LGBTQI+ University Student
QUEER STRAIGHT ALLIANCE Uniting LGBTQ+ University students and allies in Hong Kong since 2008
Hello! We are Queer Straight Alliance (QSA), a student-led organization promoting the rights and welfare of the LGBTQI+ community. As the largest network of LGBTQI+ students and allies in Hong Kong, we host advocacy, career and social events to create a genuinely inclusive culture across universities. That’s why we made this survival guide, tailor-made for university students to learn and get involved in the LGBTQI+ community. We talk about:
Career & Jobs
Gender & Sexuality
University Life
Community Life
Health & Wellbeing
Have you never given this topic much thought before? Then, we’re also talking to YOU! Check it out, we promise that this is a great read when you are queuing up for your coffee :)
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What does LGBTQI+ stand for? What are gender and sexual diversity? QSA supports LGBTQI+ rights, and we believe this starts with a good understanding of such acronym.
An increasing number of identity labels (labels used to describe who you are) are created for sexual and gender minorities. They are based on people's "SOGIESC" (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics). QSA uses the acronym LGBTQI+ which represents:
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Questioning / Queer Intersex MORE! "Queer" used to be a discriminatory term against sexual/gender minorities, yet activists and scholars have reclaimed the term to question societies where heterosexuality (sexual attraction between men and women) and gender-normativity (men and women have different norms/roles to play) are taken for granted. Queer becomes an umbrella term to include all of these non-normative genders and sexualities.
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Many modern societies are structured on the assumption that there are only two genders, → Men Expected to express masculine characteristics
→ Women Expected to express feminine characteristics
This limited view, however, has been challenged through grassroot activism and academic research all over the world. To clear it up for you…
The genderbread person is a simplified illustration of such diversity in gender and sexuality.
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Sex is usually assigned at birth and refers to anatomical disctinctions of a body, such as male and female. However, Gender refers to sociocultural differences between men and women. What is considered as masculine or feminine is likely to be different across cultures. Most people develop a gender identity (personal sense of your own gender) consistent with their assigned sex, however this is not always the case. Some individuals are born with a male body and socialized into becoming a man, yet may develop a gender identity as a woman. Or, others may feel uncomfortable to identify themselves as either a man or a woman regardless of their anatomical condition (non-binary gender identities). We have to remember gender identity does not necessarily indicate one's gender expression. For example, some women may express themselves in a very masculine way even if they have no issue with their identity as a woman. Although we learn to "do gender" appropriately through everyday interaction with others and self-reflections, more and more people support the idea that gender expression should not be limited to their perceived gender identity. Think about BTS, a Korean boy band group, as an example. Fair skin, colorful and medium-length hairstyles, fashionable clothes, slender bodies, stage makeup, boylike interaction among the members. Indeed, they are considered as hot and sexy male icons across East Asia, yet is this the same as the rest of the world?
From a newspaper article by Kelley, C. (2013). The BTS story: how K-pop’s superstar boy band conquered the world, South China Morning Post.
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Human sexuality is also much more diverse and complicated than you think! Some people do not develop any sexual attraction in their lives, whereas others may only seek for sex without any romantic feelings. A committed relationship may sometimes involve more than two persons if it is an open one. Some are attracted to both men and women. Based on their sexual orientation and practices, people have come to identify themselves with a certain sexual identity label. Still, sexual behavior and identity are not always consistent with one another. Each individual understands themselves the best, and thus it is important to respect each other's decision, rather than project your own assumption on others.
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QSA regularly partners with organisations in HKU to host activities. We also welcome students of all universities in Hong Kong to join our events.
