Singer and LGBTI Activist Anthony Wong Yiu-ming Says He Doesn't Want to Be a Gay Icon
Singer Anthony Wong Yiu-ming is a defiant voice for LGBTI rights in Hong Kong. He famously came out in 2012, on stage in the middle of a concert. Ahead of Pink Dot, he tells HK Magazine about why he speaks up.
I was born this way. I didn’t have to join the LGBTI community or become part of it. I’ve been part of it since I was born. It’s not a lifestyle choice.
Most people know about me coming out in my concert in 2012, but to my friends and family, I was out long before that. Many of my songs directly or indirectly reference LGBTI issues.
Read More: Love Wins: The Road to LGBTI Equality in Hong Kong—and Around the World
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To me, coming out in public was just a small step, but to many others it might be a big one. I decided to take the step because there are still people in society who think [being gay] is an issue. I wanted to demystify it, and I wanted to use the simplest language to tell everyone on stage, once and for all.
I think my coming out has changed some people’s minds [towards the community]. I didn’t realize this small step could have such a big effect. I’m glad I made the decision to come out that night. For a public figure to walk on stage to tell everyone he’s gay... the impact is very different from people just assuming you’re gay.
I founded BigLove Alliance in early 2013. Back then we were fighting for the legislation of the Sexual Orientation Discrimination Ordinance (SODO), but the government decided it wasn’t urgent and they didn’t need to put it forward for public consultation. The government is condoning discrimination against sexual minorities.
