If It were a Reality Show – from Ossan’s Love to True Equality

Samantha Ho

Image Source: ViuTV

Samantha Ho is a current LLB (HKU-PKU) dual degree student. She is a youth policy adviser and current affairs commentator who specializes in the areas of financial development and professional service.

The widely popular local drama series Ossan’s Love has become an overnight sensation after its TV broadcast. Putting gay relationship which seems to be taboo in traditional Chinese society on the table, the absence of hate comments is already a surprise on its own, not to mention the overwhelming acceptance of the show gained across all age groups. This might even signify the general public’s acceptance of LGBT+ relationships. With the cast of pop stars creating a widespread craze, the show could be seen as a step forward in the introduction of LGBT+ topics to public discussions.  

In the drama, Tin (played by Edan Lui) and Muk (played by Anson Lo) is gay couple. KK (played by Kenny Wong) is a middle-aged married man who later found out about his sexual orientation. The character setting conveys that everyone has the right and ability to pursue love, despite their age, and gender. The couple holds hands, hugs, kisses, cohabits, and becomes engaged – these are all what heterosexual, or some say, “normal” couples will do. Same-sex couples and sexually fluid persons seem to be normalized in the performance, which contrasts hugely with the eccentric stereotypes that they were previously reduced to. Members of the public also welcome such a change of image of the LBGT+ community with their appreciation of the drama. 

However, the craze of the drama may not necessarily turn Hong Kong into a utopia for the LGBT+ community. Although some become motivated to come out under the favourable social atmosphere, conservative views are unlikely to be dismissed in the short future. It may sound ridiculous that some parents, being huge fans of Ossan’s Love, are not supporting their children in coming out. Some even tried to “twist” their children’s sexual orientation by referring opposite sex to them. This hints at the traditional view of what is the “right” romantic match, a match between man and woman. The traditional view focuses on family formation and generational inheritance by producing offspring, but even for heterosexual couples, some pursue DINK lifestyle - which stands for “Double Income, No Kids” - too. Familial inheritance is no longer the major goal achieved by romantic relationships, instead, love and affection may have been the sole concern affecting the couple’s decision as to marriage. This may well suggest that it is time for societal perceptions to change. 

The change of culture must be realized by taking a bottom-up approach, which means that citizens should initiate the change to affect the administrative body. The top-down implementation of policies is seldom more effective than the recognition and outspokenness of the majority demands. The annual Hong Kong Pride Parade is one of the soundest publication channels of the LGBT+ cause by arousing public awareness and showing the mass support of equality for sexual minorities.[1] These massive campaigns offer LGBT+ individuals opportunities to voice out their opinions, and the number of participants is proportional to the momentum it gathers. It is delightful that participants have doubled as compared with the past 10 years, revealing that the social acceptance of LGBT+ groups has also grown. With the increasing number of individuals coming out of the closet, a virtuous cycle is formed to gain public attention as well as encourage others to accept their sexual orientation. 

Organisational effort must not be overlooked too. Throughout the years, some entrepreneurs have shown support for LGBT+ rights. HSBC has painted its lion statue in rainbow colours, symbolising the LGBT+ community.[2] A LGBT+ culture-themed local tour leads tourists through landmarks that serve as milestones of the recognition of LGBT+ rights in Central.[3] The spots include a church affirming LGBT+ individuals and serving Christians of all genders and sexualities.[4] Pastors have also been conducting same-sex blessing ceremonies and weddings for years. The practice deviates from traditional religious teachings, as in the eyes of Chinese Catholics and Christians same sex relationship is often named as “illness” and “bad habit”. Some are expelled from churches after disclosing their sexuality, including Edgar Ng, who fought for same sex spouses’ right to cohabit in public housing and the right of inheritance. The church undoubtedly acts as a foothold for members of the LGBT+ community who are also religious. All these contributions draw public attention to equality, and help bring to light the indispensable rights of sexual minorities. 


In the past, many artistic creations touched upon LGBT+ issues, but it appears that most of them were unable to encourage the general public to dig into the issue itself and reflect on the inequality faced by the LGBT+ community. It is delightful that the popular drama took same sex relationships as the main theme, at least showing that the social minority and its unresolved inequality cannot be neglected. However, one would expect further social change to happen, and at that time, the true acceptance of LGBT+ groups and the concept of universal equality can be realised. 


References

[1] Hong Kong Pride Parade. Retrieved from https://hkpride.net/.

[2] BBC News. (2016, December 6). Hong Kong rainbow lions spark LGBT rights debate. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-38221400. 

[3] Walk In Hong Kong. LGBT in the City. Retrieved from https://walkin.hk/private-tour/lgbt-in-the-city/. 

[4] Blessed Ministry Community Church. Retrieved from https://hkbmcc.org/.