Hong Kong’s largest LGBTQ event, Pink Dot, will hold an online concert in November, its organiser has said, after failing to book the event’s usual venue at the West Kowloon Cultural District .
In a statement on Saturday, Pink Dot said its 2025 edition, originally set to be held at the art hub in October, will instead take the form of a virtual concert from 3pm to 6pm on November 2.
“We’re excited to continue sharing the message of love, diversity, and inclusion through a variety of fun and meaningful programs, including a live-streamed concert and forums,” its post said.
“This year, the concert will be streamed online, so everyone can join in and celebrate from wherever they are! Don‘t miss this amazing annual event.”
The concert will feature Marf Yau from Hong Kong girl group Collar and On Chan from Cantopop boy group C Allstar as this year’s Pink Dot ambassadors.
The October event would have been the 11th year that Pink Dot, aiming to raise awareness of the LGBTQ community, had been held in Hong Kong.
Event cancelled
Pink Dot announced in July that it was cancelling this year’s event after being notified that “the venue could not be rented to us, without any explanation provided.”
The organiser added that was unable to secure an alternative outdoor venue on such short notice.
Pink Dot’s yearly carnival aims to promote diversity and raise awareness of the LGBTQ community. The event features talks and performances by activists and musicians.
In response to HKFP, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) said in July that it “reviews venue hire applications in accordance with established procedures.” It does not comment on individual cases, the authority added.
Hong Kong has seen fewer large-scale LGBTQ events in recent years, while activists have lamented the fewer opportunities to publicly promote their cause.
The space for advocacy in Hong Kong has narrowed since Beijing imposed a national security law, prompting dozens of civil society groups to shut down under pressure.
While LGBTQ groups have not been specifically targeted, activists say it has become harder to host large-scale events.
Saturday’s announcement also came just weeks after the Legislative Council voted down a proposed bill granting limited rights to same-sex partners who got married overseas, with just 14 out of 86 lawmakers voting in favour.
Chief Executive John Lee praised the legislative exercise, saying that it was “in full fulfilment of the rule of law” despite the bill being vetoed. He said that the government will explore administrative measures to grant same-sex couples some legal rights.
