Painting Pink: How Authoritarian Capitalism Absorbs LGBTQ Movement in Post-2019 Hong Kong

This paper explores the intersection of Authoritative Capitalism and Pink Economy Critique within the context of Hong Kong's LGBT movement. As a unique blend of market-driven economic policies and strong governmental control in post 2019 era, Hong Kong exemplifies the complexities of navigating social justice and economic growth. The study analyzes how the local government’s approach to LGBT rights reflects a broader strategy within Authoritative Capitalism, often prioritizing economic consideration over the justice of LGBT community. Despite the increasing visibility of LGBT issues in the market, the movement faces significant challenges due to state regulation. Combing the ethnographic data, in-depth interview and media report, this paper examines the contradictions inherent in Hong Kong’s economic model, revealing how the commodification of LGBT identities can obscure deeper structural inequalities. This paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of the interplay between market forces and social movements, advocating for a critical reevaluation of movement strategies that prioritize economic interests while potentially undermining the fundamental goals of the LGBT rights movement.