Gay Guide China - Hong Kong

The age of consent for homosexuals and heterosexuals is 16 years. Gay life in Hong Kong often still takes place in secret - although gay rights are now slowly being introduced in Hong Kong, such as the Domestic Violence Ordinance, which is also addressed at homosexual couples. The year 2012 in particular marked a turning point: several celebrities came out as gay which caused the topic to attract increasing coverage by the media. In a survey in 2013, only 33.3% of respondents supported marriage for all - by 2017 it was already 50.4%. The gay scene is mainly located in Caseway Bay, Tsimshatsui and Mongkok. The best time to go out is Saturday night and evenings before a public holiday. Saunas are the preferred places for quick and uncomplicated sexual encounters. Most good saunas in Hong Kong provide free lubricant and condoms. The best time to visit a sauna is from 19h00 to 22h00. Gay bars, on the other hand, do not get busy until midnight and often remain well frequented until dawn. All sorts of drugs are forbidden in Hong Kong and the police like to carry out raids. Prostitution is not forbidden in Hong Kong, unlike on mainland China. The most important gay events of the year are the annual Gay Pride Parade in October as well as the lesbian-and-gay film festival and the Mr. Gay Hong Kong Competition which take place every year in November.