2018 Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Awards - Finalists

To recognise an employee network that has played a proactive role in promoting LGBT+ inclusion demonstrating strong engagement with, and commitment to, local Hong Kong LGBT+ employees.

Finalists: 

LGBT+ Open Network Hong Kong
Credit Suisse

With it’s overall aim to support an inclusive and open environment for LGBT+ professionals and their allies in maximising their potential and contribution to the bank’s success, Credit Suisse’s LGBT+ Open Network in Hong Kong has been strategic and proactive in engaging all employees including senior executives in promoting a LGBT+ inclusive workplace.  Since its establishment in 2015, the Network has been instrumental in significantly increasing the ally population and in rolling out awareness training to all employees. Externally, the Network organises the bank’s participation in LGBT+ community events, and has taken a leadership role in advocating for social change, in particular, with the QT intervention.  Building on this momentum, the Network has a clear set of plans for 2018 and will continue to play a key role in driving LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong.

HSBC Pride HK 
HSBC

A key value proposition for HSBC's LGBT+ employee network’s initiatives is to engage and support LGBT+ staff who are still closeted through LGBT+ inclusion initiatives both in the Bank and in Hong Kong in general. With its impressive programme of engaging and innovative events which it opens to external participants, long term relationships with LGBT+ NGOs, ally training programme and regular communications targeting employees’ areas of interest, HSBC has demonstrated a strong commitment to LGBT+ inclusion and aims to set the gold standard for employment benefits for LGBT+ professionals in finance and banking. To encourage participation and allyship, HSBC Pride HK introduced colourful rainbow-lions inspired lanyards as a bold and visible symbol of LGBT+ inclusion.  This initiative has now expanded beyond Hong Kong.  The Pride HK network also serves as the dedicated channel to monitor and give advice to various internal departments of the Bank, in order to cultivate an inclusive environment for LGBT+ employees as one of Hong Kong’s biggest employers.

Nomura LGBT Network AEJ
Nomura International (Hong Kong) Limited        

Nomura is one of very few Asia-based, Asia-headquartered financial institutions taking a visible and outspoken stand in support of LGBT+ rights in Hong Kong. Through proactively engaging senior management and maintaining internal momentum, the network took the lead in proposing the firm’s participation in the QT case intervention last year.  Internally, the network has strategically leveraged its resources to extend its influence to other Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan through organising cross-network events. Moving forward, Nomura will continue its participation and partnership with external stakeholders in order to expand its influence within and beyond Hong Kong.

To recognise an organisation which has recently started on its LGBT+ inclusion journey in Hong Kong (within the last 2 years) and has made significant progress.

Finalists: 

BlackRock                 

BlackRock is the first dedicated asset manager to establish a local Hong Kong LGBT Network and has successfully encouraged more than 50% of the workforce to join as LGBT or allies within its inaugural year. The firm’s commitment and passion was further acknowledged when it achieved Rank 3^rd in the 2017 Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Index. With Managing Directors as highly motivated strong allies, BlackRock has held a wide range of events that have sparked and encouraged open discussions and broader inclusion. The support does not stop here - BlackRock has committed to sharing experiences and driving the agenda forward with other chapters in the region, as well as engaging external partners to extend their influence among the business community in Hong Kong.

Hotel ICON

Being the first in the industry to offer medical benefits to the married spouses of the same gender, Hotel ICON is a vocal leader setting a precedent for many other companies in Hong Kong to follow suit.  The hotel also organised the first ever Diversity and Inclusion conference for the hospitality industry in Hong Kong in 2017 to raise awareness and share knowledge on best practices for implementing a Diversity and Inclusion strategy within the workplace. Externally, Hotel ICON is a high-profile sponsor for different LGBT-inclusive initiatives among the community including the Pride Parade, Pink Dot, the Economist Pride & Prejudice Conference etc.  They also launched a Pride Room Package in 2017 as a fresh way to celebrate Hong Kong’s win to host Gay Games 2022. In launching the Pride Room Package, Hotel ICON approached other LGBT-allies including Kapok, Walk In Hong Kong and G.O.D. to participate as sponsors resulting in an even more attractive Room Package. All these innovative and meaningful initiatives echo the organisation’s commitment on Diversity and inclusion while promoting LGBT+ inclusion beyond the workplace.

