Love out Loud: Things to Do This Pride Month 2023 in Hong Kong
Pride Month is an annual celebration across the month of June that honors the LGBTQ+ community and celebrates diversity, equality, and individuality with great flair and fun. Its importance lies in amping up visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community, through welcoming diverse individuals without judgment and granting us all with a space to be ourselves. Join us as Hong Kong enters Pride Month and check out these events and activities that remind us all that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity!
It’s Morphing Time at Eaton HK
A space that has been committed to inclusivity and Pride year-round, Eaton is hosting a month-long queer arts and culture program between this June all the way through to July. The theme for this year's event is "It's Morphing Time!" which highlights the power of being queer in all it's beautiful broad strokes across the spectrums. This beautiful community is one that is built from the intersection of diverse identities going against the grain of restrictive rules in gender and sexuality, creating a fluid common ground welcoming all.
The program offers over 20 activities that are open to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Activities include panels, screenings, workshops, exhibitions, performances, parties, a wedding fair, Pride Month cocktails, and a "Love is Love” staycation package. Kicking off with a special edition of DragJam performances, this month-long affair begins this Saturday!
When: June 10 – July 22
Where: Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon
How much: Prices vary
c.95d8 Presents: LGBTQ+ Movie Marathon
As much as Pride Month is a time for connecting with each other and making memories out of today’s moments, it’s important to take a look into the past and pay our dues to the generations that have built the foundations that are allowing us to live as our authentic selves today.
Get acquainted with the culture and join c.95d8 in their month-long film festival showcasing iconic queer movies and documentaries. From “Paris is Burning,” an intimate shared diary of the New York ball scene in the late 1980s, to American-Asian romantic comedy “Saving Face” that depicts the rocky road to acceptance for a young sapphic, the series spells out the varied and intersectional experiences of queer folks from all sorts of backgrounds. Click here to see the first list of films, and here for the second portion.
When: Every Tuesdays to Thursdays of June
Where:TBA, Sai Kung, New Territories
How much: Buy tickets here, HK$100
Mindfully Proud: LGBTQ+ and Mental Health
Mind HK, in partnership with MINDSET, has launched a campaign called “More than a Label 我就是我” to change the public's perception towards people with diagnosable mental health conditions. Encouraging people to look beyond labels associated with mental health diagnoses, the campaign strives to help people recognise individuals for more than just their mental state.
Mind HK Ambassadors, who have conquered their mental health struggles and are on their recovery journeys, will be sharing their life experiences as part of this special Pride Month panel. Join Mind HK Ambassadors Kopal, Ranesh, Kristeen, and Clinical Advisor Odele as they share how their identity has helped them to overcome mental health challenges and how discrimination has impacted them. Donations are encouraged, and all proceeds will be going into supporting the campaign and Mind HK’s work.
When: 6:30 PM-8 PM, June 6
Where:Fringe Club - Jockey Club Studio Theatre, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much:Sign up here, Free entry (donation encouraged)
Drag Jam Presents: Out and Proud - Pride Edition Show
Set to showcase the diversity in artistry and identity in the drag scene, DragJam is putting on a Pride Month 2023 edition of their colourful show at Vivere this weekend! Come along to experience head-turning looks and stunning live numbers from Matthew Creed, Balatro, Jamie Blue, Lilo May, and Sailor Ying. This performance will also be featuring a very special guest, so get ready to welcome back Drag Mother of the DragJam collective herself, Muschi!
It won’t take a lipsync for your life to secure a spot. Simply make a booking by messaging DragJam on Instagram or WhatsApp.
When: 10 PM until late, June 9
Where:VIVERE, 11/F, 31 Sugar Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How much:Book here, HK$220 (HK$270 at door)
Outrageous HK – Pride Edition
If the Stonewall uprising has taught us anything, it’s that nightlife has long been an integral building brick (see what we did there?) of LGBTQ+ history. Claiming the night with “outrageous” gay anthems and hot tunes, let your freak flag fly at FLM this Pride Month under the musical supervision of Outrageous, who are guaranteed to be bringing the big bangers. If your heart is set on having a Mariah moment, you may also request songs by sending them a message here. Sign up prior to entry and you’ll be entered into a roulette for a chance to win some cocktails!
