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    #Hashtag Hong Kong

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    GIST

    Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15

    Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.

    (Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)



    最新

    LATEST
    24/03/2024
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    Erica Lee, Director, The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association

    Hello, I am Erica Lee, the director of the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association, and thank you for tuning in today. It is truly a pleasure to have the opportunity to share with you on this significant occasion—World Down Syndrome Day 2024 on 21st March.

     

    As we gather here to celebrate WDSD, it is essential to reflect on the journey of individuals with Down syndrome and the challenges they face in our society today. Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by the triplication of the 21st chromosome, presents a variety of abilities and challenges for those affected. Despite significant progress in raising awareness and promoting inclusion, people with Down syndrome continue to encounter barriers to full participation in society.

     

    Here in Hong Kong, based on the latest figures searched by the Hospital Authority, it is estimated that there are 2,900 – 3,000 persons with Down Syndrome in Hong Kong, by the end of 2021. In the case of the HKDSA serves around 1,000 members between 7 months to 63 years old. Only a few of the adult members are openly employed; the rest either work in sheltered workshops, are unemployed, or receive other kinds of day services. 

     

    The community has often underestimated the needs of minorities. In reality, not only do people with Down syndrome need support, but their families and caregivers also require help. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower and uplift those affected by Down syndrome through integrated family support and vocational rehabilitation services, and comprehensive support networks from prenatal to newborn support.

     

    However, despite our commitment, the road ahead remains challenging. One of the most pressing issues faced by individuals with Down syndrome is limited job opportunities. Given their potential and willingness to contribute, many still face discrimination in the workplace, often from their colleagues rather than their employers, to our surprise. Many people with Down syndrome struggle to find long-term employment opportunities that match their abilities. This disparity not only affects their financial independence but also their sense of dignity and self-confidence.

     

    On the other hand, people with Down syndrome now live to the age of 60 or even 70s, which means that their parents are more often elderly causing the phenomenon of “Elderly doubletons families”. Although they have a longer life expectancy, it is common for them to experience “early ageing” starting at the age of early 30s, meaning that they experience certain conditions that are common to typically ageing adults, in the area of medical, physical and functionally. Early and doubled ageing will bring unexpected challenges for which adults with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers may not feel adequately prepared.

     

     

     

    Now, you may wonder whether the resources allocated to support people with Down syndrome are adequate. The reality is that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Greater support in childhood education, healthcare, and social services is needed to ensure that people with Down syndrome have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Additionally, specialized teaching techniques and professionals must be trained to address the learning difficulties faced by individuals with Down syndrome, yet this remains a challenge due to limited resources in Hong Kong.

     

    As we continue to advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome, you may ask how we can make Hong Kong a better place for them. It starts with fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance. We must challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Down syndrome, promoting a society where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is valued for their unique contributions.

     

    Advocating for policies and initiatives that promote equal opportunities is crucial. This includes efforts to increase employment opportunities, improve healthcare services, and enhance educational support for children and adults with Down syndrome. Most importantly, we must listen to their voices and involve them in decision-making processes that affect their lives. They need our support to build an inclusive and equal society for all, accepting who they are and welcoming them as part of the community.

     

    End The Stereotypes - the theme of World Down Syndrome Day 2024, let us recommit ourselves to building a world where people with Down syndrome can live their lives to the fullest, free from discrimination and stereotypes. Regardless of ability, everyone has an opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential because everyone is unique and should be respected for who they are. I dedicate the song 'This is Me' (by Keala Settle) to all of you.

     

    Thank you for your attention and support.

     

    24/03/2024 - 足本 Full (HKT 08:15 - 08:30)

    24/03/2024 - Erica Lee, Director, The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association

    重温

    CATCHUP
    01 - 03
    2024
    香港电台第三台

    24/03/2024

    Erica Lee, Director, The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association

    17/03/2024

    Christina Lee, Director of Wofoo Social Enterprises

    10/03/2024

    Joe Lo, Convenor of The Long Term Tobacco Policy Concern Group

    03/03/2024

    Fiona Nott, CEO of The Women's Foundation

    25/02/2024

    Innocent Mutanga, Founder and CEO of Africa Center Hong Kong

    18/02/2024

    Professor Edwin Ho, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) researcher in the School of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

    04/02/2024

    Bobo Choy, the curator of Kong Temporary Archive

    28/01/2024

    21/01/2024

    Dr. William Yu, Chief Executive Officer of World Green Organisation
    X

    Zephyrus Tsang, co-founder and vice-chairperson of Quarks

    My name is Zephyrus. My pronouns are he/him. I’m a doctor, an activist, and a transgender guy. I’m the co-founder and vice-chairperson of Quarks, Q-U-A-R-K-S. We’re the first and by far the only organization in Hong Kong for transgender youth.

