QUARTERLY
PINK PAPER
粉紅 報 季刊
December 2019 – February 2020
1
The Year in Review
PINK PAPER Quarterly December 2019/ January/February 2020 P5 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
4 NEWS BRIEFS The latest in LGBTQ+ news
5
YEAR IN REVIEW
Month by month highlights of a fantastic year for Pink Alliance
10 PINK SEASON WRAP UP Highlights of the 2019 Pink Season
11 WORLD AIDS DAY
P10
Day of remembrance of those who passed and support for those living with HIV/AIDS
P12
12 THE ROAD TO ACCEPTANCE Commentary from Robert J.Morris.
13 A GLIMMER OF HOPE News about LGBT+ Representation at District Council Elections
14 FinS RETROSPECTIVE Part 1 of a series of retrospectives by former FinS Chief Dreamer Eric Hererrera
P15
15
MEET THE HARMONICS
Sounds of Harmony for LGBT+ and All Others.
17 PLASTIQUE IS FANTASTIQUE Pink Paper exclusive: Plastique Tiara from RuPaul’s Drag Race
P17
18 DESTINATIONS 2020 Progressive LGBT+ travel destinations for 2020
20 LGBT+ COMMUNITY IN ACTION Community events in the city
21
LGBT+ NIGHTLIFE HONG KONG-STYLE
22
PINK ALLIANCE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
P18
2
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR David Hall EDITOR Stan Guingon ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Cairns CONTRIBUTORS AIDS Concern Matthew Gillespie Eric J. Herrera Philip Howell-Williams Robert J. Morris Larry Olson Jim Poon Alex See
ADVISORY TEAM Nigel Collette Jeff Dorta, Project Publicity David Hall Reggie Ho Jerome Yau
On the cover: Plastique Tiara courtesy of Project Publicity, Inc. Thanks to: Project Publicity, theinitium.com for photos of The Harmonics; hk01.com for photo of Alex See; the crew from Unsplash.com (Loius Cheng, Suhyeon Choi, Toni Cuenca, Kyle Glenn, Pablo Heimplatz, Kon Karampelas, John O’Nolan, Shai Pal, Markus Spiske, Annie Spratt, Scott Webb)
3
Malaysians Caned and Jailed for Gay Sex Attempt
Hong Kong Pride: Equal Justice, Equal Rights Thousands from Hong Kong’s LGBT community showed up at an annual pride rally on the 16th of November after police banned the organisers’ application for a parade for the first time since the parade was held in 2008. Instead they allowed a “public meeting” at the original end point of the parade, Edinburgh Place in Central. A smaller crowd turned up for this year’s event, with the theme of “Equal Justice, Equal Rights.” Hong Kong Pride Parade organisers urged people who stands for justice and those who have been deprived of their equal rights, to fight for the legislation on sexual orientation discrimination. They aim to stand together for the values of justice and that everyone should be treated equally regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
.
Organisers said more than 6,500 people participated in the rally, but tensions from the ongoing anti government movement and the antimask law contributed to a drop in attendance when compared to last year’s parade. However, police put the turnout was even lower, at around 850 people.
Five men in Malaysia were sentenced to jail and canings in November by an Islamic court for attempting to have gay sex which was reported by local media and an LGBTI rights group. Sodomy and same-sex acts are illegal under Islamic law in Malaysia, and convictions are rare. The Selangor Shariah High Court sentenced four men to six months jail, six strokes of the cane, and fined for “attempting to have intercourse against the order of nature and it was not in the early stages of preparation,” quoted Judge Mohamad Asri. A fifth man was sentenced to seven months jail, six strokes of the cane and also fined.
Yeung, whose previous feature, the award-winning Front Cover was screened in over 40 film festivals around the world, and showcased in Hong Kong cinemas in 2016.
enforces the law, gay rights campaigners and activists argue that its symbolism is socially corrosive, which it encourages discrimination and undermines the principle of equality. According to Section 377A of the Penal Code, “any man who commits any act of gross indecency with another man in public or in private can be jailed for up to two years. This extends to any man who abets such an act, procures or attempts to procure such an act.” Campaigners hope legal cases starting will herald an end to Section 377A but analysts say it is unclear if this is what the majority of people want.
New Hong Kong Film Creates Buzz at the Golden Horse Islamic enforcement officers detained the five accused with seven other men during a November 2018 raid on a two story flat after religious authorities discovered the group had planned a discreet party for gay men. Malaysia, a mostly Muslim country, strictly enforces Shahira law.
In the recent Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and Golden Horse Awards, a small independent Hong Kong film made the news with 5 nominations in four major categories and three sold out screenings.
Three Court Challenges Section 377A Penal Code in Singapore Three men, flanked by a host of lawyers, took to the High Court in November to mount challenges to the law criminalising sex between men, which they claim to be unconstitutional. The law came into effect in 1938 and while the city state no longer
4
Suk Suk studies the subtle day-to-day moments of two closeted men in their twilight years, as they struggle between family, conventional expectations and personal desires. It is the third film by Director Ray
The story was inspired by the book, “Oral Histories of Older Gay men in Hong Kong: Unspoken but Unforgotten” by Travis Kong, a leading sociologist of Chinese Sexuality. Suk Suk is planned for a March/April 2020. cinematic release in Hong Kong.
Taipei Revels in First Pride Since Legalising Same-sex Marriage Some two hundred thousand revellers marched through Taipei in a sea of rainbow colours and celebration in October, as Taiwan held its first pride parade since making history in Asia by legalising gay marriage. The island has long hosted the region’s largest pride marches but this year Taiwan’s LGBT community and their supporters had an extra reason to celebrate. In May, lawmakers took the unprecedented decision to legalise same sex marriages, becoming the first place in Asia to do so. Over 2,000 couples have since wed, many of them taking part in the pride celebration.
