Dr. Diana Kwok is Associate Professor of the Department of Special Education and Counselling. She is a social worker, counsellor, approved counselling supervisor, expressive arts therapist, and sex therapist. Diana used to work in school, family, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ social service settings, in Hong Kong, and in the U.S.. She is currently board member of the The Hong Kong Association of Sexuality Educators, Researchers & Therapists; Panel member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Hong Kong Social Workers' Registration Board; Panel specialist for the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic & Vocational Qualifications in Social Work and Counselling Panel. Her research projects were funded by Research Grant Council, Hong Kong Government, Equal Opportunities Fund, and private donations, mostly focused on sexual/transgender prejudice, life experiences of sexual and gender diverse individuals (SOGI/LGBTQIA+), rights-based sexuality education, and cultural competence of professionals. Diana actively engages in knowledge transfer, to inform and to advocate for a shift of paradigm in sexuality education for educators, mental health professionals, and the general public. Throughout the years, she has been interviewed by international and Hong Kong media outlets such as the BBC, South China Morning Post, Mingpao Daily, RTHK, the Standard News. Her op-eds have also been published in the Mingpao Daily, Singtao Daily, Apple Daily, Hong Kong Economic Journal and among other diverse outlets. Informed from her research, she provides professional training and clinical supervision to educators, social workers, counsellors, and sex therapists on mental health, sexual and gender diversity training in various universities, schools, NGOs, and government organizations, in Hong Kong and in other Asian cities. The research results were published in a wide range of international journals including Children and Youth Services Review, Sex Education, Sexuality, Society and Learning, Journal of Social Work Education, Qualitative Social Work, Journal of LGBT Youth, International Review of Psychiatry, British Journal of Guidance and Counselling etc..

Ed.D University of Hong Kong

MSW (Mental Health Counselling) California State University, USA

PgD (Sex Therapy) Florida Postgraduate Sex Therapy Training Institute, USA

PgD (Sexuality Studies) University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

B.Soc.Sci (Social Work) Chinese University of Hong Kong

Registered Social Worker (HKSWRB)

Certified Counsellor, Approved Counselling Supervisor (HKPCA) 

Certified Sex Therapist (HKASERT)

Expressive Arts Therapist/Associate Member (EATAHK)

Research Interests

Sexuality education

School experience of LGBTQIA/queer/gender non-binary students

Sexuality and counseling/social work/education

Sexuality and SEN students

Sexual health and sex therapy

Expressive arts and stigma reduction

Cultural competence of counselors/social worker/educators

Current Teaching and Course Coordination

Sexuality-Embracing Diversity

Sexuality-Inclusive and Rights-Based Perspective

Sex Education

Counselling Supports to Children with Special Educational Needs

Counseling Ethics

Counseling Theories and Practices

Second Major/Minor in Counselling Program Coordinator

Program Leader: Master of Arts in Educational Counselling

Supervision of Postgraduate Research Students

PhD - Sexuality education and high functioning ASD students in Hong Kong (2017-2021)

EdD - Parents with children affected by dyslexia: Experience in parent-school collaboration (2016-2021)

EdD - Heterosexism and LGBQ+ educators' experiences in schools (2021-in progress)

Past Teaching Experiences

Sexual Diversity and Social Work Intervention (CityUHK)

Sexuality, Culture, and Diversity (CityUHK)

Counseling in Society and Across Culture (CityUHK)

Counselling Individuals and Families (CityUHK)

Social Work Philosophy and Ethics (CUHK)

Social Case Work (CUHK)

Movies Life, and Social Work (CUHK)

Mental Health Counseling (CUHK)

Social Work Fieldwork Supervision (CUHK)

Committees and Services

Board member of the Hong Kong Association of Sexuality Educators, Researchers & Therapists

Committee member of the Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board (Disciplinary Panel )

Professional Development Committee of the Hong Kong Social Workers Association (2013-2016)

Panel specialist for the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic & Vocational Qualifications (Social Work; Counselling Panel)

Clinical adviser/volunteer for NGOs, such as Caritas Hong Kong Youth Sexuality Project; Family Planning Association of Hong Kong; Transgender Resource Center; Queer Sisters; Hong Kong BGCA Project Touch; Caritas Hong Kong SEN Sexuality Education Project; Teen's Key Hong Kong; Richmond Fellowship Hong Kong etc..

ReviewerJournal of LGBT Youth; Transcultural Psychiatry; Cultural Health and Sexuality, Healthcare; Family Relationships; Journal of Social Work; International Journal of Transgenderism; Journal of Sex Research; Journal of Homosexuality; Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning; British Journal of Counselling; RGC etc.

