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“Working Together for an Inclusive Society: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Rights in Comparative Perspective” International Symposium, 28-29 August 2014
21/08/2014
Today (21 August 2014), the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), the European Union (EU) Office to Hong Kong and Macao, and the Gender Research Centre (GRC) of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia Pacific Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong jointly announced the initiative to co-organise “Working Together for an Inclusive Society: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Rights in Comparative Perspective.”
This two-day international symposium, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, will be held on 28-29 August 2014 at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The event will bring together local and overseas representatives from the academia and legal profession, legislators, government officials and human rights experts, in order to provide a platform to examine the issues and experiences relating to the rights of LGBTI persons in Hong Kong and the European Union.
Dr. York CHOW, the EOC Chairperson, said, “In recent years, we have seen unprecedented shifts, both locally and internationally, in terms of attitudes and policies related to the rights of LGBTI persons. We believe it is now an appropriate time for a closer look at how these issues can best be addressed here in Hong Kong. In co-organising this symposium, we hope to widen public knowledge and learn from the roads taken in other countries, so that the Hong Kong public can have a better understanding of this topic and to anticipate and prepare for our own journey ahead.”
“This is the first time that such an initiative has been organised in Hong Kong to bring together delegates and experts from a variety of sectors, from academics to businesses to concern groups,” remarked Prof. Susanne Y.P. CHOI, Co-Director of the GRC. “Indeed, we recognise and respect the fact that there is a diversity of views in the community. By drawing from a broad range of perspectives, our objective is to explore the different facets of this complex issue, facilitate cross-sectoral exchange and enhance public understanding.”
Mr. Vincent PIKET, Head of the EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao, noted, “Throughout the world, it remains common for LGBTI persons to face violence, stigma and unequal access to legal protection in their daily life due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. In sharing the knowledge from Europe through this dynamic event, we aim to help participants to engage more effectively with policymakers and other stakeholders to face current and future challenges on this front, as well as to identify opportunities for positive changes here in Hong Kong.”
The symposium will feature a high-level roundtable meeting on 28 August to connect both local and overseas leading authorities on this issue with Hong Kong’s government officials and legislators, with the aim of encouraging an in-depth discussion on the key LGBTI rights, policies and experiences in Hong Kong and how they compare with those in the European Union. On 29 August, a full-day conference will be held to share thoughts and practical experience from introducing legislation to protect LGBTI rights, and its potential impact on business, education, religious organisations and the wider society.
More information may be found on the symposium’s website at: http://www.eoc.org.hk/eoc/lgbtisymposium2014.html 
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For media enquiries, please contact Ms Mariana LAW at 2106 2226.
Equal Opportunities Commission
21 August 2014