The University of Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Unit enforces the Equal Opportunities Policy, which specifically prohibits discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. Website: https://www.eounit.hku.hk/ | Phone: 3917 1768 | Email: eounit@hku.hk CEDARS Counseling and Personal Enrichment promotes diversity and inclusion through various events, including the Diversity of Love Campaign, coming out workshops and LGBTQ+ targeted speed-dating sessions. They also provide counsellors to students with questions on sexuality, personal or general. Website: https://www.cedars.hku.hk | Phone: 3917 8388 | Email: cedars-cope@hku.hk | Facebook: facebook.com/hkucedars.cope HKU Gender Studies programme holds LGBTQ+ inclusive academic activities. Website: https://genderstudies.hku.hk | Phone: 3917 4182 | Email: genderst@hku.hk The HKU Student Union and HKU Art Association are inclusive student organisations that have previously participated in the Hong Kong Pride Parade. HKU Student Union Website: http://www.hkusu.org/ | Phone: 2546 8455 | Email: union@hku.hk | Facebook: http://facebook.com/hkusupage HKU Arts Association Website: https://www.cedars.hku.hk | Email: artsasso@connect.hku.hk | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artsassohkusu
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The Chinese University of Hong Kong The Panel Against Sexual Harassment and the Office of Student Affairs enforces the Policy Against Sexual Harassment, which prohibits harassment on grounds of sex. Panel Against Sexual Harassment Phone: 3943 1722 | Email: yvonneluk@cuhk.edu.hk Office of Student Affairs Website: https://www.osa.cuhk.edu.hk The Gender Studies programme and the Gender Research Centre holds LGBTQ+ inclusive academic activities, including weekly talks on Wednesdays, international conferences and workshops. Gender Studies Programme Website: http://www.gender.cuhk.edu.hk | Phone: 3943 1429 | Email: genderstudies@cuhk.edu.hk | Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/genderstudies.cuhk Gender Research Centre Phone: 3943 8775 | Website: www.cuhk.edu.hk/hkiaps/grc | Email: grcentre@cuhk.edu.hk | The Sex and Gender Concern Group is a student organisation at CUHK, which promotes LGBTQ+ issues to its members. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgcgcuhk/?ref=page_internal | Email: sgcg.cuhk@gmail.com The CUHK Student Union is an inclusive student representative body that has previously participated in the Hong Kong Pride Parade. Phone: 3943 7201 | Website: www.cusu.hk | Email: cusu@cuhk.edu.hk | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CUHK.SU
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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology The Gender Discrimination Committee enforces the Policy on Sexual Harassment, which prohibits harassment on grounds of sex. Phone: 2358 7342 | Website: gdc@ust.hk Rainbow Bird is a student organization at HKUST, which promotes LGBTQ+ issues to its members. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RB.RainbowBird/? ref=page_internal
City University of Hong Kong The Committee against Sexual Harassment enforces the Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures, which prohibits harassment on the basis of sex. Phone: 3442 9000 | Website: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/cash/ The Student Residence Office has a Diversity & Inclusion Policy. Phone: 3442 1111 | Website: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/sro/ | Email: sro@cityu.edu.hk The CityU Student Union is an inclusive student representative body that has previously participated in the Hong Kong Pride Parade. Phone: 3442 5570
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University The Grievance Committee or the Student Discipline Committee enforces the Policy on Sexual Harassment, which prohibits harassment on the basis of sex. The HKPU Student Union is an inclusive student representative body that has previously participated in the Hong Kong Pride Parade. Website: http://su.polyu.edu.hk | Phone: 2766 7025 | Email: exco@su.polyu.edu.hk
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The Education University of Hong Kong The Equal Opportunities Complaint Committee enforces the Equal Opportunities Policy, which specifically prohibits discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. Website: https://www.eduhk.hk/eo_policy/ | Phone: 2948 6012 |Â Email: eodao@eduhk.hk
Hong Kong Shue Yan University The Office of Student Affairs and the University Panel on Sexual Harassment enforces the Access and Equal Opportunities Policy, which specifically prohibits discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. Office of Student Affairs Website: https://osa.hksyu.edu | Phone: 2806 5160 | Email: osa@hksyu.edu
Lingnan University The Equal Opportunities Committee enforces the Equal Opportunities Policy, which specifically prohibits discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.
Hong Kong Baptist University The Personnel Office enforces the Personnel Policies & Procedures/ Equal Opportunities, handles the Policy on Sexual Harassment, which prohibits harassment on the basis of sex. Website: https://pers.hkbu.edu.hk/index.php | Phone: 3411 7979 / 3411 5081 | Email: pers@hkbu.edu.hk
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Social Work The following social-work-related organization participated in the Hong Kong Pride Parade:
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CUHK Social Work Association Website: http://web.swk.cuhk.edu.hk | Phone: 3943 7507 | Email: socialwork@cuhk.edu.hk BU Social Work Association Website: http://sowk.hkbu.edu.hk | Phone: 3411 7114 | Email: sowk@hkbu.edu.hk SYU Social Work Association Website: https://sw.hksyu.edu | Phone: 2570 7110 | Email: kmlee@hksyu.edu Hong Kong Federation of Social Work Students
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Apart from education, QSA aims to provide opportunities to support the health and well-being of LGBTQI+ students and allies.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus which attacks specific white blood cells in the human body responsible for fighting infection.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection where the immune system progressively worsens. Therefore, it is usually opportunistic infections or cancers, rather than HIV itself, that lead to serious health problems.
