CHINA: More than 2,000 people march in Hong Kong's colourful gay pride parade, calling for equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT)

Record ID: 277598

  • Title: CHINA: More than 2,000 people march in Hong Kong's colourful gay pride parade, calling for equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT)
  • Date: 12th November 2011
  • Summary: TOPLESS MALE MARCHERS WITH HATS PARTICIPATING IN PARADE
  • Embargoed: 27th November 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: China, Hong Kong, China
  • City:
  • Country: Hong Kong
  • Topics: Entertainment,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVACUE6PIICMV2RQPAAGO8XV087C
  • Story Text: More than 2,000 people, marched in Hong Kong's 3rd gay pride parade on Saturday (November 12), armed with rainbow-coloured gay pride flags and banners with the motto "for Queer, for Love, for Equality."
    Organisers said that this year was the most successful year yet.
    Marchers shouted slogans in the city centre and handed out condoms to passersby. Many were dressed in dressed in playful costumes.
    Participants mainly comprised of people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT), but others were also sex workers and general supporters.
    Marchers later gathered in a stadium in downtown Wanchai where the good-natured crowd was entertained by singers and dancers as well as speeches.
    Co-founder of Hong Kong's first lesbian networking organisation 'Les Peches' said people's attitudes had progressed.
    "I think the society is progressing I would say. I think people are more accepting. Maybe there are still people who have this 'don't ask, don't tell' attitude, but in general, I would say that in Hong Kong they are pretty accepting society and, yeah, very open I would say," said Abby Lee, who was at the march with her business partner and wife Betty Grisoni.
    Several participants and activists came from other Asian countries, including Thailand.
    "I heard from my friend, my best friend, that I'm very fortunate to come to, have a gay party. And I thought; 'Oh, now I have a Thai suit (outfit), can I join the party because it's very interesting. I would like to be representative from Thailand. Because in Hong Kong we have Thailand (Thais) a lot. Then I want everyone now have gay and tranny everywhere in Asia. And I want everyone to accept. Actually people in Hong Kong too. Because the situation in my home, everyone really accept a lot," said Thai transvestite, Angel, who was visiting Hong Kong.
    Hong Kong, credited to be an international financial hub, only decriminalised homosexuality in 1991. Pro-gay rights critics say attitudes in the city are still conservative when it comes to LGBT rights.
    "Usually, people in Hong Kong they are, some of them are very discreet. Even if they are, for example, they are very feminine as a gay man, they wouldn't really admit it to people that they are really gay. And they wouldn't want people to know their true identity and sexuality because many other constraints for example their family, their friends, their work. Even how people view them," said Johnny Liu, a spokesman for "The Queer, Straight Alliance" a student organisation which promotes sexual diversity through various educational and social initiatives working closely with Hong Kong's business community.
    "Having this event, like gay pride, really shows people how it's so important to act 'out' and really be true to your identity," Johnny added.
    In June this year gay rights activist were infuriated when the government hired a psychiatrist who claims homosexuals can be "cured" to train government counsellors.
    Organisers of the march on Saturday are calling for equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Hong Kong
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