Contact: csssm@aol.com
Table of Contents: Let's bow our heads in prayer
Dateline - Saturday March 22, 1997 -Guangzhou, China
Taiwan's 1st Gay Pride Festival
Arrival of Chinese rule no party for gays
1996 Chinese Tongzhi Conference
PR Newswire article on HK minorities
Final HK Legco debates antidiscrimination bill
Post-Colonial Tongzhi
No choice for handover
China's future
Re: China's future
Democracy and coming out
San Francisco is listening
Handing over
Re: Handing over
Good luck, gay people of Hong Kong
Re: Good luck, gay people of Hong Kong
Solidarity at handover
Greeting from Los Angeles
Chinese face and the Queen's skin
Many tears: HK handover
HK Handover and gay bars
What we think about handing over
HKSAR gay forum
Save lives save planet
Letter from HK
Portrait of a fighter
From Julian Chan, Isvara
--------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 10:56:22 -0700
From: penboy <bb246@lafn.org>
Reply-To: hkqueer@sqzm14.ust.hk
To: Multiple recipients of <hkqueer@sqzm14.ust.hk>
Subject: Let's bow our heads in prayer
To our illustrious members:
The Hong Kong Prayer
Our Brother
Who art in Beijing,
Xiao Ping be thy name.
United Kingdom gone,
Thy will be done, in Hong Kong
As it is in China.
Give us this day,
Our daily bet,
And forgive us
Our speculations,
As we forgive those
Who speculate against us.
Lead us not
Into Communism
But deliver us
From gweilos.
For this is
The Sovereignty,
The Power of Authority
Forever and ever
Chow Mein.
Cute, huh?
Penboy.
--------------------------------------
DATELINE - SATURDAY MARCH 22, 1997 - GUANGZHOU, CHINA
In the wake of China patriarch leader Deng Xiaoping's death one month
ago
in Beijing it appears his policies of opening China to the world may
be
about to change. Ten or more armed local military police stormed
into
Guangzhou's only gay and lesbian gathering place, a small discotheque
and
ordered all the luckless patrons who happened to be dancing at that
moment
to assume a squatting position in the middle of the dance floor.
With floodlights in hand and video cameras rolling the police proceeded
to
randomly interrogate some of the other 200+ patrons frozen in fear
around
the room. After a long show of force with police strutting around the
crowds, a few obviously foreign looking patrons in the disco were singled
out and told to leave. When they insisted on staying with their
Chinese
friends the police relented. Immediately thereafter the raiding party
left
as suddenly as they had come. They took with them the 20 or so
patrons
forced to squat on the dance floor for the entire fifty inute ordeal.
Unconfirmed reports indicate these people will be detained for 15 days
on
charges of hooliganism.
For a gay community which had grown comfortable with a harassment free
police policy in the past few years, so long as you were not overtly
"out",
the Saturday night incident came as a shocking reminder that life in
China
is still very repressive and quixotic. And, even if there are no laws
against same sex dancing or against homosexuality, for that matter,
just
socializing with friends can be, and now apparently is, a big problem
for
gays in Guangzhou.
---------------------------------
Date: Sun, 29 Jun 1997 11:47:00 -0400
From: utopia <utopia@ksc9.th.com>
Subject: Taiwan's 1st Gay Pride Festival
RAINBOWS, HOMOSEXUALS AND DREAMS IN THE PARK
Taiwan's first Gay and Lesbian Pride Festival launched
On Sunday, June 27, over 30 Taiwanese gay organizations will participate
in
Taiwan's first gay and lesbian pride festival, called "Rainbows, Homosexuals
and Dreams in the Park." Activities will begin at 2pm in Taipei's "2-28
Memorial Park" (also known as "New Park," the location of Pai Hsien-yung's
famous gay novel "Crystal Boys"). The park is well-known as a night-time
cruising area for gays and so it was selected as the location for the
nation's first-ever sunlit celebrations.
Organizers, who promise a series of shows showcasing homosexual performers
and themes, hope that the festival will encourage recognition and friendship
from the general public. People of all sexual orientations are welcome
to
attend as the struggle for equal rights affects everyone.
Taiwanese gays are currently experiencing a blossoming of open gay and
lesbian life, spearheaded by "G&L", the country's bi-monthly,
officially-licensed magazine for homosexuals, which is available at
magazine
stands throughout the country.
--Utopia Southeast Asian Gay and Lesbian Resources
www.utopia-asia.com
-------------------------------------
San Jose Mercury News, 7/2/97
750 Ridder Park Drive,San Jose,CA,95190
(Fax 408-471-3792, print run 275,600)
(E-MAIL: letters@sjmercury.com)
Arrival of Chinese rule no party for gays
They're considered criminals on the mainland, subject to imprisonment
and
shock treatments
BY JAN WONG
Toronto Globe and Mail
HONG KONG
OF ALL the people in Hong Kong to worry about communist rule, gays probably
have the most to fear.
Although the former colony decriminalized homosexuality in 1991, it
remains a
crime of perversion in China. Although gays in the mainland are just
beginning to come out, they can be, and are sometimes, sentenced to
prison
terms. Other times, they are classified as mentally ill and subjected
to
shock treatments or drugs.
``Deep down, we're scared,'' said Tim, a Hong Kong Chinese with an Australian
passport who has lived here for the past five years. ``Everyone is
just
celebrating on the surface. We know it's very bad.''
In Hong Kong, the gay community is mostly in the closet. That's why
they're
identified in this story only by their first names. Homosexuality is
so
little acknowledged that gay-bashing virtually doesn't exist. Some
older gays
even marry and have children, often to placate their parents or grandparents.
Few have actually told their parents, many of whom are conservative
in
outlook.
``Parents think: `This is all the Western influence. It's not indigenous
to
Chinese culture,' '' said a fashion designer whose own parents don't
acknowledge his homosexuality but nevertheless turn a blind eye to
his
boyfriends.
``I'm not out-out-out. But when we went to Spain recently, my parents
said,
`Why don't we buy a ticket for your friend?' And when I was having
a fight
with my boyfriend, my mother was worried and asked me, `Why hasn't
Robert
called?' ''
On Monday night, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers gathered in the steady
rain on both sides of the harbor to watch the British-sponsored fireworks.
But about 50 in the gay community preferred to party in private, gathering
at
the Mid-Levels home of a handsome, gregarious Swiss banker.
They were mostly male, in their 20s and 30s, a mixed crowd of Chinese
and
foreigners -- investment bankers, managers, designers, image consultants
and
models. Some foreigners wore Chinese mandarin robes of silk. The Chinese,
who
are almost all fluent in English, wore skin-tight jeans and muscle
shirts.
Most guests knew one another. ``We're very incestuous,'' said Tim, sitting
in
a stuffed white armchair. ``Over there is my current boyfriend. And
over
there is my old boyfriend.''
``The gay community is pretty small,'' agreed Francis, a part-time model
who
was wearing a white undershirt that displayed his washboard stomach
and
pectorals. Francis, who has Canadian citizenship, sipped a beer as
he stroked
the back of his boyfriend, Eric.
Considering the population (6.4 million), Hong Kong has few gay bars.
Francis
could name only two: Propaganda and Zip. Surprisingly, given the timing,
a
third one, Flex, opened last week.
Asked what impact he thought Chinese rule would have, Andy, a 29-year-old
airline manager, paused for a moment and said, ``I think the gay community
will go more underground now.'' Others agreed.
At 11:30, someone switched on the living-room television. They watched
the
ceremony being shown with the mute button on while deep-bass rave music
pulsed in the background.
Then someone switched on the soundtrack, in English. Soon everyone had
squeezed into the living room to watch.
The television camera panned over the British delegation. ``Oooh, not
bad for
an aging drag queen,'' someone said as a heavily made-up Margaret Thatcher
came into view.
When the British honor guard marched onto the stage of the convention
center,
there were appreciative comments. And when China's honor guard appeared,
there were wolf whistles.
``I'll take all three,'' one man said as three tall Chinese soldiers
goose-stepped their way to the flagpole to hoist the Chinese flag.
Then the camera panned over the beaming Chinese leadership. The wisecracks
ended completely when Chinese President Jiang Zemin began his brief
speech.
Everyone listened intently. When Jiang announced that Hong Kong's laws
would
``basically'' remain unchanged, there was a collective groan over the
word ``basically.''
By midnight, as Hong Kong reverted to Chinese control, the earlier carefree
mood of the party had evaporated. Francis and his friends left to go
dancing
at Propaganda. Tim organized others to go to a rave party at a hotel.
No one
remembered to turn the music back on.
---------------------------------------
Press Release: 1996 Chinese Tongzhi Conference
About 200 Chinese
Tongzhi Gathered in Hong Kong:
Tong-zhi Movement Should be Cultural Specific for Chinese Societies
(1999.12.9) About 200 Chinese tongzhi (lesbians bisexuals, gays and
all
transgendered people) from different regions gathered in Hong Kong
and
participated in the "1996 Chinese Tongzhi Conference" organised by
The
lsvara of Hong Kong from December 6 to 8,1996. Participants included
representatives from Horizons, Hong Kong Ten Percent Club, Lui Tung
Yuen,
XX Party, Satsanga, Art and Culture Club, Bless Minority Christian
Fellowship, Worldson Books and other local
tongzhi organisations in Hong Kong. Wu Chunsheng from mainland China,
James An, Hsu You-sheng and Jerry Lai from Taiwan, and Stanley Kwan
Jimmy
Ngai, Samshasha, Roddy Shaw, John Loo and Julian Chan of Hong Kong
also
attended
The Conference discussed a number of tongzhi-related issues, including
tongzhi culture and arts, social services for tongzhi, Aids issues,
bisexuality, and lesbian politics. There was an extensive discussion
regarding the specificity of the cultural context and needs of Chinese
tongzhi. Participants concluded that it is unnecessary to copy
the model
of les-bi-gay liberation movement in the Anglo-Saxon societies,
which is characterised by individualism and confrontational politics
and
agreed that Chinese tongzhi movement should be cultural-specific.
Manifesto of Chinese Tongzhi Conference
1. Same Sex Love Always Exists
Same sex Love has been existing in all cultures since ancient times.
Scholars find that many cultures take a tolerant attitude towards
homosexuality and bisexuality. In addition, sexual behaviour among
members
of the same sex has been observed in animals. The authoritative Kinsey
Report reveals that of the nearly ten thousand adults being interviewed,
approximately 10% was classified as homosexuals.
2. Same Sex Love is Being Discriminated Against
Regardless of the number of homosexuals and bisexuals in the world,
the
issue is whether this group of people is being discriminated against
by
the mainstream society. The contemporary society remains heterosexist.
The
mainstream sexual discourses in mass media, education system and legal
structure is predicated upon a reproductive, monogamous social structure.
The les-bi-gay world is often being viewed in a voyeuristic, derogatory
way. This causes many tongzhi to feel ashamed and guilty. Many tongzhi
have to disguise as a "normal" heterosexual in the public and lead
a
secretive double life, which has caused destructive psychological damages
to their personal development.
3. Tradition Chinese Society was Tolerant Towards Same Sex Love
Many people mistakenly criticise Chinese culture as sexually repressive
and conservative. Some even think that homosexuality is a corrupt
import
front the West. In fact, traditional Chinese culture was tolerant towards
same sex love. Mencius says, "The joy of eating and sex are natural
human
desires", both of which have no association with sin or guilt. Buddhist,
a
religion which has been well assimilated into the Chinese culture for
2,000 years, neither advocates heterosexuality nor denounces
homosexuality, and emphasises the notion of bodichitta, which means
that
all beings have the potential to become Buddha. The vast documentation
also reveals the high level of social tolerance towards same sex love
in
pre-modern China.
4. The Hostility and Violence Against Homosexuality is not Found
in
Traditional Chinese Culture
Hostility and violence, such as harsh legal punishment, bashing and
lynching' against same sex love in pre-modern China cannot be found
in
historical records. For instance, the introduction of sodomy law in
Hong
Kong in 1865, which could sentence two consenting male adults to life
imprisonment, was the result of British colonial rule. What was brought
from the West to China was not same sex love, but
the sin associated with it in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, which
signiticamly contributed to the homophobia found in modern Chinese
societies.
5. Increased Exchanges Among Tongzhi in Chinese Societies is
Beneficial
In recent years, there has been encouraging development in the tongzhi
communities of mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Cultural exchanges
among tongzhi in different Chinese societies can help tongzhi to reclaim
self esteem and to develop a healthy personality. Moreover, the accurate
representation and positive visibility of the tongzhi community
can
correct misunderstandings of the mainstream society.
6. Confrontational Politics in the West Should Not be Imposed
Upon
Chinese Societies
The les-bi-gay movement in many Western societies is largely built
upon
the notion of individualism, confrontational politics, and the discourse
of individual rights. Certain - characteristics of confrontational
politics, such as through coming out and mass protests and parades
may not
be the best way of achieving tongzhi liberation in the family-centred,
community oriented Chinese societies which stresses the importance
of
social harmony. In formulating the tongzhi movement strategy,
we
should take the specific socio-economic and cultural environment of
each
society into consideration.
7. We Should Respect Each Other Regardless of Sexual Orientation
We are a group of Chinese tongzhi unashamed and proud of who we are.
While
we do not deny our sexual orientation, we do not advertise the sexual
aspect of our life. If the society can deal with this issue without
prejudice, everyone, tongzhi or otherwise, need not highlight her or
his
sexuality. People should respect each other as an individual regardless
of
sexual orientation and other social differences. With this goal in
mind,
together we can build a better society.
(For the concise wording of the manifesto, please refer to the original
Chinese version.)