Pink Alliance
YEAR in Review
hat kind of year did Pink Alliance have? Despite the unrest, it was great year of community, outreach, involvement and a lot of fun. All of it would not have been possible if it were not for the efforts of the Pink Alliance Operational Committee and the countless scores of volunteers who have given their all to make it happen. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts! In the next few pages, we fondly look back at 2019 with our “Year in Review.”
MARCH 12TH Pink Alliance kicked off its campaign
APRIL 8TH Pink Alliance was honoured to have
for marriage equality in Hong Kong with 'A Pink Evening at WeWork', a recruitment event organised by Benita Chick with assistance from Darrick Sampson. 40 guests enjoyed comedy by Pete Grella, complimentary finger foods and drinks, and watched excerpts from our ‘I Am Me’ videos. Benita and Reggie Ho talked about Pink Alliance programs and encouraged attendees to volunteer.
been invited to be part of “That’s My Tomboy Season 4” by Hong Kong’s Filipino LGBT community where a variety of acts performed for the audience. Our own Reggie Ho was one of the judges.
Comedian, Pete Grella
16TH The monthly FinS social gathering was MAY 6TH US LGBTQ activist from the Trevor Project, Sam Brinton spoke about his work for Pink Alliance’s IDAHOT 2019 programme. Sam is a nuclear scientist as well as a queer activist. In the sharing session, Sam discussed his experience with anti-gay conversion therapy . His passion in changing the world has brought him to speak in front of different audiences from the United Nations to the US Congress. The attendees were encouraged to exchange views and share experiences on different social issues as well. We were really glad to have him here to kick off IDAHOT 2019!
5
held at the beautiful new bar Dai Bing in Sheung Wan.
MAY 15TH Congratulations to Community Business for another successful year of the LGBT+ Inclusion Awards and Gala Dinner. Members of Pink Alliance’s ever-growing team were honoured to be part of it.
Pink Alliance
YEAR in Review
MAY 17TH IDAHOT: An Evening of Solidarity 2019. MAY 20TH
This year’s IDAHOT HK (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia) event focused on Biphobia. We partnered with 愛無界 Love Unbounded, the only bisexual group in Hong Kong to present the facts on bisexuality and to celebrate it during at IDAHOT. The event included a keynote sppech by the Equal Opportunities Commission chairperson Ricky Chu and performances by 卡 帕中東肚皮舞坊 Mystery Belly Dance Studio, Nokyan Ma, Hi-5, DragJam and The Harmonics
Pink Alliance joined the protest against the MTR and Hong Kong International Airport's alleged ban of a Cathay Pacific advertisement featuring a same-sex couple. We took photos of us holding hands in the transport hubs, especially in front of Cathay’s advertisements.
MAY 30TH The Economist, Asia held another great Pride and Prejudice conference, with none other than our Chairman Reggie Ho as one of the guests panellists.
6
JUNE
x
6
JUNE 12TH Pink Alliance Director of Policy Jerome
JUNE 13TH Pink Alliance had a constructive and
JUNE 15TH- 16TH The Marriage Equality Forum was
fruitful discussion with new Equal Opportunities Commission of Hong Kong chief Ricky Chu. We were not sure what to expect going in, but we can now at least say Mr Chu has done his homework.
organized by Hong Kong Marriage Equality and HKU, and supported by Pink Alliance. The legalization of same-sex marriage in Taiwan and the victory in the Angus Leung case had propelled marriage equality to the forefront of local LGBT+ advocacy. The forum engaged the community into a robust discussion on how to go about winning marriage equality in Hong Kong.
Pink Alliance
YEAR in Review
TH
Hong Kong Free Press quoted Pink Alliance for congratulating Angus Leung and Scott Adams on their hard-fought victory saying that the “government should do more to protect rights in the wake of the ruling. The judgement sends a clear message that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation will not be tolerated.�
Yau, who is also founding director of a new NGO, HK Marriage Equality, was heard on RTHK Radio 3 discussing the advancement of fair treatment for same-sex couples. Joining him was lawyer and founder of HK Marriage Equality Azan Marwah.
JUNE 17TH The makeover of old Pink Paper into a stylish Pink Paper Quarterly commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and gave a peek at our upcoming marriage equality campaign and so much more.
7
JULY 21ST
Angus Leung and his husband Scott Adams won the court of final appeal to allow spousal benefits for LGBT+ married couples. We were delighted for them to join us at the monthly FinS HAPPY HOUR social at Dai Bing Bar in Sheung Wan to tell us what really happened and to answer intriguing questions.
Pink Alliance's Director of Policy, Jerome Yau, gave a talk at the Philippine Consulate General. To celebrate Pride Month, the mission organized "Mga Kulay at Ngiti ng LGBT 3: A Gender Sensitivity Orientation on LGBT Rights" on July 21, and it was attend by consulate staff and roughly 40 overseas Filipinos who are domestic helpers working in Hong Kong.
28TH We had our PINK CRAWL (aka “pub crawl”) a fundraiser for the 2019 Pink Season. Participants received free drinks and snacks at 9 establishments and a lucky draw for fabulous prizes.
AUGUST 8TH 'An Evening with Gigi Chao' at Social Room
SEPTEMBER 28TH The Official Launch of Pink Season 2019 at Petticoat Lane. 5 weeks of LGBTQ+ events, socials, workshops, panel discussions to celebrate all that is the Hong Kong LGBTQ+ community. Ms. Chao is co-founder of Hong Kong Marriage Equality and is well known in the community. About 50 guests enjoyed finger foods and drinks at the bar to listen to Gigi Chao and Jerome Yau talk about their fight for marriage equality in Hong Kong and watch excepts from our ‘I Am Me’ videos. Reggie Ho talked about the Pink Alliance and Jim Poon gave us a sneak peek at the upcoming Pink Season. Thank you to Amy Hanly and Rob Misener for organizing this special event.
