Words: James Soo

It-boy and all-round party animal (some of his best friends are Pixie Geldof & Agyness Deyn), Henry Holland has exploded onto the London fashion scene with his irreverent slogan t-shirts (“I’ll tell you who’s boss, Kate Moss”). He chats to Dim Sum about fashion, X-Factor and the best use of tartan.

DS: Have you been to Hong Kong before?
Henry: No. I really love it although I can only come here in the winter because this is my hairstyle window. My quiff wouldn’t survive the humidity. The highlight has been the shopping. I only managed half a day in Causeway Bay though.

DS: What do you think of the fashion here?
Henry: It’s really good. I am astonished at the amount of stuff. I was looking at some of the magazines here and there’s so much product. It’s the perfect place for consumers and I just love stuff. I just want stuff all the time (laughs). I really like the crop trousers boys have here. In the UK we do 7/8th but here they do 6/8th, you know they just go that extra inch.

DS: What do you think the Asian market is going to say to your collection?
Henry: Our aesthetic is quite bold and bright, it seems to fit the Asian market quite well. The Asian market isn’t so afraid of colour and bold statements in fashion.

DS: You use a lot of traditional fabrics in your designs – why is that?
Henry: Thank you for noticing! Yes, I really like heritage fabrics. One of my friends owns a Savile Row Tailors and he really drives the point home. And it really started with our tartan from A/W 08.

DS: For which you won an award for Best Use of Tartan at the Scottish Fashion Awards, correct?
Henry: Haha, I don’t think that award existed before they gave it to me, and then I won that award again this year for tweed and they changed the award name to Best Use of a Scottish Fabric!

DS: What’s your bestseller?
Henry: We have a dress shape, with a fitted waist and full skirt, that’s evolved quite a bit. Our tights sell really well, and our underwear, which we’ve only just launched, are doing really well. I’m going to call my autobiography “From T-Shirts to Tights – Living the Dream” (laughs).

DS: You started as a fashion journalist, didn’t you?
Henry: Yes well I was working in magazines and I loved what I did. It wasn’t high fashion, it was teenage magazines, and it was a really fun, enjoyable side of fashion. I used to buy a lot of slogan t-shirts from America, you know ones about Nicole Ritchie and Paris Hilton, and I was like “I could do that”. Anyway, we were drunk one night and started rhyming things about designers. Then we did the first t-shirts which happened while I was still in magazines. And then it just took off. I got asked to do a London Fashion Week show, and I thought I can’t do that and do a full-time job. So I quit my job. I’m very competitive and enjoy challenging myself.

DS: So, you never studied fashion?
Henry: No, but I think I’m very creative and I can come up with good designs and ideas. And I think it’s about building up a team to help you execute those ideas and bring them to life. That’s pretty much how every designer in the world works, it’s just that I missed out that step where I made it all in my bedroom on my mother’s sewing machine.

DS: What tips would you give someone who wanted to start their own label?
Henry: You learn so much on the job. Even if you’ve been at university for three years, learning how to cut a pattern, if you then want to go off and start your own label, there is then a whole world that you didn’t know you need. You don’t think you’re setting a company, you don’t think about cashflow, Companies House, accountants. All these awful boring things are really 50% of the job, especially at the start, because to start a label, unless you have a big pot of cash, you can only send out what you can afford to make. It’s a real balancing act. So my advice would be get as much industry experience as possible in all areas. I think it really helped me to come from a journalist’s background, because I can really see how the press works. So many designers don’t want to talk to the press, but I can see how it works.

DS: You aren’t just a designer, you’re also a TV presenter.
Henry: I didn’t know anybody here knew about that. But basically it was a day off where I got paid to talk to a black box. I really enjoyed doing it, but I don’t go out trying to find it. My main focus is growing my business.

DS: How was running the marathon?
Henry: Oh my God, it was the worst thing I’ve ever done. I’ve wanted to do the marathon for so long. Then Rankin the photographer, his wife contacted me to see if I wanted to do it as part of this team she was putting together of fashion people called ‘Oxglam’. So, that was in September. I signed up with a personal trainer in November. I stopped drinking after New Year’s Eve till April. The amount of personal commitment was staggering. Excuse me for boasting but I did a really good time – 3 hours 28 minutes – but I won’t do it again ‘cos if I do it again next year what if I don’t beat that time?

DS: Walk us through your collection?
Henry: Well this print was inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead. I was meant to be travelling to Mexico on holiday, but couldn’t because of work, so this is my holiday really. My mum is a very spiritual person and didn’t like the skulls, so I got around her by making sure all the skulls had a smiley face! SS12 is Pastel Punks, and I got that inspiration from Gavin Watson’s street photography of late 70s punks. These beautiful girls with shaved heads and hard masculine clothes. So I kept the hard, masculine shapes but with a super-girly feminine pastel palette to juxtapose and balance it.

DS: What about the menswear?
Henry: It’s on its way – just give me a minute, yeah? (laughs) We used to extend the womenswear to do a couple of men’s shapes with the same patterns and prints. But because we showed on the womenswear schedule, we missed a lot of the press and sales coverage for the menswear. So we’ve stopped doing that and we’ll start doing it again once we’ve got the womenswear all hunky dory and can do it separately. But the eyewear and underwear are unisex. The tights… And next year we’re doing footwear with Superga which will also be unisex.

DS: I read somewhere that you design for a “London girl aesthetic”. Is that going to be the case for the menswear as well?
Henry: I will probably be a bit more selfish, design stuff that I want. It would have to have a bold sense of colour and a cheeky irreverence to it. I’d really like to work with heritage fabrics, creating something quintessentially British but with an edge. I think I’d like to start menswear with an Autumn/Winter collection so maybe in about a year. Next January. I just decided that. And that’s the power of being a director.

DS: Finally, we know you’re a huge fan of X-Factor, what would you sing on the show?
Henry: Bryan Adams and Mel C’s “Baby When You’re Gone” – me and Pixie do a really good rendition. Did I answer that a bit too quickly?

Words: James Soo
Another year rolls by and what do I have to show for it? Just increasingly expensive facial products on my bathroom shelf as I hunker down in my trench war against that most vicious of enemies: age. However, while all I’ve been obsessing about for the past year is the size of my pores, thankfully some rather wonderful men and women have been actually doing stuff. In this final issue for the year, Dim Sum wants to thank all the wonderful people who have made this world a slightly better, or at least more amusing, place. So, in no particular order, the Dim Sum team have chosen those men and women, films and tv shows, and, of course, hot messes who’ve entertained us, made our lives a bit brighter and, most important of all, made us forget about our crow’s feet for a couple of seconds.
Men of the Year

Ben Cohen
Former England rugby union star and all-round heartthrob, Ben Cohen retired in May this year from professional rugby to devote himself to the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation he created to fight homophobia and bullying. Although he’s a happily married father of two, Ben leads the drive to eradicate homophobia from professional sports, and seems to enjoy all the publicity he’s generated. Of course, the publicity he generates tends to involve naked photo shoots of the hairy hunk, so we’re certainly not complaining. Ben – you are a gorgeous, compassionate hunk of a man, and we just wish there were more professional sportsmen with your attitude.

