Reshaping A 700-Year-Old Tradition to Be More Inclusive for Diverse Gender Groups
Unleashing the power of jewellery to advance equal marriage and promote boundless love
HONG KONG, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Kong Marriage Equality has partnered with local jewellery brand Playback Concept to launch the “Proud Pair”. This series maintains essential traditional motifs while incorporating inclusive design changes, expanding the traditional framework of one dragon and one phoenix to include “Double Dragon” and “Double Phoenix” designs. These inclusive designs convey the core value of love without boundaries, allowing parents to express their support and blessings for non-traditional marriages.
Traditional dragon and phoenix bangles feature one dragon and one phoenix, which represent binomial pairs and bring blessings for a happy marriage. However, this design suggests traditional gender roles and fails to reflect diverse sexualities and genders. In Hong Kong, many gender-diverse couples believe that traditional designs do not accurately reflect their love stories, rendering their relationships invisible.
The “Proud Pair” not only preserves traditional cultural motifs but also includes elements that represent auspiciousness for every couple, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation.
Product Information: The Proud Pair – Double Dragon
This design is inspired by the dragon in traditional Chinese culture, which symbolizes auspiciousness, protection, and blessings. The bracelet features two exquisite dragon shapes circling a playful pearl on either side. The pearl is engraved with the “Double Happiness” character. Altogether, the design represents mutual respect, humility, and inclusivity between partners. A rainbow connects the two dragons, symbolizing intergenerational and cross-gender connections and embodying diverse possibilities beyond traditions.
Product Information: The Proud Pair – Double Phoenix
The design is inspired by the phoenix in traditional Chinese culture, which symbolizes happiness, rebirth and eternity. The bracelet features two elegant phoenixes in flight, encircling a central bead engraved with the “Double Happiness” character. This design represents fulfilling love and togetherness. A rainbow connects the two phoenixes, symbolizing intergenerational and cross-gender connections and embodying diverse possibilities beyond tradition.
Gigi Chao, Co-founder of Hong Kong Marriage Equality, says: “Traditional dragon and phoenix bracelets are designed with one dragon and one phoenix. While the symbolism is beautiful, it fails to address the needs of diverse gender groups. Through the ‘Proud Pair’, we hope to redefine the meaning of dragon and phoenix bracelets, making them a testament to all types of love and promoting marriage equality.”
Chen Bao-feng, founder of Playback Concept, remarks: “The biggest challenge in designing this bracelet was how to cleverly incorporate elements of diverse genders while preserving the deep cultural significance of traditional dragon and phoenix motifs. We not only delved into traditional culture but also engaged with many same-sex couples to listen to their stories and needs, which ultimately shaped the final design. This series is not just an accessory; it is a declaration of love and equality, allowing every love story to be seen and blessed.”
For those interested in ordering the “Proud Pair,” please visit the website of Playback Concept. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Hong Kong Marriage Equality.
Playback Concept’s website: https://www.playbackconcept.com/the-proud-pair
About Hong Kong Marriage Equality
Hong Kong Marriage Equality is dedicated to promoting fair treatment for same-sex couples, eliminating discrimination against them, fostering social diversity, and advocating for laws related to gender and sexual minority equality in Hong Kong.
About Playback Concept
Playback Concept aims to connect metal craftsmanship with people’s lives, integrating the aesthetics of metalwork into jewelry and everyday items.
SOURCE Hong Kong Marriage Equality; Playback Concept
