Hong Kong unexpectedly canceled one of its biggest LGBTQ+ events. China may be to blame. - LGBTQ Nation
www.lgbtqnation.com
China has increasingly cracked down on the region's LGBTQ+ and pro-democracy activism.

cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/52526997

The organization behind Hong Kong’s largest annual LGBTQ+ carnival, Pink Dot HK, announced on Monday the cancellation of its scheduled June 14 event. Organizers also canceled last year’s event under similar permitting issues, with LGBTQ+ activists saying that government support for such events has dramatically decreased as mainland China asserts increasing control

…

The annual Pink Dot carnival promotes LGBTQ+ diversity and awareness with an event featuring performances and activist talks. However, Pink Dot’s organizers had to cancel last year’s 11th annual event as well, three months beforehand, stating, “We were notified… that the venue could not be rented to us, without any explanation provided.”

…

China has been increasingly cracking down on pro-democracy and LGBTQ+ activists in Hong Kong, which has officially operated for decades as one of China’s administrative districts. Under Chinese pressure, Hong Kong passed a 2020 National Security Law, which China claimed would help quell violent civil protests. Fellow human rights activists and international observers say the law is just a way to arrest and silence any of China’s critics.

A 2021 Electoral Reform law made it so that the selection process for Hong Kong’s Legislative Council would ensure only “patriots” — those loyal to the Chinese Communist Party — can hold office, effectively eliminating any political opposition.

…

A subsequent 2024 domestic security legislation (Article 23) criminalized most forms of dissent, labeling them as “treason,” “insurrection,” and “subversion.” Legal cases involving national security are now handled by government-appointed judges without juries, leading to sentences favorable to the Chinese one-government policy.

Independent media outlets, investigative journalists, and pro-democracy organizations have begun shuttering in Hong Kong, and LGBTQ+ events have been less frequent. In 2023, Hong Kong’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ radio show, We Are Family, abruptly shut down after 17 years on the air.

Hong Kong hasn’t hosted a pubic Pride march since 2018. Last November, the Hong Kong Pride Committee canceled its outdoor festival at Kwun Tong Promenade after the venue said it was not available.

…

Web Archive link