People streamed to the Jockey Club Tower at the University of Hong Kong to catch a glimpse of the ‘Queers of Hong Kong’ photo exhibition, which is on display from the 18th of September to the 2nd of October.
The event is part of the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival Society (HKLGFF). The photo exhibit is the brainchild of Joe Lam, the director of the HKLGFF and the publisher of DIMSUM, the “first free gay lifestyle” magazine. In accordance with the theme of the festival, ‘Viva Asia’, the photo series focuses on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual) Hong Kong citizens.
The striking photographs of these LGBT individuals are displayed in a quiet room, with a few paragraphs written underneath each photo explaining that individual’s story. At the back of the room, encouraging messages written with colorful markers are scribbled on poster boards.
Lam says he was inspired by ‘Humans of New York’, a self-deemed “extensive catalogue of New York City’s inhabitants”. The HONY series, like ‘Queers of Hong Kong’, often highlights more unknown groups in society, including the homeless and ethnic minorities.
Louisa Ip, 21, expressed strong admiration towards the subjects of the exhibition. “It’s only because of the bravery of these people that LGBT rights in Hong Kong are improving ”, she said. However, despite identifying as bisexual, she admits that if she was invited to take part, she would turn down the offer. “I haven’t come out to my family – they’re Catholic, so I don’t think they’ll accept it”, Ip said with a sigh.
18 year-old Boris Fung found the project very educational and inspiring. “LGBT issues are seldom discussed in Hong Kong. As a non-LGBT person, I had no idea about the problems surrounding HIV and STD transmission”, he said. “I feel like the LGBT community can often be reduced to a stereotype, so this project acts as a reminder to people that queers are real people.”
Despite touching on sensitive issues such as HIV and AIDS, Lam reveals that almost all of his subjects were eager to have their photo taken for this collection. Of the all people that ended up being photographed, only one person was hesitant about revealing their sexuality. In fact, Lam said that quite a few subjects utilized their portrait to come out to friends or family.
Although international LGBT awareness along with LGBT rights have risen dramatically in recent years, there has been little improvement in Hong Kong. Courts in Hong Kong do not legally recognize same-sex marriage or allow same-sex couples to adopt, and discrimination laws in Hong Kong do not extend to include sexual orientation. However, attitudes towards queers seem to have improved. According to organizers of the Hong Kong Pride Parade, 8900 people took part in 2014, compared to 5200 in 2013.
As such, through exhibitions such as ‘Queers of Hong Kong’, LGBT advocates like Lam hope to raise LGBT awareness, and hopefully persuade the government that queer citizens should be treated the same as every other citizen.
The event is part of the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival Society (HKLGFF). The photo exhibit is the brainchild of Joe Lam, the director of the HKLGFF and the publisher of DIMSUM, the “first free gay lifestyle” magazine. In accordance with the theme of the festival, ‘Viva Asia’, the photo series focuses on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual) Hong Kong citizens.
The striking photographs of these LGBT individuals are displayed in a quiet room, with a few paragraphs written underneath each photo explaining that individual’s story. At the back of the room, encouraging messages written with colorful markers are scribbled on poster boards.
Lam says he was inspired by ‘Humans of New York’, a self-deemed “extensive catalogue of New York City’s inhabitants”. The HONY series, like ‘Queers of Hong Kong’, often highlights more unknown groups in society, including the homeless and ethnic minorities.
Louisa Ip, 21, expressed strong admiration towards the subjects of the exhibition. “It’s only because of the bravery of these people that LGBT rights in Hong Kong are improving ”, she said. However, despite identifying as bisexual, she admits that if she was invited to take part, she would turn down the offer. “I haven’t come out to my family – they’re Catholic, so I don’t think they’ll accept it”, Ip said with a sigh.
18 year-old Boris Fung found the project very educational and inspiring. “LGBT issues are seldom discussed in Hong Kong. As a non-LGBT person, I had no idea about the problems surrounding HIV and STD transmission”, he said. “I feel like the LGBT community can often be reduced to a stereotype, so this project acts as a reminder to people that queers are real people.”
Despite touching on sensitive issues such as HIV and AIDS, Lam reveals that almost all of his subjects were eager to have their photo taken for this collection. Of the all people that ended up being photographed, only one person was hesitant about revealing their sexuality. In fact, Lam said that quite a few subjects utilized their portrait to come out to friends or family.
Although international LGBT awareness along with LGBT rights have risen dramatically in recent years, there has been little improvement in Hong Kong. Courts in Hong Kong do not legally recognize same-sex marriage or allow same-sex couples to adopt, and discrimination laws in Hong Kong do not extend to include sexual orientation. However, attitudes towards queers seem to have improved. According to organizers of the Hong Kong Pride Parade, 8900 people took part in 2014, compared to 5200 in 2013.
As such, through exhibitions such as ‘Queers of Hong Kong’, LGBT advocates like Lam hope to raise LGBT awareness, and hopefully persuade the government that queer citizens should be treated the same as every other citizen.