Separately, in association with the Chinese Tongzhi Conference Greenfield
Bookstore in Mongkok Telephone: 852-2385-8031 is hosting a book fair
from
December 6th to 24th, exhibiting over 30 Chinese tongzhi books. For
further information, please contact Julian Chan at 852-2388-7874. Julian,
founder and chairperson of lsvara, is the organizer of the 1996 Chinese
Tongzhi Conference.
-------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997 16:40:51 -0500
From: "William B. Kelley" <wbkelley@ibm.net>
Subject: PR Newswire article on HK minorities
This article has been distributed by a public relations service and
should be of interest to list members.
By redistributing it, I'm not vouching for its accuracy or viewpoint.
But it may have some relevance to Julian Chan's points about the need
to
establish connections between gay/lesbian Hong Kong people and other
social groups.
Bill Kelley, Chicago
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HONG KONG, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Fear, anxiety,
and hopelessness
are steadily escalating among members of some minority groups living
in
Hong
Kong as the changeover to Chinese rule is accomplished, says Dr. Janet
Hurwich, a psychologist who has been studying the problem since 1991.
"Hong Kong is
home to many who are not accepted in Cina --
Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, and countless refugees from mainland
China who fled persecution," says Hurwich. "Fear of discrimination
is
escalating because the political changeover is already having
devastating personal ramifications for many people."
A former student
at the California School of Professional
Psychology who now holds an adjunct faculty research position there,
Hurwich is in Hong Kong to witness the changeover.
She began her
study of Hong Kong residents with a dissertation
that compared the attitudes of homosexual and heterosexual men.
Homosexuality was decriminalized in Hong Kong in 1991, but remains
punishable in China.
Hurwich found that Hong Kong homosexuals were much more anxious,
depressed, and hopeless than their heterosexual counterparts.
Since then Hurwich
has returned regularly to broaden the scope
of her study, and interview members of other minority groups that are
tolerated in Hong Kong but ostracized in China.
"Unlike the wealthy
business class -- who have been establishing
second homes in other countries and obtaining foreign passports --
many
minorities cannot emigrate for a variety of reasons." she says.
"Even
those born in Hong Kong -- third generation residents -- are stateless
and have been looking for ways to emigrate since the signing of the
Sino-British declaration in 1984."
And those with
some possibility of getting out of Hong Kong
face excruciating decisions, Hurwich says. People have to choose
between
severing family and business ties or staying and hoping for the best.
To leave often means uprooting children from schools, abandoning ailing
parents, giving up jobs, homes, family connections, and businesses
to
start life over again.
Last year, Hurwich
visited a Hong Kong nursing home. Its
residents, who were of many races, had been born in either China or
Hong
Kong. Some were in their 90s.
"One lady took
my hand as I was leaving," she says. "She
asked if I would take her bones with me when I left the territory.
`Why
would
you want me to do that?'" I asked.
"I'm Jewish and
I'm afraid the Chinese won't respect Jewish
bones," she said. "I don't want to be buried here."
-----------------------------
I would have thought that everyone would be tired of the subject by
now.... You've heard it all before, but here is my speech.
Last time I
tried to "wing" a presentation, but felt too awkward, so I actually
wrote
a speech. I was the last to present, so as others talked, I made
notes
and stuck them into my speech, but they don't appear in the following
text
as I left them at home....
Begin:
Last week I returned from the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - Over
one
million people attend a month long celebration of being Gay.
This is
important to the Lesbian and Gay community, because for the rest of
the
year, and for most gay people around the world for all of the year,
we are
forced to feel shame for ourselves. Being gay really isn't about
the sex
we have behind closed doors, it is about being allowed to love who
we do
openly, and to live our lives as freely as heterosexuals do.
The Mardi Gras is Australia's largest revenue generating event, not
just
Sydney's. People who claim that Gays and Lesbians are bad for
business
are not paying attention to what is going on around them.
In the largest international Gay and Lesbian magazines, such as America's
Advocate, one can find ads placed by American Express, Virgin Atlantic
Airways, Genentec, and countless other corporations. Clearly
these
companies have discovered that Lesbians and Gays are quite GOOD for
business!
There are now over 200 state, and municipal bodies in the US with anti
discrimination protection. A very large chunk of the Fortune 500 companies
have corporate-wide HR Policies protecting Lesbians and Gays. Two that
come to my mind are Levis, and Microsoft.
Almost two years ago, our government lobbied very hard to prevent
legislation that would protect Lesbians and Gays from being passed.
They
promised us "education" as the preferred method to eliminate
discrimination. I am holding a piece of their education.
It reads:
All homosexuals are promiscuous...... (from the back cover)
What has this brochure done to educate people that Lesbians and Gays
in
Hong Kong shouldn't be discriminated against? What has this brochure
done
to even begin to break down the misunderstandings we are confronted
with
on a daily basis? Clearly this brochure does more to perpetuate
these
stereotypes than anything else. If this is how the government
plans to
make life easier for the half million Gay or Lesbian oriented folk
in Hong
Kong, I suspect that perhaps we'd be better served if they kept quiet.
I cannot be fired because I am a director in a company. But virtually
every outspoken "gay activist" in Hong Kong is self employed.
Gay and
Lesbian employees in Hong Kong are not at all allowed to exist openly.
To
do so will surely cause them to be fired.
Last week I had to allow my landlord into my flat to examine some work
that needed to be done to the flat. Prior to her arrival I had
to sift
through my entire apartment to make sure that no traces of my boyfriend
were evident. One would think that 13 years with the same partner,
and 7
years in the same flat I wouldn't need to worry about being evicted.
But
this concern is foremost in my mind.
I used to work for a real estate agent. When we had gay clients,
we'd
insist two same sex partners not view a flat at the same time
as
landlords would inevitably refuse to sign leases to them. Some
clients,
who were openly and flamboyantly gay, we wouldn't even show our prime
properties to because it would have been a waste of time for all.
The Equal Opportunities Bill is not Affirmative action. No one
wants
Affirmative action, even among the Gay and Lesbian community.
All we want
is an even playing field where we can contribute as much as possible
to
the continued prosperity of Hong Kong. As it stands now, we spend
an
inordinate amount of time just trying to cover our tracks.
The Lesbian and Gay community in Hong Kong is like one black cat in
a
litter with nine white ones. We all want to catch mice.
We all are
capable of catching mice. But being the black cat, we must constantly
keep painting ourselves white. How can we possibly catch as many
mice
this way? Please give us the protection we need to catch those
mice!
Please give Hong Kong's Lesbian & Gay community the protection we deserve.
end.
There was a complete fool from the HK Federation of Industries who claimed
that this law would harm HK companies profitability. He
left the room
before I started to talk, but towards his claim I explained how the
"painting ourselves white" cost the entire economy in terms of lost
time,
energy, and wasted resources. He also claimed that the problem
wasn't
very severe in Hong Kong to which I commented that the absence of the
Gay
organizations making presentations (there were none) was prima facie
evidence of the magnitude of discrimination on people in Hong Kong.
