LGBT Hong Kong today is alive and well with new faces, venues and activities as it adapts to Chinese rule since 1997. The Pink Dot gay festival and the LGBT film festival were undisturbed during the week of my visit. By Richard Ammon GlobalGayz.com October 2015 Despite the tension with Beijing, Hong Kong
Hong Kong, part of China since 1997, is renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting. It is one of the world’s leading financial capitals and a major business and cultural hub. Its identity as a cosmopolitan center where east meets west is reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music and traditions, and although the population is predominantly Chinese, residents and expatriates of other ethnicities form a significant segment of society. Indeed, many people still think of Hong Kong as a separate entity from China. There are several gay-rights organizations (and numerous social venues) in Hong Kong, such as Rainbow Action and Tongzhi Culture Society. The age of consent is now 16 for all. Although Hong Kong has held several small demonstrations against homophobia, a Gay Pride parade in November 2008 was the first event solely dedicated to celebrating queer identity. It represented progress for China’s gay community, marking the first large-scale event of its kind in any major Chinese city. More bold now is the recent ‘Pink Dot’ festival held each year which started in Singapore and has spread throughout Asia.
Name: Hong Kong
Population: 6782000
Capital: Hong Kong - Pop. 6782000
Area: 1075 sq. km/ sq. miles
Language: Chinese, English
Religion: Various; religious freedom
Status of Homosexuality: Decriminalized in 1980
Telephone Country Code: 852
It’s Normal to be Gay: Worldwide Gay Survey
Intro: Despite daunting persecution of gays in many countires, a guest author surveys mid-nineties optimistic gains in gay expression, gay pride activity and legal status around the world. Bangkok by John Duvoli The Economist Revised June 1, 2008 Photos by Richard Ammon Across the world a radical idea about homosexuals is gaining ground:
Gay Hong Kong
The financial powerhouse of Hong Kong is home to a confident gay community who have become even more politically and socially active since Britain handed over control to China in 1997. Presented here is a ‘longitudinal’ story, from 1997 to present reviewing the scene in this most progressive of Chinese cities.