Taking a novel approach to teaching people not to judge books by their covers, a charity group will launch next month a 'human library' where Hongkongers can get up close and personal with marginalised groups.
Fifty people - including transsexuals, prostitutes, refugees and former drug users - will be open books to anyone curious about their lifestyles at the project's launch on November 12 at Breakthrough's Youth Village Camp near Sha Tin. More than 100 visitors are expected to attend.
The programme, which had a trial run in August and is set to be held every three to four months, aims to combat discrimination through no-holds-barred discussions.
'They should meet the books with their prejudices intact and ask questions that are on their minds. Courtesy is not what we want,' said Sandy Lee Yuk-har, a project convenor.
Members of marginalised groups, from new immigrants and domestic helpers to ethnic minorities and people on welfare, will put their personal information on internet catalogues, which guests can browse before registering for a 'reading day'.
Other speakers include artists, a photographer who takes nude pictures and young protesters.
Visitors can talk to a 'book' individually or in pairs during a 45-minute sharing session. By talking to them, Hongkongers will be able to broaden their perspectives on race, gender and other social issues.