I also talked about the man who successfully obtained asylum on the
grounds of persecution, and the IGLHRC in San Francisco. Lau
Chin sek
afterwards asked for details of this case as he was previously unaware
of
it. Apparently, it may prove to be significant in obtaining legislation.
I hope the IGLHRC and the specific individual cooperate with Lau.
(by the
way, the IGLHRC has considered on lobbying our government on our behalf.
In my opinion, their decision is not a very good or valid one, but
in a
nutshell they claim that they don't get involved in countrys where
there
is not a strong grass roots movement already existing. If you'd
like to
ask them for more details, or want to discuss the topic with them,
you can
email at: mirka@iglhrc.org)
I plan on distributing petitions at Club 97 on Fridays in the next few
weeks. Anyone interested in helping out? Call me:
2581-0146
--
robin@dnmstrategies.com
---------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1997 20:41:02 +0800
From: Robin Adams <robin@sun.powernethk.com>
Subject: Re: Final HK Legco debates antidiscrimminastion bill
From Richard Ammon in Hong Kong
27 June 1997
Dear Friends and fellow hkqueers,
An hour ago I was sitting up in the balcony overlooking an historic
event
unfold: the democratically elected legislature of Hong Kong was performing
their last sitting as a legal government. As if this were any other
daily
session, the member splodded their way through harbors, housing and
communications as the hours ticked away through the morning. When we
returned from lunch, the council took up their final issue of
significance: human rights and the need for antidiscrimination statutes.
Sixteen speakers rose to debate the merits of Councilmember Lau
Chin-shek's Equal Opportunities Bill (which included anti discrimination
protections for "family responsibility, sexuality <orientation>,
and age").
One by one they spoke their positions. There were no surprises since
a
similar bill had been debated in 1995, but Mr Lau had fine tuned his
proposal since then ,removing or altering some previously objectionable
clauses. Throughout the debate, the Administration, represented by
the
Secretaries for Home Affairs and for Education and Manpower, consistently
opposed all aspects of the proposed legislation.
Elegant voices such as Christine Loh elevated the debate by identifying
this piece of legislation with the lofty intentions of the United Nations
Commision on Human Rights who have urged a world-wide review of
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Continuing, she
said:
"what can motivate a government to move, to act? Silent suffering.
Invisibility results from discrimination and invisibility is no reason
to
allow discrimination to continue. Forward is better, not backward.
As a
society need to see what a we can do, not what we are."
Following on her words, Mr Lee Cheuk-yan reminded members that Dong
Zhau-ping himself had said "we don't care if it's a black cat or a
white
cat--can it catch a mouse?" Homosexual workers can work as well as
others,
yet a majority of employers in one survery said they would find a reason
to be rid of a known gay employee. "These are wrong concepts; we need
to
base employment on ability only...the issue is about human dignity."
In his final appeal Mr. Lau declared that education, as advocated by
the
Administration in 1995, has been inadequate. "We must have both education
and legislation for sexuality, age and gender. The government is small
minded on this matter." He went on to declare in his smooth articulate
manner that, "yes, sexuality is a contentious issue. We know that
homosexuals have to hide and they are troubled with inferiority complex
and lost opportunities to develop themselves. How can homosexuals take
their place in society? This bill can help them...but it does not promote
homosexaulity, as others claim; it seeks to ban unfair
discrimination--just as maternity leave does not encourage pregnancy.
We
need to stop demonizing homsexuality..." As he sat down, he told the
listeners there was no more time to delay this legislation, "it must
be
passed."
Quietly sitting in the front row, Mr Martin Lee, as I observed him,
appeared to nod his head in assent.
So, on this final day of democracy in Hong Kong, the vote was taken:
Mr
Lau collected 27 votes in favor of his dignified proposal, but there
were
29 votes against. An audible soft groan was heard from the public gallery.
Mr Lau shook hands with several other members and quietly left the
chamber.
Emerging out into the afternoon sunlight, my stomach ached. This is
how
the world works--for now, I thought. Human rights, especially for gays
around the world, will surely become part of the larger quilt of dignity
slowly expanding each year.
And now it's time to plan for the future and the next task. China may
be
big and it may be dogmatic--but it is changing, and we will be right
there
on the cutting edge.
--------------------------------------
I have received the following information. I am only posting the
English here, because the Chinese got garbled in transit. If
anyone
can provide the Chinese, please post it.
"Post-Colonial Tongzhi" by Chou Wa Shan
Chou Wah Shan will have a feature on "Post-Colonial
Tongzhi"
in Ming Pao Daily. This will be a major
work of Chou, who
hasn't published any theoretical works for
2 years.
Serialized in Ming Pao Daily, starting from 9th April, 1997.
-Spode (listmom)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^ Edward Spodick (Spode - God/dess of Chaos)
Hong Kong ^
^ spodick@hk.super.net
http://sqzm14.ust.hk/ ^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
---------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1997 22:05:33 +0800
From: Julian Chan <hofatkw@netvigator.com>
Subject: Re: San Francisco is listening
>From Julian Chan, Hong Kong native, local gay activist since 1983,
Chairman of HK10% Club from 1987-1991, founder of Isvara and Board
Member of Director Board of AIDS Concern :
Couple weeks ago I was interviewed by this white girl from Boston Globe,
her naive questions and attitute really upset me, I thought when western
journalist try to do story of the handover they must beware that --
As Margaret Thatcher sat down with Deng Xiaoping in Beijing to quarrels
the lease of Hong Kong in September 1982, most of the 6 millions Hong
Kong people realized then they probablly have to run like their parents
once did in late 50's to escape the Chinese Communist's rule.
Immigration heat was lighten. Although Tienanmen Square Incident
in
1986 did stimulated the immigration heat, but it also raised the senses
of identity and human rights among Chinese in Hong Kong. As many
people
left, many started geting to know stranger China better and handle
the
handover in a more sensible way, too. As time goes by, Hong Kong's
resistance of reunion and mother China is dimished, at the same time,
after geting to know Hong Kong better, China also realized that they
can
not run Hong Kong as they did to main land. And as the handover
geting
closer, international mass media spot on the incident with curiosity
simply because unlike countries in East Europe that walked out from
communist, Hong Kong walk into communist instead ! However, western
media in this case tends to simplified the deeper meaning of unification
for Chinese on one hand and exaggerated its tragic side on the other
hand. Yes we hate the communist but we love to be Chinese.
We
certainly love to kick those colonist's white asses in return.
Yes we
worry that crime, corruption and civil rights go down the wrong track,
but we also believe that the unification will lead to some sort of
mutual benefit to both China and Hong Kong. So it is far more
complicated than the western media thoughts. It is not just an
incident
that happen in 1997, it happened 150 years ago. It is not a single
simple political incident, it also involved contemporary Chinese history
and their loves and hates to westerner. So beware that it is
not just
an issue if gay & lesbian in Hong Kong will be badly treated in
the
future, but it is also an issue involved with their identity and love
of
the nation in whole.
