EVENTS
HKGALA Newsletters
To keep our members and supporters informed, updated and inspired, we publish a periodic newsletter with updates on past and upcoming events and initiatives. Please see below copies of our past newsletters.
The Economist Event's Pride and Prejudice Conference
May 29, 2019
Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
HKGALA is delighted to have been a supporting organization of The Economist Events' Pride and Prejudice on May 29th, 2019. Pride and Prejudice is a LGBT conference and initiative aimed to be catalyst for a fresh debate on the economic and human costs of discrimination against the LGBT community.
Clifford Chance Annual Pride Art Exhibition
June 16, 2016 at 7:00-9:30 pm
Clifford Chance's Offices
The partners of Clifford Chance are extending an inivitation to HKGALA members to attend its annual Pride Art exhibition and cocktail reception to mark Gay Pride. As with last year's inaugural Hong Kong exhibition, the evening will feature an eclectic selection of artworks by LGBT artists and supporters of LGBT equality. To RSVP, please complete the form at this link.
XYZ Charity Ride for Urban Light
May 21, 2016 at 2:00-3:00 pm
XYZ Studio
HKGALA collaborated with XYZ Cycling Studio for a private charity ride in support of Urban Light.
Rainbow Families Panel Discussion
Sponsored by Morgan Stanley
May 12, 2016 at 12:30-1:30 pm
Morgan Stanley's Offices
HKGALA members were invited to a panel discussion hosted by one of InterBank's founding member firm, Morgan Stanley. The panel will feature three LGBT families, including Ilan Wong, a member of HKGALA's Executive Committee.
Anti-Bullying Workshop
Sponsored by Freshfields
April 28, 2016 at 6:45-9:00 pm
Freshfields' Offices
HKGALA members were invited to a workshop on anti-bullying exploring various forms of harrassment, including LGBT-related bullying. The workshop was led by Austin Tay, UK Chartered and HK Registered Industrial Organizational Psychologist and Executive Coach who shared with us insightful research on this topic and provided practical actions and positive strategies to cope with difficult situations.
Litigating Marriage Equality:
A Conversation with Leading Lawyers from the U.S. and Hong Kong
Sponsored by Ropes & Gray
April 26, 2016 at 5:30-7:00 pm
Island Shangri-La Hotel
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling Obergefell v. Hodges made history when it affirmed the right of marriage equality in the U.S. The impact of the ruling has resonated around the world. In Hong Kong, LGBT couples are litigating against the Immigration Department's policy to recognize foreign-registered marriages in QT v. Director of Immigration, and the Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has issued a report and submissions recommending the introduction of LGBT anti-discrimination legislation, including protection from discrimination for cohabiting LGBT couples. Ropes & Gray, in collaboration with HKGALA, hosted a panel discussion with Douglas Hallward-Driemeier, Ropes & Gray partner who argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Obergefell case. He was joined by Michael Vidler, the instructing Solicitor in the QT case, and Peter Reading, Legal Counsel, Hong Kong EOC.
HKGALA Second Anniversary Party
Sponsored by Davis Polk & Wardwell
March 17, 2016 at 6:45-9:45 pm
LUPA Restaurant, LHT Tower, 31 Queen's Rd Central, Central
We turned TWO! Members and friends of HKGALA were invited to join us as we celebrate our second anniversary. The event was sponsored by Davis Polk & Wardwell and helped raise over HK$20,000 in support of Urban Light, a non-profit that supports and aids young male sex trafficking victims.
HKGALA Hosts Informational Seminar on EOC-CUHK LGBT Anti-Discrimination Study
Sponsored by Skadden Arps
February 16, 2016 at 12:45-2:00 pm
Skadden Arps Offices, Central
Skadden Arps hosted an info session for HKGALA members and other legla professionals on the findings of the Study on Legislation against Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status. The info session was presented by Dr. York Chow, EOC Chairperson and Dr. Yiu Yung Suen, principal investigator of the study and Asst Professor of Sociology at CUHK. The event was hosted by Skadden Arps and partner Alan Schiffman gave welcoming remarks.
