Getting - and holding - the attention of the government, and winning in the court of public opinion, is no easy feat, something that renders apt the acronym for Hong Kong Against Racial Discrimination - Hard.
However, with the Racial Discrimination Ordinance expected to become law next year, Hard's experiences prove victory is possible if groups are prepared to go the distance.
Hard's spokeswoman, barrister Vandana Rajwani, empathised with the work ahead for Hong Kong's gay and lesbian groups in what will almost certainly be an acrimonious debate on a discrimination ordinance covering sexual orientation. 'When we first raised a lot of our issues with government officials, there was an attitude that it was acceptable to discriminate. We had to build from there.'
She offered these tips to the groups and organisations about to enter the debate:
Form a coalition of sympathetic groups, agree on the common objective, and delegate areas of responsibility according to experience. No infighting.
Get case studies to cover the spectrum of discussion. Have people talk about their own experiences. Do it at a big gathering and invite the press. People will come forward if they know they are not going to be alone.
Make sure there is a support network for those who come forward, but strenuously protect the anonymity of those afraid to speak out.