1. Unprotected sexual intercourse (i.e. abstain the use of condoms during vaginal, and/or anal sex) with a person of either gender. The risk of being infected from performing oral sex on a carrier is very low. However, the risk increases with factors such as sores on the penis, vagina, or mouth and presence of Sexually Transmitted Disease(s) (STDs). 2. Use of contaminated syringes or blades that were not properly disposed of. 3. Receive a blood transfusion that was infected. However, the likelihood of that occurring is extremely low since HK blood donor centres now screen the blood for HIV. 4. Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Infected mothers getting treatment during pregnancy can substantially lower the risk of HIV transmission to their babies.
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Can I get HIV from shaking hands or hugging?
Wait, what about kissing or sharing toilet seats?
NO!
S T IL L NO!
The virus count of HIV in saliva, sweat, tears, urine, and feces of carriers are insignificant to cause infection. To do so, it would require at least 2 litres of these fluids with the virus entering the body at one time. Also, the virus cannot survive outside the human body for more than a few hours. Once the infected bodily fluid dries, the chance of infection becomes slim.
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To help prevent the spread of HIV, you can: 1. Practice safe sex and use condoms correctly and consistently if you are sexually active; 2. Try to limit the number of sexual partners you have; 3. Wear disposable gloves prior to contact with blood; 4. Use disposable or sterilized skin piercing equipment and follow standard hygiene precautions during acupuncture or tattooing; 5. Get tested and treated for STDs; 6. Consider taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) everyday.
PrEP is a very safe antiretroviral drug. It: Lowers the risk of contracting HIV via sex by 92%. Only works effectively if taken everyday. PrEP in Hong Kong is only prescribed in private health clinics since the medication is not available in the public health system and can be quite pricey. According to Aids Concern, prices for PrEP range from HKD ~$8000 $10,000 a month.
If you have been exposed to the virus recently, immediate treatment with Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended. It is an antiretroviral which must be taken within 72 hours after the recent exposure for 4 weeks everyday. PEP can be prescribed in both public and private healthcare settings. According to Aids Concern, private clinics might charge for about HKD $10,000 - 20,000
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A person living with HIV may not have any initial symptoms and they cannot be identified by any external features. Therefore, one can only confirm their HIV status through an HIV screening test. The HIV rapid test is one of the most convenient and common testing methods. It yields results in just 20 minutes. Another method is the conventional test in which blood samples are drawn from the vein and are tested at the laboratory. It takes around 1 week for the results. The window period for HIV antibody or antigen in the body–in which the virus is at a detectable level–is 3 months. It is highly recommended to get yourself tested again after the window period to obtain a safe and accurate result.
AIDS Concern Testing hotline: (852) 2394-6677 Online booking: https://aidsconcern.org.hk/en/testing-service/bookatest/ AIDS Foundation AIDS Helpline: (852) 2513-0513 Online information: http://aids.org.hk/?page_id=7700 Department of Health AIDS Hotline: (852) 2780-2211 Online booking: https://www.27802211.com/en/booking_online.html
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The Department of Health offers social hygiene services in 6 Social Hygiene Clinics, which provides medical check-up, treatment, and counselling on STDs. Prior appointment or doctor’s referral is not required and it is free-of-charge for HKID holders. All information is kept confidential. Female
https://www.dh.gov.hk/english/ tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcf.ht ml
Male
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Over the past years, QSA has partnered with NGOs in Hong Kong to organise safe sex campaigns on campus and to equip univeristy students, staff and visitors with knowledge on how to maintain a healthy and safe sexual life. In the upcoming year, QSA aspires to organize both online and offline safe sex campaigns for both LGBTIQ+ and straight members of the university.
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LGBTQ+ individuals may be more susceptible to mental health problems than heterosexual people due to a range of factors, including discrimination and inequalities. LGBTQ+ people with mental health conditions may also find themselves fighting a double stigma. Many will experience prejudice based on their sexual and/or gender identity as well as the stigma associated with mental illness.
Simply put, internalized homophobia happens when LGBQ individuals are subjected to society’s negative perceptions, intolerance and stigmas towards LGBQ people, and as a result, turn those ideas inward believing they are true. There are various ways to overcome this internalised homophobia: 1. Remember that internalized homophobia is not coming from inside of you, it was forced upon you, in a suffocating and violent way by a homophobic society. 2. Building a support network is absolutely essential. The compassion of other LGBQ people and straight allies can be tremendously healing 3. Read more about internalized homophobia. While this topic has less written about it than say, coming out, there is still a lot of information out there, especially moving personal accounts. 4. Practice self-awareness. Be aware of your negative reactions, critical self-talk and judgment of others. Each time you do it, examine the source. A general sense of personal worth and also a positive view of your sexual orientation are critical for your mental health.
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Coming out is the term for sexual minorities who need to disclose their identity to their family and friends. This may be a difficult choice and process for sexual minorities due to the fear of rejection or possible breakdown of close relationships.
One of the greatest barriers that LGBTQ people experience in accessing mental health care is the anticipation of and experience of discrimination or a therapists lack of knowledge of their unique experiences. Individuals often find that a therapist’s lack of knowledge about diverse sexual and gender identities leaves the person seeking therapy with the burden of educating the therapist. Sadly queer affirmative therapy isn’t the norm and is something that’s seen as a specialised practice. However, there are various Queer affirmative therapists you can go to in Hong Kong.
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Individuals who are feeling troubled due to their gender or sexual identity, may reach out to the following organisations: Rainbow of Hong Kong LGBT Peers Hotline Number: 8108-1069 Mondays and Wednesdays to Sundays, 4.00pm to 10.00pm Closes at 12.00am on Fridays and Saturdays Queer Sisters Hotline WhatsApp Number: 9260-8191 Daily BGCA Parent Support Hotline Number: 2321-1103 Daily Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Pride Line Number: 2217-5959 24 hours
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Every year, QSA organises various career events to help LGBTQI+ students explore their future careers by building connections with leading professionals and market leaders from various sectors.
IRC has brought together leading professionals from some of the world’s most well-known corporations and students from all tertiary institutions in HK in a conversation about and celebration of LGBTQI+ Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in the workplace. IRC includes panel discussions on the latest D&I hot topics and networking sessions where students have direct contact with representatives and Human Resources staff from more than a dozen firms. It is held in early October at a corporate venue with free food and drinks.
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Being LGBTQI+ and being a vocal ally in the workplace are not necessarily easy journeys. QSA, in collaboration with Fruits in Suits (FinS), runs a Mentorship Programme where student mentees are paired up with professional mentors from a diverse group of industries. The Programme has a 6-month run (of course you and your mentor’s relationship will outlast that!), during which QSA and FinS organise gatherings and follow up on your experience. Registration will be open in October, and pairings will be announced in November.
QSA has hosted Career Workshops in collaboration with corporations including Goldman Sachs and Fidelity International whose employees offered CV and interview advice and networked with participants. For more information on any of the above events, please feel free to contact us!
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Community Business An NGO based in Hong Kong which works with different companies and organisations across Asia to drive social awareness, and promote inclusivity. They establish various membership networks and provide them with a number of platforms to address challenges, take action and ultimately drive positive social change in Asia.
Fruits in Suits (Fins) Fruits in Suits (FinS) is Hong Kong’s longest running monthly professional networking event for the city’s LGBT+ community, taking place every third Tuesday of the month at a selected venue. FinS has access to resources, aid in the influence on the local business community and takes part in helping to further LGBT causes in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Gay and Lesbian Attorneys Network (HKGALA) HKGALA was founded as the first network for LGBT members and straight allies of the legal network in Hong Kong. Its objectives are to promote LGBT+ diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, increase awareness of LGBT+ legal issues in Hong Kong and abroad and ensure that, within the legal sector, LGBT individuals can bring their authentic selves to work.
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LGBT+ Interbank Interbank is a network of about 35 LGBT affinity groups from banks and financial firms in Hong Kong and was officially launched in 2016. Their vision is to be the leading forum for LGBT issues with respect to the financial services industry in Hong Kong by supporting members through advising, facilitating and providing networking opportunities and thought leadership on issues impacting the LGBT community.
