A commentary (“Hosting gay games brings more long-term risks than benefits”, Sept 1, 2021, https://www.chinadailyhk.com/article/236097#Hosting-gay-games-brings-more-long-term-risks-than-benefits) published in China Daily Hong Kong Edition once again revisits some old issues concerning societal acceptance of LGBT+ and gives its reasons for objecting to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s support for hosting the gay games in Hong Kong in 2022.
As head of an NGO which advances LGBT+ equality through community engagement and education, it would be remiss of me not to present views which are diametrically opposite to the said commentary. Far from picking a fight with the two learned commentators, I hope to promote a more accurate public understanding of the related issues by responding to some of their concerns.
Prejudice is part and parcel of the inherent flaws of human beings. We are all susceptible to bias, but this doesn’t have to be the end of the story. As evidenced by the evolution of human civilization and advancement in every facet of our lives, we are capable of embracing change and new ideas, or else we would be shackled by dogma and still believe the Earth is flat!
Discriminatory treatment of females and ethnic minorities was once widely acceptable and even codified by law. The Bible was used to justify slavery and the subjugation of women. These days, however, no right-minded person approves sex and race discrimination.
History and science inform us that homosexuality is neither a lifestyle choice nor just a Western thing. It is a natural variation of human sexuality, and the phrase “the passion of the cut sleeve” is widely known as a reference to homosexuality in ancient China. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out homophobia in Hong Kong is closely related to the city’s colonial history. And globally, homophobia is closely intertwined with Victorian morality and Westernized ideas of human sexuality.
One thing for certain is that attitudes toward LGBT+ people in Hong Kong have evolved over time. According to a CUHK survey released in early 2020, 60 percent of the population agreed that there should be legal protection against discrimination for people of different sexual orientations in Hong Kong. The same survey also indicated that 49 percent were supportive of equal marriage, with only 23 percent opposed to the idea. And if we consider the popularity of the recent hit TV series Ossan’s Love, then it is crystal clear that Hong Kong is ready to embrace LGBT+ equality.
The level of social acceptance of LGBT+ people in Hong Kong mirrored the global trend. According to a report published by the Pew Research Center in 2020, “Many of the countries surveyed in 2002 and 2019 have seen a double-digit increase in acceptance of homosexuality. This includes a 21-point increase since 2002 in South Africa and a 19-point increase in South Korea over the same period. India also saw a 22-point increase since 2014, the first time the question was asked of a nationally representative sample there.” Even in the United States, there was a significant increase in the level of acceptance of homosexuality. Seventy-two percent said it should be accepted in 2019, compared with 51 percent in 2002.
So how did Hong Kong perform on the world stage? The 2014-17 LGBT Global Acceptance Index ranked Hong Kong 29th among 174 countries and regions or economies. The city has seen a steady increase in its GAI score since the 2000-03 ranking period.
Additionally, LGBT+ inclusion means an edge to international competitiveness. As an international financial center, Hong Kong competes with other places to attract and retain talent. The findings of an Open for Business research suggested that “LGBT+ laws and culture are the two most important factors influencing the decision of LGBT+ people (and people with LGBT+ dependants) to undertake international business travel and assignments — ahead even of healthcare and insurance.” Suffice to say, Hong Kong will lose its edge if it becomes an insular and closed-minded city.
The so-called “cultural war” about sexuality is nothing more than an attempt by bigots to justify discrimination. The real threat to social cohesion and stability doesn’t come from LGBT+ people but those who insist on marginalizing and perpetuating falsehoods about sexual minorities.
In places where LGBT+ persons enjoy full equality, the sky hasn’t fallen, and there is certainly no fire and brimstone raining down from the sky. Embracing diversity and building an inclusive society is not a pipe dream but a reality in many places. The facts speak for themselves — there are governments led by openly gay politicians and successful international companies helmed by openly gay CEOs. These leaders and trailblazers thrive not only because of their professional acumen but also acceptance in society.
Homosexuality can and does peacefully coexist with religion and traditions. For example, Ireland, Spain and Argentina are strong Catholic countries that embrace LGBT+ equality. Similarly, many countries with strong traditions have no problem in accepting their LGBT+ citizens. Even the Singaporean prime minister noted that gay and lesbian people are “valued members of society.”
Fearmongering is anathema to building a just and harmonious society; Hong Kong is not a society where social attitudes are dictated by dogma. Let’s embrace LGBT+ equality so that Hong Kong can shine and every person, regardless of their sexual orientation, is treated equally before the law and can live a life free from prejudice and discrimination.
The author is chief executive of Pink Alliance, an independent, non-partisan and volunteer-run NGO that advances LGBT+ equality through community engagement and education.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.