KPMG

KPMG launched their local Pride chapter in April 2017 as a visible and supportive network to their employees, clients and communities. The group is led and supported by Partners and Directors making it even more accountable and impactful in strengthening employee connection and engagement across the firm. Since the creation of Pride@KPMG, KPMG’s internal focus has been the promotion of LGBT+ inclusion through reverse mentoring and a multi-media Ally campaign which directly engaged internal key stakeholders and senior leaders. The firm’s leaders are now equipped with knowledge, and are fully conversant around the benefits of LGBT+ inclusion with KPMG’s employees, clients and communities. The Ally campaign attracted more than 120 employees to sign up initially, and has subsequently enabled new and enhanced conversations, and raised awareness around LGBT+ inclusion. HK employees now act as mentors for other KPMG firms through the HK firm’s role on KPMG’s Global LGBT+ Steering Committee. Externally, KPMG has partnered with Community Business, OUTLeadership, QSA, and the Hong Kong Interbank Forum to organise events and leverage resources and networks for the good of the community.

Thomson Reuters 

Thomson Reuters has developed a thoughtful plan for promoting LGBT+ inclusion internally by ensuring senior leadership across all business units and internal departments are aware of all the achievements and plans for the year in order to secure subsequent buy-in for future events. Over the past 2 years, the firm has created new business opportunities in the financial and risk space by having the Thomson Reuters Diversity and Inclusion Index fully integrated into its Eikon platform for financial services companies. This ensures that the link between the strength of inclusion policies and practice and business performance are considered when making investment decisions. This strengthens the Thomson Reuters product and ensures a strong LGBT+ inclusion message with new and unique insights.

To recognise an organisation or individual who has played a proactive and visible role in promoting transgender inclusion in the workplace and business community in Hong Kong.

Finalists: 

Association of World Citizens Hong Kong China 

The Association serves the local needy LGBT+ people with specific emphasis on the transgender community to improve their mental health, defend their rights, relieve their plights and educate the public to create a more inclusive society. Since 2013, the Association has been empowering transgender people by running workshops to improve the adaptability of transwomen in society. It also offers remedial solutions to members of the transgender community suffering from discrimination. The Association produces videos to educate the public to promote inclusiveness and works with the Public Sector to serve the needs of the community. Given the meaningful work the Association has been doing, other external stakeholders including the business community, government representatives, universities, local media and other not-for-profit organisations have collaborated with the Association to support their various initiatives.

Eversheds Sutherland

In response to the Hong Kong government's public consultation on gender recognition in 2017, Eversheds Sutherland formed an inter-disciplinary working group on gender recognition with stakeholders in the community to conduct initiatives including publishing an educational outreach bilingual pamphlet, an educational video, as well as online and paper petitions which obtained over 1,200 signatures to support gender recognition legislation without the pre-condition of surgical requirement. Not only did the firm make a joint submission to the government consultation, Eversheds Sutherland also delivered 9 external presentations on the topic at different events including the Pride Parade and at industry network meetings. Through all these impressive initiatives, Eversheds Sutherland has set an outstanding example among the business community on how companies can be involved in social advocacy.

Henry Tse
Transgender Activist

As a transman born and raised in Hong Kong, Henry filed a judicial review in 2017 to challenge the Hong Kong Government on current coercive policy on full sex reassignment surgery. He uses himself as a vehicle to push the Government to enact gender recognition legislation for the better lives of the transgender community. Henry has been proactive in engaging various stakeholders on this subject by giving sharing his story with universities, companies and religious. He also spoke at Legislation Council conference, and at annual LGBT+ events such as the Pride Parade and Pink Dot to urge for action. His vocal activism and bravery has raised public and media awareness on the rights of transgender persons and has made pa ositive impact on trans inclusion.

