Hundreds turn out for Hong Kong pride event, as LGBT community and its supporters urge city to ‘stay in love’
- Celebration held at indoor bazaar in Kwun Tong, with 60 booths selling handcrafted products and accessories
- Organisers opt against traditional demonstration because of coronavirus restrictions
Hundreds of people turned out for an annual Hong Kong pride event on Saturday that was held at an indoor market rather than as a march as in previous years because of Covid-19 restrictions on gatherings.
Attended by members of the city’s LGBT community and beyond, the celebration themed “Stay in Love”, a message aimed at letting people “feel the support in the real world”, was held in an indoor bazaar in Kwun Tong.
A queue formed on the ground floor of the building as attendees were required to have their temperature taken and fill out a contact form before entering.
An area to take photos was set up and about 60 booths run by LGBT inclusive businesses were selling handcrafted products, accessories, LGBT friendly medical services and wedding planning assistance.
“Although we could not take to the street this year, we are satisfied with the atmosphere. I think the format of the market can bring everyone closer and there is more cooperation. I believe every one of us is happy with meeting each other today,” representative Cuby Lee of the Hong Kong Pride Parade Committee said.
Committee spokeswoman Cynthia Cheung Man-yi said the organiser did not apply to police to hold the traditional demonstration this year because of coronavirus concerns. Lee added that this year’s format suggested there were alternative ways to hold the annual march, albeit in different ways.