SLOW PROGRESS: MILESTONES IN THE CITY’S LGBT HISTORY

1966

The Hong Kong police force’s Special Branch begins keeping files on men suspected of being gay. The maximum jail term for homosexual offences is life.

1978

Gordon Huthart opens Disco Disco, the first club to openly welcome the LGBT community.

1980

Gay policeman John Maclellan commits suicide after being hounded by his bosses over his sexuality. The case has inspired a play and multiple books.

1991

Homosexuality is decriminalised, though the age of consent is set at 21, five years older than for heterosexuals.

1997

Happy Together, a film about a gay couple starring Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiuwai, is released. It wins Wong Kar-wai the Best Director gong at the Cannes Film Festival.

2006

The age of consent is equalised after the High Court deems the discrepancy unconstitutional.

2017

Hong Kong wins its bid to host the 2022 Gay Games, defeating bids from the US and Mexico. It will be the first city in Asia to host the event.