Progress being made on LGBT inclusion around the globe

The recent Opening Ceremony of the Rio Olympics 2016 did not only kick off another spectacular global sporting event but also a new era of inclusivity to the LGBT community when Brazilian-born transgender supermodel Leandra Medeiros Cerezo introduced the world to Team Brazil at the Parade of Athletes. We were also excited to see the beautiful moment of a same-sex marriage proposal on the Olympics’ rugby seven pitch, revisions to the eligibility rules by the International Olympic Committee allowing transgender athletes to take part in the Olympics without having had gender reassignment surgey, a record number of out and proud LGBT Olympians competing in the Olympics and more. Even though visible progress is being made on LGBT inclusion through this highly noticeable occasion, much more needs to be done to achieve true acceptance of all LGBT individuals.

On the other side of the globe in Hong Kong, there have been some significant developments recently. Professor Alfred Chan, the new chairperson of Equal Opportunity Commission took a strong stance as the Hong Kong's equality watchdog in Hong Kong urging the Government to start consultations on legislation against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Hong Kong banking industry is playing a leadership role by solidifying its efforts through the newly incorporated Hong Kong LGBT Interbank Forum . The Hong Kong LGBT Workplace Inclusion Index, which is offered every other year, is back! Find out more from this CONNECT about what it is and how to maximize your participation. While the World Health Organisation is considering declassifying transgender identity as a mental disorder in the next two years, you may want to learn more about the “T” in LGBT - don’t miss our seminar with LGBTI expert Ross Wetherbee from Australia. If you would like to take part in research on sexual orientation, business, policy and politics in Hong Kong, a new online LGBT survey by The Chinese University of Hong Kong is now open. Last but not least, plesae join us at the coming exciting Out Loud Open Mic event - either as a performer or an audience member!