Pink Alliance
YEAR in Review
JUNE 18TH FinS with Angus Leung. On June 6TH,
21ST
Pink Alliance’s Benita Chick was part of interviewed for an article,
The Complicated Reality of Being Out & Queer in Hong Kong for the Pink Season Director Jim Poon with Assistant Director Philip Howell-Williams
8
GOMAG publication.
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
18
31ST Pink Alliance has a new PayMe Code!
relationships. We thank MK and her lawyers for fighting in the court, and we will support her to file an appeal.
Donations can be made with just a few clicks. Please donate to Pink Alliance to help raise funds for year-round LGBTQ+ initiatives and activities in Hong Kong. Thank you very much for your support!
Pink Alliance is disappointed with the Court of First Instance decision in the MK case regarding the recognition of same-sex
OCTOBER 27TH In the Pink Season Happiness Program, participants experienced movements through yoga, breathing, meditation and learned how to focus on and recognise the present to refocus and set realistic goals for the future.
Pink Alliance
YEAR in Review
TH
NOVEMBER 5TH Congrats to the Pink Season 粉紅天 team on a hugely successful Career Carnival! The “carnival floor” had an AMAZING line-up with 14 leading companies to talk about potential career opportunities, panel discussions, drinks and entertainment. The fast paced, fascinating and fun evening helped advance LGBTQ+ careers in companies that celebrate diversity and inclusion.
9
ctober and November saw us celebrate “Pink Season”, our annual LGBT+ festival of arts, culture, entertainment, sports, and education. Now in its ninth season, the festival this year was a challenging one for both organisers and festival goers alike due to the political and social unrest currently plaguing Hong Kong. A few events had to be rescheduled or outright cancelled out of concern for the public’s safety. Most notable of these was the traditional festivalclosing “Out in the Open” outdoor party and concert. Despite this, over a dozen events did take place during the festival, demonstrating the strength and willingness of the LGBT+ community in Hong Kong to persevere and carry on amidst challenging times. Some of the more well-attended events included Hong Kong’s first-ever LGBT comedy night, the traditional variety show, a stimulating forum on marriage equality, and the Career Carnival, which brought together numerous talent professionals and job seekers to engage in industry expert panels on diversity and inclusion. The Pink Season Team thanks everyone who helped to make this year’s festival a successful one. We look forward to bringing you an even more fabulous festival next year, our tenth season! Written by Jim Poon
10
Continuous Work on Right Advocacy Written by AIDS Concern World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day. WHY IS WORLD AIDS DAY IMPORTANT?
Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 MILLION people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Th
WHAT IS WORLD AIDS DAY?
Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. Despite this, each year in thousands of are diagnosed with HIV, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition. World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education. WHAT CAN I DO ON WORLD AIDS DAY?
World AIDS Day is an opportunity to show solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV worldwide. Most people do this by wearing an HIV awareness red ribbon on the day.
About AIDS Concern IDS Concern was established in 1990 as the first non-government charity organisation committed to the service of AIDS care in Hong Kong. Our vision is to create “TRIPLE ZERO” Hong Kong, that means ZERO new infections, ZERO stigma and ZERO AIDS deaths. We will lead social change by individuals, organisations and society to achieve TRIPLE ZERO, to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and eliminate stigma for people living with HIV. At AIDS Concern, we continuously devise innovative campaign hoping to bring impact on the communities we serve. This year, we have a number of new tools in terms of HIV combination prevention in the hope to bring down the rate of HIV infection. We have introduced MY PLACE, a social entreprise project, to provide affordable PrEP checkup and prescription service. Service users may then use the prescription to get the medicine from Thailand or private clinics in Hong Kong. Another core service from MY PLACE is self-testing. The sales of HIV self-test kits serve as a new option for the community to get tested. 1st December marks World AIDS Day. It is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. We have a new campaign – Wills of Concern with Hugill & Ip Solicitors of will drafting for our donors. This helps to define the rights and benefits of your loved ones including same-sex partners. A coffee truck will be giving free coffee made by people living with HIV to the public and spreading zero stigma message. We will also be working with bars and restaurants to promote anti-stigma. AIDS CONCERN Office 17B, Block F, 3 Lok Man Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong Tel: (852)2898 4411 E-mail: enquire@aidsconcern.org.hk
https://aidsconcern.org.hk/en/
11
“The Master(Confucius) said: ‘When faced with unrighteousness, the son cannot not (i.e., absolutely must) contend against his father, the minister must reprove his superior.’”
COMMENTARY
want to offer some personal IMHO perspectives on the High Court ruling on Same-Sex Marriage. I generally agree with the decision; I think the judge did the job he was supposed to do. I will explain. I know that people are grieved by the case, but I suggest not letting negative feelings go any deeper than a mere “disappointed.” This is only the first step in what will be a long and tortuous process. We need to pace ourselves. I hardly ever give much thought to the first (trial court) decision in a lawsuit, except as it may provide something of a roadmap for work ahead. When the reports came out about the decision, I sent the RTHK and SCMP articles to my colleague in Hawai‘i who was the lead legal counsel in our Same-Sex Marriage case, Baehr v. Lewin, in 1993. That case was the beginning of the Hawai‘i Marriage Project, with which I have been affiliated ever since. I asked him, “Dan, this came down today. As I read it, it seems to track very closely to the legal arguments and logic that Judge Klein's trial-court ruling used in the first step of the Baehr case. Do I remember correctly?” To this he replied: “You remember correctly.” I found the similarities between the High Court opinion and the 1993 opinion nearly identical. And my reaction to both was the same: That’s right. In both cases the plaintiffs asked for a substantial, constitutional change in the law, i.e., to redefine “marriage.” That is a major ask.