Adele
If you ever find yourself walking up the Peak, you may be forgiven for thinking that the husky-voiced songstress Adele Adkins is gracing Hong Kong with her buxom presence. But no. It is in fact your humble Dim Sum editor destroying the anthemic “Set Fire to the Rain” as he power-walks his dogs. Adele is the soundtrack to every break-up. Inspiration for “Chasing Pavements” came when she found out her boyfriend had cheated on her, so she went down to the club he was in and punched him in the face before getting thrown out. Attagirl. Still, even though this was the year of Adele, with a Vogue cover to boot, the 23 year old has had a hard time with her larynx. Post-surgery she’s going to have to relearn how to sing. Let’s just hope nothing changes because I’m going to have a hard time getting over my future break-ups without her.

Transsexual of the Year
Lea T.
People may dismiss the fashion industry, but we have to applaud transsexual supermodel Lea T.’s success this past year. Of course, she’s a stunning woman, but she’s also shown that she’s no one-hit wonder. With Vogue, Givenchy, LOVE and Oprah all courting her, it’s no surprise she’s now the face of one of Brazil’s biggest swimwear brands, Blue Man. We may spend a lot of time criticizing the fashion industry for putting unrealistic standards of beauty out there (especially as we reach for that tea break biscuit), but with Lea T. and Andrej Pejic we have to admit that the industry also isn’t afraid to look outside the box.

Movies of the Year
Weekend
Easily 2011’s best film full stop, Weekend is a punch in the face to those who say that a film with gay themes only appeals to the gay community. Russell and Glen meet at a club, and have a one-night stand that last all weekend. Kind of like a Before Sunset where we get the sex out of the way first, it’s probably one of the most honest depictions of the bizarre complexities of modern relationships. There’s no airbrushed idealism – this is love, warts and all. People sometimes say that you go to the movies to escape. But perhaps we’ve all been escaping a bit too much, and sometimes the movies need to show us what we’re actually like, in all our naked glory, so that we realise airbrushing is bad for us in the end.

Beginners
Based on writer/director Mike Mills’ own father, Beginners is just a lovely film about the importance of living life to the full. After his mother’s death, Oliver Fields (Ewan McGregor) sees his father (Christopher Plummer) transform as the seventy-five year old finally comes out of the closet and begins a relationship with a much younger man. What could be patronising ends up being a charming story of how it’s never too late to live your life and discover how to love.

You Are The Apple Of My Eye
Asia’s biggest film this year – setting box office records in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore – You Are The Apple Of My Eye is just such a sweet film. Giddens Ko wrote the autobiographical story it’s based on, then wrote the screenplay and then directed the film – going on to win the Audience Award at the Taipei Film Festival. Not bad for a directorial debut. Even though it’s more a love-gone-wrong story, it’s also a warm look back on childhood loves and friendships and how destiny works in funny ways.

Hot Mess of the Year
(It’s weird that Lindsay Lohan wasn’t even in the top ten this year. Maybe there’s something to this 2012 shit.)

Kim Kardashian
Honestly, what the hell was she thinking? The moolah, most probably. 車When most people are paying off their wedding days for years to come, Kim Kardashian not only didn’t spend a cent of her own money on her wedding but managed to make a staggering profit from it. With everything sponsored at her wedding from her $2 million ring to the $15,000 wedding cake, La Kardashian barely spent a penny on her big day. Instead, adverts during the four-hour televised wedding special brought in an estimated $18 million! And rumour has it the prenup that best chump Kris Humphries signed means that he isn’t entitled to any of it. The sad thing is of course that Kim Kardashian is allowed to shit all over the Sacred Institution of Marriage™ because she has/is a c%nt, but same-sex couples aren’t. Well done, Kim – you are Dim Sum’s gold-digging hot mess of the year!

Amy Winehouse RIP
WINEHOUSE. We will miss you. It’s not just the voice, and the beehive, and the moaning about Blaaaaaaaake. I mean, of course I miss all that. But you were a phenomenon, and utterly utterly yourself. My favourite story about La Winehouse takes place when she was on St Lucia, recording or drying out or something. And her manager had forbidden the hotel from serving her alcohol. So, she’d crawl around the hotel bar on all fours during happy hour and slyly try to steal people’s drinks from their tables. As if her beehive didn’t give the game away a mile off. Amy Winehouse RIP.

Charlie Sheen
There was a moment earlier this year, I think when most of the Middle East was in revolt, there were five earthquakes devastating half of Asia and all the world stock markets had collapsed, but despite the world ending, all anyone talked about on every channel was the Madness of Charlie Sheen. In his own words – and my God there were a lot of them – “I am on a drug. It’s called Charlie Sheen. It’s not available because if you try it you will die. Your face will melt off and your children will weep over your exploded body.” God bless Charlie Sheen – and sign me up for a gram, cos that sounds like good shit.

TV of the Year

Game of Thrones
Based on George R.R. Martin’s epically unforgiving series of sword & sorcery fantasy novels, no-one expected Game of Thrones to be the colossal success it has been. Well, that is anyone who didn’t think people would watch a gripping plot full of unpleasant villains and tons of sex and flesh. And what’s more they’ve got a sexy evil gay couple who like to think up fiendish intrigue while manscaping each other. Just like in real life. Perfection.

True Blood
OK, so this season wasn’t amazing. Fairies etc. Urgh. But you’ve got Alexander Skaaaaaaarsgaaaaaard and Joe Manganiello naked all the time, so who really cares about plot? And once again, it’s nice to see totally omnisexual characters camping it up for my benefit. And Lafayette.

Glee
Yes, the whole thing is gayer than a camp television series filled with showtunes. Oh hang on… And again, the episodes can be a bit hit and miss. But Kurt & Blaine (& Sebastian!) and Santana & Brittany must be in some ways the sweetest gay couples on television. Of course, the weird thing is that like in the world at large girls are allowed to have sex with other girls, but boys with boys – well, there’s got to be a big ol’ debate about it.

2011 has been quite a year in the world of gay. We hope you’ve had as much fun as we have (our tip – go to Taipei Pride next year, it’s a riot). Anyway, if you haven’t all been swept away by a deluge or eaten by a giant Mayan squid or whatever the astrologers predict for 2012, then we hope you’ll join us at Dim Sum for another gay old year!

