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Gender

Gender
The latest gender news and features, with a millennial focus, including gender identity, gender issues, discrimination, equality and inequality, and equal rights.
People walk past an entrance gate of Kabukicho, Tokyo’s red-light district, in Shinjuku, Japan. Photo: EPA-EFE
Japan

Japan weighs plan to punish sex buyers, but will it be enough?

Experts warn the sex industry will find ways to circumvent new rules and the problem needs to be tackled from various angles simultaneously.

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Trending in China

China wife of gay husband contests estate against his lover, parents after man’s death

Japan

Pop-star princess: Japan’s Aiko turns 24 amid calls for her to become empress

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Women and gender

Hong Kong’s first home-grown female captain

Hong Kong’s first home-grown female captain
Diplomacy

Opinion | Why next year’s G20 could be make or break for global development

As the US prepares to chair the G20, it faces a strategic choice: engage or revert to a narrower agenda.

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European Union

EU’s top court rules same-sex marriages must be respected across bloc

The court ruled Poland’s refusal to recognise a German couple’s same-sex marriage violated EU law and their right to a ‘normal family life’.

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Trending in China

China ‘best boyfriend’ crochets qipao for girlfriend, inspired by late mother

Muscular man combines cycling in gym with crocheting classic garment as surprise gift; rejects critics who deride his hobby as ‘women’s work’.

A Chinese radio disc jockey and award-winning bodybuilder has gone viral for crocheting a qipao for his girlfriend. Photo: Douyin
LGBTQ

Hong Kong pop-up Queer Room gives ‘alternative individuals’ a place to connect

Until December 14, the inclusive Sheung Wan space welcomes guests with LGBTQ literature and group talks. Here are some of its coming events.

Women and gender

Opinion | Together, we can move closer to eliminating violence against women

No jurisdiction is spared from gender-based violence. Thus international cooperation is essential to build momentum and find solutions.

Jewellery

Why male celebrities love Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra jewellery

The collection has attracted stars like A$AP Rocky, Offset, LeBron James and Hong Kong Olympic champion fencer Cheung Ka-long – but why?

The Tampa Bay Rays’ Junior Caminero before a game in July, in New York. He’s wearing a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace. Photo: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
2025 National Games

Female athletes break records, drive success at China's National Games

Female athletes break records, drive success at China's National Games
Malaysia

Meet the Muslim trans woman whose 50-year-old secret reshapes Malaysian history

From being one of the first to undergo gender-affirming surgery to a kadi-blessed marriage, Sari Kartina’s life has been a journey of faith.

United States

US Supreme Court rejects appeal to overturn same-sex marriage ruling

The court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, denied Kim Davis’s appeal after she refused to issue marriage licences to a same-sex couple.

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Icons and Influencers

Meet French TikTok star Bách Buquen, who’s normalising make-up for men

Buquen may be only 19, but he’s already attending events with A-listers like Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, and going to Tod’s and Gucci shows.

French influencer Bách Buquen at a fashion event. Photo: @bachbuquen/Instagram
India

India celebrates victory for women’s cricket

India celebrates victory for women’s cricket
Sexual harassment and assault

Mexico President Sheinbaum presses charges after being groped by man in public

President calls for tougher action on sexual harassment in Mexico after she was groped while greeting supporters.

Trending in China

Leggy Chinese dad gains online fame for slender limbs, attracts legwear brands

Despite some netizens accusing him of using leg-lengthening filters, Xu denies, attributes leg shape to mum’s genetics.

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Singapore

Man jailed 20 years in Singapore for ‘wicked’ rape of step-granddaughter

The judge allowed ‘little leniency’ for using a relative for ‘lust’, given the victim’s great psychological harm, PTSD, and self-harm.

People take pictures next to the Merlion statue at the Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore. Photo: AFP
HKEX

Hong Kong’s women leaders drive finance talent and economic growth: Paul Chan

Nearly 60 per cent of business students are women – and they are the future fintech innovators and next-gen CEOs, financial secretary says.

Women and gender

Editorial | Women’s leadership in finance affirms Hong Kong’s commitment to diversity

While there is still more work to be done, the city has made considerable progress on advancing gender equality in the financial sector.

Hong Kong society

Opinion | Hong Kong must do more to empower women in the workforce

Women are shattering the glass ceiling, but the city has a long way to go to truly be a leader in workplace gender equality.

People walk past a stock ticker outside Exchange Square in Hong Kong, on March 16, 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE
Women and gender

‘New women but no new men’: feminist evolution unfinished in China, scholar says

Wang Zheng says many women in China may have redefined their roles but, as with much social progress, there have been setbacks.

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Wang Zheng, professor emerita of women’s and gender studies and history at the University of Michigan, is pictured at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Photo: Will Leung/CUHK Press
Japan

‘Demure’ Japanese marriage tips booklet sparks sexism row in Iwate

The city of Iwate retracted a booklet and faces accusations of sexism after it advised women to wear ‘demure’ makeup and ‘exposed ankles’.

Sexual harassment and assault

France revamps rape law after Gisele Pelicot case

Consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn, and cannot be assumed from silence or lack of resistance, the new legislation says.

Banking & finance

Glass ceiling shattered: 45% of top Hong Kong financial sector roles go to women

Regulatory changes and shifting corporate culture drive up the number of women taking up senior positions and directorships, a report says.

Diversity in Hong Kong feels organic, not imposed, says Amy Lo, who heads UBS Global Wealth Management Asia. Photo: Winson Wong
Britain

King Charles unveils UK’s first LGBTQ armed forces memorial

Thousands were investigated, discharged or forced to leave careers because of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

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Britain’s King Charles attended the dedication ceremony for this armed forces memorial for the LGBT community on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Viral stories

Japan café allows customers to serve staff as maids for US$25, attracts many men

Cosplay culture-inspired pop-up outlet charges customers who want to dress up in ‘elegant’ maids outfits; indulge serving ‘fantasy’.

Women and gender

Japan elects first female prime minister

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