Government’s Equal Opportunities (Sexual Orientation) Funding Scheme under Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau’s Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Unit has experienced dramatic funding decline over two consecutive years, dropping from approximately HK$1.35 million in 2023/24 to HK$698,000 in 2024/25 and only HK$400,000 in 2025/26. Approved projects decreased from 24 in 2023/24 to 10 in 2024/25 and 7 in 2025/26, despite receiving 28, 20, and 22 applications respectively.
LGBTQ organization Pride Lab, which received funding for multiple projects since 2021/22, has been denied for two consecutive years since 2024/25. Creative Director Chan Wai-in stated most Hong Kong LGBTQ organizations are registered as societies rather than charities, making public fundraising difficult, with many activities relying on this scheme as major funding source. Funding reduction forced cancellation or downsizing of activities, further marginalizing LGBTQ community. Chan stated: “They cut [funding], and lots of public activities’ content disappeared. Sexual minorities seem to have no activities belonging to them.” He emphasized LGBTQ people need activities to build confidence and sense of safety, with reduced activities exacerbating pressure on marginalized groups, creating loneliness and affecting mental health. Several newly approved organizations in 2025/26 have never organized LGBTQ activities previously or are not active in LGBTQ community, with some not updating social media for years. Chan expressed concern they cannot reach LGBTQ people, hoping funding “used appropriately, focusing on caring for sexual minorities’ rights.” One approved organization—Hong Kong Grassroots Concern Association Limited—formally withdrew application via email on 13 January 2026, stating “unable to accept Equal Opportunities (Sexual Orientation) Funding Scheme funding, therefore will not implement relevant project.”