HK LGBT Medical Society Their mission is to promote gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) healthcare and education; encourage LGBT+ diversity and inclusion, and ensure that LGBT+ medical professionals in Hong Kong can bring their true selves to work.
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Each semester, QSA organizes a Back to School party for students to make new friends in the community! This party welcomes every university student regardless of their gender, race, nationality, and sexual orientation. Many participants come alone, get to know others, and enjoy the party together. We understand joining a party like this can be intimidating for some people who have recently started to explore their sexual/gender identities, however please don't forget that you are likely to meet people who have been in the same position as yours at the party. Participants enjoy drinks and music at a popular LGBTIQ+ friendly bar in town. There will be games and lucky draws to highlight the night. An exciting and comfortable night is guaranteed! We want you to feel that you are part of our diverse community.
As the leading voice of the LGBT and allies in universities across Hong Kong, QSA engages enthusiastically in the dialogue on LGBT equality. We take part in major community events such as: Pink Dot Hong Kong Pink Dot Hong Kong is a free and exciting outdoor carnival organised for LGBT and their allies, families, friends and everyone in support of diversity and love equality. We look forward to hearing great music, talks, and enjoying the food with you in the coming year! Website: http://pinkdothk.com Pink Season Pink Season is Asia’s premier LGBT festival celebrating acceptance, inclusion and awareness through an exciting programme of arts, education, entertainment, sports and adventure. Website: http://pinkseason.hk
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Hong Kong Pride Parade The Hong Kong Pride Parade is an annual march in Hong Kong in support of LGBT rights. Every year we walk with numerous university organisations to express our solidarity in creating a more inclusive Hong Kong. Website: https://hkpride.net/en/ Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival The Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (HKLGFF) is an annual LGBT film festival held each September in Hong Kong. It is reputedly the oldest LGBT film festival in Asia, founded in 1989. Website: http://www.hklgff.hk/ The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexphobia - 17/5 IDAHOTI has established itself as the single most important date for the LGBT community to mobilise on a global scale. The Day represents an annual landmark to draw the attention of decision-makers, the media, the public, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by sexual minorities.
Action Q (cross-institution) Action Q is a cross-institution LGBTQ+ affirmative group, which aims to promote the campus and society to be an LGBTQ-friendly environment. Action Q advocates to practice their ideas through actions.
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Pink Alliance The mission of Pink Alliance is to advance dignity, acceptance and equal rights for people of different sexual orientations and gender identities in Hong Kong through community engagement and public education. Pink Alliance is run solely by volunteers from various professionals, and it is the organiser of IDAHOT and Pink Season. https://pinkalliance.hk/ Les Corner Empowerment Association Les Corner takes up a feminine role in LGBT movements. The association aims to advocate and fight for the equality for LGBTQ+, carry out public education, eliminate prejudice and discrimination on sexual minorities, especially for females. Their works include raising female sexual minorities’ awareness of health and encouraging sexual minorities, especially females, to participate in different events and gatherings. http://www.lescorner.org/ Project Touch, The Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong The BGCA of Hong Kong has launched the "Project Touch" to associate with LGBTQ+ teenagers and their parents. The association hopes to assist this group of teenagers in establishing a peer supporting network and a positive and healthy LGBTQ+ community culture. The project aims to improve the self-image, resilience and family relationship of those teenagers and promote a diverse and harmonious society. http://www.newtouch.net/ Transgender Resource Center TGR is the longest NGO supporting Transgender in Hong Kong. The centre is run by Trans people and committed to promoting the awareness of the transgender population and related service in Hong Kong and mainland China. They lead the Trans movement and provide information and resources to the community began with education. https://www.tgr.org.hk/
