Finalists (listed alphabetically by first name)
Gay Games Hong Kong 2022 with Ogilvy
Hoping to promote LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong with a welcoming and inclusive event that attracts positive role models, Gay Games Hong Kong 2022 in conjunction with marketing communications agency Ogilvy Hong Kong won the bid for Hong Kong to host this world-class sporting and cultural festival event in 2022. Across the 2 year bid period, over 1,000 people joined community events and a total of 55 related articles were published in local, regional and international media. More than 10 staff volunteers from Ogilvy Hong Kong worked with the executive leadership team and contributed by liaising with media for interviews, developing ideas and producing videos for bid presentations, as well as supporting inspector site visits. The Gay Games are expected to increase LGBT+ acceptance in Hong Kong and will bring decades of lasting impact among the region.
Rainbow Lions
HSBC
Two bronze lion statues, Stephen and Stitt, have been guarding the HSBC Main Building for almost 100 years and act as an enduring symbol of HSBC and Hong Kong. In 2017, HSBC made a bold statement in promoting LGBT+ inclusion by installing rainbow versions of the lions. HSBC collaborated with renowned local gay artist Michael Lam, who created the designs inspired by the colours of the Pride rainbow while maintaining respect for traditional Feng Shui principles. With the pro-LGBT design, HSBC sent a powerful message that traditional and modern values can co-exist in harmony. The HSBC Pride HK Employee Network membership grew by over 340% to over 2,000 members and has encouraged a culture of diversity and inclusion within the organisation.
JustSayYes Campaign, LUSH Asia Limited
In 2017, LUSH created the hashtag #JustSayYes and launched a joint-petition with 11 LGBT+ groups to urge the Hong Kong government to Just Say YES to equal marriage rights for LGBT+ groups. A petition with 3000 signatures was submitted to the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, Department of Justice, and Security Bureau. The company also donated 100% of the proceeds of a campaign edition soap (without deducting cost) to 11 local LGBT+ groups, supporting their fight for LGBT+ equality and human rights. The rainbow colour was widely used during the campaign to symbolize inclusion and marriage equality. Videos were produced on the topic while frontline staff also received training on educating customers about love and LGBT+ equality.