The Gender Research Centre of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies held the 2014 Annual Gender Role Workshop entitled 'Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status: Different Views and Understandings' on 14 June to discuss issues affecting sexual minorities. Dr. Chow Yat-ngok York, chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission and seven guest speakers from different areas, including policy making, education, academic, business and culture explored the topic from different perspectives.

'After running for two decades from 1991,' said Prof. Fanny M.C. Cheung, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, in her welcoming speech, 'the Annual Gender Role Workshop has expanded from its focus on issues related to men and women in the past to gender diversity in the present, taking in the concerns of the time.'

Dr. Chow pointed out that discrimination against sexual minorities is prevalent in Hong Kong and there is still much misunderstanding and confusion about transgender people, intersex people and homosexuality. It is therefore immensely important for young people to be educated in the area of gender.

The workshop attracted an audience of over 100, including students, faculty members, NGO staff, parents and individuals. The participants engaged enthusiastically in discussion in the open forum.