Hong Kong’s annual Prided Parade will return in 2024 as an indoor market and exhibition at The Wave in Kwun Tong from November 23 to 24.
The year’s Rainbow Market and Exhibition celebrates the theme of “Our Voice, Our Rainbow”, to greet diversity within and beyond LGBTQ+ communities. It envisions a society where people from all walks of life embrace freedom, equality and connection, despite their differences. Pride Parade 2024 highlights the challenges of navigating varied social circles and encourages mutual understanding and support.
By embracing diverse identities, the organizer aims to weave a more inclusive Hong Kong. The parade symbolizes the journey toward a society where every voice is heard, and together, creating a vibrant, interconnected community – like a rainbow uniting different colors into a beautiful whole.
Despite its reputation as a modern, international city, Hong Kong lags behind many global counterparts in LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage remains unrecognized, denying couples fundamental rights such as inheritance, joint property ownership, and adoption.
Beyond legal hurdles, societal attitudes add another layer of difficulty. Homophobia, though less overt than in the past, persists in workplaces, schools, and even within families. Many homosexuals face pressure to conform to traditional norms, with some experiencing rejection or forced secrecy about their relationships.
“I still do not have the courage to tell my parents that I am a lesbian,” said Sarah Chan, a 21-year-old college student. She starts a relationship with her girlfriend in June. However, she still chooses to hide this truth even though her parents are familiar with her girlfriend.
“My parents firmly believed that I am heterosexual, and they think homosexuality is a kind of psychosis. That is why I am afraid to tell them my real sexual orientation,” she added.
Similar to Sarah’s situation, many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle with a lack of understanding from their parents. Fearing rejection, they often avoid disclosing their actual sexual orientation and, under parental pressure, may feel compelled to marry and have children. This lack of acceptance within families mirrors a broader societal issue. While social acceptance of LGBTQ+ communities continues to grow, the absence of legal recognition perpetuates systemic inequalities, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination in various aspects of life.
This year marks the fourth time the event has been organized as a market and exhibition rather than a march. It is also the 16th edition of the event since the first Hong Kong Pride Parade in 2008. The committee addressed the decision to hold the event indoors in a comment under an Instagram post: “Given the social climate, ensuring the physical and mental well-being of participants in street marches was challenging. As a result, the event was restructured as an indoor exhibition.”
The market and exhibition will feature booths offering LGBTQ+ products and services, LGBTQ+-friendly stores, and special rainbow-themed items. It provides a fantastic opportunity for attendees to explore the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
“As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m proud to support this year’s Pride Parade. It’s a wonderful platform to bring the LGBTQ+ family together and have fun,” said Crystal Lee, a 22-year-old college student.
Hong Kong Pride Parade 2024 is free of charge, and the general public are welcome to join.
- Date: 12:00 – 19:00. November 23 – 24 (Saturday & Sunday)
- Theme: Our Voices, Our Rainbow
- Venue: 8/F, The Wave, 4 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong.