About

Emery Fung

Founder of Awkward Conversations. A trans, neurodivergent, Chinese man based in Hong Kong — his DEI work is built from lived experience, not theory. He speaks, advises and builds community, all through a distinctly Asian lens.

My story

I left Hong Kong when I was nine and moved to Cornwall, England. As an ethnic minority in a small town, I never felt like I truly belonged — I had nowhere I could call home. That sense of disconnection shaped me, teaching me that identity and belonging are always nuanced, often awkward, and rarely simple.

Years later, a LinkedIn post about coming out as trans became the turning point of my career. What started as a personal story opened doors to conversations, invitations, and ultimately the founding of Awkward Conversations.

What I learned

Inclusion is awkward and full of nuance. We don’t always have the perfect answers, but choosing to be uncomfortable together is the start of genuine change. My work blends lived experience with strategy, humour and vulnerability — making complex inclusion work human and relatable.

This is me at nine, just before leaving Hong Kong — never quite sure where home was. That journey taught me that belonging is complicated, identity is nuanced, and inclusion is often awkward. But awkward is where change begins.

Leadership & impact

Gay Games HK (2023)

Diversity & Inclusion Director and Football Lead — Asia’s first Gay Games: 5,600 visitors from 40+ nationalities, HKD 200M economic impact.

RESOLVE Fellowship (2026)

Mentored emerging leaders tackling issues from gender equity to migrant rights.

QSA (2024 & 2025)

Mentor supporting LGBTQ+ and ally communities.

HKFC Sub-Women Committee

Shaping inclusion and visibility in sport.

Trusted by HSBC, ARUP, LVMH, Eaton, FedEx, MTR and PVH. Featured by TEDx, BBC, South China Morning Post and RTHK.

In their words

“Genuine dialogue across neurodiversity and LGBT+.”

— Patrick Barneoud, Société Générale

“Fresh, engaging take on non-binary topics.”

— Ryan Mellor, HSBC

“Unique and tailored DEI perspective in China.”

— Sana Chaudhry, FCDO

“All pieces of the DEI puzzle in one place.”

— Alan Tse, Eaton

“Intersectional approach that kept DEI conversations alive.”

— NC Kwong, FedEx

Let’s have an awkward conversation with Emery