Scenes of Shanghai

Tiakang Lu, bamboo scaffolding

Tiakang Lu, having a chit chat

Tiakang Lu

The Gay Leap Forward - Shanghai holds China's first Pride event

From June 7th - June 13th 2009, Shanghai was host to China's first ever gay pride! From what I saw, this historical event was truly a wholesome experience for everyone involved - local or expat, straight or gay, young or old - it really didn't matter - this ShanghaiPride really touched the lives of many, and well it was just good fun! I heard a lot of stories about people bringing their parents or children as part of their coming out - and I would be lying if I said it didn't bring just a little tear to my eyes.

I know the organizers were run down to near exhaustion by the end of the week, after months and months of planning - and well I have to give it to them for working so hard to make this happen.

Here are some news links which provided coverage of the event:

CHINA DAILY
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2009-06/16/content_8286837.htm
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2009-06/10/content_8266057.htm


NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105405434

NEW YORK TIMES
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/15/world/asia/15shanghai.html?ref=world

NEWSWEEK
http://www.newsweek.com/id/201981?from=rss

BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8083672.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8093695.stm

REUTERS
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE55C1UB20090613

THE ECONOMIST
http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13877186

ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hfoyK2CCVC2uH7RnX_ujwFroQUigD98T76PO2

THE ADVOCATE
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid89317.asp

LE MONDE
http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/portfolio/2009/06/12/une-premiere-gay-pride-organisee-en-toute-discretion-en-chine_1205397_3216.html