GayPride With Chopsticks

China concluded a full week of Gay Pride celebration in June, 2009, the first ever in the country's history. All activities were rather low-key, testing waters and avoiding confrontations with the authorities, just in case.

It started off with a dinner feast (typical Chinese, always start whatever celebration with a feast), the projection of some documentaries and several exhibitions in diverse locations of Shanghai, the most cosmopolitan and financial centre of China. There were also films, artistic manifestations, conferences, art and craft displays, and of course, parties.

The organizers were Hannah Miller and Tiffany Lemay, both Americans who had been living in Shanghai for many years. "We wished to do this to celebrate the diversity and talent of the gay scene recently born in the most dynamic city of China. Shanghai was not ready for this a few years ago but now she is." Miller so declared to the South China Morning Post, the popular news Daily in English, edited in Hong Kong. It was at one time my daily paper during the few years I lived and worked there.

Apparently the gay community (LGBT - lesbian, gay, bi and transsexual) has grown rapidly. No doubt they had always been there, just that they were not visible before until now, when they finally feel comfortable to present themselves as they are.

I am still most curious why so many lesbians are open and happy about their identity, but the majority of gay men are still reluctant to be themselves. For instance, there are so many self declared lesbians on social sites, but so far I have never yet come across a gay guy (someone
who openly says he is) during the 7 years of my blogging on any site, so far. Not a single one!

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