Latest news with #PinkDot
Time Out
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Hong Kong's largest LGBTQIA+ event Pink Dot cancels 2025 edition after venue backs out
The hurdles are truly never-ending for the queer community. Hong Kong's largest LGBTQIA+ event, Pink Dot, has had to cancel this year's edition after being denied its usual venue in the West Kowloon Cultural District. According to the organisers, they were already busy preparing for the event that was to be held on October 12, when they were suddenly told 'that the venue could not be rented to us, without any explanation provided'. Since there are few other outdoor venues suitable, and how hard it would be to find another location on such a tight timeline, they've had no choice but to cancel this year's event. 2025 would have marked Pink Dot's 11th edition running. Every year, Pink Dot is a carnival that raises awareness for the queer community and promotes diversity in Hong Kong with talks, performances, booths, and more. LGBTQIA+ events have been finding it harder to host large-scale gatherings in Hong Kong over the past few years – the last time our city saw a pride parade was back in 2018. Pink Dot's cancellation comes at a time when the Hong Kong government is attempting to pass a bill on legally recognising same-sex partnerships for couples who have registered their union overseas. The best things to do in Hong Kong this August
HKFP
02-08-2025
- Politics
- HKFP
HKFP Monitor August 2, 2025: Advocacy space shrinks as LGBTQ event axed, academia falls in line
Welcome back to HKFP Monitor. This week, we covered the cancellation of Hong Kong's biggest LGBTQ event after yet another last-minute venue pullout, new rules pushing public universities to align with Beijing, and a podcast taken down over 'sensitive' comments. We also dived into the ongoing debate over the same-sex partnerships bill within the pro-establishment camp, plus viral clips from the year's first Black Rainstorm Warning – and how netizens mocked the lack of 'advanced planning' by officials. Hong Kong's biggest LGBTQ event, Pink Dot, has been cancelled this year after organisers failed to secure their usual venue at the West Kowloon Cultural District. No reason was given for the sudden withdrawal. Large-scale LGBTQ events have become rare in Hong Kong. The last Pride Parade was held in 2018. In recent years, organisers have switched to indoor bazaars instead of street marches. The cancellation also comes as a controversial government bill granting limited rights to same-sex couples faces pushback from conservative lawmakers. The advocacy space has tightened since the national security law came into effect in June 2020, forcing more than 60 civil society groups to shut down. At the same time, sudden cancellations of venue bookings have become more common – impacting NGOs, opposition parties, and even artists. In September 2023, the Democratic Party had to cancel its fundraising dinner after two restaurants pulled out at the last minute – one blamed typhoon damage. Once the city's largest pro-democracy party, it now faces disbandment, with key figures jailed or barred from running in the city's overhauled elections. Singer-activist Denise Ho, who was arrested for suspected involvement in the Stand News sedition case, has also struggled to book venues. In 2021, her concert at the Hong Kong Arts Centre was axed over vague 'public safety' concerns. A planned live show in May 2024 was also scrapped and moved online. For the first time, Hong Kong's University Grants Committee has explicitly told its eight publicly funded universities to follow guidance from Beijing and align with remarks by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This new directive appeared in the latest University Accountability Agreement signed by the eight public universities in late June. Schools were urged to support Hong Kong's integration with the mainland, with a focus on 'invigorating China through science and education.' They were also told to follow Xi's views on driving Hong Kong's growth and nurturing young talent, including the 'four musts' and 'four proposals' from his 2022 Hong Kong visit. The latest accountability deal seems to be another step in keeping local universities in check, following the 2019 protests and unrest – during which campuses became battlegrounds between police and protesters. Since then, most universities have cut ties with student unions, while 'democracy walls' and sculptures marking the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown were removed. University councils were also reshaped to boost the number of external members, while reducing student influence. In September 2024, the Hong Kong government slammed a Human Rights Watch and Hong Kong Democracy Council report that warned of a 'severe decline' in academic freedom since the national security law. The report cited self-censorship and professors avoiding 'sensitive' topics. Officials