Words: Derek Lui
The Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival is here again, with fourteen consecutive days of top quality films from around the world. Last year most of our films sold out very quickly and were very well received. This year we have again a very diverse range of films, so there is sure to be something to catch your eye.

Asian Focus
As Asia’s premiere lesbian and gay film festival we will be showing of course a lot of quality Asian movies. The world of Asian LGBT cinema has many firsts this year, with Vietnam’s first ever gay film “Lost in Paradise” as well as Thailand’s first lesbian film, “Yes or No?” – these two films have been selected to open our festival this year. In addition to Vietnam and Thailand, Malaysia has also produced its first ever gay themed film “In a Bottle”, which explores the stories and emotional journeys of eleven transgender people. Representing China we have “Bad Romance” and “Be A Woman”: the first is a tripartite love story about 7 young men and women, while the second is a documentary three years in the making about 5 drag queens in Nanning. We complete our Asian Focus with films from Japan and South Korea, making the HKLGFF Asia’s most unmissable Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

Award-winning masterpieces
The HKLGFF is committed to strengthening the quality of its films and this year we have many award-winning and critically acclaimed LGBT masterpieces from around the world. We have “Weekend”, which has been called a British gay “Before Sunset”, and which won the Audience Award Emerging Voices Winner at 2011 SXSW Film Festival as well as the Grand Jury Prize for International Feature at Outfest Los Angeles. “The Wise Kids” was a double winner at Outfest, winning the Grand Jury Award for US Dramatic Feature and Best Screenplay. A coming-of-age tale of three young people as they try to find themselves in the confusion between adolescence and adulthood, this evocative film is a triumph.

Winners from European Festivals
This year we also have the prize winners from three major European film festivals. “Absent” won the Teddy Award for Best Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival – a chilling film about a young man’s manipulative seduction of his swimming coach, with Hitchcock-style suspense. Selected for the Toronto Film Festival and screened in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, “Heartbeats” feels like a screen homage to Wong Kar-Wai. This hip and stylish film treads a fine line between comedy and high drama and is destined to be a modern classic. Finally, winner of the Queer Palm Award at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, “Beauty” is a rare gay film from South Africa: a tough guy who has hidden in the closet for years becomes infatuated with a beautiful young man and finds himself unable to keep his emotions in check.

American Talent
The HKLGFF’s most popular series of films has always been the hilarious “Eating Out” series, and we have both the fourth and the fifth installments for you this year. In addition to comedy, we also have psychological thriller “The Green”, a story of a teacher accused of sexually abusing his student – its plot twists leave you guessing if he’ll be able to clear his name. “We Were Here” is an important record of the AIDS crisis and is this year’s most heavy-hitting documentary, both moving and inspirational.

Short Films
Finally, don’t miss our gay short film screenings, which this year has been split into two: “Asian Gay Short Films” and “International Gay Short Films”. All the shorts are masterpieces and award-winners from their respective countries, and are difficult to get hold of on DVD. If you miss them at the HKLGFF, you may not get another chance to see them.

www.hklgff.hk

Words: James Soo
Hong Kong was lucky enough to have had François Nel, winner of Mr Gay World this year, join us for our own Mr Gay Hong Kong competition. After a fraught battle, Jimmy Wong won the title this year. DS caught up with both of them to see their views on growing up gay in their respective countries, and the duties of being a gay man in the public eye.

Francois Nel

DS: What’s it been like this past year?
François: It’s been six months since Mr Gay World. It’s been some of the best times of my life, and at others it’s been challenging. If you think of the job description, it’s to change perceptions and some of the negative ideas that people have about gay people. So sometimes there’s been certain hardships, but I’ve learned a great deal, so it’s been a self-enriching experience for me.

DS: What’s been the highlight for you?
François: The highlight is obviously the travel. I went to Rome, so you’re on a float going past the Coliseum. Every place that they sent me I appreciated something different. In Italy, I really appreciated the family culture there in the gay community. Brazil was the party capital, it was very social and the nightlife was amazing. Canada was the human rights conference where I learned a lot about the issues that affect the gay community around the world. And it was very sports-oriented as well because it was the OutGames. And sports was something I was passionate about from the start because there’s a lot of homophobia there.

DS: What was it like growing up gay in South Africa?
François: In school, it was hard. But it was school that was one of my motivations for entering the competition. At the ages of 13-16 those years are so vital for any young person for any standards that they have and for those standards for their future life. If you are then faced with the internal conflict of dealing with being gay, and the outside world is telling you it’s wrong, well it’s very harmful. In my own life, yes I was teased I was mocked. And so you can use that experience to help people at that stage of their life. Seeing twenty-odd gay men competing in something like Mr Gay World allows young people to think you know I may face hardship, but looking at these guys it doesn’t mean that I can’t go out there in the world and be a success.

DS: How supportive was your family when you came out?
François: I was brought up in a very religious home. My father unfortunately passed away when I was thirteen, but my mother is very supportive. It obviously goes against her beliefs but it doesn’t change the fact that she loves me. You have to focus on love. My mother’s been very supportive of me being Mr Gay World.

DS: What motivated you to join the competition?
François: When I was growing up, I spent so much time worrying about my homosexuality and coming to terms with it, that I thought well if I spent so much time worrying about it, there must be so many more people out there facing the same issues. So for me it was about that, it was about sharing my story and hopefully inspiring the youth or anybody at any age who has problems coming to terms with their own sexuality. There’s one thing that we’re sure of and that’s this life that we’re living, and that life should be enjoyed to the fullest of every human being’s capacity.

DS: Why do you think you won Mr Gay World?
François: I dunno maybe because I talk so much! (Laughs) The competition is looking for an ambassador, a spokesperson. I’m lucky in that I’m very comfortable speaking in front of people and just telling my story.

DS: Do you have any words to the gay community in Hong Kong?
François: First of all, I love this city! And, just be yourself. Love should be celebrated. Enjoy life.

Jimmy Wong

DS: Tell us about yourself?
Jimmy: My name’s Jimmy, I studied Linguistics at university and I started dancing afterwards. I actually know the winners of the first two years for my work. I’m born and bred in Hong Kong.

DS: What do you think this year has in store for you?
Jimmy: First I will be spokesperson for the anti=bullying campaign. And ultimately I will be competing in Johannesburg. I’ll also be invited to Winter Pride in Vancouver. I’m very much looking forward to the grand finale competition in Johannesburg. First I’ve never been to the country. And I’ve had a lot of fun competing in a beauty pageant. Of course it’s not all about fun and glamour. I do have my responsibilities and I’m looking forward to any events that are being arranged that I can take part in for the anti-school bullying campaign. The message is to any schoolkids who are out there in the closet that coming out is not that scary, that there’s a lot of support to connect with out there, so that’s what I’m looking forward to doing.