Th
Written by Robert J. Morris
12
Both courts said, “I can’t do that; it is a job for the highest appellate court and/or the legislature.” That is sound legal principle. Trial courts, courts of first instance, are not authorized to change the law. Their job is ONLY to apply the existing law—as it is—to the case at hand. More than that would be ultra vires, exceeding the court’s authority. Both judges knew that their case would be appealed, and more importantly, that it would spark public debate and action on the subject of Same-Sex Marriage. That is as it should be. And when it comes to LGBT rights, I have always said that my preference, as between the court and the legislature, is that the decision should come from the legislature. That’s the popular mandate that we want. The High Court judge wrote that Same-Sex Marriage is a controversial issue about which society is sharply divided. I think this is where our challenge lies: to educate and convince the public. When this identical thing happened in Hawai‘i in 1993, we had many strategy meetings at which we identified PUBLIC EDUCATION as our number one priority for the coming days, months, and years. That is not to say that we abandoned lobbying, demonstrating, debating, researching, etc., but until HK parents are convinced that it’s ok for their kids to be gay, and that marriage for them is a path to their own happiness, it won’t happen. So the task: Don’t demonize the Court. Don’t despair, don’t give up, stay calm, think clearly, meet together to plan and strategize, love one another, and come out and bear testimony to family and friends. After much Sturm und Drang, Hawai‘i got Same-Sex Marriage, Taiwan got Same-Sex Marriage, and HK will get SameSex Marriage. Of that I have a certain faith.
2019 District Council Elections Welcomes Three LGBT+ Winners
Written by Rebecca Cairns
ood news for Hong Kong’s LGBT+ community: three LGBT candidates joined the ranks of those elected in the city’s November district councils. Hong Kong’s 2019 District Council Elections on November 22nd 2019 saw 17 out of 18 districts won by pro-democracy parties, and three of those candidates are prominent LGBT+ candidates and advocates: Jimmy Sham (Sham Tsz Kit Jimmy) of Sha Tin district, Lek Yuen constituency; Alice Wei (Wei Siu Lik Alice) of Eastern District, Lei King Wan constituency; and Kenneth Cheung (Cheung Kam Hung Kenneth) for Tuen Mun district’s Rural constituency. Cheung was the first openly gay and openly HIV-positive district council candidates when he first stood for election in 2003. Diagnosed with HIV in 1995 just out of high school, Cheung has been a tireless activist for the LGBT+ community, raising awareness about gay social rights and health, founding action group Rainbow of Hong Kong which set up ‘Rainbow Centres’ in the city to provide a safe space for the LGBT+ community. Wei has long been involved with Hong Kong’s LGBT+ community, most prominently as the spokeswoman for the annual Pride Parade, and now represents Lei King Wan as an Independent Democrat for the pro-democracy movement. Sham is one of Hong Kong’s most prominent LGBT+ rights activists: as a member of Rainbow Action he organises LGBT+ rallies and hosts a radio show andand he ishetheisconvenor on Citizen’s Citizen’sRadio, Radio, the of Hong Kong’s Civil Human Rights Front convenor of Hong Kong’s Civil Human (CHRF).Front Most (CHRF). recently, Most Sham recently, made headRights lines inmade October 2019 when he was attacked Sham headlines in October 2019 in Kowloon by a group of unidentified when he was attacked in Kowloon by amen. group of unidentified men. While LGBT+ rights have not been at the forefront the have 2019 not election While LGBT+ of rights beenor at the forefront candidate’s campaigns, the election of the 2019 election or of three prominent LGBT+ activists the the candidate’s campaigns, demonstrates a move towards aLGBT+ more election of three prominent inclusive society, with hopefully more activists demonstrate a move towards progressive social policies to hopefully follow as a more inclusive society, with support and acceptance grow for theto more progressive social policies LGBT+ community Hongacceptance Kong. follow as supportin and grow for the LGBT+ community in Hong Kong.
13
It Take a Village to Make a Success: Part 1
Written by Eric J. Herrera, former Chief Dreamer
“Homosexual persons should make no effort to try and join society. They should stay right where they are and give their name and serial number and wait for society to form around them. Because it certainly will.” - Quentin Crisp
What is in a Name Being Queer, called a Fruit, controversial and powerful words. What is in a name? It says everything all in one shocking fell swoop and out front. Funny how things come full circle, accounting for the terms popularity as the name of choice for many gay men and women - OUR IDENTITY. Feeding Our Queer Soul I have since a young age thought of how to encourage my QUEER SOUL. Whether it be through family, having grown up with lesbian and gay relatives and the community service that later came, this was important to me and important to those that I choose to be associated with because the old adage goes, 'You are the company you keep'!
No matter where you travel and plant your roots you will always find a social scene of men and women who are in the minority, vibrate or not; out proud or hiding in the closet; free of prejudice OR victims of violence. I quote Quentin because he was a pioneer for gay rights. Political polarization of human rights, specifically LGBTQ rights worldwide is rapidly increasing, particularly online, where echo chambers and social media have inflamed partisanship. A group such as FinS comes into play by creating a platform for the community collaborations bridging the political spectrum to produce stronger ties and awareness of our rights.
One Hong Kong organization strongly involved in these rights has always been Community Business, a group which published a guide in 2009 titled, Diversity & Inclusion in Asia Country View. It illustrated where Hong Kong stood at that point on certain issues. We are ALL a village indeed. Founders / Inspiration Fruits in Suits, Hong Kong was founded July 2004 by Gavin Denton, Eric Toh, Alvin Cheng with help from Edowan Bersma amongst others, they started the event at ONE BAR at One Exchange Square, Central. That was also the year my partner Glenn R. Wing and I moved to Hong Kong. I joined this initiative during it's second month of operation as I saw it as a great way to meet a new community.
Eric Toh says the inspiration for FinS HK was his friend, Peter Stephenson, the President of FinS Melbourne for over 10 years. Peter sparked the idea of starting one in Hong Kong. After a few years the founders moved on to other endeavors. Gavin recently expressed in an email his delight and amazement that FinS is still going strong, and credits all those who have helped along the way. He said, “Perhaps we should all fly in for the 20th Anniversary’!” Over the years the volunteers at the FinS monthly events have been many but a few consistently were there throughout and I need to mention and thank them for
(Eric circa 2004)
Reflections on FinS History and Those Who Helped it Become What it is Today
their dedication: Glenn R. Wing, Edowan Bersma, Alvin Cheng, Anthony Wo, Darrick Sampson. FinS Mantra From one of my favorite writers, Gary J. Stern – “ Gayness takes us many places one might not otherwise go. Because the conventional forms don't provide for us, we must create and recreate a vision on our own.” Being from an events background, I understood from the beginning the FinS's mantra the founders passed on and I thus further tried to implement these positive affirmations.
First and foremost a LGBTQ monthly business networking event, but also I / we strived to include it to be a place for community support mostly held in non-gay venues; a place for those out and those in the closet; a place to meet other gay people and allies; a place to meet a boyfriend or girlfriend; fund raising; a platform for corporate support and involvement; an important inclusion of corporate business monthly showcasing; taking a political stance when necessary; supporting and working with other LGBTQ organizations; supporting and showcasing local writers, artists, crafts persons, actors and singers; procuring sponsors support of lucky draw gifts, all hosted at various venues changing every 3 to 6 months. I only missed 2 events in all those years, I was happily committed. To be continued in the Feb 2020 issue...
For Information on monthly events, visit Facebook: @FinS.HK
14
Courtesy of www.initium.com
MEET THE HARMONICS Written by Matthew Gillespie he Harmonics is a community of people from different countries all over the world, from different backgrounds and with different ideologies. I myself, the last of the founding members, come from the USA with a background in musical theatre and child psychology, but we have members from Australia, Singapore, Canada, England, Malaysia, China, Italy... and many other places. People who are in banking and computer programming, teachers and business people. But, we come together with the same aim - to share the passion for music and a message of love and acceptance for all people, regardless of who you are or how you identify. The choir began 2015 as a group of hikers, including myself, who were chatting about music. Then, after an evening of sing-a-longs a few weeks later we found that we might just have something special. A couple months later, we were singing at a fund raiser for AIDS awareness. Since then, it has just grown leaps and bounds. People have come and gone, but along the way, created an ever growing family. We have sung at events all over Hong Kong and Asia. We use music as a means of spreading that message - that it’s okay to be you, and that those outside of the LGBTI community don’t need to be afraid or wary, as down deep, where it all matters, we are more alike than different. . More and more, we are being asked to sing at corporate events, where the companies are promoting outreach and acceptance. It’s a great sign that doors and minds are slowly opening. I think it speaks of the power of music. It’s palatable to all people. Speeches and Media and other forms of outreach are not always accepted. The Harmonics is now trying its first ever Christmas concert on the 16th of December. We will do some smaller events early next year and will be having our annual concert next June, 2020. 15
Founding member Matthew Gillespie
PERSPECTIVE Alex See, Organiser for The Harmonics
PP: How did it get started and when? Alex: We started in the summer of 2015. A group of us had a hike at an Out in HK event. And wondered that it would be nice if HK has a gay music group. There was an opportunity to sing at “Rainbow Connection”, a variety fundraising show for AIDS Concern, the group worked toward to performing there as our dispute. After the show, we realized there is a need for a voice for LGBT+ in this city, and we continue to grow and dedicate ourselves not only for gay, but also for LGBT+ and our allies.
Courtesy of www.hk01.com
PP: Can you tell us a little but about The Harmonics. How many members? Who is your audience? Alex: The Harmonics is an LGBT+ and friends Choir is made of 70 members and about 10 talented and dedicated musical directors and accompanists. Our audience are anyone who loves music and is a member of LGBT+ community and our LGBT+ friendly allies.
First, I strongly believe that Art and Culture bring people together, we are glad that we can use our music to create a sense of unity in the that bridge the language barrier. We often perform in non-LGBT+ related events and increase the visibility of LGBT+ community in a nonpolitical approach. Also, we pride ourselves for being one of the most diverse team in the community, our choir creates a safer space for members who are from a wide background. LGBT+ and our ally, different ages and gender, socialeconomic background to meet weekly. There are many LGBT+ choirs around the world. Almost each western city has their own choir. In China, there are 12 LGBT+ choirs. The Harmonics is a part of the vast LGBT+ choral network and we are the ambassador for Hong Kong and we are here to connect the global LGBT+ movement and support other rising choirs in the region.
PP: How long have you been part of the group? Alex: I have been in the group for more than 4 years, since the dispute performance PP: Can you tell us something about yourself and why you are part of this group? Alex: I didn’t have much singing experience and I was hoping to learn singing to help my speech before I join the group. A couple of the founders reached out to me and invited me to join. I found the group welcoming and encouraging. As I was the newest member how joined only a few weeks before the performance, they helped me to catch up. I really enjoyed the experience and decided to stay and help organizing the choir. The choir has become a family, a safety net and somewhere I always can find joy PP: In your opinion, in what way has Harmonics benefitted the LGBTQ+ community? Alex: We are quite lucky that there are a lot of organizations working for LGBT+ rights and visibility in Hong Kong. Each organization focuses on different aspect of the LGBT+ community and sometimes their audience are different based on the languages.
16
PP: What are some performance highlights you'd like to share ? Alex: 2019 has been an eventful year for The Harmonics. We went to ‘Hand in Hand Asia Queer Choral Festival’ in April. Our ‘A Night At The Movie Concert’ in June was a triumphant success. In November, we went to the ‘Cantata Macau 2019 Choral Festival.’ We sung with 10 other choirs and we were the only LGBT+ and we were so loved by the audience and it was a touching sight to see an elderly priest standing up and sang and clapped with us despite his mobility issue. PP: What’s coming up in December, January, February? Alex: We are having our very first Christmas Concert on 16 December. We will be singing with our friends and the audience.
https://facebook.com/events/s/christmas-jukeboxconcert/1137985856406660/?ti=icl PP: Anything else you want to add? Alex: We are working on toward to our annual concert in June 2020, “A Night at the Musicals.” Looking towards 2021, we will be co-hosting the ‘Hand in Hand Asia Queer Choral Festival’ with Elements Choir and expecting to bring 25+ choirs from around the world to Hong Kong.