HKGALA Participates in Panel Discussion on LGBT Pro Bono Opportunities at PILnet Pro Bono Workshop
January 21, 2016 at 5:00-7:00 pm
DLA Piper Offices, Central
HGKALA's Co-Founder was invited to participate on a panel discussion on the role of lawyers in supporting sexual and gender diversity through pro bono work. Other panelists included representatives from the Transgender Resource Center, Pink Alliance, Equal Opportunities Commission and QSA. The event was hosted by DLA Piper.
HKGALA Sponsors Table at Annual AIDS Concern Charity Gala Dinner
November 28, 2015 at 7:00-10:00 pm
The Langham Hotel, Tsim Tsa Tsui
HGKALA Executive Committee and members sponsored a table at AIDS Concern's Annual Charity Gala Dinner raising money for HIV/AIDS awareness and screening.
HKGALA Marches at the Hong Kong Pride Parade 2015
November 7, 2015 at 2:00-5:00 pm
Victoria Park, Causeway Bay to Tamar Park, Central
Members and friends of HKGALA proudly marched under the HKGALA banner at the Hong Kong Pride Parade. This year's theme was "Yell Out for Equality".
Screening of Documentary Film "Brother Outsider" in Celebration of the Launch of Freshfields' LGBT Allies Network
November 2, 2015 at 6:30-8:30 pm
Freshfields Offices, Exchange Square, Central
HKGALA members were invited to attend a screening of the powerful documentary "Brother Outsider: the Life of Bayard Rustin" and a Q&A session with its director Bennett Singer organized in conjunction with the Asia launch of Freshfields' LGBT allies network, Halo Champions.
CUHK-British Consulate-HKGALA Joint Lecture on History and Status of Anti-Discrimination Legislation
October 26, 2015 at 6:30-8:30 pm
British Consulate General, 1 Supreme Court Road, Admiralty
The Department of Sociology, and Gender Research Centre of Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Chinese University of Hong Kong and the British Consulate-General Hong Kong, in partnership with HKGALA, hosted an informative talk by Professor Robert Wintemute, human rights law professor at King's College London, on the topic of "The Importance of Adding Sexual Orientation to Anti-Discrimination Legislation."
Fundraiser Reception hosted by the Canadian Consul General in Support of Pink Dot
September 11, 2015 at 6:30-8:30 pm
Official Residences of the Canadian Consul General
HKGALA members were treated to a private cocktail reception generously hosted at the Official Residences of the Canadian Consul General in Hong Kong and Macau, Mr. J. Ian Burchett. The event raised approximately HK$15,000 in support of HKGALA's sponsorship of the 2015 Pink Dot HK.
HKGALA / Interbank Summer Interns and Young Professionals Networking Event
July 21, 2015 at 7: 00-9: 30 pm
Goldman Sachs, Central
HKGALA partnered up with the LGBT Interbank Forum to Organize Hong Kong's first-Ever LGBT-focused Networking Event for Summer interns and entry-Level Professionals in the Legal and finance industries. The Event featured a Panel discussion by seasoned Professionals who Offered Insights on the Benefits of being an active LGBT individual / ally in the workplace, as well as practical advice on fostering an inclusive work environment The event was sponsored by nine Interbank and HKGALA member firms, including:
- Clifford Chance
- Credit Suisse
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
- Goldman Sachs
- Morgan Stanley
- Morrison & Foerster
- Sidley Austin
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
- Standard Chartered
Clifford Chance Pride Art Exhibition
June 25, 2015 at 7: 00-9: 30 pm
Clifford Chance Offices, Central
HKGALA Members Were Invited to an Impressive art Exhibition and Cocktail Reception hosted by Clifford Chance in Hong Kong ITS Office Celebrating Pride Month. The Hong Kong Exhibition was Part of being a global Event Held together with other Offices of the Firm Worldwide and featured art from Several local Hong Kong and international artists.