------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 12:27:47 PDT
From: honching chuk <honching@hotmail.com>
Subject: China's future
This is my e-mail to a friend in this list.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The land of our country, China, is a very beautiful place
in this world. It brings up our peoples who create our
five thousand year bright culture. We have a lot of precious
stuffs that we can be always proud of. No matter how poor
our land it is right now or what the situation it is; I am
always proud of being a Chinese. And now it is our turn and
our responsibility to continue and create a good page in our
history for our next generations, but not to choose to renegade.
I am not a "Hongkonger"; I am a Chinese. The people make a name(s)
like that because they are coward and selfish; they do not want
to shoulder the burden--a poor China; a needed political and
economical reform China. They claim they are "non-Chinese";
they draw the line from her; they want to separate from her.
No matter how "beautiful words" they use for their "excuses
or reasons"; they are abandoning their fellowmen and
their country, but they want to be possessed of the land that
belongs to China and they want to make money and to take
advantages from her. I do think that in the event China is
not the situation like today or both situations are reverse;
this kind of people will not act like this.
What the real difference between mainland (all the autonomous
districts and all the provinces) and Hong Kong (HK) is that
HK is a colony; she has been governed by Britain for more than
one century. HK never has democracy. No Chinese can hold the
important positions in the HK government before Britain
promised HK to revert to China, and the British business
companies "play" a big role in HK and take advantages from
her economy... Chinese is treated as inferior language... ...
HK is not the only colony of Britain, but her economy is
developed far better than Britain herself. The economic
achievement of HK is resulting from the efforts of HK people
--the wisdom and hardworking Chinese, and the law of society
(the corruption was still very serious in the early 70's).
We earn the economy, but we also lose a lot... ...
I do concern our sisters and brothers in mainland how to
come through under communistic power for those past 48 years;
I do know you are suffered, and it could not be released
for I just say a few words, but my feelings for you all
are deep and sincere. It need takes time for a country to
develop into a perfect political and economical system,
especially a country under communistic system.
We are just right in the times to contribute for our country;
we should not hesitate or escape. Chinese peoples is a nation who
accommodate and absorb each other through the five thousand years.
What is our real treasure right now for us?
It is not the fortune of HK, Macau and Taiwan Province,
but it is our consolidation.
HK will return to China shortly. A ruled by law,
freedom and democratic China is our Chinese peoples' aim.
China's future is in our hands. There is not a country
in this world that really care what happens in China;
they only concern their profits and power;
they would not want to see a united China; a unified China;
a strong China, especially US and Japan. China is now
in a turning point; she needs all Chinese peoples' consolidation
to write a bright page in our history in the next century.
Our last generations had not abandoned us; they used
their lives and blood to fight against the invaders
--those "powerful nations" for us. We should let
our next generations know we also will not leave them alone;
we would use our courage and wisdom to make a good page for them.
What the wrong things Chinese Communist Party (CCP) did
were tragedies to all of us. The wrong things should
be condemned. They will be redressed one day.
Hate the CCP, but should not hate our country.
We should respect and love our country then we can be respectable
and have dignity; we should have courage and wisdom to improve
our country then we can be free and happy.
The CCP will eventually step down with our efforts.
China needs you and I and our fellowmen to get her change.
We can make her good or we can let her bad; it is all up to us.
honching
---------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 00:52:19 +0800
From: Julian Chan <hofatkw@netvigator.com>
Subject: Re: China's future
>From Julian Cha, in Hong Kong :
About 40 years ago, my mother was a young daughter of a rich merchant
in
China. She argued with her father who didn't believed that the
Chinese
Communist Party will hurt them. My mother didn't give up her
belief.
She left behind her parents, 10 brothers and relatives and came to
Hong
Kong by walking for a month long without letting her father knows and
his permission. Latter on, her father was died of hunger in jail.
They
put him in jail simply because he belong to merchat class.
The rich girl arrived Hong Kong 40 years ago without money or property.
What she got then is hope and a tuff mind. Hope of a better place
to
live. Hope of a better place for her children to born and grow
up.
Where her children can have freedom and able to develop their abilities
and to be respected as human being. And for this hope, she willing
to
suffer whatever difficulty laying in front of her in her young life.
After 40 years' strugle, she now end up having cancer and in terminal
stage. Togather with the return of Hong Kong, she is falling back into
the hands of Chinese Communist Party which she once tried to escape,
when she is laying in hospital and dieing !
And now her son, ME, discussing with you if I am Chinese ? Isn't
that a
tragedy ? Have we ever seen 2 Japanese discuss who's Japanese
and who's
not ? Have we ever seen 2 American discuss who's American and who's
not
? This is a Chinese tragedy. A tragedy not someone who wants to claim
himself Chinese or not, but a tragedy that different Chinese cut into
different identities and separted in different cultural developements.
And this tragedy cost by politics. Politics kills. It kills
life. It
at least killed a young girl's life 40 years ago when her life had
just
flourished.
So please don't criticised those who escape from China either they did
it 40 years ago or now as "coward" and "selfish". You just wouldn't
know how "brave" you have to be to start a blend new life all over
again
without nothing, my dear young fellow. Those who immirgranted to oversea
from Hong Kong now are not selfish neither. They have the same
belief
as my mother had, to let their children grow up in a better enviroment
and to be treated as human. It is not fair for you to claim that they
are coward, selfish and betrayed their country. You shaould have
a
better respect of other, their rights and choice. You know you
sound
like a communist ? And it is in fact, the Chinese Communist Party
that
betrayed China and its people !
With the gene that my mother passed on to me, if I am coward, I will
not
stand in front of TV camera and claim that I am gay and dislike the
Chinese Communist Party. If I am coward then I will not refused
the
offer for me to stay in UK when I was in London 10 years ago.
If I am
selfish, I will not do all these gay movement works in the last 10
years
with my valuable private time and without pay simply hope to help
building Hong Kong a better place for gay people and hope one day that
will have good influrence to main land China. Last month I was
exchanging e-mail with a gay guy in mainland China talking about human
rights and gay rights. He replied "stick the human rights things
in my
ass, I only want to have a boyfriend and stay out of everything !"
Tell
me who's selfish ?
And if you ask me if I am Chinese, that depends on how you define the
concept, "Chinese".
*If your defination of Chinese defined by "legal citizen of People
Republic of China", sorry I am not, but I will be in a few days.
*If your defination of Chinese defined by blood and skin, I am.
*If your defination of Chinese defined by way of thinking and acting
and
sence of value like people in mainland, sorry, both you and I are not
Chinese.