Siufung Law
Teaching Assistant, Department of Comparative Literature, The University of Hong Kong; Ambassador of Gay Games Hong Kong 2022

As a genderqueer athlete, a lecturer and public speaker on gender studies, Siufung devotes himself to educating the public and especially younger generations on gender diversity and the possibilities of transcending gender binaries. He promotes gender fluidity and diversity through sports and academia and has been featured widely in mainstream, online and print media. Siufung was one of the few trans people in Hong Kong who used his voice and influence to advocate for legalisation change to include gender recognition laws in Hong Kong. Siufung also presents himself as a genderfluid iconic athlete and introduced the concept of gender queer to the Asian world as the ambassador for Gay Games Hong Kong 2022. His out and vocal identity has successfully led to a more open discussion on genderfluidity and the promotion of transgender inclusion.

To recognise an organisation or individual who has played a proactive and visible role in promoting lesbian inclusion in the workplace and business community in Hong Kong.

Finalists: 

Benita Chick
Docent; Walk in Hong Kong 

Benita is one of the most active local Chinese lesbian advocates and has an unbeatable determination when innovatively engaging in LGBT+ inclusion advocacy in Hong Kong. Her works include curating and leading the LGBT+ Walking Tour to introduce the city’s LGBT+ culture and history to locals and tourists alike. She is also the new IDAHOT Director at Pink Alliance and a freelance radio host at the local LGBT+ radio station Bubble Air to promote LGBT+ awareness. Her creativity has led her to set up the first LGBT+ social enterprise Pinkdom, directs pink dollars to build sustainable social services, including counselling and education for the LGBT+ community. Benita loves sports and has also led a lesbian empowerment group called Sweatitude. Benita is undoubtedly a vocal and thoughtful advocate, and is especially an inspiration to the younger generations.

Celine Tan 
Senior Vice President, HSBC Securities Services Account Manager, HSBC

With a strong commitment to empowering the LGBT+ community within and beyond the financial industry, Celine has either started or led the Pride BRG chapters in every organisation she has worked in thus far. She was listed no. 37 in the 2017 Financial Times Outstanding Top 50 LGBT+ Future Leaders. Within the workplace, Celine has reverse mentored, rallied and engaged senior executives for influence and sponsorship. In mid-2017, she created The Lesbians in Finance (LIF) programme which focuses on the leadership growth and development of lesbians in the finance sector via soft skills development programs as well as networking and professional workshops. LIF maintains a listing of its members and envisions increasing lesbian representation in senior management by creating and highlighting the value propositions of a diverse team.

Les Peches

Les Peches provides spaces for lesbians, queer/bisexual/trans women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds to meet and socialise in fun and safe environments, as well as strategically educate the community on the need for advocacy works and equal rights. Since its creation over 10 years ago, the organisation has partnered with various key stakeholders in the community, including the Equal Opportunities Commission and other local LGBT+ groups, to promote LGBT+ inclusion. Les Peches also played an instrumental role in key LGBT+ events in Hong Kong including Pink Dot and the bid for Gay Games 2022 and is a recognised promotional platform for other local events.

To recognise an organisation or individual who has made significant effort to support, encourage and mentor other organisations to address LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong. In particular, we are looking to acknowledge work that has been done to mentor the local Hong Kong corporate sector.

Finalists: 

BlackRock

BlackRock aims to build its external brand as a leader in LGBT+ inclusion and has been proactively reaching out to local, regional and global asset management firms to provide support.  With the firm’s impressive achievements in the past 2 years and its 3^rd place ranking in the 2017 Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Index, BlackRock’s LGBT+ leadership are in demand as speakers externally and have shared experiences and fostered dialogue with companies across industries to further their LGBT+ inclusion agenda. This encourages more corporates in Hong Kong to start their own LGBT+ networks and join the LGBT+ Interbank Forum. BlackRock also leads the Mentoring Programme at the LGBT+ Interbank Forum to provide emerging affinity groups with peer mentoring and best practices exchange from more mature affinity groups.

Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is known for its longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the firm has been generously sharing best practices, providing thought leadership, mentoring several local organisations and advising industry peers on their LGBT+ inclusion strategy. Externally, Goldman Sachs engages its clients on LGBT+ inclusion through client activities and partners with the public sector and various not-for-profit organisations to further extend its influence in the wider community.  For example, the firm arranged a hike with its clients with the theme “Spread the Love” to raise awareness for its commitment to LGBT+ equality.  The firm also values mentorship of future leaders through its ongoing support of the QSA Alliance, and has recently partnered with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to introduce a 14-hour course, as part of its world class MBA programme, on ‘Managing Gender and Diversity”, which includes LGBT+ inclusion and best practices in the workplace. The firm supported the programme by advising on curriculum design and being a guest lecturer.   Going forward, Goldman Sachs has partnered with The Economist as part of the 2018 Pride and Prejudice Conference to engage young people on LGBT+ inclusion through a global competition, with the winner receiving mentorship. 

Marc Rubinstein
Managing Director & General Counsel, Asia Pacific Land; Co-Founder & Co-Chair, Hong Kong Gay and Lesbian Attorneys (HKGALA) Network

Throughout his career as a lawyer, in finance and in real estate, Marc has been dedicated to LGBT+ inclusion and has been one of the most active and passionate mentors in the community. Marc was one of the original co-founders of the LGBT Interbank Forum in Tokyo and Hong Kong. In 2013, he co-founded the Hong Kong Gay & Lesbian Attorneys (HKGALA) Network and has remained its co-chair, playing a key role in guiding its development.  HKGALA has grown significantly and has been instrumental in driving LGBT+ inclusion and awareness within the legal industry.  Marc is able to leverage his strong personal relationships, connections and reputation to nudge firms to be more proactive on LGBT+ issues.  He has informally advised regional networks, including law firm networks and the Japan LGBT+ Lawyers Network.  Marc has mentored several high potential LGBT+ students under the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA)/FinS mentorship programme since 2010, with visible results as these students have become leaders in the business community.   He advises the group on its strategy and communications, including how to secure corporate sponsorships and achieve sustainability.  QSA continues to serve as the leading voice for LGBT+ university students in Hong Kong.

To recognise a marketing campaign which has incorporated and/or promoted LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong.

Finalists: 

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.

To recognise an LGBT+ employee based in Hong Kong who has taken proactive and effective steps to promote an LGBT+ inclusive culture in the workplace and beyond in Hong Kong.

Finalists: 

Christian Tooley 
Regional Manager, CBRE

Christian has been active in Hong Kong across his professional and personal life in striving for LGBT+ advancement. In the business realm, he built the business-case and internal change management strategy for the launch of LGBT+CBRE, Asia’s 1st real estate Pride Network; regionally pioneering the way for this industry. In advocating policy, Christian is working with the British Chamber of Commerce, as a CSR and Emerging Leaders committee member, to ensure thoughtful and proactive inclusion strategies are added to their policy address to the Hong Kong government. In the education space, he founded LSE’s Global LGBT+ Alumni Group to connect passionate individuals around the world, creating a knowledge platform that bridges the gap between academic and professional lives. Christian is dedicated to continuing to lead advocacy for LGBT+ advancement in the business, policy and education fields.

Henry Li
Litigation Associate; LGBT+ Lead of Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Eversheds Sutherland; Committee Member of Public Policy Committee, HKGALA

Henry Li is a member of the Eversheds Sutherland’s Diversity and Inclusion committee. He recently came out in the office and has been advocating for LGBT+ rights. In collaboration with representatives of the transgender and intersex community and other key stakeholders, Henry formed an inter-disciplinary working group on gender recognition and published an educational outreach bilingual pamphlet, an educational video and online and paper petitions to support gender recognition legislation without surgical requirement. Outside work, Henry is a board member of Compassion, a Hong Kong LGBT+ Catholic support group and a member of the Public Policy Committee of HKGALA.

Louis Ng
Early Careers Talent Acquisition Manager, Fidelity International

Louis leads Fidelity’s Global LGBT+ Action Group and is the chair of Fidelity for Everyone’s Network where he is a role model for LGBT+ inclusion. As an out local Chinese in the firm, Louis boldly took the lead on reviewing policies with HR and Compensation and Benefits teams, as well as reviewing firm products with relevant parties to ensure LGBT+ inclusiveness. His passion has successfully gained support from allies in the organisation. Louis also helped to secured sponsorship for community events including Pink Dot and Queer Straight Alliance's Inclusion Recruitment Conference. Moving forward Louis will continue to inspire and encourage more SMEs to start their LGBT+ inclusion journey and mentor younger generations through sharing personal experiences.