When: 11:30 PM until late, June 16
Where: FLM, 62 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
How much: Reserve here, Free entry
Slay & Sashay Pride Brunch with Violette Blanche at Frites
Sissy that walk and head over to FRITES Causeway Bay for the ultimate drag-filled brunch experience. Featuring a whopping four-hour free flow of drinks that include draught Stella Artois, bottled beer, red and white wine, and prosecco, you'll be able to sip on an endless array of drinks. On top of that, tuck into delicious food, such as mini burgers, chicken skewers, lemon meringue pie, and an unlimited supply of FRITES fries all day long.
Test your knowledge of iconic bops — gay anthems and otherwise — in the form of a Sounds Familiar Music Quiz, hosted by drag queen legend Violette Blanche. And keep an eye out for a surprise guest who is also making an appearance in drag! This is the brunch of the year that you won't want to miss. Teams of four to six are welcome to join, so bring your friends and get ready to slay and sashay your way to an unforgettable experience.
When: June 17
Where: Shop 1, G/F Park Haven, 38 Haven Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How much: Book here, HK$780 per person
STRIDE FOR PRIDE: Gay Games x LKF Bar Crawl
Step up and take part in queer history with Hong Kong's first-ever LGBTQIA+ bar crawl, Stride for Pride. Presented by Lan Kwai Fong Association and Gay Games Hong Kong, this event is perfect for anyone looking to sip, socialise, and celebrate Pride Month. Participants will enjoy five fabulous drinks across five hotspots across the locale. Festivities begin at BACI, where you can collect your wristband and stamp card. Don't forget to try the rainbow pizza or pasta, where HK$10 will be donated to Resolve Foundation!
The party continues at Carbon Brews, or at the famous Dead& dive bar by industry legends Agung and Laura Prabowo, where you can enjoy fun drinks with their house DJ StarGirl spinning beats. The night will flow into the iconic LKF amphitheater before heading to Wyndham Street favourite Franks, which is known for its top hip-hop and vinyl nights. Finally, Petticoat Lane will host the “HOC Pride Disco,” presented by the infamous Haus of Circuit in partnership with the venue. Stride for Pride participants get free entry to this fabulous after-party.
When: 4 PM – 9 PM, June 17
Where:BACI Trattoria & Bar, G/F, California Tower, 30-32 D'Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much:Buy tickets here, HK$350
Pride Month Party 2023 慈Lex Chill Hey禧 x Gay Harmony大同
This one’s for the ladies who love ladies! Hosted by Hong Kong’s lesbian events circuit Lex Chill Hey, their 2023 Pride Month bash is bringing an assortment of fun to Sugar Street’s Vivere. Featuring a thrilling roster of entertainment, the night is set to include pole dancing performances, a drag show, as well as music from DJ Taki and DJ Yako Kit. Attendees can enter a lucky draw, and tickets also each include a free glass of red or white wine from Barefoot.
When: 10 PM until late, June 17
Where:VIVERE, 11/F, 31 Sugar Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How much:Buy tickets here, HK$200
Pride in Kwun Tong LGBTQ+ Ally
Hosted by homegrown association, Pride Lab HK, this Pride Month extravaganza is set to slay as well as lay down some knowledge. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Pride Lab is bringing a series of workshops and open-floor forums that strive to share stories to further educate the public on queerness. There will also be a series of fun attractions to check out, including an exclusive tattoo flash mart by Comicism Tattoo, a gingerbread cookie workshop, a flea market, and much more to explore. Please note that some of the activities may be conducted in Cantonese.
When: 2 PM-7 PM, June 17-18
Where:The Wave, 8/F, 4 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
How much: Free entry
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