Legislative Council Luncheon and Tour
May 29, 2015 at 12: 30-2: 00 pm
Legislative Council Complex, Admiralty
Representatives from HKGALA Supporting Private Firms Were Treated to a luncheon at the Legislative Council (Brief) Talk featuring a Q & A session and with a Prominent Member Brief Sharing her UNIQUE Insights on the Political Climate in Hong Kong on LGBT DELINQUENCY.
LGBT Estate Planning 101
April 15, 2015 at 6: 00-8: 00 pm
Oldham Li & Nie Offices, Central
Oldham Li & Nie Partner Alfred Ip led an informative seminar on Estate Planning Legal EXCLUSIVELY for HKGALA Members, Covering Useful Tips on How to navigate the Estate Planning Process for LGBT Couples and families.
HKGALA First Anniversary Party
March 11, 2015 at 6: 30-9: 00 pm
The Pottinger Hotel, Central
HKGALA ITS first year Anniversary celebrated with 100+ Members and Supporters at a Cocktail Reception Sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills . Over 10 Law Firms Donated Raffle Prizes to raise Funds for Pink Alliance , a Hong Kong-based non-Profit organization Devoted to LGBT rights advocacy . Prominent Civil rights Lawyer Michael Vidler Provided Opening Remarks Highlighting His Work on Several High-Profile Court Cases Challenging Anti-LGBT discrimination.
Fireside Chat with EOC Chairperson
November 18, 2014 at 12: 30-2: 00 pm
Linklaters Offices, Central
HKGALA HAD the Honor of sitting down with Dr. York Chow , Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) , for an up-Close-and-Personal fireside Chat to Discuss the Work of the EOC on Anti-discrimination Initiatives and the Future of LGBT rights and equality in Hong Kong. The Event was hosted by Linklaters.
Launch of LGBT Mentorship Program for University Students
September 3, 2014 at 6: 30-8: 30 pm
Baker & McKenzie Offices, Central
HKGALA Members Were Introduced to the LGBT mentorship Program for University Students and entry-Level Professionals at a Networking Reception hosted by Baker & McKenzie . The Event was a Catalyst to Guide HKGALA Members to sign up as mentors or mentees. Featured Speakers included Representatives from Fruits in Suits , the Queer Straight Alliance and Goldman Sachs who shared Their Positive Experiences mentorship from Participating in the Program in Past years.
Roundtable Discussion on Marriage Equality Laws
June 26, 2014 at 12: 30-2: 00 pm
Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, Central
The Inaugural session of the HKGALA Roundtable Discussion Series Examined Marriage equality Laws Around the World, looking at the historical backgroud and Developments in North America and Europe and the status and Challenges in Hong Kong and Elsewhere in Asia. Presenters included Representatives from Pink Alliance , Mumbai Pride , Les Peches , Latham & Watkins, Clifford Chance , and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom , many of whom shared UNIQUE Their home Country Insights and Personal Stories. Kathy of Legal Recruiting Firm Togni Togni & Zhao moderated. The Event was hosted by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre .
HKGALA Marches at Pride Parade 2014
November 8, 2014 at 2:00-5:00 pm
Victoria Park to Tamar Site
HKGALA Women's Networking Event
May 21, 2014 at 6:45-8:30 pm
The Black Bird, Central
HKGALA Second Townhall Meeting
Sponsored by Clifford Chance
April 10, 2014 at 12:45-2:00 pm
Clifford Chance's Offices, Central
HKGALA First Townhall Meeting
Sponsored by Latham & Watkins
February 12, 2014 at 7:00-9:30 pm
Latham's Offices, Central
HKGALA Launch Party
Sponsored by Skadden Arps
December 3, 2013 at 7:00-9:30 pm
Bisous, LKF Central
