Hong Kong unexpectedly canceled one of its biggest LGBTQ+ events. China may be to blame. - LGBTQ Nation

"With just one month to go until the scheduled event date, we have been diligently following procedures to apply for the necessary licenses, but have not yet received approval from the relevant authorities. Faced with this uncertainty, given the tight timeline and the involvement of numerous partner organizations, after thorough considerations, we have had to make the difficult choice to decision to cancel."

"In a May 18 Instagram post, the event's organizers said that Link REIT, the company that operates the scheduled event venues, Stanley Plaza and Murray House, could not rent the spaces due to "licensing issues." Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights."

"The group asked followers to provide "some time and space to regroup," adding, "We look forward to reuniting with all of you under Pink Sky in the near future." The annual Pink Dot carnival promotes LGBTQ+ diversity and awareness with an event featuring performances and activist talks."

"Pink Dot's organizers had to cancel last year's 11th annual event as well, three months beforehand, stating, "We were notified... that the venue could not be rented to us, without any explanation provided." China has been increasingly cracking down on pro-democracy and LGBTQ+ activists in Hong Kong, which has officially operated for decades as one of China's administrative districts."

Pink Dot HK canceled its scheduled June 14 LGBTQ+ carnival after organizers reported they had not received required licensing approvals from relevant authorities within a tight timeline. Organizers said Link REIT, which operates the planned venues, could not rent the spaces due to licensing issues. The group previously canceled the prior year’s event under similar permitting problems, with organizers stating they were notified the venue could not be rented without explanation. Pink Dot HK promotes LGBTQ+ diversity and awareness through performances and activist talks. Activists linked the cancellations to reduced government support amid increasing mainland China influence and crackdowns on pro-democracy and LGBTQ+ activism in Hong Kong.

Read at LGBTQ Nation