     

    This coming Friday, 31st March, is the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

    Why is visibility so important for the transgender community, that we have to make a day about it?

     

    Simply because our society still has a lot to learn about gender diversity.

    Most people told me I’m the first transgender person they met. Some of them also said it’s difficult to remember what trans men and trans women mean. They simply don’t know when I introduce myself as a trans man, it means male or female.

    Then again, a lot of people don’t really know what transgender means. Or more specifically, there’re lots of misconceptions.

     

    The recent victory of Q’s & Henry Edward Tse’s judicial review on gender recognition has in fact told us a great deal about how we can understand transgender people. In early February, the Court of Final Appeal ruled that the existing policy, that the HKID gender marker can only be updated, with the surgeries of sex organ removal and construction, is a violation of the constitution, and a violation of human rights. The HKID gender marker should not be a marker of sex organs. Let’s discuss more from there.

     

    First, gender identity is not equal to sex organs. These are separate things, independent of each other, just having no correlation at all. Being transgender is not about surgeries. In fact, there’s nothing one has to do before one becomes transgender or cisgender. It’s about our gender identity that has developed since we’re 2-4 years old, and how one is living their life.

     

     The requirement that a trans person has to undergo gender-affirming surgeries of their sex organs, in order to update their HKID gender marker, is a denial of the existence of transgender people. It is unreasonable that, in order for one’s gender identity to be recognized, their sex organs would have to resemble that of cisgender people. But gender identity is independent of sex organs, to begin with. Transgender people are often asked “Have you done those surgeries yet?”, or more directly, “What kind of sex organs do you have down there?” Now, with the victory of the judicial review, transgender people in Hong Kong are finally not objectified to our sex organs.

     

     We still have to wait for the new policy on the update of the HKID gender marker. But if sex organ surgeries are no longer required to update one’s HKID gender marker, it’s very likely that in the future, whenever we see a M on a HKID, we shouldn’t assume the person must be cisgender or must be having a phallic organ. Instead, M would be possessed by both cisgender men, and transgender men. They have different bodies, but they all identify as male. It is more important to know a person’s social role and appearance, and their qualities and experience for employment for example, than to dig into what kind of sex organs they may have, or how their sex organs look like.

     

     I’d say this is how we can see gender. When we look at gender from the perspective of gender identity, men would mean all those who have a male gender identity, including both cisgender men and transgender men. Similarly, the female would be a diverse group of women, who all share a female gender identity. While they may have different bodies, different upbringings, and different life stories, for both cisgender women and transgender women.

     

     There’re of course non-binary people too. Their gender identity is one of the many identities, other than male and female, out of the gender binary. What kind of sex organs they have is not something we need to think about. I’d also add that the legal recognition of non-binary gender, or indication of X gender marker, or not having a gender marker at all on HKID, is, however, not widely discussed in Hong Kong.

     

    Thirdly, healthcare decisions shouldn’t be affected by legal consequences. Gender-affirming healthcare has been established for more than 40 years in Hong Kong. One can now visit the public or private sector to discuss their gender identity, and social role with a professional, and for mental health support, gender-affirming voice training, gender-affirming hormones, gender-affirming surgeries, etc. It’s important to know that these healthcare services are not a must for every transgender person. Some may only wish for hormones. There’s no completion or incompletion at all. Just like every healthcare decision, it should be made according to one’s needs, whether one wishes to experience those changes in their body and appearance. In particular, surgeries shouldn’t be used just to acquire legal status.

     

    If this is the first time you came across this information, it’s alright. This is not an personal issue, but more about the lack of comprehensive sex education across different educational levels. Progress has been made bit by bit in recent years. And I’m certain that with the victory of the judicial review, the way our Hong Kong society understands gender would change significantly.

     

    As Dr Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. This judicial review is a victory for the basic human rights of the local transgender community, for the LGBTQIA+ community, and a landmark of human rights in Hong Kong.

    香港电台第三台

    26/03/2023 - 足本 Full (HKT 08:15 - 08:30)

    26/03/2023 - Zephyrus Tsang, co-founder and vice-chairperson of Quarks