DS: What was it like growing up gay in Hong Kong?
Jimmy: Actually it’s quite challenging because you receive a lot of peer pressure. Society does expect you to be straight, to marry, have kids, to live in quotations a normal life. And being gay has never been a welcoming thing. As I’ve met more people, it turns out Hong Kong does have a diversity of people and you need to reach out beyond your own peer group. I was lucky because when I was growing up I got to take part in a foreign exchange programme, which was an eye-opener. In Hong Kong, it depends on the demographic of the people where you live and who you hang out with. Somehow you need to break out. For a lot of people who are in a creative sector, they tend to be more open in terms of your sexuality. But it’s really hard to say where you can reach out in Hong Kong. At the same time for me, I allowed myself to choose who my friends. If I know if certain people aren’t OK with homosexuals I don’t allow myself to get close to them.

DS: How supportive were your family when you came out?
Jimmy: They weren’t really. I think my mum still has some problems with it. I can’t change who I am because she refuses to be educated or to understand how gay people live their life. As for my being Mr Gay Hong Kong, well, my parents are divorced – I haven’t really kept in touch with my dad so I’m not sure he even knows and my mum is like ‘whatever, you can do what you want’.

DS: What motivated you to join the competition?
Jimmy: I had never done any pageants before. I was in the audience for the first competition, and watching it I kinda thought I want to be one of them, to get onto the stage. I would like to represent myself as a Hong Kong gay guy to tell the world that we’ve got it here. I want to show the world that we can do it as well, to get rid of stereotypes that people might have of gay Asians.

DS: Why do you think you won Mr Gay HK?
Jimmy: Because I’ve got a great mohawk. (Laughs) First of all, I think that Mr Gay Hong Kong has to be someone from Hong Kong to represent Hong Kong. It would be kind of sad if you had someone foreign to represent us. And to compete you also need language skills and confidence to bring it. And I think I kinda have that. And I think I was lucky that we had fewer contestants than previous years so maybe I had a higher chance of winning.

DS: Do you have any words to the Hong Kong gay community?
Jimmy: Be yourself. Don’t worry about how people see you. Don’t let how other people see you change the way you live your life.

Words: Ash Pritchard

Hong Kong’s Pride events, or lack thereof, have been a contentious issue for a city that in many ways still struggles to overcome its traditional and conservative nature when it comes to ‘the gays’. We caught up with Pride commitee director Connie Chan to find out how November 12th 2011 will be the day the community comes together to stands up, out and proud, and party on the street.

DS: Tell me a little bit about yourself, how did you become involved in organizing hk pride?
Connie: I have been involved in gay and lesbian advocacy since 1993 when I became involved with the HK 10% Club. I was one of the founders of the Women Coalition of HKSAR in 2003. I have also been very closely involved with the IDAHO Hong Kong campaign since it first began, which also includes liaising with the international IDAHO committee. The first IDAHO HK event organised as a very short parade in 2005, we had just 350 participants. By 2008 we had 600. The experience over those years was amazing, seeing how Hong Kong was changing. People from all walks of life, not only LGBTs but also feminists, social movement activists, students, teachers, and even the religious community started to become involved in promoting equality and diversity. This experience from Idaho was the basis for the working group that came together to form the Hong Kong Pride movement.

DS: How has being involved in Pride changed you, personally?
Connie: HK Pride is the city’s biggest LGBT event, and has helped change people’s attitudes toward the gay community. It is also excellent practice for us to come together with our friends, supporters and families. As an LGBT activist, I feel really exhausted when the HK government refuse to stand behind and support what we are doing. But HK Pride inspires solidarity, diversity, and encourages a strong sense of community- it makes us feel that we can do it!

DS: What are the aims for Pride this year?
Connie: The aim of event in 2011 is “For Queer. For Love. For Equality.” which not only stands for freedom and sexual autonomy, but also promotes the protections of the right to non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

DS: What are the biggest challenges you face as Director of Pride?
Connie: My biggest challenges are funding and pushback from the religious right. How much can Hong Kong’s LGBT movement communicate its strength as an economic power? Even though one of Asia’s leading capitalist cities, it’s very difficult to tap the pink dollar in Hong Kong, I am still wondering if it really exists. Even some international brands that target the gay community in other countries, in Hong Kong they keep silent about LGBT issues. Marketing and sponsorship for Pride are difficult when hard when the business community are not willing to stand up and support the pink market.

In terms of the religion right in Hong Kong, you can see certaint voices presses pressure to the government every time any issues related the gender and sexuality are being discussed. The negative impact created by a small minority of extreme religious voices is so huge that it’s capturing too much of our attention. They are hijacking the entire religious community when it comes to sexuality, and they are pressuring us so much that may not easy to promote and market Hong Kong Pride to the general public.

DS: Why does Hong Kong need a Pride march?
Connie: Whether you are a member of the LGBT family, or even a friend or supporter of equality, it’s not easy to be truly yourself in our city. At least for one time a year, you can be yourself, and that is for Hong Kong Pride. During Pride, you wont be alone, people with the same mind and heart, will march together through Hong Kong’s busiest streets, coming out as one, for march in Pride. I hope that it raises the awareness of both the general public and the government. Straight people need to learn to live with us, Pride gives them a chance.

DS: Why didn’t HK have a Pride last year?
Connie: Following on from the spirit of the 2008 march, in 2009 we embarked on the journey again, going from door to door seeking support and trying to survive without exploiting others. This time, we worked with Hong Kong’s only LGBT public radio program – We Are Family – as our media partner. In order to cater to the increasing number of Pride participants, we also needed to invest more money for an audio system which allowed at least 1,000 participants to see and hear us clearly. And that cost us an extra $55,000. As a result, the expenditure in 2009 surged to $118,300, double the amount of what we had budgeted.

Unfortunately, our fundraising campaign for 2010 did not go as well as we had estimated. By August 25, 2009, the organizing committee had only managed to raise $70,000. The deficit had to be offset from the surplus from previous IDAHOs and Pride. Pride 2009 was a huge success, despite having emptied our pockets.

The results of fundraising campaign for Hong Kong Pride Parade 2009 were not as strong as we had hoped for, and therefore our committee has decided to suspend the event in 2010.

DS: The march in 2009 had the largest contingent ever, what made that march a success?
Connie: I had hoped for a turnout of 1000, but the crowd exceeded my most optimistic expectations, we were so excited to see that! People came from everywhere. Students and teachers from secondary schools were marching with pictures they drew themselves. Gay and lesbian groups from over 10 cities in Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau. The InterBank group marched, enhancing the visibility of professinal gays and advocating an LGBT-friendly work environment. Local LGBT and HIV/AIDS organisations also worked so hard to promote the march. When all the diverse members of LGBT family came together to work as a whole, you could see the power that made the march a success.

