PANGU by Kenal unveils LGBTQ+-themed metaverse experience in Asia

Hong Kong-based metaverse agency PANGU by Kenal will launch one of Asia’s first LGBTQ+-themed metaverse experiences, PANtopia, in October to achieve greater LGBTQ+ inclusion this Pride Month, alongside Taiwan Pride 2023.

This comes as the agency sees allyship as a lifelong process of supporting and advocating for marginalised individuals or groups of people, and nurturing LGBTQ+ allyship should not begin and end with Pride Month, according to Kenny Ng, founder of PANGU by Kenal. "As such, we are thrilled to launch our three-year proposition - PANtopia, where we can harness the dynamism of metaverse and enhance allyship building for a more harmonious and inclusive society," he added.

Ng said that PANtopia is more than just a metaverse experience, as it is very much a transformative platform for individuals, corporates, communities, and NGOs to converge the power of the next iteration of the internet for advocacy and engagement. "With the incredible support from international brands such as Durex and Unilever, the launch of PANtopia builds a strong case about how the metaverse can foster social change and reach new audiences in ways previously thought impossible," Ng added.

With gaming and educational components, PANtopia takes full advantage of the metaverse experience and provides ways not possible in the physical world to connect and engage with allies and supporters of LGBTQ+ inclusion, according to the release. The campaign also teams up with Taiwan Equality Campaign and Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association, two Taiwanese NGOs that have dedicated profound support to the LGBTQ movement.

With the headline "Proud Together" of the 2023 PANtopia experience, PANGU by Kenal is committed to creating a community where users can be confident in their identities in the metaverse. Following the launch of Metaverse Pride in 2022, PANtopia is set to become an authentic and expressive community platform that champions and embraces LGBTQ+ inclusion throughout Asia all year round. In October, it is anticipated that the metaverse-to-online-to-offline (M2O2O) concept will effectively elevate the pride movement to new heights.

Starting 12 October, this brand new experience on the metaverse aims to provide end-users with an immersive gaming experience that fosters a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ+ community while offering access to exclusive discounts and promotions at participating bars.

Commenting on Sebastien Lin, deputy executive director of Taiwan Equality Campaign said: “Promoting diversity, inclusion and equity through games is a ground-breaking form of the LGBTQ activism. I believe that such a brand-new gaming experience can amplify the campaign reach to a wider audience.”

Meanwhile, Juan, Mei-Ying, marketing director of Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+)Hotline Association said: “Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association has always provided support for LGBTQ individuals and their family and friends at all stages of life. It will be a very long-awaited way to have the opportunity to help other partners [such as PANtopia] through the resources of the Association.”

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to PANGU by Kenal for more information. 

Related articles:
Out in HK founder complains about StanChart marathon staff's attempt to remove LGBTQ+ flag
Why did Burberry's LGBTQ focused Valentine's Day ad cause such a ruckus?
Adland LGBTQIA+ community asks brands to stick by promise at World Cup 2022