Paris hosts Gay Games amid surge in anti-gay aggression in the country

SUMMARY

Athletes from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Russia were among the thousands of people convening inParison Saturday for the opening ceremonies of the 10thGayGames, which aim to raise awareness aboutgayand transgender rights. Over 12,700 participants from 91 countries are expected during the Aug. 4-12 contest, which presents a variety of athletes - young and old, male and female, straight andgay. Franceitself has been grappling with a recentsurgein anti-gayacts as it eyes legalizing assisted reproduction forgaywomen in 2019 -- a campaign promise by centrist French President Emmanuel Macron.

By ReutersAug 6, 2018 11:40:05 AM IST (Updated)

A long rainbow flag is displayed on the facade of Hotel de ville city Hall during the inauguration of the Gay Games village in Paris, France, August 4, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

A participant holds rainbow flags at the international Rainbow Memorial Run during the inauguration of the Gay Games village at the Hotel de Ville city hall in Paris, France, August 4, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

People attend the inauguration of the Gay Games village at the Hotel de Ville city hall in Paris, France, August 4, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

People display a huge rainbow flag as they participate at the international Rainbow Memorial Run during the inauguration of the Gay Games village at the Hotel de Ville city hall in Paris, France, August 4, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

People react as they attend the inauguration of the Gay Games village at the Hotel de Ville city hall in Paris, France, August 4, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

A participant poses while attending the inauguration of the Gay Games village at the Hotel de Ville city hall in Paris, France, August 4, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

A man displays a banner as he participates at the international Rainbow Memorial Run during the inauguration of the Gay Games village at the Hotel de Ville city hall in Paris, France, August 4, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

People sign a flag as they participate at the international Rainbow Memorial Run during the inauguration of the Gay Games village at the Hotel de Ville city hall in Paris, France, August 4, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

People pose as they attend the inauguration of the Gay Games village at the Hotel de Ville city hall in Paris, France, August 4, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau