Date: 16 May, 2005
Time: 15:00-17:00
Venue: Causeway Bay Pedestrianization
Event Details:
Hong Kong’s first parade against homophobia will be held on 16th May 2005, one day prior to the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). The event is organized by the tongzhi community to raise public awareness towards society's unequal treatment of its sexual minority populations. With the goal of promoting an environment that embraces diversity, Hong Kong, in conjunction with many parts of the world, will hold its first International Day Against Homophobia by marching in one of the busiest local neighborhoods. We believe that Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals or Transgendered (LGBT) persons deserve to be treated as equal citizens of Hong Kong. We are against the denigration and discrimination of sexual minorities.
What is International Day Against Homophobia?
On 17 May 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from their list of mental disorders. In commemoration of this historic decision, the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) urges communities around the world to recognize this day by organizing activities to raise people’s awareness towards homophobia.
Homosexuality is still considered a criminal act in at least 80 countries in the world. Those that are convicted can face up to ten years in prison or even be sentenced to death. In Brazil alone, it is estimated that from 1980 to 2000, 1960 individuals were murdered as a result of homophobic hatred.
One of the goals of the International Day Against Homophobia is to highlight how individuals of different gender identity or sexual orientation suffer physical and psychological injuries as a result of violence and unfair treatment directed against them.
This year, countries such as Belgium, Bulgaria, Ecuador, France, Greece, Italy, Kenya, Portugal, Spain, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom will observe the International Day Against Homophobia. Scheduled activities include marches, forums, exhibitions, publication of human rights literature, and commemoration of the murdered victims of homophobia.
The Event
Date:
16 May 2005 (Monday)
Event Time:
14:00 - 16:40
Gathering Time:
14:00
Gathering Location:
Causeway Bay (Pedestrian Only Area)
Theme:
• Masks will be worn during the march. This is to symbolize that each day sexual minorities live under the shadow of homophobia.
• After arriving at the destination point, individuals can choose to have their masks removed. This is to impart the message that, with love and respect, people of different gender identity or sexual orientation in Hong Kong can achieve acceptance in an atmosphere that celebrates diversity.
Dress Code:
For tops, wear one of the Rainbow colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue or Violet. For bottoms (e.g. pants, skirts), wear something dark to highlight the brighter color.
The Rainbow Flag is an international symbol that represents diversity among sexual minorities. The flag was designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker and made its first appearance at the San Francisco Freedom Day Parade in the same year. The Rainbow Flag today has six colors, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sun, green for nature, turquoise for art and violet for spirit.
March Route:
Causeway Bay (Pedestrian Only Area) – See Map
Schedule of Events:
14:00 Gathering Time
14:30 Meet with the Press
15:00 March Begins
15:45 March Arrives at Destination/Group Song/Group Hugs
16:30 Activity Ends, See You Again Next Year
Organized by: Tongzhi Community Joint Meeting
Event Link: http://516.wchk.org/
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