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
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Gay Hong Kong News & Reports 2011, 2011/Feb/01
Gay Hong Kong News & Reports 2010, 2010/Feb/11
Gay Hong Kong News & Reports 2009, 2010/Feb/10
Gay Hong Kong News & Reports 2007-08, 2010/Feb/05
Gay Hong Kong News & Reports 1997-2006, 2010/Feb/01