Robert Head
Director, Content Solutions, Global Growth & Operations, Asia/North Asia; Lead for Corporate Responsibility & Inclusion for the GGO CR&I Council, Thomson Reuters

Passionate about Diversity and Inclusion, Robert is a member of Thomson Reuters’ Pride at Work Global Leadership Team where he put himself out as the lead sponsor for LGBT+ Inclusion in the Legal & Tax Business in Asia, and works beyond his role to drive this into the DNA of Thomson Reuters. After Thomson Reuters were awarded silver in the 2017 Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Index, Robert leveraged this to promote LGBT+ inclusion internally and to demonstrate the firm’s commitment externally. Outside work, Robert attends HKGALA events, supports the Pride Parade, Pink Dot and mentors university students under Fruits in Suits and QSA Mentoring scheme in order to support young LGBT+ talents.

To recognise a non-LGBT+ individual who has demonstrated personal passion and commitment to promoting LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace and beyond in Hong Kong.

Finalists: 

Allan Wardrop
Partner, Hogan Lovells

With a strong passion and commitment, Allan was the co-chair of a major international law firm’s LGBT+ and allies network who believes inclusive culture is essential to business. His dedication is further acknowledged by Financial Times OUTstanding List as one of the top 50 ally executives globally in 2017. Allan’s influence extends beyond Hong Kong thought his generous sharing amongst other chapters in the region. Externally, he has provided pro bono support for the LGBT+ community. Allan is a committed ally who will continue to leverage the network and reputation he has built over the years to influence change particularly within the business community.”

Donnell Green
Managing Director, APAC Head of Human Resources, BlackRock

Donnell has played a pivotal role in founding and developing the firm’s OUT & Allies Committee while mentoring members. She sponsors and champions LGBT+ colleagues, ensures career progress is based on merit and not orientation, and strategically holds her peers accountable for the LGBT+ agenda. Externally, Donnell represents BlackRock on the Hong Kong Interbank Forum Board and HR Asia Roundtable, facilitating discussions and providing thought leadership to advance the LGBT+ inclusion agenda. Under Donnell’s leadership, BlackRock has negotiated to expand employee healthcare benefits to same-sex partners, and adjusted the firm’s policies to ensure LGBT+ inclusion. 

Sammi Cho
Chief Administrative Officer, Asia Pacific; Chief Executive, Hong Kong Branch, BNY Mellon

Sammi is a strong advocate for LGBT+ inclusion and has been a driving force behind the roll out of APAC's LGBT+ Employee Resource Group PRISM since its launch in 2014. She actively promotes LGBT+ awareness internally through employee engagement and supports external activities such as Pink Dot and the intervention for LGBT+ related legal cases. Sammi is a role model for other senior stakeholders by demonstrating how senior leaders can work to create an inclusive workplace. Her vocal and public support also encourages other companies to follow suit. Moving forward, Sammi will continue to commit to improving awareness, training and promoting an inclusive environment for the LGBT+ community.

Su-Ling Voon
Managing Director, Morgan Stanley

Su-Ling is an active ally with a long track record of driving internal and external initiatives for Morgan Stanley. As the Chair of the Firm’s Asia Legal and Compliance Diversity and Inclusion Committee, she leverages her experience and leadership to engage senior management and external partners on LGBT+ inclusion. She also offers her time and guidance through mentorship. Outside of Morgan Stanley, Su-Ling has been a supporter of the HKGALA network since its launch in 2013, attending events and promoting the network to colleagues. Looking ahead, Su-Ling will continue to be a visible champion for LGBT+ employees through her involvement in Morgan Stanley activities and advocacy.

To recognise a senior business executive sponsor based in Hong Kong who has spoken up and used his/her influence to promote LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace and beyond in Hong Kong.