PINK PAPER EXCLUSIVE lastique Tiara was a fan favourite on season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and in her debut music single, she proves why she is “Irresistible”. “I’m polished, persistent, and a beauty with a heart of gold,” she proclaims. Executive produced by Hosh Gureli (who also produced for Whitney Houston and Toni Braxton) and produced by multi-platinum, Grammy Award Winner Jared Lee Gosselin, Plastique describes the sound of “Irresistible” as “when you look in the mirror, and you know that you are that bitch”. The song draws inspiration from the confidence drag has instilled in her. Plastique admits she didn’t always feel so “Irresistible.”
“Growing up in Vietnam, being gay was considered shameful,” Plastique explains. “I spent many years hating myself for who I was. I was raised to be silent and to hide anything I was feeling on the inside that might be considered out of the norm. I lived in constant fear of disappointing my family and everyone I love.” Drag taught Plastique it was ok to be different. “Being a drag entertainer is the first decision I made for myself and it has changed my life. Drag has allowed me to express myself artistically without censorship and it has allowed me to feel what it means to be free.” She hopes “Irresistible” will inspire others to feel the same. “It is important that we all feel irresistible because if we can’t love ourselves, how can we love someone else?” She shot the song’s music video in Malibu, California, of course. Where else would a plastique doll shoot? It features a fabulously fashionable Plastique Tiara frolicking in the California sun. Palm trees, gold wings, flowing blonde locks and wind machines… it’s the complete Plastique dream. “I never saw someone on television that I could relate or look up to,” Plastique reflects. “Queer Asian representation is so important. I want to be that voice I didn’t have. I want to be the one to tell all the little Asian boys and girls out there that being the way they are is more than ok, it’s power…” “And I am proof. This irresistible queen is conquering the world. I’m a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant who has overcome hardships yet there’s no tarnish on my tiara. It is shining brighter than ever.” Plastique Tiara’s “Irresistible” is available now on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms. She’ll be in Hong Kong on Feb 21 and 22 to perform live in as part of the RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq the World Tour 2020 tour, taking place at AC Hall. Tickets available at: https://www.ticketflap.com/werqtheworld2020.
Written by Larry Olson Courtesy of Jeff Dorta from Project Publicity
Visit Plastique Tiara’s website: https://lifeinplastique.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ plastiquetiara 17
WORLD TRAVELS Written by Rebecca Cairns epending on where you are in the world, there are varying levels of acceptance for the LGBT+
community. Ranging from social discomfort to safety concerns, there are places around the globe you probably want to avoid as an LGBT+ travellers—however, there’s also plenty of places that not only accept but wholeheartedly embrace their LGBT+ communities and diverse travelers. If you’re planning your 2020 holidays, consider adding these five progressive LGBT+ friendly destinations to your itinerary.
Taipei, Taiwan The first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019, Taiwan is one of the friendliest destinations in the region and the nightlife near Red House ‘gay village’ in Ximen district has led to the city being known as Asia’s ‘gay party capital’: the OG gay club first opened in the 1970s is Funky, but a whole host of new niche bars (Bears to BDSM) are popping up all the time. Taipei is Taipei is also home to some of Asia’s largest gay saunas: ANIKi WoW is largely regarded as the best gay sauna in the city, but for something more traditional, check out the all-male Kawayu Spa & Sauna in Beitou District. Pride here is often a multi-day event in late October, and celebrations over New Year can be equally extravagant.
Queenstown, New Zealand One of the earliest adopters of demarcating “LGBT+ Friendly” on business and accommodation for incoming tourists, New Zealand continues its efforts to make the Pacific Islands around it more inclusive in-keeping with its own social and cultural progressions. LGBT+ Tourism here is less in-your-face than other destinations, but as a progressive country and town, its an inclusive environment to unwind. An adrenaline junkie’s dream, Queenstown is probably best known for its adventure sport though for LGBT+ travelers make sure you time your visit with Winter Pride in August/September, the largest Pride festival in the Southern Hemisphere, nicknamed 'Gay Ski Week’. Tickets for the 10-day festival—featuring over 40 events in addition to skiing—have already been released for 2020, so you can start planning now.
18
Tel Aviv, Israel
If you like to party, you’ll be hard pushed to find a better night out than Tel Aviv—and here, everyone is welcome. This inclusive city is a gay hotspot, with as many as 25% of the local population identifying as LGBT+ and an international, government-funded Pride festival every June. One of the old-school favourites for everyone is Shpagat, popular with tourists and locals alike, while Cult is a lesbian nightlife and culture club for events like live music and screenings, and Tel-A-Beef is men-only gay nightlife concept that celebrates fetishises in every form. Need a break from the partying? The Gay Centre can help you connect with the wider LGBT+ community in Tel Aviv, and ’The Gay Beach’ near the Hilton Beach has become an unofficial LGBT+ hotspot where rainbow flags dominate and people of all orientations chill out.
Cape Town, South Africa A beachside city overflowing with quirky coffee shops, boutique designers and fine dining, a short drive from some of the world’s best vineyards and safari excursions, and the gay-friendliest city in the region: Cape Town is Africa’s top LGBT destination. Most of the LGBT+ community focuses around De Waterkant, the city’s ‘pink district’, a Cape Dutch and Georgian neighbourhood of iconic heritage architecture, boutiques and bars: the old favourite here is Manhattan, which has been providing positive LGBT+ vibes since 1994 in the form of laid-back dining and casual drinks in a vibrant pop art-chic setting. Elsewhere around the city, The Unofficial Pink Party is one of the biggest monthly lesbian nightlife and community events, and the Cape Town Gay Hiking Club is a great community for men looking to meet away from the disco lights.
