Fewer rainbows, less social media for China’s LGBT community
- Tighter restrictions have led the LGBT community to prepare for muted celebrations of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on Friday
China’s LGBT community has had a tough year: censors have shut down social media forums, news media have curbed coverage of gay issues, and online shops have removed rainbow-themed products.
The tighter restrictions have led the LGBT community in China – fearing a crackdown – to prepare for muted celebrations of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on Friday.
“We don’t really know what to do. The LGBT community in many ways is being bullied and the sense of powerlessness becomes stronger,” said Rush, a university student who only gave her pen name for fear of repercussions.
Editorial | Hong Kong’s tighter seat belt rules are welcome but more can be done
Greater public awareness is required as the city makes long-overdue amendments to road safety rules
Restraint devices will be required for children under eight or shorter than 1.35 metres in private cars from Saturday. The safety benefits are well known. The UK introduced similar rules in 2006.
Calls for change in Hong Kong mounted after a crash on the Tolo Highway in 2023, in which an eight-month-old boy was thrown from a car. The new rule is much needed. But the fixed penalty of HK$230 for breaching the amended law is far too low and unlikely to act as a deterrent. Consideration should be given to increasing it.
