Much has been written about the lack of legal protection for LGBTI individuals in Hong Kong. To date, there is no ordinance specifically dedicated to combating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status; no gender recognition scheme that fully affirms and respects transgender people’s claim to their identity, especially those undergoing transition or unprepared for sex reassignment surgery; and no legislative plans to extend the privileges of heteroseuxal marriage – tax breaks, housing benefits, inheritance rights, etc. – to same-sex couples.

Much has been written about the lack of legal protection for LGBTI individuals in Hong Kong. To date, there is no ordinance specifically dedicated to combating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status; no gender recognition scheme that fully affirms and respects transgender people’s claim to their identity, especially those undergoing transition or unprepared for sex reassignment surgery; and no legislative plans to extend the privileges of heteroseuxal marriage – tax breaks, housing benefits, inheritance rights, etc. – to same-sex couples.

The Hong Kong Pride Parade on 17 November 2018 (Saturday) is a fitting occasion to speak up for that change and celebrate sexual and gender diversity in broad daylight. Prof Alfred CHAN Cheung-ming, Chairperson of the EOC, has been invited as one of the Rainbow Ambassadors to kick off the parade this year, which carries the theme “Call for the Law, Equality for All”.

Join us on the 17th for a walk for LGBTI inclusion!

• Learn more about the parade on Facebook
• Read the EOC’s 2016 study