Hong Kong is one of the world’s most unique – and densely-populated – cities. Between 1842 and 1997, it was operated under British colonial rule, but is now an autonomous region of China.

Generally, residents have enjoyed a more liberal standard of living when compared to elsewhere in China. The region has acted as a magnet for big business and corporate-employed expats – including LGBTI people.

Reflecting trends elsewhere, same-sex parents are becoming more commonplace.

However, when Harun Sinha, partner Austin Dowling and their two-year-old adopted son Alfie, relocated from New York to the Hong Kong in 2013, the dads [pictured] were surprised by the lack of resources aimed at LGBTI parents.

Their solution? To launch Rainbow Families of Hong Kong – a social and networking group for others in the same situation.

‘The group was launched in May 2013. We moved to Hong Kong at the end of March of 2013. We wanted to make sure Alfie grows up knowing other families like us so he doesn’t feel we are different from other families.

‘I reached out to some local gay organizations to find out if there are any events or groups geared towards gay families but could not find anything. I saw a need for such a group in HK for people to connect with each other since so many expats come to live there. I launched the group in Meetup first to connect with some families and our first event was in August of 2013.’

Although gay sexual activity is not illegal in Hong Kong, there is no recognition of same-sex relationships, and the idea of LGBT families remains a novel one. However, Sinha says that his family experienced little direct discrimination.

‘Our Hong Kong experience was very much of an expat experience where we were surrounded by expats. Our son attended an expat-ran playgroup. He was initially enrolled to a local run playgroup but we found it to be non-inclusive environment for our family.

‘Other than that, we haven’t faced any discrimination during our time there. You do get a lot of eyes and pointing but the language barrier kept us from understanding anything!

‘I think there are a lot of gay families in HK but until this group launched, there was no way of families finding each other. I made connection with a lot of families and some have become our friends that we know will stay in our life.’

Sinha and Dowling added to their family earlier with year when they adopted a second baby, Ernest (now eight months old). They returned permanently to the US in August 2014 when work demanded another relocaton.

‘I don’t know how to answer whether I would recommend Hong Kong to other LGBTI parents as I think there are other countries that are far more livable for any families – gay or straight.

‘My advice for anyone considering a move to any country that is unfriendly to LGBTI rights is to do their homework before they make the decision to move.

‘In light of their life and lifestyle, they should think what’s important in their life – such as being and living an open and honest life – and find out how living in those countries might be.

‘Seek out others who are in the same boat (via forums, social network sites, etc.) and see what challenges there might be to minimize any surprises in the long run.’

Having now left Hong Kong, Sinha left the running of Rainbow Families in the hands of Laura Simonsen. A British expat, Simonsen has lived in the city for the past seven years, along with her Australian partner of 11 years, Kate. The couple work for an architecture firm and have two boys, aged 2 and 4.

‘We were only meant to come to Hong Kong for a couple of years, work and travel around Asia then go back to Sydney and start a family! But we are still here and decided to start our family over here.’

Like Sinha, Simonsen says that her family has experienced little open discrimination.

‘We have blank stares of slight shock when we say that our sons have two mums, but other than that we have actually been quite lucky and not felt any discrimination, not to our faces anyway.’

Simonsen says that Rainbow Families has around 95 members: a mixture of expats, Chinese and interracial couples – predominantly two-dad families from overseas. Many are without children but are interested in starting a family and wanting to connect with others for advice.

Hong Kong has been in the news this week because of a wave of pro-democracy protests, in reaction to a policy that the Chinese government are trying to implement to allow only approved political candidates to stand for the office of leader.

‘It makes me proud to be here more than anything,’ says Simonsen, when asked about the demonstrations. ‘It’s uplifting to see so many people protesting about this. How it will end I don’t know, I just hope for the best for Hong Kong people and I hope no-one is hurt.’

She and her partner plan to remain in the city for the next few years, at least, and to continue to network with other LGBTI parents and raise awareness around gay issues. To this end, next week Simonsen will be unveiling an exhibition of her photographs. ‘Family’ – which includes some LGBT families [pictured] – is being presented by the China Art Projects (CAP), 2/F B 126 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, between 6-12 October.

‘I hope that the next generation will live in a world of equality without being labeled or categorized or questioned,’ she says. ‘Without being judged or bullied, and to have the freedom to marry legally whoever they love and the freedom to create their family however they choose.’

For more information on Rainbow Families of Hong Kong, check its Facebook page. Bottom photo by Laura Simonsen.