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Gender Empowerment The vision of Gender Empowerment is to help the transgender community "integrate into society, building harmony". By providing the appropriate information and services, they help trans individuals go through the different stages of their gender transition, to adapt the changes in their appearances, bodies, daily lives and social relationships. They also provide support to family members of transgender persons. https://genderempowerment.org/ Elements Elements is a group of social workers who aim to establish a healthy, energetic and positive LGBTQ+ platform and peer supporting network; it supports Quality Gay Life and positive community culture while promoting equal opportunities and a difference-respected social environment. https://elementshk.wordpress.com/ Gay Harmony Gay Harmony mainly serves for the development of the gay community. It aims to solve the lack of resources of Hong Kong gay community, such as LGBTQ sex education, gender identity and LGBTQ rights. Their work includes volunteer training and the promotion of HIV/AIDS prevention and education. https://gayhar.org/wordpress/ Rainbow Hong Kong The Rainbow of Hong Kong concerns with the quality of life in the LGBT community, which aims to promote their equal opportunities, sex education, living perspectives, and assists volunteers in services and activities. It has founded and operates the only LGBT Community Centre in Hong Kong. The Rainbow of Hong Kongmaintainsn a unique Queer Library, which hold Queer literature, AIDS literature and information from around the world. http://www.rainbowhk.org/
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HK Marriage Equality The goal of HKME is to achieve marriage equality for same-sex couples in Hong Kong. HKME recognises and respects the diverse range of views in society regarding how to achieve a fair legal recognition of same-sex relationships. Specifically, HKME is committed to creating a community platform where individuals and organisations can collaborate and pool resources together. https://hkme.org.hk/ Nu Tong Xue She NTXS is a volunteer-run, education and cultural advocacy collective for and by members from the LGBT communities in Hong Kong. It aims to raise public awareness on issues of sexuality, to facilitate selfempowerment of marginalised communities, to encourage multilevelled dialogue in society around taboo subjects, and to advocate for greater equality between peoples of different genders and sexualities. NTXS has launched GDotTV, the first Tongzhi online television in Hong Kong. http://leslovestudy.com/new/ntxs/
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HK Concern Group for the LGBTQ+ Housing Rights is formed by a group of youths who concern with the housing issue relevant to sex and gender. Through civil participants and researches, they hope to promote the government to focus on the inequality in housing policies faced by sexual and gender minorities. https://www.facebook.com/sogiesschousinghk/
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Planet Ally Planet Ally is a queer women’s led international NGO dedicated to allyship and advocacy for people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and sex characteristics. They stand in solidarity to create spaces, resources and platforms that empower communities online, on the ground and while travelling. Plant Ally is the organiser of Asia-Pacific Rainbow Families Forum, Miles of Love LGBTIQ+ Travel Advocacy Forum and Human Dignity Festival. https://www.planetally.org/ Amnesty International Hong Kong LGBTI Group Amnesty International campaigns against identity-based discrimination, including which against LGBTI people. Internationally, Hong Kong LGBTI group works to publicise and campaign on behalf of cases of human rights abuses committed on the grounds of actual or perceived sexual identity. Locally, the group campaigns for anti-discrimination legislation to be introduced to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of sexual identity/orientation/expression. https://www.amnesty.org.hk/en/our-groups-networks/lgbti-group/
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CHOIR The Harmonics Choir The Harmonics is an LGBT & Friends choir that aspires to entertain audiences, support the community, celebrate differences and foster acceptance throughout Hong Kong. https://www.facebook.com/theharmonicshk/ SPORTS OUT in HK OUT in HK is a non-commercial group for sports, outdoors event, fitness and health-related social activities in which everyone is responsible for themselves. It welcomes and connects all members and friends of the LGBTQ+ community in Hong Kong with interests in developing a fit and healthy lifestyle. https://www.facebook.com/OutinHK/ Gay Games HK 2022 (Sports) Gay Games is a 9-days international world-class diversity festival with multi-sports, arts & culture events and opening & closing ceremonies organised by the LGBTQ+ community, held every four years. The goal of the Gay Games is to emancipate LGBTQ+ people around the world by educating people through sport, arts & culture events — in a spirit of better understanding. Hong Kong will come first in Asia to host the 11th edition of the Gay Games in November 2022. https://gghk2022.com/en/ ELDERLY GROUP Gay & Grey Gay & Grey is a local NGO which provides a safe and friendly space for older Tongzhi (LGBT+). It advances community participation and services by organising networking activities, providing public education and professional training (like social workers) and joining social inclusion and empowerment actions, such as IDAHOT, Pink Dot, Hong Kong Pride, LegCo meetings, etc. https://www.facebook.com/HKGayGrey/
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Queer Theology Academy The mission of the QTA mission is to develop and practice queer theology and gender justice in the context of Hong Kong. They aim to promote justice and equal rights for people with different sexual orientations through publishing and education. They work in partnership with sexual minority groups to provide them with appropriate pastoral counselling and spiritual formation. http://qtacademy.com/ Gender Justice Ministry The Gender Justice Ministry of Hong Kong Christian Council promotes and concerns gender justice issues within the church. https://www.facebook.com/genderjusticehk/ Compassion - HK LGBTQ Catholics Union Compassion is a mutual-help group organised by Hong Kong LGBTQ Catholics. https://www.facebook.com/compassionTQ/ Queer Affirming Fellowship https://www.facebook.com/qaf.hk/ Kowloon Union Church Kowloon Union Church is an independent, inter-denominational and international church in Hong Kong. In the ecumenical spirit of unity, they take diversities as the gift of God. They welcome friends from different backgrounds regardless of race, nationality, age, gender and sexual orientation. https://kuc.hk/ Alabaster Box of Ointment Church Alabaster Box of Ointment Church is a church which accepts diverse sexual orientation and class.  http://aboc.hk/
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One Body in Christ One Body in Christ is an “unnormal� church, and also a church outside the establishment. https://sites.google.com/view/obic2011/ Blessed Ministry Community Church Blessed Ministry Community Church believes that the divine grace of Jesus can come to people with diverse sexual orientations. http://www.hkbmcc.org/
GDotTV GDotTV is a non-profit organization that documents through media different LGBTQ+ related activities in Hong Kong. They provide a variety of online shows to promote awareness regarding sexuality and gender. http://gdottv.com/main/ Pride Lab Pride Lab is an LGBT+ friendly organization that promotes gender and LGBT+ equality through art. They explore gender issues in Hong Kong through humour and fun content, aiming to promote respect and acceptance towards different people within the society. https://www.pridelab.hk Bubble Air Bubble Air is an online community that gives voice to sexual minorities. They aim to put an end to sexism and discrimination through lighthearted entertainment. https://www.facebook.com/bubbleairhk/
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Uni life can be quite stressful, so let us recommend you some of our favorite queer entertainments. They can be educational and can expand your view. We are thrilled to see more and more LGBTQ+ characters being represented in the media, here are a few TV shows with good representation: RuPaul's Drag Race This is the show that brought straight people into drag. In the drag race, contestants include America's most outrageous, cutting-edge, talented and stunningly gorgeous drag queens who are all fighting for the title as top drag queen of the land. Sense 8 Having gay, lesbian, and transgender main characters whose love, lust, hate, and struggles are vividly described in the show (and multiple big pride parade scenes!), the show is rated as “the best show for LGBTQ+ representation” by Pride.
Orange is the New Black This show’s greatest legacy is that it influenced networks to mainstream marginalized narratives, because it proved that queer, diverse stories can be beloved, award-winning shows.
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It is no doubt that movies shape queer culture, here are some of our picks: Call Me by Your Name This film touches everybody's heart with a brief but life-changing summer romance in rural Italy. Timothée Chalamet delivered a really convincing performance that truly embodied the conflict of a teenage boy discovering his sexuality.
Carol Being in a hidden affair with an older woman in the early 1950s New York is definitely a story in every queer women's dreams. It doesn't help that Carol is played by Cate Blancett.
Suk Suk
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This movie explores the gay scene for older men in Hong Kong, a topic rarely touched upon by the general public. The movie handles the in-the-closet relationship with a delicate touch.
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The gaming field used to be extremely heteronormative, now you can fulfil your queer fantasy in the following games: Life is strange Beyond how refreshing it was to see two young women at the heart of a game, Life Is Strange was notable for being full of queer subtext. This game has an understanding of how delicate the selfdiscovery process can be for queer youth.
The Sims 4 Rated by the Pinknews as “the most LGBT-friendly game of all time�, the game allows, including but not limited to, non-binary gender choices, samesex marriage, gay parenting and so much more.
Tired of straight young adult fictions? We got your (paper) back! Giovanni's Room - James Baldwin Giovanni's Room is one of the most famous gay novels of all times. It narrates the story of David - a young American bisexual man's experience with his own sexuality in Paris and his affair with an Italian man called Giovanni.
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The Price of Salt - Patricia Highsmith Also known as Carol, the novel is inspired by Patricia Highsmith's real life lovers, and is her only novel in which she openly writes about lesbianism. The novel is later turned into a well-known movie with the name Carol. Call Me by Your Name - André Aciman Although this book came into fame after the release of its successful film adaptation, the book itself is a beautiful work of art. Written from Elio's point of view, the book offers his internal thoughts and dialogues that the movie is incapable of displaying.