So back to the question that Wan Yan Hai asked earlier, TELL ME WHAT
IS
CHINESE ?
ps. Did I ever say I dislike Chinese culture ? I started learning
Putonghua 20 years ago when the time people in Hong Kong only reconized
English. I write Chinese poem and short story at high school and were
publish in Hong Kong Lititure Monthly. I stop going to bed with
Westerner almost 10 years ago. I have a Chinese boyfriend who
lives
with me 6 long years.
---------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 09:57:50 PDT
From: "honching chuk" <honching@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: China's future
I thought you are a very "interesting" person after reading your post.
There are a few words I took from a poem--Eighteen:
... ..."My mind charges the world like a bull"...
What I wanted to say all were in my last post.
And I do not ask a Chinese if she/he is a Chinese. This is silly,
so I do not have a question like this to you.
But you raised a question to me--Tell ME WHAT IS CHINESE?
Be honest. This question seems very funny to me.
CHINESE IS CHINESE.
I got a similar question like this when I was a kid.
A Chinese girl asked me if I liked to be a Chinese.
I said "Of course, I do." She then asked me "Why?"
I said "Because I am Chinese." I thought she was silly and poor.
I believe your future is in your own hands with your self-absorption;
I believe TongZhi's future is in our hands with TongZhi's consolidation;
I also believe China's future is in her children's hands with their
consolidation.
No matter which way you choose for your life;
I would sincerely have a good wish for you.
P.S.: I am not a formalist... but you seemed to be too careless to
have
an English name in your e-mail address...
Just a joke; be relaxed!
_______________________________________________________
Get Private Web-Based Email Free http://www.hotmail.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 21 Jun 1997 01:32:08 +0800
From: Julian Chan <hofatkw@netvigator.com>
Subject: Re: Going to HK
Richard Ammon wrote:
> Well my dear fellow verbalites--cute, witty, pithy, niave, profound
or
just
> plain normal...
> I have the privilege of arriving in your Brtish colony for the last
time
> this weekend to observe the biggest exchange of real estate in China
since
> they invaded Tibet. (Perhaps if Tibet had been filthy rich they would
have
> made it an SAR as well.)
> I appreciate all the countless messages from the hkqueer members
and how
> you have deepend my repsect and understanding of your culture...
> I'll be at Robin's <robin@sun.powernethk.com> if anyone has any
unusual
> suggestions for discovering more of HK's inner/under secular/sacred
life.
> Much gratitude,
> Richard
******************************************************************************
>From Julian Chan*
When I say "who care about the handover" earlier in reply to another
mail, I don't mean that we don't really care about the handover.
What I
was trying to say, to be precise, is "Hong Kong people care about the
handover from the very begining but now they realized that they, like
it
or not, they have to accept the reality and there for they give up
and
keep quiet".
Years ago, when British started to talk about the handover of Hong Kong
with China, Hong Kong people realized that they should speak up for
themself and their own good. After all, we are the one who directly
affected by the handover. However, past Deng Xiao Peng said at
that
time, "we don't want a 3-legs chair as it is a dangerous chair", means
Hong Kong people should leave the case to Britain and China and keep
their mouths shut. To me, a 2 legs chair is even much more dangerous
to
sit on ! As times goes by, most Hong Kong people's needs and
wishes
were turned down by both governments.
As in retail industry, I can see that consuming desire of Hong Kong
people is dropping year by year. All retail shop owner complain
that
business this year, this summer, is the worst they ever seen ! Grand
Hyatt Hotel had to cut down their price of room which have the right
view for the handover ceremony from HK2,500 to HK$1,500. HK Hotel
Association said that more than 60,000 rooms in thier member hotels
are
empty. Most art gallery loan their items to oversea museums.
That
looks like just another ordinary cultural exchange, but in fact, they
are sending all their valuable away from Hong Kong for the time being.
A client of mine who is a judge in supreme court told me that he already
sent all his exspensive paintings and antiques back to England.
He is
staying like every body,just their body stay here, not their tresure
such as their valuable, and their kids. All these indicated that
confidence toward the handover is not really as high as it seems.
And the gay & lesbian community, still not awake to the reality.
most
of us thought it is nothing to do with us. However, I see the
following:
1. In the past, our friend in political field were mostly democratic
politician, in the future, they will either disappear in the new
poltical range or will not have sufficient influrence anymore. And
we
are strangers to those new political star. We have no relationship
with
them at all. Plus, gay rights is more or less related to human
rights,
which Beijing hates most. To fight for gay rights in the future, will
become more difficult.
2. Gay & lesbian community in Hong Kong has very little dialogue
and
linking with other minority groups and communities in Hong Kong, and
all
these time we are lack of participation with general social movements
and response to social incident. We are rather isolated.
3. Internally, general gay & lesbian population (not the crowd in
Lan
Kwai Fong) still have big difficulty of coming out (to oneself or the
society). "Top Crowd" gay & lesbian are basically political-free.
Between groups,unification is weak. The kind of like union gathering
"Consolidation of Force" were hosted couple years ago, for 3 times
only
and no one wnat to cahir and participate any more. Gay and lesbian
groups in Hong Kong on one hand lack of unification, on the other hand
unable to fufill the majpor grass-roots gay population's needs and
sence
of self awareness and come out as Chou Wah Shan put it, they only
organizing middle class oriented activity. If
any dangerous external force arise, we are unable to defence ourself.
For example, if they want to close down all the gay bars and disco
and
sauna, will there anyone protect at the street or have the power go
bargan with Tung Chee Hwa ? The answer is "no".
Unfortunately, people like Chou Wha Shan started to say "coming out
is
not suitable for Chinese society" in this very special moment !
So
shall we stay in the closet, or the bigger closet - gay and lesbian
community ? I agree that the agressive attitude of gay movement
in the
west doesn't really fit into Chinese culture that ask for community
harmony, but 'coming out' doesn't have to be hard, it can be soft,
too!
It is time for all Hong Kong gay & lesbian groups and activists
to
really see deep into reality and find out our future road instead of
just make no progress and hidden ourself inside the big closet (gay
&
lesbian community) away from the wind and rain out there and think
that
we will be safe in that case.
---------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1997 00:31:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: Someone Special <adrianwc@unixg.ubc.ca>
Subject: Re: San Francisco is listening
Ken,
My name is Adrian and I am a Hong Kong native who lives in Vancouver,
Canada right now. I am not sure whether my personal experience
can
considered as "first-hand"; but the reason why I am in a foreign country
is because of the hand over days later.
My father is a businessman and we have factories in China. The
more you
know how Mainland Chinese, especially many officials, do things, the
more
you wish "you were out of there." I consider myself my black
and white
and I hate tricky tactics; but these two are exactly the qualities
you
need in order to survive in the mainland. Officials abuse their
power and
abuse the system to their advantages. Criminals go through all
the grey
areas of laws and the judicial system becomes a joke to elites.
I am not
saying politics in US or Canada are clean and clear, as I see corruption
here too. However, at least I can ensure I will have a better
chance of
being treated with equality and will be given more or less equal chance.
