Denise Ho, also known as HOCC, is a prominent Hong Kong Cantopop singer, actor, and pro-democracy activist. A protégée of the legendary Anita Mui, Ho made history in 2012 by coming out as a lesbian at the Hong Kong Pride Parade, shouting, "I am a tongzhi (queer)!"
"Silence is not an option when injustice becomes the norm."
Impact
Following her coming out, she co-founded **BigLove Alliance** with Anthony Wong to push for anti-discrimination legislation. Ho's career is defined by her transition from a pop idol to a globally recognized human rights defender. She has addressed the United Nations and the U.S. Congress, advocating for the freedoms of Hong Kong. Her unwavering stance has cost her commercial success in mainland China, but she remains an icon of integrity and courage for LGBTQ+ youth worldwide.