Hong Kong’s LGBTQ community ponders future of Pride events after Pink Dot’s second cancellation

Hong Kong's vibrant LGBTQ+ community is grappling with uncertainty following the second consecutive cancellation of Pink Dot, the city's largest annual celebration of diversity. The event, which typically draws thousands of attendees, including families, was initially slated for mid-June but was abruptly called off on May 18, just weeks before its scheduled date.

Organizers stated that the venue operator, Link REIT, informed them they could not rent the site due to "problems" with the event's license application to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). Brian Leung, co-director of Pink Dot Hong Kong, expressed confusion, noting he was unaware of any official issues with the application. "So far I have not gotten any official explanations," Leung said in Cantonese. "As an organiser, I cannot guess [what happened]."

The FEHD, in response to inquiries, confirmed receiving Pink Dot's application in late April but stated that the organizers informed them on May 18 of their decision to cancel the event, indicating they would formally withdraw the application later. This leaves the exact nature of the "problems" unclear, as the department has no further follow-up actions.

This cancellation is not an isolated incident. The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) also canceled a queer-themed play, 'We Are Gay,' in October. These recurring challenges in securing venues and licenses for public events are prompting the LGBTQ+ community to ponder the future of their gatherings and the broader implications for public expression and celebration in Hong Kong.

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So far I have not gotten any official explanations. As an organiser, I cannot guess [what happened].