This I call the importance of life.
I must conquer my loneliness...alone.
- Peter McWilliams
On Thu, 26 Jun 1997, KENNETH IRELAND wrote:
> I am a writer in San Francisco who is interested in hearing some first
> hand reflections from gay men and lesbians about the handover of
Hong
> Kong to the government in Beijing. I will treat all responses with
> discretion. Particularly interested in establishing ongoing
> correspondence with several people so that, over time, there will
be a
> reflective history of a small slice of life in the community.
>
> Ken Ireland
> kireland@earthlink.net
----------------------------------
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997 18:35:59 +0800
From: Julian Chan <hofatkw@netvigator.com>
Subject: Handing Over !
>From Julian Chan, in Hong Kong :
Today is the special day for all of us in Hong Kong. After lunch
at
tea house, me and a group of my friends came back to my flat and watch
those handover activities on TV all afternoon till now.
On TVB, there were interviews of main land Chinese's feelings towards
the handover. They all said that they are happy about it. Me
and my
friends were really put off by that. We all questioned why TVB
doesn't
interview Hong Kong people how they feel about the handover ?
We are
definately sure that there will be different voices.
Of crouse they are happy in main land as they have nothing to loose,
in
fact, they gain. They gain all these future support from Hong
Kong.
They gain a goose which lay golden egg. But for us, appart from
gaining
a passport of People Republic China and a troop of People Liberation
Army, we lost certain freedom, democracy and stability. So we
all wish
them shut up in China !
When seeing Christ Patten checking out from the Governor House on TV
earlier, when seeing the flag of Britain coming down, when hearing
the
"God Save the Queen", all a sudden I wanted to cry. If it was
not
because I have friends around, I think I will. All my friends
said that
they felt sad, too. After all, we are the generation that born
and
grown up in British colonist ruling. When we were young, we saw the
Queen's picture and the song "God Save the Queen" on TV every night
when tranmission closed down. The British colony legacy is part
of our
childhood, part of our growth, part of our life. This is something
that
main land Chinese and those old communist in Beijing wouldn't understand!
Although the British once was our anemy but after almost 100 years being
so close with them, working so hard togather for Hong Kong, from anemy
we became friends, or, more or less like child and mother. My
friends
said this step mother who brought us up gave us more freedom than our
real born mother (China) does ! In Chinese we have a saying,
"mother
who only give birth to you is less important and respectable than the
one who brought you up" ! And although this British mother is
white,
she gave us more freedom than the yellow mother (the communist) who
give
birth to us. In fact,when 2nd World War ended, the Chinese Communist
didn't take back Hong Kong because they wanted to use us as a chess
in
their political game. To leave Hong Kong in British's hand, the
Chinese
Communist there for can more or less influerence and control Britain
as
at that time China had bad relationships with America and western
democratic countries. And the same time, as China totally closed up,
Hong Kong in British's hand can become their window to the world. Like
Zhou En Lai put it, "To leave Hong Kong in British's hand means we
are
holding her tail". It is China, our mother who betray us and
leave us
in someone else hand for her political benefit ! This is disappointing
and this is the feeling that Chinese in main land and those old
communist in Beijing wouldn't understand, too !
We wish Mr. Patten all the best. We agreed that he is a kind,
open
minded, democratic and caring Governor. And we thanks the British
for
what they had done to Hong Kong in the last 150 years. Although
what
they hve done partly good and partly bad, but we think they had done
better than worse.
Julian, and his friends in 30th June 1997.
----------------------------------
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997 04:22:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: Wan Yan Hai <ywan@rcf.usc.edu>
Subject: Re: Handing Over !
Hi! Julian:
I also watching TV CNN and a Chinese program in LA. I have been
reading
the special program of Voice of American on handover of Hongkong every
Sunday to Friday. I don't think all Chinese in mainland are happy
in the
taking over of Hongkong. What you saw might be the propaganda
of the
communist party. So I like to see the meaning of the Mainland
media from
different perspective. If you read the phone-in program of VOA,
you might
get different views of people in Mainland. Many are well knowledgable
of
the handover o HK and its future impact upon both China and Hongkong.
The homepage is http://www.voa.gov in GB.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
On Mon, 30 Jun 1997, Julian Chan wrote:
> >From Julian Chan, in Hong Kong :
>
> Today is the special day for all of us in Hong Kong. After
lunch at
> tea house, me and a group of my friends came back to my flat and
watch
> those handover activities on TV all afternoon till now.
It is also a special day for me. How to define the concept
of colony is
what I concerned recently. How to define the west and the east
is also
not that simple.
> On TVB, there were interviews of main land Chinese's feelings towards
> the handover. They all said that they are happy about it. Me
and my
> friends were really put off by that. We all questioned why
TVB doesn't
> interview Hong Kong people how they feel about the handover ?
We are
> definately sure that there will be different voices.
Being different maybe not gay is dangerous in China. That
is why
homsexuals have been persecuted in China by the police and the mass
(qunzhong, the public, community). Bible attacks gay definitely,
but
China kills dissidents hard.
> Of crouse they are happy in main land as they have nothing to loose,
in
> fact, they gain. They gain all these future support from Hong
Kong.
> They gain a goose which lay golden egg. But for us, appart
from gaining
> a passport of People Republic China and a troop of People Liberation
> Army, we lost certain freedom, democracy and stability. So
we all wish
> them shut up in China !
The direction should not be the west or mainland although it
is almost
unequal for people in Hongkong to be decided by London or Beijing.
What
is the real meaning of democracy and autonomy of Hongkong? Somebody
and
also the Beijing power said that is the action of British government.
Really? What is the real meaning of democracy? I don't
think ordinary
people in Mainland can get support from Hongkong officially.
We should be
equal to people in Mainland and in the west.
> When seeing Christ Patten checking out from the Governor House on
TV
> earlier, when seeing the flag of Britain coming down, when hearing
the
> "God Save the Queen", all a sudden I wanted to cry. If it was
not
> because I have friends around, I think I will. All my friends
said that
> they felt sad, too. After all, we are the generation that born
and
> grown up in British colonist ruling. When we were young, we saw the
> Queen's picture and the song "God Save the Queen" on TV every night
> when tranmission closed down. The British colony legacy is
part of our
> childhood, part of our growth, part of our life. This is something
that
> main land Chinese and those old communist in Beijing wouldn't understand
> !
That is the history of Hongkong itself. So people should
respect this.
I also wanted to cry when I saw Chris Patten farewell ceremony.
Most of
the people went to Hongkong not because it is part of China but it
is a
free world which is different from Mainland China.
> Although the British once was our anemy but after almost 100 years
being
> so close with them, working so hard togather for Hong Kong, from
anemy
> we became friends, or, more or less like child and mother.
