HONG KONG – Xavian Wu, Hong Kong’s first high-profile transgender singer-songwriter, captivated an audience at the city’s 10th annual LGBTQ Pink Dot HK carnival on Sunday, as he used his music to share his personal journey of self-discovery and transition. Wu, 30, also known by his stage name SY, made his musical debut in February and has since released three songs reflecting his experiences as a transgender man.
Wu, who applied in April for the Hong Kong Immigration Department to recognize his gender legally, thought back on his ten-year journey toward embracing his identity during the event in West Kowloon. His performance stood out as both a deeply personal narrative and a rallying cry for transgender visibility in a society where LGBTQ+ rights remain an ongoing struggle.
“Many things happened in the past 10 years, including myself, from not knowing myself to realizing I am a trans man,” Wu said, addressing dozens of attendees at the carnival. “I am proud of my identity and have learned to embrace it. I don’t want to hide,” he continued, emphasizing the importance of his visibility as a public figure in Hong Kong’s conservative cultural landscape. Wu’s statements underscored a central theme of the event—empowerment and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community.
A Platform for Expression
For Wu, music has been a transformative tool in navigating his identity. “When the world didn’t understand my situation, I was lucky to be able to use music to record my feelings,” he explained, attributing his resilience to the emotional outlet music provided during challenging times. He began exploring music in his teenage years, but it wasn’t until recently that his songwriting became a means to express the complexity of his gender transition.
Wu’s music debuted during a period of significant progress for LGBTQ+ visibility in Hong Kong, where transgender individuals have been pushing for broader recognition and legal rights. His three singles, released over the past few months, focus on the challenges of understanding and accepting one’s gender identity, the struggle to fit into societal norms, and the eventual triumph of self-acceptance. These songs—introspective, raw, and honest—resonate with many in the LGBTQ+ community, who face similar obstacles in a city where transgender rights are limited.
In Hong Kong, transgender individuals can change their gender on official documents only after meeting stringent medical criteria, which include sex reassignment surgery and prolonged hormone therapy. Wu’s journey, like many others, has been fraught with personal and systemic hurdles. Though he applied for a gender marker change earlier this year, he continues to await approval from the immigration department. “This is another step in the right direction, but there is still room for improvement,” he said, acknowledging the gaps in Hong Kong’s legal framework for transgender rights.
Overcoming Personal and Social Barriers
Wu’s path toward self-realization was not always clear. Growing up, he struggled to come to terms with his body and his place within society. He described feelings of isolation and discomfort before realizing he was transgender. “Life before my transition was challenging, especially coming out to my parents,” Wu recounted. He spoke candidly about his early experiences with gender dysphoria, which left him feeling disconnected from his body. “It was so difficult that I really wanted to die,” he confessed, recounting how he would avoid public spaces like women’s restrooms and isolate himself at home to cope with his discomfort.
It wasn’t until 2017 that Wu began to confront his identity more openly. After watching a health program where a transgender man shared his journey, Wu realized that his own feelings aligned with the experiences described. Soon after, he sought medical advice and began hormone therapy in 2018. In 2020, he traveled to Thailand for top surgery—a moment he describes as transformative. “After my surgery, I finally felt comfortable looking at myself in the mirror—standing up straight, shoulders back—and I could now wear whatever kinds of clothes without worrying about my body shape,” he said.
Wu’s story of personal evolution echoes the broader struggles of many transgender individuals in Hong Kong, where cultural taboos and a lack of legal protections persist. He acknowledges the difficulties faced by those like him but remains hopeful that sharing his journey will inspire others. “My goal is to encourage people in the LGBTQ+ community through my music,” Wu said, emphasizing that visibility is a powerful tool for change.
The Significance of Pink Dot HK
The annual Pink Dot HK event, now in its 10th year, has become a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ movement in Hong Kong. It provides a safe space for individuals to express themselves and for allies to show support. This year’s event, held in West Kowloon, featured performances and speeches from notable LGBTQ+ advocates and artists, including Pink Ambassadors Lana Wong, Pong Nan, and Yan Ting. Wu’s performance, however, was one of the highlights, given his prominence as a transgender figure in the local music scene.
While Hong Kong has made strides in some areas of LGBTQ+ rights, there is still a long way to go, particularly for transgender individuals. Wu’s participation at Pink Dot HK as the city’s first high-profile transgender singer-songwriter marked a milestone in the fight for visibility and acceptance. His message was clear: transgender individuals deserve to live their truth openly and without fear.
“At first, I wondered if I should say I’m transgender because I was worried about all kinds of trouble and what people would say,” Wu admitted during a press conference prior to the event. “But then I realized this is an identity I’m proud of, and I want to use my music to bring discussions about gender into mainstream culture.”
Indeed, Wu’s decision to come out publicly has already had a ripple effect. As one of the few public figures in Hong Kong openly discussing his transgender identity, he has paved the way for more inclusive conversations surrounding gender and identity in the city. He also pointed to the growing number of NGOs and community groups that have emerged in recent years to support transgender individuals, noting that societal understanding has improved significantly.
The Bottom Line
Despite the progress made, Wu acknowledges the obstacles that remain. Hong Kong’s legal system still requires transgender individuals to meet strict criteria before they can change their gender marker, a process that is both invasive and costly. Yet, with advocates like Wu at the forefront, there is hope for continued reform. “Society’s understanding of transgender identity has improved over the past three or four years,” he said, adding that he hopes events like Pink Dot will continue to raise awareness and educate the public about gender issues.
For Wu, the future is one of optimism and continued advocacy. His music, deeply rooted in his personal experiences, serves not only as a form of self-expression but also as a platform to inspire others in the transgender community. “I hope my story helps others feel less alone,” Wu said. “No one should have to hide who they are.”
As Hong Kong continues to grapple with LGBTQ+ rights, voices like Wu’s are essential in driving conversations forward. Through his music, he hopes to create a world where transgender individuals can live authentically and without fear—a vision that, if realized, would mark a significant victory for the community.
