Gender and Sexuality: Understanding Cultural Assumptions to Promote Social Equality

The Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic Complex | The University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong
168 Victoria Road, Mount Davis
Hong Kong

In the U.S., women make up almost 50% of the workforce for the first time in history. While women have made huge gains in workplace participation, however, they continue to be overrepresented in low-wage, service sector positions and underrepresented in the highest levels of business and government. Understanding the intersection of gender and sexuality is crucial for fostering inclusivity and equality.

Join us for a thought-provoking IN-PERSON session, Gender and Sexuality: Understanding Cultural Assumptions to Promote Social Equality, on Thursday, February 20 at 5:00 p.m. Hong Kong Time with Kristen Schilt, Associate Professor of Sociology at The University of Chicago. In her talk, Schilt will draw on her research about the workplace experiences of transgender men and women in the U.S. to illuminate the ways in which deeply-held cultural assumptions about gender continue to impact hiring and promotion decisions and the allocation of workplace responsibilities. She will explore strategies for change that can challenge these stereotypes and bring greater equality for gender and sexual minorities. 

Following this, there will be a panel discussion featuring Travis Kong, Professor of Sociology at The University of Hong Kong, moderated by Elaine Lin, Director of WMA. Kong will share his insights on the challenges faced by the older LGBTQ+ community, particularly how their needs are often overlooked in social services and healthcare. By examining both theoretical perspectives and practical strategies, the discussion aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities in fostering a supportive and inclusive society.

This event is part of the Social Impact Leadership Series (SILS), a program offered by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Programme on Social Innovation, which features prominent speakers covering social sector issues.

Learn more and register here

Event Organizers: The Hong Kong Jockey Club Programme on Social Innovation by Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation
Contact Person: Iris Choi