DS: What does ‘Pride’ mean to you in the context of being gay in Hong Kong?
Connie: In Hong Kong, Pride means marching for the people for whom being openly gay is just a dream. We march to let the government know we are not an illness and not something to be fixed, a disease to be treated. Despite the long campaigns of local LGBT organizations since the 1990s, there is still no explicit protections of the right
to non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity exist in Hong Kong. We march to gain greater visibility, to validate our existence and remind the Hong Kong that we should be protected from discrimination in law.

DS: HK Pride, in the past, has been more of a somber protest than the eclectic celebration in say NYC or even in Taipei. Why is this?
Connie:Hong Kong still fails to uphold the right of non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. This has lead to discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in their daily lives. I think we still need to protest. On the other hand, Pride can be a softer way to gain solidarity and support compared to radical political protests.

DS: How can Hong Kong overtake Taipei and take it’s place as the largest pride in Asia?
Connie: Gay and lesbian from Mainland China have a great need on Pride march. A longer-term effect of the rapid gay movement in China is the potential for attracting more visitors to Hong Kong.

DS: Give me an idea if Pride 2011- what should we expect?
Connie: The Pride march attracted 1000-1800 of supporters, and Pride 2011 is bound to be even bigger and better than before. Let’s party on the streets on Nov 12.

DS: The police have been critiqued for ‘clamping down’ on public gay events over the last year, is this a concern for Pride?
Connie: We already had 2 meetings with the police, with years experience to deal with them, we hope that Pride march will be more smooth this year.

DS: What type of help does the committee need for organizing pride this year? Volunteers in what areas etc.
Connie: Every year the Committee relies on a hundred of volunteers to produce a successful event. We are now seeking a plenty of great entertainers, event runners and production assistants! If you have positive energy and endurance, that will be an asset to filling the roles of fund-raising team.

DS: I want to get involved in helping out, where can I go?
Connie: Please email to us right now at volunteer@hkpride.net.

Words: James Soo

4 beautiful men stand before me. But only one can be crowned Hong Kong ‘s Top Gayboy. Hong Kong – You decide by casting your vote at Bisous on 15 Oct 2011.

Name: Jonathan Bridge Hudson (aka Bridge)
Age: 28’’

DS: What does Mr Gay HK mean for you?
Bridge: Mr Gay HK means being a role model for others like me, to increase a spirit of love and acceptance both within and outside the LGBT community. I also feel that Mr Gay HK should also represent the LGBT community in Hong Kong by increasing awareness on issues pertinent to the LGBT community (eg. anti-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage, AIDS/HIV awareness and prevention, LGBT bullying, etc).

DS: Why should you be Mr Gay Hong Kong?
Bridge: If I were to win Mr Gay HK, I would strive to bring a better sense of acceptance and love to the LGBT community, to promote awareness of pertinent LGBT issues and to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and safer sex practices

Name: Edmund Lee
Age: 21

DS: What does Mr Gay HK mean for you?
Edmund: Mr Gay HK, for me, is a role model in HK’s gay community. He is a spokesperson for issues that are important to the LGBT community. And of course, he is also an ambassador of Hong Kong at Mr Gay World!

DS: Why should you be Mr Gay Hong Kong?
Edmund: Mr Gay HK needs to both be nice and talented! So that’s me I may seem young but I consider myself mature for my age. I am studying design, so I am creative! And beyond that, I know how to express inner beauty outwardly! I want to be Mr Gay HK and confront the issue of homophobic bullying in schools.

Name: Jimmy Wong
Age: 26

DS: What does Mr Gay HK mean for you?
Jimmy: Being Mr Gay Hong Kong to me is a way that can show to gay people – especially those who are very young and still in the closet – that it is perfectly okay to be gay, that it is a blessing in disguise that they can be different from others in a fabulous way!

DS: Why should you be Mr Gay Hong Kong?
Jimmy: To represent Hong Kong gay men, we need someone who truly knows about the city and the culture, and is also strong and confident enough to be a man who can present himself to the world. I believe I have these qualities to take it to the international round.

Name: Ricky Chau
Age : 23

DS: What does Mr Gay HK mean for you?
Ricky: Mr Gay Hong Kong is the platform for me to stand up and tell the world that being gay is a natural thing. We don’t want special rights, we just want our basic human right – the right to love.

DS: Why should you be Mr Gay Hong Kong?
Ricky: The LGBT community in Hong Kong faces a lot of stigma, ridicule and abuse from our straight brothers and sisters. It is time for us to stand up for ourselves and demand to be accepted. I am shy, I am cute, I am gay – and hey, I am here to stay!

Words: AD

All the boys and girls come together. The 1st ever Pink Season will kick off soon. 3 months of non-stop gay events. There will be more events to join Pink Season such as Darg Overdose on 12 November. To find out more updated information you can click on www.pinkseason.hk

30 September 2011
Electric Pink – The Pink Season Launch Party

Mr. Pink kicks off the Pink Season with a groovy music party.

Where: XXX Gallery, Basement, 212 Wing Lok St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Time: 10:30pm Til late
Ticket: HK$120 at the door (includes 1 drink)
Website: www.facebook.com/AreFriendsElectric
DJ: Alok, DJ BLing (Brian Leung), Nerve, Shelf-Index

Who’s coming?
All electro music lovers and fans of the DJ’s

What is the significance of this event?
DJ BLing (Mr. Pink): We are super excited to host the launch party of Hong Kong’s first Pink Season. It is a great initiative and we want to announce to the world that the gay-friendly city of Hong Kong has arrived!

12 – 15 October 2011
One Night in Falsettoland in Concert

This is a Cabaret performed by a group of leading musical theatre performers in Hong Kong. It features the songs from the off-Broadway musical ‘Falsettoland’ and is a celebration of love, passion, freedom and possibility…come along for music, theatre and drinks! (The show will be performed in English.)

Where: Hong Kong Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central
Time: 8:15pm
Ticket: $180 (Standard price), $150 (Early bird – available till 15th Sept.), $200 (Walk-in on the day) – Each ticket will include one soft or standard drink. Available at the Fringe Club Box Office, via email (ticketing.falsettoland@gmail.com) or through the hotline +852 6376 0422 (Ms Ho).
Website: www.hkfringe.com.hk
Enquiry: 2521 7251

Who’s coming?
People who dig musicals and cabarets.

What is the significance of this event?
Billy Sy: Every performer has that one show which he has always wanted to do, but somehow hasn’t. Falsettoland is the dream we have carried with us for years.

