A “human library” event in Hong Kong on October 16 will use the Danish-born concept to raise awareness about youth mental health and reduce social stigma surrounding mental illness.
Organised by OCD & Anxiety Support Hong Kong, Voices of Resilience: A Human Library on Youth Mental Health will invite participants to “read” human books – individuals from marginalised or stigmatised groups who share their personal experiences and answer questions in an open, interactive format.
The first human library took place 25 years ago in Denmark, when the youth organisation Stop the Violence created the initiative to promote understanding through dialogue. Today, Human Library International, headquartered in Copenhagen, supports similar events in more than 80 countries.
The Hong Kong event will feature four speakers, including individuals who have faced physical disabilities, addiction, rare skin conditions, and gender identity challenges. Through their stories, organisers hope to foster empathy and encourage participants to “unjudge” others.
Studies from Europe and Asia have shown that human library events help reduce prejudice and improve understanding of mental health issues. As the Danish-born initiative continues to grow worldwide, its expansion into Hong Kong highlights how Nordic ideas of openness and dialogue are finding resonance across Southeast Asia.
The best way to preserve the stigma of mental health issues is to continue to underwrite those taught and teaching it. Without that support that prejudice would fade.
Harold A Maio