dismissed the report as 'fabricated,' insisting academic freedom remains a core value in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, state media attacks continue. This week, Beijing-backed Ta Kung Pao targeted the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) over a poll showing weaker support for Chief Executive John Lee, contradicting another survey that claimed 70% approval. The paper also went after two honorary researchers – American academic Morton Holbrook and Taiwan's Michael Hsiao – calling them 'anti-China forces' and accusing them of smearing the Chinese and Hong Kong governments. CUHK responded by stating both scholars were unpaid and would have their honorary titles revoked. The university said it would also suspend future hires who may violate local laws. LOCAL MEDIA MONITOR The episode in question, which discussed the passing of renowned food critic Chua Lam, was removed from platforms including Xiaohongshu (RedNote), Ximalaya, and Bilibili. Chua is considered one of Hong Kong's 'Four Great Talents,' along with writers Louis Cha and Ni Kuang, and lyricist James Wong. Leung mentioned that Chua's early columns appeared in Next Magazine, a now-defunct publication, which he called a 'very sensitive' topic. He added that bringing up its owner – jailed pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai – is considered 'unhealthy.' Still, he named 'Jimmy' and noted that Apple Daily, also under Lai's Next Digital, once 'pushed certain things in Hong Kong to a peak.' Towards the end, Leung discussed political commentary by the 'Four Great Talents,' saying some views expressed by Cha, better known by his pen name Jin Yong, could land someone in jail in today's climate. He also commented on the city's current downturn, saying Hong Kong's economy is 'very bad,' with a wave of business closures, while officials focus on 'soft resistance.' Leung told HK01 on Wednesday that his team was notified they couldn't post for 15 days. While expecting the podcast to return on August 6, they declined to speculate on the reason for the takedown. Constitutional crisis? The government's plan to let same-sex couples married overseas register their partnerships in Hong Kong has sparked debate within the pro-establishment camp, with politicians and legal scholars split on the issue. This week, Gu Mingkang, a scholar at the Education University of Hong Kong, wrote in Ming Pao to rebut City University of Hong Kong legal academic Zhu Guobin. In an earlier op-ed published in Ming Pao, Zhu had warned that if lawmakers reject the bill, it could be seen as going against a 2023 Court of Final Appeal ruling – putting the judiciary in an 'awkward' spot and possibly triggering a constitutional crisis. Gu disagreed, saying that passing or rejecting a bill is part of the legislature's normal function. He argued that calling it a 'constitutional crisis' is just sensationalism, and shows either a lack of understanding or disrespect for the city's constitutional setup. In early July, University of Hong Kong law professor Albert Chen offered a similar view to Zhu's, warning that failing to follow the court's ruling would be a 'major shock' to Hong Kong's constitutional system. Black rainstorm chaos: Photos and videos of serious flooding in Hong Kong went viral this week after the year's first Black Rainstorm Warning was issued on Tuesday. One clip showed a man walking on a road barrier near Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, as water covered both roads and sidewalks. Eastern District was among the hardest hit – another video showed water gushing down a hillside on Yiu Hing Road in Shau Kei Wan, turning into mini waterfalls and flooding nearby areas. Some joked it looked like Niagara Falls. A viral photo also showed flooding outside Quarry Bay MTR station, where a big crowd of commuters were stuck at the exit. Memes quickly spread, with many questioning why the Observatory only raised the warning at 9.10am – just after most people had already started work. Others mocked the lack of 'advanced planning,' a phrase used by Chief Secretary Eric Chan earlier last month when explaining a premature class suspension decision. Barely any rain fell the next day, sparking public backlash at the time. HKFP PHOTO OF THE WEEK Hong Kong's non-binary artist Holok Chen and an activist, who chose to stay anonymous, staged a performance on Monday outside the Cotton Tree Drive Marriage Registry in Central and spoke to reporters. The two were dressed as monsters – Chen in a wedding gown and the activist in a tuxedo. Chen explained that their outfits were a response to how lawmakers have been 'demonising' the LGBTQ community during discussions on the government's proposed framework for granting limited rights to same-sex couples. 'I want to create a speculative future where monsters, even monsters of different taxonomy, can live, can love, can kiss and can enjoy their divine union,' they said.
