Kristen Wong
- Jun 26, 2021

PRIDE

Updated: Jul 5, 2021

LGBTQ+ rights have developed worldwide as greater awareness is brought to the trials and tribulations of its community.

Understanding the Community

One must first understand the community itself to understand the movement. Included in the aspect of sexual orientation, which means physical, emotional or romatic attraction to others, are lesbian, gay, and bisexual. Where heterosexuality - attraction to the opposite gender -is perceived to be the ‘norm’ of modern society, homosexuality refers to attraction to those of the same gender. Bisexuality is the attraction to more than one sex or gender, and pansexuality is the attraction to others regardless of gender. Asexuality means to have no or little sexual attraction to any gender.

In terms of gender, ‘transgender’ is an umbrella term for those whose gender expression differs from the sex assigned at birth, whereas ‘cisgender’ refers to those who identify as their natal sex. Some terms should be made distinct from one another - ‘sex’ classifies a person as a male or a female based on biological characteristics and is assigned at birth; ‘gender identity’ is an internal understanding of one’s own gender; and ‘gender expression’ is the external expression of gender, such as through hairstyles, fashion and pronouns, based upon contemporary social cues.

Sexuality and gender identity are spectrums, and ‘queer’ is an umbrella term for sexual orientations aside from heterosexual, while ‘genderqueer’ is an umbrella term for gender identities that are neither, both, or a combination of male and female genders. Take note that ‘queer’ and ‘genderqueer’ are historically offensive terms reclaimed by the community, and may not be universally accepted.

There are many more sub-groups in the community, as signified by the ‘+’ symbol.

A Brief History Worldwide

The LGBTQ+ community is prevalent in all facets of the world. It prospered in ancient civilisations, such as ancient Greece and Rome. In ancient China, a story depicts the love of Emperor Ai, who cut his sleeve in order to avoid waking a slumbering male companion resting upon his clothes; bisexuality was commonplace among the emperors. Renowned author Sima Qian once wrote ‘It is not women alone who can use their looks to attract the eyes of the ruler; courtiers and eunuchs can play that game as well. Many were the men of ancient times who gained favour this way.’Even in the animal kingdom, traces of homosexuality can be seen in a variety of species, such as the Bonobos and females Macaques.

Such practices were met with shock and opposition by European colonisation and religion. Sodomy was punishable by law. China’s interactions with the West during the Qing dynasty ‘imported’ widespread homophobia, clearly indicating its perpetrator. During and after WWII, homosexuals fell victim to the Holocaust, and Senator Joseph McCarthy began investigations into homosexuals (‘Lavender Scare’), leading to the emergence of civil rights movements. Correspondingly, awareness of and sympathy for the community drove forth.

Gradually, the LGBTQ+ community gained acceptance in the United States. Its most significant campaign belongs to the Stonewall Riots of 1969. It started as police raiding Stonewall Inn - a gay club, in New York, leading to protests and a global fight for gay rights. In 1973, homosexuality was removed from by the American Psychiatric Association as a mental illness. The AIDS epidemic massacred the gay population, and the lack of government action presented as an issue, though it sparked anger and thus unity and fervent activism.

Modern Representation

Furthermore, the community has seen greater representation on screen and in entertainment. Famous talk show host Ellen Degeneres came out as lesbian. Rapper and singer Lil Nas X is gay. Bisexual figures include singers Halsey and Lady Gaga. Carol (2015) and Moonlight (2016) are award-winning films featuring homosexual love stories. BLs (‘Boy love’ dramas) are becoming increasingly popular in Asia. The entertainment scene in Hong Kong has also seen a positive shift, for e.g. with singer Leslie Cheung coming out as bisexual in 1992.

And now, the struggle for respect, eradicating boundaries of sexuality and gender identity, continues.

Discrimination

Many members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced and continue to face various forms of discrimination. According to the FBI, nearly one in five hate crimes is rooted in sexual orientation. Furthermore, members of the community may be denied opportunities in their career, access to equal treatment and decent healthcare because of their sexual or gender identity. Coming out is an important stage to any LGBTQ+ individual’s personal growth; however, in a predominantly conservative society this spells many risks. Of the homeless children in the US, around 40% identify as part of the community, rejected by family. The Williams Institute finds that 41% of transgender adults have attempted suicide, as opposed to the 4% of the general populace.

LGBTQ+ in Hong Kong

Homophobia and transphobia still serve as barriers to equality in Hong Kong. While homosexual relationships are legal, marriages are not. Changes to birth certificates involve sex reassignment surgery, which compromises one’s ability to reproduce. However, public opinion is gradually shifting and legislative changes are being made. A poll conducted by HKU in 2018 saw over 50% supporting gay marriage (for reference, it was 38% in 2013). Just recently in May 2021, the Court of First Instance ruled that a non-biological mother could be granted joint custody of children of her ex-partner, allowing LGBTQ+ parents to enjoy full guardianship over their children. This is a significant push in favour of LGBTQ+ rights. Hong Kong is set to be the first Asian city to host the 2022 Gay Games, although this has become a controversial topic amongst lawmakers.

The LGBTQ+ community still has a long way to go to gain legislative and public acceptance in Hong Kong. Alongside the growing recognition from the public, the government must act as well, in the protection of basic human rights.

Pride of oneself should be an intrinsic right and feeling, and the struggle for it is a continuous path, unravelling with every advance. Happy 2021 Pride!

How to Support the LGBTQ+ Community:

Do not assume a person’s sexuality or gender identity based on their physical appearance and/or behaviour
Speak out against homophobic and transphobic actions or slurs
Educate yourself on the victories and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community
Respect someone’s preferred pronouns
Uplift the voices and stories of the LGBTQ+ community