Editorial panel member for the book "HIV, Sex, and Sexuality in Later Life" (Book Series: Sex & Intimacy in Later Life in a Changing World)

Organizing Committee member for the 7th Asian Conference on Sexuality Education 2019

Knowledge Transfer, Public Education, and Professional Training (Selected)

"Expressive arts, transgender prejudice, and lived experiences". Expressive arts group for trans women in Hong Kong, collaborated with Self-help Development Center, Hong Kong.

"Expressive arts and emotional education". Integrated Family Service Center, Social Welfare Department, Hong Kong.

"Understanding gender diversity, improving transgender inclusiveness on campus". Professional training workshop for administrators, social workers, and educators, organized by Vocational Training Council, Hong Kong.

"Intersectional perspective and multiple identities: students' narratives from sexually and gender expansive communities (LGBTQIA+) in Hong Kong". Exhibition of knowledge transfer projects for students, co-organized with Vocational Training Council, Hong Kong.

"Using culturally relevant approach: supporting transgender and gender diverse students and their families". Symposium on "Closing the healthcare service gap for transgender and gender diverse community in Hong Kong", organized by the Hong Kong LGBT Medical Society.

"Chinese sexual minority students experiencing microaggressions". Seminar on "Development of Sexuality Education in China", organized by UNPA & Tsinghua University.

"Chinese adoptive families in Hong Kong, narratives from adoptive children". Public seminar at Eslite Bookstore, organized by the Department of Social Sciences (Dr Anita Chan), the Education University of Hong Kong.

"Suicidal risk, mental health, and peer supports for LGBTQ+ youth", Radio Hong Kong (RTHK) Program.

"Gender and sexually expansive students, well-being and supports in schools", Radio Hong Kong (RTHK) Program.

"Transgender and gender diverse adolescents, well-being and social supports". Professional development workshop for social work students, collaborated with Caritas Institute of Higher Education.

"Disability, autism, and rights-based sexuality education". City University of Hong Kong, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

"Sexual and gender diversities in secondary schools". Exhibitions from photovoice and knowledge transfer projects, co-organized with secondary schools in Hong Kong.

"Transgender inclusive education through research, knowledge transfer, and community empowerment". Professional development workshop for teachers and social workers, organized by Taiwan Gender Equity Education Association.

"Respecting diversities: creating a transgender-inclusive workplace". Professional development workshop organized by the Auxiliary Medical Service.

“Understanding gender identity development: supporting transgender children in schools and families “. Workshop for social workers and educators, International Conference on Children’s Sexuality Education, PRC.

“Clinical supervision and professional development: school sexuality education". Professional development program for school social workers, counsellors and teachers, organized by Caritas Hong Kong.

"Sexual and gender diversities: Implications for psychiatric social services". Professional development program for psychiatric social workers, organized by Richmond Fellowship Hong Kong.

"Sexuality Education for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)", Radio Hong Kong (RTHK )Program.

"Embracing Diversities: Sexuality Education for Students Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder", the 7th Asian Conference on Sexuality Education .

"Transgender Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Implications for Rights-Based Sexuality Education". The 7th Asian Conference on Sexuality Education.

"Sexuality Education for ASD Students: Parents' Difficulties and Perspectives", workshop organized by Parent Support Group of ASD Students.

"Respecting Diversity - Sexuality Education for ASD Students: Perspectives of Social Workers and Teachers", workshop organized by Caritas Hong Kong.

"Sexuality Education Training for Chinese Social Workers: Culturally Competent Practice", organized by Social Workers' Association, Huizhou, China.

"Sexuality Education Training for Chinese Teachers: Culturally Competent Practice", organized by GLCAC, UNDP, UNESCO, China.

"Understanding diversities in sex characteristics, sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions - implications for frontline practice of sexuality educators." HKASSERT.

"Ethical dilemma in sexuality education - implications for frontline practice of sexuality educators", HK Family Planning Association.

"Supporting clients facing sexual health and mental health concerns - intersectionality perspective". Case conference workshop, HKASSERT.

"Engaging Chinese Teachers to Support LGBT Students through Sexual Prejudice Reduction Training", Workshop organized by UNESCO Asia (Thailand/Korea).

"Gender transitions: religious struggles and resilience: Reflections from mental health professionals", HKASSERT

"Sexuality education for high functioning ASD students: Reflections from social workers", workshop organized by the The Church of united Brethren in Christ Social Service Division

"Sexuality education for high functioning ASD students", series of workshops organized by the Hong Kong Vocational Training Council.

"Gay men living with Aids - addressing minority stress and internalized sexual prejudice", professional training for counsellors, Aids Concerns.

"Supporting transmen and transwomen at the initial stage of gender transition", clinical supervision workshop, HKASSERT.