15 October 2011
Mr Gay Hong Kong

Enjoy a glamorous evening with the bold & beautiful and vote for the winner.

Where: Bisous, 9th Floor, 33 Wyndham Street, Central
Time: 7pm onwards
Ticket: HK$180 (in advance – email info@mrgayhongkong.com) / HK$250 at the door
Website: www.mrgayhongkong.com
Enquiry: info@mrgayhongkong.com

Who’s coming?
Big names in the LGBT and Glamour world, overseas tourists

What is the biggest challenge you face?
James Gannaban: Our biggest challenge is finding candidates for the competition. We are event professionals but we need your love, support and courage to host Hong Kong’s annual glamorous LGBT extravaganza.

16 October 2011
Floatilla

Come aboard Hong Kong’s biggest boat party of the year.

Starting Point : Aberdeen/Causeway Bay/Central Pier 9
Destination: Lo So Shing Power Station Beach, Lamma Island
Time: 10am – 5pm
Ticket: Free but need to join a boat.
Website: http://web.me.com/gregcreate/Floatilla_2011/Welcome.html
Enquiry: Floatillahk@yahoo.com

Who’s coming?
Water babies and mermaids. Not just from Hong Kong, but also from countries around the world.

What is your message to our LGBT brothers and sisters?
Greg Crandall : You are welcome to experience the diversity in our community, each boat representing a different social group but united in their love for singing, dancing, swimming and celebrating on water. It’s a magical sight!

06 November 2011
Out in the Open

Gay beach party for everyone.

Where : Bauhinia beach Club, Middle Bay Beach (free shuttle bus service from Repulse Bay)
Time: 2pm – 9pm
Ticket: Free
Website: http://tcjm.org/projects/out-in-the-open/
Enquiry: info@tcjm.org

Who’s coming?
Gays, Lesbians, Straight, Bi, friends, family, pets, beach lovers, music lovers – everybody is welcome!

Why this event?
Eric Herrera: It is a beach carnival with music, dancing, games, food and drinks for everyone. It is the first LGBT community event where people can spend time with their friends and family.

18 November – 01 December 2011
Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

Asia’s largest Lesbian & Gay Film Festival showcases the best and the latest LGBT films from around the world.

Where: Broadway Cinematheque (Yau Ma Tei)/Palace IFC (Central)/
The One (Tsim Sha Tsui)
Ticket: HK$60-75
Website: www.hklgff.hk
Enquiry: info@hklgff.hk

Who’s coming?
LGBT filmmakers and film lovers from all over Asia.

Is it easy to find sponsors for the HKLGFF??
Joe Lam: Yes, for gifts, giveaways and prizes. No, for cash sponsors! Although ours is a high profile event, many companies and brands do not wish to be associated with LGBT community and events.

04 December 2011
Gay Days Asia @ Disney

Celebrate a gay day with your favorite Disney characters.

Where : Disneyland Park and Hotel
Website: www.gaydaysasia.com
Enquiry: info@gaydaysasia.com

Who’s coming?
Magical boys to the magical kingdom – Disney lovers unite!

How does your event help the LGBT community?
David Černoch: Gay Days Asia want to gather together the LGBT community, their parents and siblings during a family event in Hong Kong Disneyland. We want to show thatHong Kong society is open minded and tolerant.

Words: James Soo

We all pretend to be sexual adventurers in Hong Kong, and the gay community in particular. Playing ‘I have never…’ with your friends (or strangers) is often an exercise in futility, since there are some people for whom ‘I have never…’ just doesn’t apply. For instance, one of my friends proudly got up to drink when someone said ‘I have never killed my own lunch with a knife’. Clearly my friends are not to be crossed.

When it comes to sexual adventures though, I think though on the whole we all talk a big game but run away at the first suggestion of anything harder than a pair of furry handcuffs. Again I have a number of friends whose toy boxes would terrify the staff of Toys ‘R’ Us, but I also know people for whom a blow job is tantamount to mouth rape. My point is, there are a lot of people out there with a lot of inhibitions. But that’s wonderful because with the help of this handy guide to kink they are going to discover a whole new world of fun.

Body Issues

We’re gay but there are plenty of guys out there who haven’t even tried anal sex. So before we even get into the meat of this article let’s address some fundamentals: blow jobs, anal sex and fisting. OK maybe not fisting, but come on guys, a bit of licky-licky never hurt anyone & trust me the recipient is normally incredibly grateful – even if you’re shit. Which brings me to anal sex. One word: douche. Just get one from Watson’s and make sure you’re clean. That way you won’t have embarrassing chocolate bananas all over your sheets the next day.

On to the main thrust: what kinks should I try? Well, let’s set some ground-rules: talk to your partner(s) first (surprises are fun but a faceful of piss when you’re not expecting it – not), set up a safe word (mine’s Sarah Palin), and keep some things handy like scissors in case you need to, you know, cut your partner free in a hurry.

Bondage

Tie me up, tie me down! Basic bondage can be as simple as tying someone’s hands to the bed frame to something as exotic as shibari, a Japanese sexual art form where elaborate patterns of rope are used to restrain and stimulate the bound person. This is the one area where I think gay men can really excel because you can really go to town on the accessories. Ball gags, ankle restraints, mummification (where the person is completely bound in tape except maybe for their cock & balls), spreader bars that hold your legs apart – the paraphernalia is endless. In my experience sailors and rock-climbers are particularly adept partners because they have a basic understanding of ropes and knots which goes a long way.

Polyamory

This is just a fancy word for an orgy. But even here there are vast numbers of sub-kinks. Let’s define an orgy as an event where there’s penetrative sex between 5 or more people (cos a threesome ain’t an orgy and a fourgy’s a fourgy) then where do you place gang bangs (where a bunch of people penetrate one person), circle jerks (where a bunch of you sit around and jerk off), the fierce bukkake (where a bunch of guys jizz on one person), glory holes, and daisy chains (where you have a chain of penetration, kind of like that film Human Caterpillar but with dicks)? And what about puppy piles, which even featured on an episode of CSI: no penetration just a bunch of people making out with each other, strictly clothes on? If you’ve never tried a threesome, you should. Just make sure you’re the guy in the middle and not on the sidelines, cos unless you’re into voyeurism, you just end up feeling a bit silly.

Dressing up

Doctors and patients, cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians. Kids games, sure, but they’re just as fun for grown up kids too. The trick is to use your imagination and come up with a good story. The more you put into creating the characters and the scenario the better. And the more you build up the anticipation the better. But of course in the world of kink there’s more to it than just getting a pirate outfit from Mongkok. You must have heard of adult babies, who sit around in diapers acting like children, having to be dressed and spanked and washed by their mummies and daddies. Then there are people who pretend to be ponies or puppies whose masters have to train them while they walk around on all fours, peeing on the carpet, or wearing bridles and learning to canter. And then there are plushies who like to dress up as stuffed animals and have sex with each other. Given how people are so into Hello Kitty in Asia I’m amazed there aren’t more plushie conventions. Can you imagine watching a live sex show involving Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel? Kinda hot, no?

