Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing was a legendary Hong Kong singer and actor, widely considered one of the founding fathers of Cantopop. Throughout his 26-year career, he starred in masterpieces such as Farewell My Concubine and Happy Together, which brought Chinese queer cinema to the global stage.
"I am what I am, a firework of a different color."
Impact
Cheung was a pioneer in challenging traditional gender expressions. In his 1997 concert, he famously performed in red high heels, and later openly acknowledged his long-term partner, Daffy Tong. His courage to be authentic in the public eye made him a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community in Asia. To this day, he is remembered not just for his unparalleled talent, but as a symbol of elegance, bravery, and the pursuit of true self.