HKFP
31-07-2025
- Politics
- HKFP
Pink Dot – Hong Kong's largest LGBTQ event – cancelled after organiser denied West Kowloon venue
Hong Kong's largest LGBTQ event, Pink Dot, has been cancelled, with the organiser citing its failure to secure the usual venue at the West Kowloon Cultural District. In a statement on Thursday, the organiser said that it 'began to engage [with] West Kowloon Cultural District' early this year to rent Art Park – an outdoor venue – on October 12. 'However, while we were busy with planning and preparations, we were notified… that the venue could not be rented to us, without any explanation provided,' the statement read. The organiser added that there were few outdoor venues suitable for Pink Dot, and given the difficulty in finding a location on such short notice, it had made the decision to cancel this year's event. The October event would have been the 11th year that Pink Dot had been held in Hong Kong. Pink Dot's yearly carnival aims to promote diversity and raise awareness of the LGBTQ community by featuring activities such as talks and performances by activists. In response the HKFP, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) said it 'reviews venue hire applications in accordance with established procedures.' It does not comment on individual cases, the authority added. Space for advocacy In recent years, Hong Kong has seen fewer large-scale LGBTQ events. The last time a pride parade was held in the city was in 2018, with organisers now holding indoor bazaars in place of the street march. LGBTQ activists have lamented the fewer opportunities to publicly promote their cause. The space for advocacy in Hong Kong has narrowed since Beijing imposed a national security law, prompting dozens of civil society groups to shut down under pressure. While LGBTQ groups have not been specifically targeted, activists say it has become harder to host large-scale events. In May, to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), LGBTQ groups held talks and activities to engage passersby on a street in Causeway Bay. Activists said they cherished the rare opportunity to engage the public on LGBTQ issues. Pink Dot's cancellation comes as the government is attempting to pass a bill introducing a framework that recognises same-sex partnerships for couples who have married overseas. The bill has been widely opposed by the 'patriots-only' Legislative Council, with lawmakers saying it is a threat to heterosexual marriage. Activists, meanwhile, say it falls short of truly protecting same-sex couples but have urged lawmakers to vote in favour of the bill. The framework only gives limited rights to same-sex couples. For example, one can visit their same-sex partner in hospital and make medical decisions for their mentally incapacitated partner. If their partner dies, they will be entitled to rights including identifying the body at a mortuary, making funeral arrangements and arranging cremation. The proposal is a response to a Court of Final Appeal judgment in September 2023, which ruled that the government must establish a framework for registering same-sex partnerships, stopping short of recognising same-sex marriage.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pink Dot returns to Singapore's Hong Lim Park with call for inclusion and hope for future generations
SINGAPORE, June 29 — Thousands gathered at Hong Lim Park in Singapore yesterday for the 17th edition of Pink Dot, celebrating LGBTQ love and pushing for greater inclusion in Singapore society. Despite an afternoon downpour, the weather cleared just in time for the rally. Under the theme 'Different Stories, Same Love', attendees picnicked, caught up with friends, and shared stories of progress and continuing challenges. This is the third Pink Dot since the repeal of Section 377A in 2022. Among those present were PAP MPs Alex Yeo and Ng Shi Xuan. Yeo told Channel News Asia (CNA) he was 'very happy' to be at the rally to engage with the LGBTQ community, adding: 'They are part of the Singaporean community, very important part of our community... And so therefore we are very happy to be here.' Ng said the event had helped 'create more awareness surrounding topics of inclusivity'. Workers' Party MPs Louis Chua and He Ting Ru also attended but declined media interviews. Many attendees spoke of feeling safer and more welcome in recent years. Ann, who attended for the fourth time, said, 'I know a lot of people who exist very separately from issues that are happening in the queer community. Showing up just helps people remember that there is a community here.' Meanwhile, Benjamin Lee, who has been with his male partner for 25 years, added: 'We had to be more prudent 25 years ago, but we're more open now.' Some brought their children to show support. Gladys, who came with her husband and son, said: 'I always believed in freedom to love and to show support towards friends and family. These are the lessons I want to teach my son.' Others acknowledged that societal attitudes are still catching up. 