Techniques

Like I said above, you need to be comfortable with your bodies. The bum is the repository of a huge number of nerve endings and you can have a lot of fun just making use of that fact. Milking is the process whereby you insert a finger into the guy’s rectum and stimulate his prostate to such an extent that he comes without you even having to touch his dick. This is also where golden showers – where you pee on or in someone – and stuff with poo comes into it. You don’t know till you’ve tried it but you’d be surprised how many people get a thrill from peeing on their partner – and how many enjoy being peed on. The poo stuff is a little much for me, but as gay men we spend a lot of time with bum holes – maybe it’s time for us to learn to embrace what comes out of it as well? OK, maybe not.

Technology

You can still find traditional Chinese cock rings made from the eyelids of deer, complete with lashes. Thank God someone invented rubber. And in fact the world of science has made many contributions to the world of kink. Dildos for a start, and in particular remote-control vibrators that one partner can switch on while the other is at a cocktail party – the fancy name for this is teledildonics. Webcams are essential equipment, as is making your own sex tape (for later release when your career starts flagging – and I mean you, Colin Farrell). Fucking machines, essentially a dildo attached to a motor, apparently give the best orgasms in the world. And you can even use a lowly TENS machine, which produces electrical currents to reduce pain, for other more exotic purposes. Try an electrode on your balls. Not everything is suitable of course, and you should carefully consider how you’re going to explain to the nurse why that vacuum cleaner is attached to your cock.

This has necessarily been a brief and cursory guide to the world of kink. There are tons of online resources if you want to find out more. But remember – PLAY SAFE.

Words: James Soo
I honestly hate beaches. Well, more specifically I hate sand. I hate the way sand gets everywhere. I hate the way when you get home from the beach your floors end up covered in sand. I hate the way sand finds its way into bags you didn’t even take to the beach. So, the idea of a nude beach, well all I can imagine is that you’d be scraping sand out of your arse for weeks to come. And if you aren’t cut, ouch.

Anyway, it’s the summer, everyone’s fit, or thinks they are, and if you’re gay it’s the natural order of things that you’d want to walk around wearing as little as possible to I dunno make all those hours in the gym worthwhile. Here in Hong Kong there’s no nude beaches. Thank God. Well, that’s not strictly true. We do have quite a few adventurous naturist types here and apparently they like to gather around Sai Kung and Lantau, not to mention Tai Long Wan. But by and large Hong Kong’s beaches frown on excessive skin.

So if you want to let it all hang out, where do you go? DS have compiled a list of the world’s best places to ogle and be ogled at (although staring is apparently very bad etiquette). Be warned though, we don’t guarantee hotties. Just a whole load of sunburnt peen.

Wreck Beach, Vancouver

Just past the University of British Columbia lies Wreck Beach, a completely clothing optional beach that’s been going since the 70s. But in true hippy Vancouver fashion, it’s not just about being nude, it’s about self-expression, innit? So there’s plenty to do here apart from being just sunclad. For starters, there’s bodypainting, there’s beach volleyball (!) and croquet, you can take part in an improv jam session with bongo players or even try your luck at the nude beach casino. You can get Vendors’ Row where anyone can set up a stall – from pedicures to hairwraps. One of my good friends spent a summer making money by selling fruit kebabs here. There are also plenty of events here – mid-August is the annual Nude Bun Run. The only thing I would say though is Vancouver can get plenty chilly. Shrinkage is a definite concern.

Haulover Beach, Florida

Miami is gay heaven. Warm climate, friendly guys, candy-coloured houses. So of course there’s a clothing-optional slice of beach here. Located just north of Miami, the 800 metres of Haulover Beach gets as many as 7,000 visitors a day. What brings them here? The beautiful clean white sand and the roar of the ocean. It’s great for surfers too – although nude surfing really seems foolish. With those 7,000 visitors even the timid will feel comfortable – after all your naked ass is gonna look pretty like plenty of others out there. And yes, if you do meet some cute guys in town, there’s always the chance you’ll be able to try before you buy if you head on down to Haulover.

Black’s Beach, San Diego

This is easily America’s most famous nude beach, and there’s a section to the right where the gays like to hang out. Literally. Unfortunately, it’s a little tricky to get to. The beach itself is underneath the huge Torrey Pines bluffs – massive imposing rock formations that give the beach a spectacular setting, but make the way down a little dangerous. Because of some weird city/state public/private ordinance thing, the nude beach itself is no longer managed by the City of San Diego (it belongs to the California Dept of Parks and Recreation) and so what this means is that lifeguards are sporadic and there isn’t any rubbish collection – you need to make sure you take everything with you. Including your speedos. One cool thing is that dolphins often swim right up to the shore in the warm summer waters, but there are also stingrays lurking there. Which sounds like a recipe for disaster if your bits are dangling.

Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii

It seems a little far to go to show off your privates to a bunch of strangers. Why not just take a taxi to Wanchai? But Little Beach in Maui has long been famed as a very VERY gay-friendly nude beach. It’s a bit of a trek to get to – you actually have to hike over a lava-flow trail to get there – but as a result when you arrive, you’re in a bit of a tropical paradise. No cars, no houses, just you and nature. The water’s warm, there’s no nasty coral to cut yourself on, and by all accounts you can meet all sorts of nice people out there. The beach isn’t exclusively gay at all, but the far section is where the gays hang out in particular. If you do feel a bit frisky, the woods nearby can give you a bit of extra cover.

Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown, Massachusetts

It’s actually illegal to go nude here, but apparently the National Park Service officers tend to look the other way (although I suspect they’re staring straight at you through those hot mirror aviators). But if they feel like it, like if they haven’t made up their quota of fines by the end of the month, you could get slapped with a $50 fine for showing off your little loverod. Anyway, since gays are always fiddling with the thin blue line of the law, it’s apparently a pretty famous cruising area. You should note though that there are no amenities there – so if you’re planning on getting sweaty, you should make sure you bring lots of water.

Men’s Pond, Hampstead Heath, London

OK so it’s not technically a beach. It’s in North London for crying out loud. But it’s one of the country’s most famous nude sunbathing areas – and has been a famous cruising spot for decades. There’s been recent public outcry about plans to increase the space set aside for naturists – after one lawyer’s complaint that his son was ‘troubled’ by the sight of naked men, the nude sunbathing area now sits behind a concrete partition. In any case, until the space gets extended, nude sunbathers will continue to be “packed in like sardines”, according to comedian Julian Clary. Which doesn’t seem like such a bad thing, does it?