"Supporting parents facing their children's gender transition", workshop for hotline counsellors, organized by faith-based social service organization.

"Sexual intimacy, multiple identities, and trans* couples ", workshop for frontline social workers, organized by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals.

"LGBTQ survivors of intimate partner violence: perspectives from social workers", Symposium on Combating Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence, HKCSS

"Understanding sexual and gender fluidity of non-binary trans* people - reflections from sex therapy sessions", HKASERT.

"Working with gender variant service users in faith-based substance abuse shelter services", Faith-based social service organization.

"Intimacy and sexuality education needs of young people affected by ASD", Yang Memorial Methodist Social Services

"Meaning behind sexual offending behaviors of young people affected by ASD, a qualitative study", Caritas Hong Kong

"Respecting Diversities - Sexuality Education for Students with Intellectual Disability and Autistic Spectrum Disorders", Special schools in Hong Kong

"Respecting diversities - Sexuality education for students affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorders", Professional Training Program, EdUHK

"Intimate partner violence among LGBT couples", Hong Hong Council of Social Services.

"Sexuality education for students affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorders", organized by the Hong Kong Teachers' Center.

"Supporting transgender students in educational setting", Hong Kong Teachers' Center.

"Supporting students exploring sexual identities in schools:, Hong Kong Teachers' Center.

"Supporting gender variant clients in mental health settings, implication for social work practice", the Hong Kong Social Workers' Association.

"Supporting LGBQ service users in social work intervention", Social Welfare Department, Hong Kong SAR Government

"Supporting transgender service users in social work settings, City University of HK, Division of Social Science.

“Understanding sexual pleasure in sexuality education, a human rights perspective”, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups.

"Sexuality education for social workers", Caritas Hong Kong.

"HIV prevention and sexuality education", organized by St John’s Cathedral.

Media articles/commentaries in relation to social issues.

Invisibility of LGBT+ Students in Schools: Mental Health Challenges (Ming Pao 12/07/2022)

同志學生: 聽不到看不到真實的我

Respecting Diversities in Sexuality Education: Children’s Book Featuring LGBTQ Themes (Ming Pao 04/10/2022)

尊重差異: 性教育教材

Rights-based and Inclusive Sexuality Education for All Students (Ming Pao 22/10/2019)

有教無類的性教育可以實現嗎？

Abstinence-Only Sexuality Education Does More Harm than Good (Ming Pao 13/8/2019)

貞潔性教育 無視年輕人精神健康

There is No Such Thing as Sex Addiction (Ming Pao, 30/7/2019)

性沉溺並不存在

I Am A Boy Not A Girl- Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Children in Hong Kong (Ming Pao, 18/3/2019)

我唔係阿女，係阿仔啊！

Asexuality and Sexual Prejudice (Ming Pao, 3/12/2018)

無性戀──小眾中之小眾

Sexuality Education - Teaching Adoptive Children on Family Values ( Ming Pao, 29/11/2018)

性教育—領養孩子如何理解家庭觀？

Gender Recognition and Human Rights (Sing Tao, 7/12/2017)

性別承認是人權

Is sexual orientation needed to be changed? (Sing Tao, 02/6/2017)

性傾向有需要改變嗎？

Trans girl’s voice: I am your daughter, everything goes well!” (Sing Tao, 17/11/2017)

跨女心聲：叫我阿女，一天光晒！

Transgender: RTHK Programme (25/5/2017)

Standing Up to Transgender Prejudice in Hong Kong Schools (Sing Tao, 20/1/2017)

誰才不正常、有病？挑戰跨性別偏見

If you can't go to Heaven, I can't either (Sing Tao, 13/9/2016)

你不能上天堂，我也不能上得了

Parents Talking about Sex - Empowerment and Sex Positive Approach

家長「放下身段」與子女談性 星島日報 20.01.2016

Sexuality Education - Girls Exploring Sexual Pleasure

提供空間正視性歡愉感受 明報 01.12.2015

Sexuality Education for Visually Impaired Students

感受人體溫暖視障孩子的性教育 星島日報 17.11.2015

Girls Talking about Virginity 第一次性體驗 明報 20.10.2015

Sexuality Education for Children Affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorders

特殊需要孩子的性成長需要 星島日報 23.06.2015

Sexuality Education - Embracing Family Diversities

性教育應呈現多元家庭素材 星島日報 23.04.2015

Sexuality Education - Insights Learned from Transgender Students

跨性別學生的故事 星島日報 25.11.2014

Sexuality Education for Tongzhi/LGBQ Students in Schools

學校並不安全 保障同志學生權益 星島日報 24.09.2014