan boats, this dynamic sail motif carries six rainbow colours and a grey hand — symbolizing humanity — gliding gently over twin-coloured ocean waves, embodying the theme Unity in Diversity.
We refined its form, colour balance, and responsiveness for digital, print, sport, and signage systems.

Colour Palette & Visual Language
A vibrant yet harmonious mix celebrating Hong Kong’s cultural resonance and LGBTQ+ pride, with a seamless application across digital channels, print, event environments, and activations.

Extra Logos, Patterns, Flags, Sports Pictograms Design
Designed variants for sports, art events, podcast series, GGDL Guadalajara + GGHK Hong Kong unified look for announcements and general assets for both the co-hosting cities, asian exclusive multilingual marketing assets (Thai, Tagalog, Japanese, Mandarin), all optimized for digital and print.

Marketing Campaigns & Messaging

“Come Out for the Games”
Together with DDB Hong Kong, we launched a multi-channel teaser and hero video featuring diverse identities and influencers — beautifully crafted to ignite anticipation and community participation.

Promotional film: “The Pride Lions”
Together with HAVAS Hong Kong, this short celebrated Lion Dance with LGBTQ+ representation, reinforcing Hong Kong’s resilience and cultural pride.

Website
Fully responsive & multilingual, featuring FAQs, partner zones, volunteer info, ticketing, podcast hub.

Social Media
30k+ engagement among key demographics (Asia-Pacific), highlighting sports, culture, multilingual content.

Marketing Assets
Brochures, flyers, media-kit, name cards, banners, backdrops, signage, multilingual event props, flag.

Event Props & Off‑Site Activations

Sydney Mardi Gras 2022 Parade Float & Collateral Events: branded float to showcase early outreach and resonance in APAC Pride.

Amsterdam Pride 2022 Parade Boat Banner Design: custom livery for the pride parade boat promoting GGHK, boosting global curiosity.

Mascot & Merchandise

Sunny the Lion, the official mascot inspired by HK’s iconic Lion Rock mountain, personifies resilience and ‘can-do’ spirit.

Medal Design: floral bauhinia petals merged with laurels convey victory, courage, and cultural resonance. The medal ring doubles as a crown or lion’s mane—mirroring our brand narrative.

Merchandise: Rainbow lacquer pins, apparel, tote bags, water bottles, lanyards— all unified under the official Brand Identity.

Cultural Resonance
Anchoring design in local symbols amplified relevance and pride and helped sparking public discourse on LGBTQ+ rights — Hong Kong's high court recognized partnerships shortly afterward

Inclusive Storytelling
Messaging that invited everyone — not just athletes — to “come out” and experience the celebration

Consistent, Flexible System
A visual identity that scaled effortlessly across media, geography, and touchpoints

Outcome & Impact
~5,600 participants (30% non-local); 2,300+ athletes from 45+ countries

Economic Impact
176M–209M HK$ for the local economy

Media Reach
First-ever LGBTQ+ event in Asia to garner global headlines — from AP News to The Guardian

First Asia-hosted Games in a conservative context; strengthened visibility, bolstered FGG brand credibility, and signalled to cities across Asia.

Post‑games toolkit rollout to Valencia, mentoring & branding for upcoming GGXII, supporting sustained DEI initiatives.

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BESPOKE / evolution International 2019