My friends
> said this step mother who brought us up gave us more freedom than
our
> real born mother (China) does ! In Chinese we have a saying,
"mother
> who only give birth to you is less important and respectable than
the
> one who brought you up" ! And although this British mother
is white,
> she gave us more freedom than the yellow mother (the communist) who
give
> birth to us. In fact, when 2nd World War ended, the Chinese
Communist
> didn't take back Hong Kong because they wanted to use us as a chess
in
> their political game. To leave Hong Kong in British's hand,
the Chinese
> Communist there for can more or less influerence and control Britain
as
> at that time China had bad relationships with America and western
> democratic countries. And the same time, as China totally closed
up,
> Hong Kong in British's hand can become their window to the world.
Like
> Zhou En Lai put it, "To leave Hong Kong in British's hand means we
are
> holding her tail". It is China, our mother who betray us and
leave us
> in someone else hand for her political benefit ! This is disappointing
> and this is the feeling that Chinese in main land and those old
> communist in Beijing wouldn't understand, too !
>
Hi! Julian: Can we use some new term? The term Mainland
might hurt
somebody like me just like I may hurt others. Please let me know
when I
hurt you. My father is an old communist who will not understand
you
forever. He will not understand me forever. But he believes
his son have
been doing something significant.
> We wish Mr. Patten all the best. We agreed that he is a kind,
open
> minded, democratic and caring Governor. And we thanks the British
for
> what they had done to Hong Kong in the last 150 years. Although
what
> they have done partly good and partly bad, but we think they had
done
> better than worse.
Thank you Julian for what you have done and what you have said
although
some sounds very reasonable and some seems stupid.
-------------------------------
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997 13:52:40 +0100 (BST)
From: silklink@dircon.co.uk
Subject: GOOD LUCK, GAY PEOPLE OF HONG KONG !
Hi Julian & gay people in HK,
Greetings from London.
I have similar feelings to yours... We watched this "Live" over the
BBC1
in
London, and felt with more than a tinge of emotion and sadness. It's
almost
as if we are witnessing the Berlin Wall going up again, not down, but
this
time in the East!
My concern is for gay people in Hong Kong both Chinese and expats. May
I
wish you all Peace and Happiness, and as much as possible to keep in
contact with the rest of the world (via the Internet).
Hopefully, the new "Masters" may see gays as just "people" and not disturb
you too much.
The Chinese always have a saying "Let the rope lengthen itself, ....but
the
rope will always end somewhere" (Fong Cheong tui seng.....). The Chinese
people will know it means , thatif we are patient but resilient,
in time,
we (gay ) people will succeed (in being recognised as human beings)
and
achieve
our goals in being treated equal.
Mainland China has to wait a hundred years to realize it dreams of getting
back Hong Kong. Gays in Hong Kong will have their dreams realized too
--in
time. Patience is a virtue, and in some ways, quite a very Chinese
one at
that !
May your gay future be bright in Hong Kong. Let's pray it will be.
BILLY WONG
----------------------------
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997 19:59:50 -0400
From: utopia <utopia@ksc9.th.com>
Subject: Re: GOOD LUCK, GAY PEOPLE OF HONG KONG !
How strange to be sitting here all around the world watching the same
thing
on TV and then to come to the Net to share our feelings about it. All
week
long we've had Hong Kong gays dropping in at the gay shop here in
Bangkok--just trying to get away from all the hype or having a vacation
as
they migrate away to somewhere else. As I watch the "festivities" I
can't
help but think that after the big party is over, all those crowds of
visitors can leave freely and return to their own countries and not
worry
too much about what happens afterwards. But for the gays in Hong Kong,
we
will be watching out for what happens to you. I have some optimism
with
the
openness that gays are creating across Asia, from the tiny bars sprouting
up
on Mainland China to Taiwan's first Pride festival yesterday. Good
luck
and
stay free in your love.
-----------------------------
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997 13:23:22 -0500
From: "William B. Kelley" <wbkelley@ibm.net>
Subject: Solidarity at handover
As an American who is both Sinophile and Anglophile, reading this list,
watching Beijing TV, and watching American ABC-TV as the handover moment
approaches, I share many of the feelings expressed so well by Julian
Chan, by Wan Yan Hai, by Billy Wong, by Utopia. It is a deeply affecting
day.
But it's just a day in a long series of days. Concerned though we are
around the world, Hong Kong will probably not change much
immediately--not even for gay Hong Kongers, who are among the most
vulnerable of all.
Our job is to do whatever we can, however little, to help the Hong
Kongese ensure that their optimistic rather than pessimistic future
becomes real, and that any changes are either for the better or at
least
brief and minimally harmful. Of course, the real forces at work will
be
in Hong Kong, and China.
Hong Kongers have so much admiration and support worldwide. Let's hope
and work for the best. I join the warm wishes for those in Hong Kong
and
China on this list, and for all of us.
Bill Kelley, Chicago
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997 09:58:20 -0700
From: Victor J Burner <vburner@juno.com>
Subject: Re: Taiwan's 1st Gay Pride Festival
Dear Friends:
We have just watched on television one hour ago exactly the lowering
of
the Union Jack and the raising of the Chinese flag.
It was very emotional. Thank goodness for the talk by the
President of
China reaffirming the freedoms and autonomy of Hong Kong. Let's
hope!
Bill and I feel a very close bond with all of you, and we hope that
our
communications will be able to continue unimpeded, and that we may
all
meet again there and here, with freedom of travel! We hope that
creativity among our community will be able to move forward as never
before.
Sincerely,
Vic Burner and Bill Bednash
Pasadena, California
U.S.A.
--------------------------------
Date: Tue, 01 Jul 1997 16:41:07 -0500
From: "William B. Kelley" <wbkelley@ibm.net>
Subject: Re: Handing Over !
> Whether we like it or not, Hong Kong has become part of mainland China
>
> again. Rather than sending and responding depressing mails
across
> thenet, why don't we hope for a better future and work closely with
> the SAR?
> At last, I don't feel sad to see the Queen's picture being removed,
as
> I have never been White skin and green eyes anyway.
Glad to hear it. However, many felt sad not because the Queen's skin
is
white but because her government is relatively democratic and they
fear
the encroaching authoritarianism. Repression with a Chinese face, no
matter how attractive the looks, hurts no less.
We can all hope for a better future. But few will be working more
closely with the SAR than those who are actually there. And little
can
be more depressing than the thought of lost freedom.
Bill Kelley, Chicago
---------------------------------
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997 16:05:47 -0400
From: ESL Department <junocom5@juno.com>
Subject: Re: Many tears: HK Handover
Dear brothers, sisters and friends,
I am feeling so profoundly sad today.
I am sorry, I cannot help it.
I just do not think this handover is a good thing.
I have spent the entire day in my office,
just crying all day long. I'm supposed to
be working, but, good God, I 've locked the door
and I've just been sobbing, sobbing all day long.
I'm sure that, as time goes by, others will cry
much more than me.
My heart is with you.
John
P.S. Julian's message was deeply moving.
Thank you Julian. You are a precious soul.
------------------------------------