'I think Singapore is still conservative. It still takes time for the older generation to get used to us,' said Diana. 'The inertia, the resistance, is a normal state of mind. But if you close yourself up from the onset, the only person who loses out is you.' A key feature this year was a time capsule containing nearly 70 personal items from the LGBTQ community — to be opened in 2050. Organisers hope it will inspire future generations. 'She is the hope,' said Cally Cheung of her daughter, whom she is raising with her wife, Ching Sia. 'Just looking at her and thinking about how we are raising her, she is the hope for us.' As the crowd lit up the park with pink lights to end the night, Pink Dot spokesman Clement Tan reminded those present. 'Pink Dot here exists today because we can prove that what was impossible is possible... 'We long for a future in which our relationships with one another are validated and recognised and celebrated,' he reportedly said.
Malay Mail
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Pink Dot returns to Singapore's Hong Lim Park with call for inclusion and hope for future generations
SINGAPORE, June 29 — Thousands gathered at Hong Lim Park in Singapore yesterday for the 17th edition of Pink Dot, celebrating LGBTQ love and pushing for greater inclusion in Singapore society. Despite an afternoon downpour, the weather cleared just in time for the rally. Under the theme 'Different Stories, Same Love', attendees picnicked, caught up with friends, and shared stories of progress and continuing challenges. This is the third Pink Dot since the repeal of Section 377A in 2022. Among those present were PAP MPs Alex Yeo and Ng Shi Xuan. Yeo told Channel News Asia (CNA) he was 'very happy' to be at the rally to engage with the LGBTQ community, adding: 'They are part of the Singaporean community, very important part of our community... And so therefore we are very happy to be here.' Ng said the event had helped 'create more awareness surrounding topics of inclusivity'. Workers' Party MPs Louis Chua and He Ting Ru also attended but declined media interviews. Many attendees spoke of feeling safer and more welcome in recent years. Ann, who attended for the fourth time, said, 'I know a lot of people who exist very separately from issues that are happening in the queer community. Showing up just helps people remember that there is a community here.' Meanwhile, Benjamin Lee, who has been with his male partner for 25 years, added: 'We had to be more prudent 25 years ago, but we're more open now.' Some brought their children to show support. Gladys, who came with her husband and son, said: 'I always believed in freedom to love and to show support towards friends and family. These are the lessons I want to teach my son.' Others acknowledged that societal attitudes are still catching up. 'I think Singapore is still conservative. It still takes time for the older generation to get used to us,' said Diana. 'The inertia, the resistance, is a normal state of mind. But if you close yourself up from the onset, the only person who loses out is you.' A key feature this year was a time capsule containing nearly 70 personal items from the LGBTQ community — to be opened in 2050. Organisers hope it will inspire future generations. 'She is the hope,' said Cally Cheung of her daughter, whom she is raising with her wife, Ching Sia. 'Just looking at her and thinking about how we are raising her, she is the hope for us.' As the crowd lit up the park with pink lights to end the night, Pink Dot spokesman Clement Tan reminded those present. 'Pink Dot here exists today because we can prove that what was impossible is possible... 'We long for a future in which our relationships with one another are validated and recognised and celebrated,' he reportedly said.
