In spite of pouring rain, 6,800 advocates, diplomats, academics and supporters participated in the 8th annual Pride Parade last November to call for antidiscrimination laws in favor of the LGBT in Hong Kong. With their rainbow flags in hand, everyone showed their support for the rights and freedoms of the LGBT+ community. Hosting the 2022 Gay Games is a big chance for all of Hong Kong to show its pride at the international sporting and cultural event for all!
The purpose of the parade was to urge the government to begin a public consultation and enact legislation to cover sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Hong Kong’s current discrimination legislation only covers race, sex, disability and family status. At the parade supporters wore green as an indicator that they accepted the status of LGBT community in Hong Kong. Meaning they approved adding the sexual orientation discrimination ordinance and emphasized it to be a part of the legislation.
Queennie Wong, a local social worker, stated "In Hong Kong, there’s not enough protection for the LGBT community. We still face a lot of discrimination- Marriage is not legal, there are few unisex toilets, and we can’t enjoy the same rights within a relationship.”
Others at the parade are quoted as saying:
“Lots of people fear coming out because that might damage their career. To have legislation is a way of influencing and pushing for a change in mentalities,” and that "both laws and greater education on LGBT issues for the population at large are needed."
Many LGBT community members fear that revealing their sexual orientation might inflict harm on their career too. To end such discrimination and misunderstanding, ignorance to the rights of LGBT must, therefore, be eradicated.
Hosting the Gay Games in Hong Kong for the first time, will be a never-to-be-forgotten experience to for participants. Where people strive for their personal best and feel the inclusiveness of joining sports as well as attending artistic and cultural events together with more than 15,000 participants of the LGBT+ community! It’s also hoped it will become a stepping stone towards finally legalizing LGBT relationships and marriages in Hong Kong.
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