Gothenburg, Sweden The safest country in the world, according to the LGBT+ Travel Safety Index, Sweden also boasts the largest number, per-capita, of Pride festivals globally. Aside from its flourishing LGBT+ scene and annual West Pride festival, Gothenburg is also renowned for having the highest density of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, so if you’re an LGBT+ foodies, this is the destination. Gretas is the oldest gay bar in town, while Bee Bar and Haket are known as hetero-friendly LGBT+ bars serving up international and craft beer. There’s also a huge lesbian scene in Gothenburg for women travelling alone or with their partner: dance club Jazzhuset and community social group ‘Lesbian Breakfast’ run by Lesbisk Makt are just a couple of highlights.
There’s plenty of other fabulous LGBT+ friendly travel destinations, so check out Asher & Lyrics’ LGBT+ Travel Safety Index, updated in October 2019, for a comprehensive guide when planning your adventures around the globe: asherfergusson.com/lgbtq-travel-safety/
19
Pride Run Hong Kong 2019 was a resounding and sold out success! It was the first time that Pride Run or Rainbow Run was held in Hong Kong and with 450 registrations, representing 27 countries, beautiful weather and an excited crowd, a good time was enjoyed by all! With the generous support of the community, over HKD $140K (USD $18K) was raised to donate to: AIDS Concern, The Harmonics, Hong Kong’s LGBT+ Choir; and A Place To Be Yourself, a small LGBT+ drop-in and counselling centre in Cambodia. Distinguished guests and participants included: the Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, Mr. Ricky Chu; the Consuls Generals; of the United States, Mr. Hanscom Smith and his husband Mr. Eric Lu; of Canada, Mr. Jeff Nankivell; and of The Netherlands, Ms. Annemieke Ruigrok. The organisation was able to support heavily discounted registrations for 40 domestic workers and donate entries to 15 members of Hong Kong’s LGBT+ refugee community. The event attracted an equal number of male and female participants ranging in ages from 13 to 72 with many families, friends and children participating and coming to show support. Pride Run Hong Kong was organised by Out in HK, OutRunners HK, and the running event company RaceBase. The event would not have been possible without the 58 volunteers who graciously spent their day helping to make it a success.
There’s a Chinese saying: you're not fully grown until you hit 30 (三十而立). In its 30 years, Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival has grown from a fringe community event to one of the biggest LGBT+ festivals in Asia. The festival kicked off September 7th with a big Opening Gala Party at Woobar at the W Hotel Kowloon, with great music from guest DJs, drink specials and amazing entertainment. What makes HKLGFF stand out from other LGBT+ film festivals is their focus on primarily Asian films. With its 30th anniversary last September, it holds the title as the longest running LGBT+ film festival in all of Asia. It has always been an important part of the HKLGFF mission to give a platform to rising talent. That’s why for the first time ever, online submissions for short films were opened up to the world, giving budding filmmakers in Asia and beyond the chance to showcase their work. Also as part of the celebration a Jury Award was given away to one gifted filmmaker. Rohan Kanawade’s drama “U for Usha” from India took the inaugural prize as the Best Short Film. The festival also hosted a panel discussion, “Asia Pacific Queer Film Festival Alliance,” where attendees watched short films from the Taiwan International Queer Film Festival, Equal Ground Sri Lanka and Pakistan’s Aks International Minorities Festival. After 15 days of screenings, panel discussions, parties and special programs, the festival concluded with a well-attended Closing Gala Party at the glamorous venue, Ophelia, on Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai.
Cupido Rapido: Speed Gay-ting
New Year's Day Social Hike & Plunge at Repulse Bay
Te Quiero Mucho is spicing things up for Hong Kong gay male singles with CUPIDO RAPIDO. Meet the man of your dreams at this tequila-infused speed dating event with free-flow tacos and margaritas! With a name that translates to ‘I love you very much’ in Spanish, Te Quiero Mucho is the perfect venue to pair off and enjoy an evening of free-flow and fun. Speed-dating first timer? Not to worry. The lively hosts for the night will guarantee a fun and relaxing time with margaritas and conversations flowing! Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 7:30 PM – 10 PM $318 per person/ 7:30-10PM Free Flow Tacos & Mexican Cocktails, Beer, and Wines The free-flow Includes: Tacos & Quesadillas: Trump, Carnitas, Martajada, the Green, and Chicken Quesadilla, Margaritas, Palomas, Pilsner Urquell, and House Wines Te Quiero Mucho (Hong Kong), 286 Queen's Road Central, Central
20
Join Out in HK for a New Year’s day social Hike and Plunge in the water at Repulse Bay. Hike from Parkview via Violet Hill to Repulse Bay and then a New Years Plunge in the water (optional). Followed by a nice brunch (and a glass of bubbles). Bring your friends with you! This event is open for all, first-time joiners of course welcome! Meet 1:45 Parkview entrance to Violet Hill Distance: 1.5 hours hike / approx. 4 km Difficulty level: Moderate Sign-Up for the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1900871023389949/
FLM
The Pontiac
Zoo
One of Hong Kong’s best-known gay bars,
With a rough and retro rock n’ roll vibe,
Styled as a cocktail bar, it would be hard
is renowned for its great happy hour (2-4-
The Pontiac has authenticity that’s
to escape the fact that this is one of
1, 7-9pm) and awesome theme nights, including weekly screenings of Ru Paul’s
seriously cool. With an all-female staff,
Hong Kong’s liveliest gay bars. They’re
drag race when the new season airs and
this bar emanates girl power and keeps it real with strong drinks, plenty of shots
BOGOF drinks deal runs 6.30-9pm all week long, but the fun continues all
Eurovision nights. By day when the bar is
and a hell lot of fun. If you and your
night here for party animals with fruity
shut, Cafe FLM opens in the back as a
girlfriends are looking for a wild night
cocktails and DJ sets until the early
chilled LGBT-friendly hangout and working
out, this place is it.
hours.