Finalists: 

James Tong
Managing Director and Head of Global Shipping and Logistics Asia Pacific and Japan, Citibank

As a co-founder and the Executive Sponsor of the Citi Hong Kong Pride Network, James is a tireless and passionate advocate of LGBT+ initiatives both within Citi and in the external community. He is one of the few visible Asian LGBT+ leaders that has been out in front championing the importance of diversity and inclusion. James constantly engages with Citi’s senior executives globally to highlight challenges unique to Asia. In December 2017, he was invited by Citi HQ to be the APAC Regional Representative of Citi’s Global Pride Affinity Steering Committee. Externally, James has partnered with various not-for-profit organisations including Pink Alliance, AIDS Concern and Gay Games Hong Kong 2022 to promote LGBT+ inclusion.

Ryan Stork
APAC Chairman, BlackRock

At BlackRock, Ryan Stork serves as Global Executive Co-Sponsor of the firm’s OUT & Allies Network. He raises funding for external memberships, mentors LGBT+ leaders, acts as a sounding board for network activities and promotes the network’s significant accomplishments across the firm. He has encouraged more than 50% of the Hong Kong workforce to join the local network, or become allies, within its inaugural year – resulting in one of the largest networks in the industry. Ryan has also generated substantial momentum for the cause of LGBT+ inclusion through revisiting the firm’s policies proactively and identifying internal LGBT+-related gaps to address as a priority. Under Ryan’s leadership, BlackRock continues to spark as a strong newcomer of LGBT+ inclusion within the financial services industry.

Stewart Chippindale
Chief Operating Officer, Asia, Linklaters

Stewart’s strong commitment and passion for LGBT+ inclusion stems from his personal experience. As the co-chair of the Linklaters Asia LGBT and Ally Network, Stewart sets the strategic direction for the Network annually and has been directly responsible for securing sponsorship. The awareness of and support for LGBT+ inclusion within the firm has also grown exponentially under Stewart’s chairmanship, especially for Linklaters’ role as the pro bono legal adviser to the Gay Games Hong Kong 2022 for the last 12 months. In addition to regularly raising the topic with senior leaders, Stewart provided senior level support to two new policies related to LGBT+ that were introduced in the local office in 2017. His generosity as a vocal and visible supporter has equipped him to further provide support to other offices in the region. 

Wanda Tung
Managing Director and General Counsel, Asia ex Japan, Nomura International (Hong Kong) Limited

Wanda has spent over a decade actively participating in diversity and inclusion initiatives at the workplace, and although she was already the executive sponsor for the bank’s women's network, she volunteered to take on the same role for the firm’s LGBT Network in Asia ex Japan.  Wanda has devoted a significant amount of time to providing invaluable senior level guidance to the network leaders and council, providing unsolicited and proactive feedback to the regional D&I office, and serving as an important channel of communication with senior management on LGBT+ related issues. She has also provided strategic advice on building specific cross-regional and cross-network collaboration which has noticeably increased both exposure and membership for the LGBT Network. As evidenced by her participation in the Pride Parade in 2017, Wanda does not simply repeat diversity aphorisms, she literally walks the talk.

To recognise a community-based LGBT+ initiative that has had a significant positive impact in promoting LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong.

Finalists: 

Gay Games Hong Kong 2022

In October 2017, the Gay Games Hong Kong team won the bid for Hong Kong to host the Gay Games in 2022, bringing this world-class sporting and cultural event to Asia for the first time. The bidding process included compiling a bid book, fundraising, reinforcing a sense of community within the LGBT+ community with outreach events, hosting the Federation of Gay Games inspectors, and presenting the bid to the Federation of Gay Games voting members. Throughout the process, the team liaised with Government departments and the Business sector to address concerns and gain collective support from key stakeholders. This resulted in 55 media stories and increased public awareness for this meaningful event. Moving forward, the team will further engage with the broader community in Hong Kong and empower various stakeholders and media for this world’s event in 5 years’ time.

