Dear Esteemed Guests, Colleagues, and Advocates,  

As Chairperson of Society of True Light, it is my great honor to welcome you to the Hong Kong International LGBTQ+ Affirmative Practices Conference 2025 – Practices in Action: Advancing LGBTQ+ Mental Health Across Challenges, taking place on June 13–14, 2025, at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.  

The mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Hong Kong remain deeply concerning. Recent data shows that 30.8% of LGBTQ+ respondents experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms, while 24% report moderate to severe anxiety. These figures have remained largely unchanged since a similar study in 2017 and are still significantly higher than those of the general population. This stark reality underscores the ongoing and urgent need for effective, evidence-based interventions to support the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.  

Building on the success of our previous conference, this year’s event takes an even deeper dive into the practical applications of LGBTQ+ affirmative practices. With a focus on real-world implementation, we will explore four critical areas: 

• Chemsex Prevention among the Gay Population
• Intimate Relationship Violence in Queer Relationships
• Clinical Management for Transgender and Gender-Expansive Populations
• School-Based LGBTQ+ Bullying Prevention

We are also proud to introduce LGBTQ+ Counselling Handbook: Volume II, which will be distributed free of charge to all registered participants. Building upon Volume I published in 2023, which introduced the principles of affirmative therapy, this latest publication offers deeper insights and practical guidance aligned with the four key themes of this year’s conference. In addition to contributions from leading experts in these specialized areas, this edition also incorporates perspectives from the community, ensuring a richer and more comprehensive resource for professionals and advocates alike.  

As policy landscapes shift unpredictably, sustaining support for the LGBTQ+ community has become increasingly challenging. Despite these difficulties, we are profoundly grateful to our dedicated sponsors, our esteemed speakers from across the globe, the expert contributors and community voices behind the handbook, our hardworking organizing committee, and all those who have committed their time and efforts to making this conference possible.  

Though the future may be uncertain, your unwavering support ensures that this long-marginalized community continues to be seen, supported, and empowered. Together, we will carry forward the momentum of affirmative practice and drive meaningful, lasting change.  

We look forward to your participation in this insightful and impactful conference.