LGBT Rights in Hong Kong - Living Conditions

Living Conditions

Along with several gay nightclubs, LGBT pride festivals occur yearly as well as other social events including film festivals. On each International Day Against Homophobia, a procession is held like many other European cities. The first IDAHO procession was held in 2005. Political involvement has also become more common when comparing to the colonial era. Prominent Legislators and Councillors attend IDAHO procession and gay pride nowadays to show solidarity with the LGBT community.

As the government cannot discriminate against LGBT person as stipulated in the Bills of rights, gay people can have access to a wide range of services provided by the Hong Kong government like any other citizens. For example, when applying for non-contribution base Job Seeker's Allowance (Comprehensive Social Security Allowance), one must satisfy the means test component. Whether ones satisfy the mean test component, the Social Welfare Department takes into account the income of family members living together irrespective of their sexual orientation. Violent crime are rare in Hong Kong and crimes directed against the LGBT community are virtually unheard of List of countries by intentional homicide rate. Citizens of Hong Kong, no matter gay or straight, generally enjoys a living condition on par or above that of their European counterpart. This is evident through the Very High Human Development Index, ranking 13 in the world(2011), which is above that of Iceland, Denmark and the United Kingdom Human Development Index.