GDotTV

Launched by Nu Tong Xue She (NTXS) in 2008, GDotTV is the first-ever online television channel engaging the LGBT+ movement through new media. Over the last decade, more than 500 videos have been created on its YouTube channel, with over 3500 subscribers and 2.3 million hits. GDotTV started providing textual information in 2015 to enrich the variety of content, covering translated overseas information, recommendations on films and television programmes, and commentaries on current affairs. GDotTV envisions providing LGBT+ individuals with a sense of identity, recording LGBT movements, and altering the perception of the society towards sexual minorities. The organisation also trains media volunteers to empower the community and transform the role of sexual minorities from the observer to the mover.

Pink Season  

Pink Season aims to be Asia's premier and leading diversity and inclusion festival, encompassing five weeks of events including sport, art, entertainment, family, and education. It brings members of the LGBT+ community and their allies together, and hopes to feature Hong Kong as a cosmopolitan, accepting and welcoming city regardless of people differences. Pink Season also provides a platform for corporations to express their support for and belief in diversity and inclusion through sponsorship. Several activities were funded by donations from the public secured by the hardworking team of volunteers. In 2017, Pink Season expanded the free educational seminars to cover and address a wider range of subjects with 2/3 of these in either in Cantonese or bilingual.

To recognise an organisation or individual who has advocated for legal and/or social change and progress around LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong.

Finalists: 

Azan Marwah 
Barrister-at-law, Gilt Chambers

Azan Marwah is a Hong Kong born independent barrister and mediator, practicing human rights, discrimination, public, commercial, employment and family law. He has dedicated his practice as a barrister to being an advocate for LGBT+ issues and representing the community, both in and out of the courts.  He advises a number of charitable organizations in the realm of gender and sexual orientation, and founded Hong Kong Equality, a legal discussion and pressure group to promote LGBT+ rights. As much of Azan’s work involves protracted litigation, he rarely expects final positive results within two years. However, his strong commitment and determination have continued to push him to fight for LGBT+ equality with up-coming plans to do more public lecturing and publishing on how the law can protect and promote equality for the LGBT+ community.

Hong Kong LGBT+ Interbank Forum

The Interbank was informally established in 2006 and was formally launched in 2016 with a mission to be the leading voice for LGBT+ issues for the financial services industry by advising and facilitating discussions and thought leadership on issues impacting the LGBT+ community. With about 35 members and observers representing global banks, asset management, insurance, and financial services providers, the Interbank has organized and mobilized the finance sector to become an influential voice in the Hong Kong LGBT+ community, and successfully weighed in on a number of high profile public policies, including the EOC statement on introduction of anti-LGBT discrimination laws, QT case (same-sex dependent visa), and the Government’s consultation on a transgender regime. Interbank members have collectively organized and promoted about 100 programs on LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong.

Peter Reading
Legal Counsel, Equal Opportunities Commission

Since 2012, Peter has been Legal Counsel at the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) leading a wide range of the EOC’s legal advocacy work such as the Discrimination Law Review project. He has been instrumental in the organisation’s legal work promoting equality for LGBT+ people including work on: introducing LGBT+ anti-discrimination legislation; equality for same sex couples; and gender recognition legislation for transgender people. Moreover, Peter represents the EOC in high level advocacy forums, participates in the organisation of relevant LGBT+ international and local conferences and events, as well as represents the EOC in media and stakeholder engagement on the issues. Peter believes that with evidence based advocacy and continued collaboration with all stakeholders, further progress on LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong can be achieved, to the benefit of everyone in society.

To recognise a public figure (eg. politician, entertainer, athlete, government official, etc.) who has used their influence to promote LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong.

Full biographies for each finalist can be found here. 

Prof. Alfred Chan Cheung-ming
Chairperson, Equal Opportunities Commission

Dr. Brenda R. Alegre     
Assistant Lecturer, Faculty of Arts, The University of Hong Kong

Brian Leung Siu-fai
Chief Operating Officer, BigLove Alliance

Michael Vidler
Principal, Founder and Solicitor, Vidler and Co

Siufung Law
Teaching Assistant, Department of Comparative Literature, The University of Hong Kong; Ambassador of Gay Games Hong Kong 2022