Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Living LGBT in Hong Kong



As a whole, Chinese culture is quite conservative when it comes to homosexuality. Fortunately Hong Kong is a liberal city and there are no qualms when it comes to being openly gay here, for both locals and foreigners alike. In 1991 homosexuality became legal in Hong Kong; however, anti-discrimination laws are limited, gay marriage is not legal in Hong Kong, and existing same-sex marriages are not formally recognised. The gay community continues to lobby for equal rights for same-sex unions and anti-discrimination legislation and social recognition of same-sex couples. Many are hopeful that hosting the 2022 Gay Games in Hong Kong could be a stepping stone toward finally legalizing LGBT marriage in Hong Kong.
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Bars and restaurants are gay-friendly, particularly in Lan Kwai Fong, with some hosting regular gay happy hours and there are also established gay bars, as well as publications and websites. Weeknights can be a little quiet across the gay nightlife scene but weekends make up for this. The annual Gay Pride event along with gay promotional content like books, magazines (DS is the most popular!)  and local websites are proof positive of the expanding liberalism of Hong Kong. One of the best ways to meet other LGBT people is through groups. It may be a community or support group, work group, or sports group- like Out in HK. Another way is to volunteer.
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Hosting the Gay Games in Hong Kong for the first time, will be a never-to-be-forgotten experience. This is where people will strive for their personal best and feel the inclusiveness of being part of a something larger- beyond sports.  For people who have never been to Asia it will be a chance to experience the kindness, the culture, the food  and the different ways of life of this part of the world. There is no doubt that Hong Kong’s hosting of the gay games will have a positive impact on promoting an  inspirational vision of inclusion and diversity throughout Asia.



Posted by Director of SO-U.TV at 18:47

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