One of Hong Kong’s largest LGBTQ events, Pink Dot, has been cancelled for the second consecutive year after organisers said their chosen venue had pulled out in the final stages of preparation.
Pink Dot Hong Kong used to be held annually from 2014, and features a mixture of music performances, art and workshops promoting diversity and LGBTQ rights.
Two years ago it drew nearly 7,000 participants, but last year’s event was cancelled because the festival was denied a venue “without explanation”, according to organisers.
This year, Pink Dot said their venue manager, real estate investor Link REIT, had told them that “due to licensing issues, the venue cannot be rented”, even as the carnival reached the final course of preparation.
The news is another setback to the city’s LGBTQ community, after Hong Kong’s legislature overwhelmingly voted down a bill that would have granted limited rights to same-sex couples in September. Related News China slams UK over ex–Hong Kong cop spying conviction Pitstop Community hosts maiden triathlon in Lagos Trump allows LGBTQ flag to fly again at Stonewall
