The article discusses the growing assertiveness of the LGBT community in China, highlighting several legal cases where individuals have stood up against discrimination and conversion therapy. Peng Yanhui, founder of LGBT Rights Advocacy, won a lawsuit in 2014 against clinics offering a 'cure' for homosexuality. Since then, there have been more cases where gays and lesbians have sought legal redress, including a gay husband who was compensated for wrongful confinement and a transgender man who was unlawfully fired. Despite the lack of laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation, some have used existing laws to challenge unfair treatment. Human Rights Watch has called for a ban on conversion therapy. LGBT communities have been growing online and through organizations like PFLAG China. The article also touches on the challenges posed by new government rules aimed at censoring online content related to homosexuality.

Anti-Olympics activists, known as 'NOlympians', have been voicing their concerns about the Olympic Games, citing issues such as cost overruns, sexism, and the risk of COVID-19 spread. The movement has grown from localized opposition to a global coalition, with activists from past and future host cities joining forces. Critics argue that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prioritizes corporate interests over human costs, leading to negative impacts on local communities. Despite the IOC's attempts at reform through its Agenda 2020, skepticism remains about its ability to enact genuine change. The selection of Brisbane as the host for the 2032 Games, announced just before the Tokyo Olympics, has been met with continued opposition from the NOlympics movement.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is becoming more overt in Hong Kong, demanding allegiance and recognition of China's achievements under its rule. The CCP's centenary is marked by public displays of loyalty, despite Hong Kong's history as a refuge from Communist rule. The CCP has been influential in Hong Kong since colonial times, but its presence has grown since the 1997 handover. Recent actions, such as the imposition of the National Security Law and changes to electoral rules, show Beijing's increasing control over Hong Kong's political landscape. The emergence of the Bauhinia Party, suspected to be a CCP front, and the presence of an estimated 400,000 party members in Hong Kong, indicate a direct role for the party in the city's governance.

In the upcoming district council elections in Hong Kong, a record number of voters are expected to participate, with a significant increase in young voters. The elections come amid ongoing protests and political tension, with candidates like Janelle Leung and Tommy Cheung, inspired by the anti-government demonstrations, seeking to influence government outside of protests. The campaign has seen assaults and arrests of pro-democracy candidates, and the absence of Joshua Wong, who was barred from running. The results could impact the selection of the chief executive, with district councillors holding 10 percent of the vote. The pro-establishment camp, which won nearly 200 seats in the last election, faces a challenge from independent and pan-democratic candidates. The outcome remains unpredictable, with local issues also playing a significant role in the campaigns.

Over 1,000 secondary students in Hong Kong joined a rally for democracy as the school year began, amidst heavy rain. They expressed the urgency of fighting for their freedoms now to avoid future regret. The protest movement, which started against an extradition bill, has expanded to broader anti-government and pro-democracy demands, including full universal suffrage. Students have a history of activism, notably against 'patriotic education' in 2012 and for universal suffrage in 2014's Umbrella Movement. The Liberal Studies curriculum, which fosters critical thinking, faces criticism from pro-Beijing figures. Despite hopes that protests would subside with the school year's start, students remain determined to apply pressure on the government.

Alibaba has postponed its secondary listing in Hong Kong, initially planned to raise about $15 billion, due to the ongoing political unrest in the territory. The decision comes amid a backdrop of protests and police action, with the possibility of revisiting the listing in October if conditions improve. Alibaba, valued at $460 billion and co-founded by Jack Ma, is diversifying its funding and investor base amidst the US-China trade war.

Hong Kong police are facing criticism for their violent response to recent protests against a controversial extradition bill. Former police inspector Kenneth Yeung expressed shock at the force's tactics, which included clubbing protesters and firing rubber-coated bullets. The police's actions have led to a breakdown in public trust, exacerbated by accusations of brutality and collusion with gangs. The force's militarization is questioned, and there is a lack of civilian oversight and political accountability. Despite calls for an independent inquiry, authorities have rejected the idea, and Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam has shown support for the police. The police, once known as 'Asia's Finest,' are now seen as a 'bankrupt brand' by some, including Yeung.

The article discusses the ongoing protests in Hong Kong, which began as opposition to a controversial extradition bill but have evolved into a broader movement for democratic freedoms and accountability from the city's leaders and Beijing. The protesters, including Lam Hing Lun and his girlfriend Fee Chan, are determined to continue their struggle despite the risks, drawing inspiration from past movements and international struggles for freedom. The protests have shifted tactics from prolonged sit-ins to more dynamic, guerrilla-style actions to paralyze government operations. The demonstrators, mainly from the younger generation, are aware of the potential consequences of challenging China's authoritarian regime but are motivated by the desire to defend their homeland and secure a better future for the next generation. The article highlights the protesters' resolve to play the 'long game' in their fight for freedom and justice.

Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre with a vigil at Victoria Park, drawing tens of thousands. A replica of the 'Goddess of Democracy' was featured, symbolizing the ongoing fight for democracy. The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China organized the event, while a generational divide exists on how to memorialize the crackdown. In Taiwan, hundreds gathered in Taipei, with Vice President speaking. President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized Taiwan's commitment to democracy in contrast to China's authoritarian regime. The article also touches on the proposed extradition law amendments in Hong Kong, which have sparked protests and international concern.

Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, emphasizing the importance of human rights and the threat to civil liberties in the semi-autonomous region. Tens of thousands gathered for a vigil in Victoria Park, featuring a replica of the 'Goddess of Democracy.' The event highlighted generational divides in memorializing the crackdown and concerns over proposed extradition law amendments. Meanwhile, Taiwan marked the anniversary with a gathering in Taipei, and President Tsai Ing-wen reaffirmed her commitment to democracy in contrast to China's authoritarian regime.

The article discusses the rise of 'localists' in Hong Kong, a group of activists who oppose Beijing's influence and advocate for the prioritization of local concerns over the mandates of the Communist Chinese Party. These localists have become a significant social and political force, recently impacting elections and resisting police crackdowns. They range from preservationists to pro-democracy agitators and include a new political party, Youngspiration. The localists' goals vary, but many support the rule of law, civil liberties, and self-determination, with some pushing for full independence. The movement has gained momentum since the failure of the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement. Beijing has labeled militant localists as separatists, creating tension within the 'one country, two systems' framework that governs Hong Kong's autonomy until 2047.