Hong Kong: LGBTQ Carnival Cancelled Again After Venue Withdrawal

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.(DL/Punch)