Best for: groups, party-goers, tend to be mostly female clientele, | 13 Old Bailey St, Soho
Best for: Party animals | 33 Jervois St., Sheung Wan
space.
Best for: theme nights / 62 Jervois St, Sheung Wan
T:ME Petticoat Lane
Wink
Not every night needs to be a wild one,
If you’re looking for an LGBT+ friendly space in Hong Kong’s rowdy Central nightlife
This fun Sheung Wan bar is one for the music lovers. Live bands and karaoke
and this is where T:ME Bar comes in: hidden away behind Hollywood Road,
scene, it would be easy to miss the rainbow
nights
entertainment
on Man Hing Lane, this LGBT-friendly
flags on the Petticoat’s terrace, sandwiched
programming here before the DJ comes
bar opens onto Pak Tsz Lane Park and
between LKF and Wyndham Street. This
on later in the evening.
offers chilled-out vibes with great drink
frequent
the
offers.
gem has a large dance floor and stellar music selection to match.
Best for: live music | 79 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan
Best for: quiet drinks | Back entrance, 65 Hollywood Road
Best for: dancing the night away | Basement, 57-59 Wyndham Street, Central
Virus
Behind Bars
It would be impossible to talk about LGBT+ bars in Hong Kong and not
As LGBT+ bars go, this one is a little more
mention Virus, on of the city’s oldest
Lesbian bars in Hong Kong are few and far between, so Les Paradis in Kowloon
on the covert side of things. This new bar,
‘girls bars’. Recently moving to a new
is one of Hong Kong’s best places for
opened in 2018 from the same people who
location in Causeway Bay, Virus has
LGBT+ women to drink, meet and
run the LGBT-friendly monthly nightbclub
been around for over 20 years, creating
mingle. They have beer pong and darts,
concept ‘Behind’ is in the basement of Tai
a chilled nightlife atmosphere for LGBT+
and often kick into party mode with
Kwun’s renovated prison barrack block, and has a relaxed and sultry speakeasy
women with karaoke and (by Hong
themed nights and collaborations.
atmosphere that lends itself to a low-key
Kong’s standards) reasonably priced cocktails.
date night.
Best for: date night | Shop 15, G/F, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central
Best for: a catch up with friends | 21F, Chung Way Commercial Building, 447449 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay
Reopened after renovations in 2017, Linq is back in business. The cosy club on Pottinger Street often has patrons spilling out onto the cobbles, as its popular with both couples on date nights and singles looking to meet new people. They also do
Best for: meeting new people over drinks and games | 5th Floor, Cameron Centre, 57-59 Chatham Road South,
Tsim Sha Tsui Lex Chill Hey
Bing Bing HK Linq Bar
Les Paradis
This is the gay hot spot of the moment. On Friday/Saturday nights, the place can get packed with 200+ people. It is fairly busy even on weeknights as well. Unlike the gay bars in Central, the Bing Bing crowd skews much younger, mostly in 20s or early 30s, and vast majority of locals instead of expats.
The lesbian dance party for girls who love girls. It’s not a ‘bar’ per se, but a roaming nightclub concept which takes over some of Hong Kong’s hottest nightclubs, like Zentral and Ophelia. Plus, they’re a big fundraiser and supporter of IDAHO+ which makes them awesome in our eyes.
‘Guys Night’ on Wednesdays, so pop along for their drink deals.
Best for: a low-key party | 35 Pottinger Street, Central
Best for: good cheer with friends old and new, great dance music, reasonably priced drinks | 22F Oliv Building, 15 Sharp St E, Causeway Bay
21
Best for: a dusk-til-dawn party | www.lexchillheyhk.club
VOLUTEER OPPORTUNITIES
ant to give back to Hong Kong’s LGBT+ community? Pink Alliance is seeking volunteers! Join us on our campaign for marriage equality, help out with events, write for the Pink Paper or lend your skill set to the group. Please contact Director of HR, Nigel Collett for more information about the available roles below: nigel.collett@pinkalliance.hk
CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS: to help plan and execute the marriage equality campaign. CHINESE PRESS OFFICER: to handle the Chinese media for the campaign, speak and make statements in Cantonese. PHOTOGRAPHERS: to work with the Director of Communications, to record PA events and provide pictures for the website and social media. VIDEO CAMERA OPERATORS: to work with the Director of Communications, to record PA events and provide video for the website and social media. WRITERS: to work with the Editor of the Pink Paper in writing pieces in either Chinese or English, or both. TRANSLATORS: to translate from English to Chinese and/or from Chinese to English for any PA publication and website. DESIGNERS: to help several departments design and prepare online and hard copy pages, social media entries, brochures, posters and leaflets.
22
Chairperson Reggie Ho
Director Mainland China Outreach Kenneth Cheung
Vice Chairperson & Chief Executive Officer Jerome Yau
Director Outreach Roger Steel
Company Secretary & Director HR Nigel Collett
Director Website & Pink Season Jim Poon
Director Communications & Campaign David Hall
Director FinS (Fruits In Suits) Philip Howell-Williams
Director Operations Amy Hanly
Editor Chinese Social Media Norman Kwan
Director Policy Jerome Yau
Editor English Social Media Deva Lee
Director Education Benita Chick
Editor Pink Paper Stan Guingon
Director Health Gordon Wong
Secretary Tristan Lee
Director IT Isaac Yick
Treasurer Jonanne Loney
Director Fundraising Philip Howell-Williams
Legal Advisor Alfred Ip
23