Follow your favourite LGBTQ+ celebrities and stay updated on the latest LGBTQ+ topics by flipping through these magazines!
International magazine: Gay Times, Attitude, Diva Magazine Local magazine: Fung1Lau4 Mag, PLUG Magazine Taiwanese magazine: LEZS Magazine
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Here’s a list of Youtube channels worth watching… LESBIAN GF vs GF https://www.youtube.com/user/alivesuet
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NPC https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszbleEl3h9MffFU0V1Mf-w Rose and Rosie https://www.youtube.com/user/RoseEllenDix GAY Todrick Hall https://www.youtube.com/user/todrickhall Davey Wavey https://www.youtube.com/user/wickydkewl Cheng Tsz Shun https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE6szVzK9GvKvN6giVliMeg BISEXUAL Lilly Singh hhttps://www.youtube.com/user/IISuperwomanII Elle Mills https://www.youtube.com/user/ElleOfTheMills TRANSGENDER Gigi Gorgeous https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzco9CewPf0F-SP1p6LhWrw Chella Man https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa1vUXV2WMRobPo-ZfEeRhg
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GagaOOLala GagaOOLala is a Taipei-based subscription video on demand service specialized in LGBT content. Its catalog includes feature films, shorts, documentaries, series and its own original content. https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/home
Craving for a drink at a classy place where you can meet other people in the community? You may want to visit one of the LGBTQI+ friendly bars below: Zoo Bar (MLM) 33 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan https://www.facebook.com/ZOOBARHK/ FLM (MLM) 62 Jervois St, Sheung Wan https://www.facebook.com/FLMHK/ WINK (MLM) 79 Bonham Strand, Sheng Wang https://www.facebook.com/WINKHONGKONG/ T:ME Bar (MLM) 65 Hollywood Rd, Central https://www.facebook.com/TimeBarHongKong/ LinQ (MLM) 35 Pottinger St, Central https://www.facebook.com /Wine-Bar/Linq-Bar/ Bing Bing (MLM) 22 F15 Oliv 15 Sharp St East, Causeway bay https://www.facebook.com/HK.BiNGBiNG/
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Petticoat Lane (MLM) Basement, 57-59 Wyndham Street, Central https://www.facebook.com/petticoatlanehk/ Virus (WLW) 21F, 447-449 Lockhart Rd, Causeway Bay https://www.facebook.com/virusbarhk L’Paradis (WLW) 5F, 57-59 Chatham Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui https://www.facebook.com/lparadis67262028 Lex Chill Hey (WLW) Although Lex Chill Hey is not a bar, it’s a party-hosting organization which will throw lit parties for women who love women. They often announce the info of the parties on their social media, feel free to follow them if you don’t wanna miss out! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexchillhey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexchillhey/
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Besides going to QSA's gatherings, dating apps are a great way to meet people free of the constraints of social distancing. There are a few dating apps available in Hong Kong for queer folks. Meeting new people is exciting, but be cautious when you interact with someone you don’t know. Before diving into the dating scene the first thing after your 18th birthday, use your best judgment and put your safety first, whether you are exchanging initial messages or meeting in person. For example, be careful when seeing phases such as “chem fun” (meaning having sex while using drugs like crystal meth), “looking for fun” (meaning looking for physical intimacy) and so on. Emojis that resemble a snowflake, ice or diamond typically mean that meth or cocaine are involved, and maple leaf emoji usually implies weed. Be safe, and don’t forget to have fun! Grindr (MLM) It goes without saying that Grindr is a largest local dating app featuring geolocation mainly for men who love men. Although it might be weak on the concept of boundaries – there's no denying its value to locals or travellers for meeting new people.
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Goop: Gay Talk (MLM)/ Sheshe (WLW)/ Bi Talk (Bisexual) Goop is an anonymous app majorly for university students. You can find LGBTQ+ communities inside the app where like-minded folks can be met. Invite code for Gay Talk: hktopbtm Invite code for Sheshe : lesbian Invite code for Bi Talk: bita
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Butterfly (WLW) Butterfly is the largest forum and most well-established app for queer women in Hong Kong. It provides a safe space for queer women to meet other women and discuss a wide range of topics in the forum, including relationships with women and LGBTQI+ lifestyle.
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