Lady Jane Beach, Sydney & Obelisk Beach, Mosman

Nude beaches (or “free beaches” as they like to be called) abound in Australia. There are plenty of naturist associations and there are free beaches in every area. But Lady Jane Beach, just at the mouth of Sydney Harbour, is well-known for being very gay-leaning, and almost exclusively male – which does make you wonder what the straight guys are doing naked on a beach full of gay men. Just across the harbour is the tiny (100 metre) Obelisk Beach in Mosman which really is predominantly gay. Its remoter location means it’s less well-known to tourists, so if you’re after a quieter day out, but still want to enjoy the water au naturel, head over to Obelisk.

Words: James Soo
The heat is on! This summer promises to be a sizzler with parties all round the world. With all these to choose from, DS has brought together the hottest, sexiest, sweatiest parties especially for you:

Eurogames 2011
(20 – 24 July 2011)

With all these professional sportsmen coming out, and the superdelicious Ben Cohen retiring from rugby to combat homophobia, it’s no wonder that gay games are going from strength to strength. This summer, if you’re into athletics and into competing, make sure you head over to Eurogames 2011 in Rotterdam.

Where is the party?
Over 6000 athletes from all over Europe are expected to participate in this year’s Eurogames. Over 21 different sports are competing from football to synchronised swimming, from beach volleyball to ballroom dancing. So there’ll definitely be something for everyone. Of course you can watch, but there are always teams looking for players, so if you register for their match-making service, you can even become a competitor yourself.
Of course, it’s not just sports – there are plenty of parties and other events to keep everyone happy.

Who’s going to be there?
Predominantly athletes from all over Europe, with an equal weighting of men and women. In addition, the Eurogames are about inclusion, so anyone can participate regardless of sexual orientation.

www.eurogames2011.eu

Amsterdam Gay Pride
(30 July – 7 Aug 2011)
One of the biggest gay pride events in the world, Amsterdam Gay Pride is back with a vengeance this year with parades, parties and festivals catering to every part of that rainbow spectrum. The theme this year is “All Together Now”, testimony to the ideal that pride is about inclusion not exclusion.

Where is the party?
Parties start happening from the end of July but the main festivities take place on the final weekend where the highlight will be the Canal Parade consisting of 75 brilliantly decorated boats sailing down the Prinsengracht and Amstel rivers. But throughout the weekend, there will be circuit parties as well as street parties all over Amsterdam. The biggest party is Rapido at Paradiso on the the final day – but good luck trying to get a ticket, they’re usually sold out months in advance.

Who’s gonna be there?
The Canal Parade is watched by over 500,000 people each year, so I think it’s safe to say there will be plenty of eye-candy.

www.amsterdamgaypride.nl

Up Your Alley Fair
(31 July for 2011)
If you’re in San Francisco on 31st July, don’t miss the Up Your Alley Fair, better known as the Dore Alley Fair. It’s been going on since 1985 and is sister to the much larger Folsom Street Fair at the end of September. Both are very much destinations for the world’s leatherheads, but while the Folsom Street Fair may be a little much for some, Up Your Alley still retains the charm of the old days. It’s more intimate and supports a lot of local charities. In some ways, it’s one of the only festivals in the world that still remembers where we all came from.

Where’s the party?
Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom in the SoMa district of San Francisco. The big party is Bay of Pigs the night before with all sorts of live shows, dancers, demos and play spaces.

Who’s going to be there?
If you’re even mildly into the fetish scene, you’ll be there. It’s a safe space for doms and their slaves, for leather fetishists, for kinkmeisters – basically for anyone who likes it a little different. It’s in some ways the lead up to the much more touristy Folsom Street Fair, so expect shy locals and devotees more than snap-happy queers.

http://folsomstreetfair.org/alley

Circuit Festival Barcelona
(4 – 14 August for the boys, 9 – 15 August for the girls)
The Circuit Festival is now in its fourth year as one of the best LGBT themed festivals in Europe. Over 140,000 people have attended the Circuit Festival, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever this year. With pre-parties happening all over the world since February, the festival organizers have been working round the clock to make sure as many people hear about and come to this year’s Circuit Festival.

Where’s the party?
It’s the biggest pool party in the world. Water Park Day and Night are, as the name suggests, set in a huge water park – Illa Fantasia – which can hold thousands of revellers. There are dozens of events during the day, but after sundown, that’s when the party really starts to happen as the entire water park turns into a giant soaking wet party!
Besides the Water Park Day there will be parties every night throughout the festival, with guest DJs from around the world. You can buy tickets for the parties individually, or better yet, just get an all-access pass.

Who’s going to be there?
The hottest boys and girls in Europe partying in the fun capital of the Mediterranean – Barcelona! What’s not to love?

www.circuitfestival.net

Lazy Bear Weekend
(3 – 7 August 2011)
You boys from Boo Bar had better head over to one of the biggest bear festivals this summer – the Lazy Bear Weekend in Russian Valley, California. From 3 – 8 August, relax and party with your fun furry friends. If you like it hot and hairy, head on down.

Where’s the party?
The Weekend has its fair share of parties, but more than it’s an opportunity to unwind. In addition to some wild nights, there are hikes through the beautiful Russian Valley, camping trips, floater parties on the river. But there are also plenty of clothing optional pool parties, as well as the first Lazy Bear Market. Meet the guys behind the bear equivalent of Grindr – Scruff – and play bingo with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence!

Who’s going to be there?
Big hairy guys and the men that love them. Yum! Men who mansculpt are definitely not welcome.

www.lazybearweekend.com

Pride Brighton & Hove
(6 – 14 August 2011)
Brighton is the UK’s gay capital, and capital of the alternative scene. So it’s no wonder gay pride is a big deal in Brighton. From 6th to the 14th August, there will be parties and events held all over Brighton – one of the UK’s oldest and best seaside resorts. Talent shows, drag acts, sports days as well as parties will bring out the spirit of pride all over town, with the big parade taking place on 13th August.

Where’s the party?
All over town, but especially along the waterfront and in the narrow lanes of the city centre. The great thing about Brighton is that it’s a manageable city, where everything is within a pleasant walking distance.

Who’s going to be there?
Brightoners, Londoners, and gay men and women from all over the UK converge on Brighton for Pride.

www.brightonpride.org

Burning Man 2011
(29 August – 5 September 2011)
OK, it’s not strictly an LGBT party, but that’s OK, because it’s the ULTIMATE party. Tens of thousands of people congregate in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to create what some attendants have described as the ultimate expression of humanity. It’s a week devoted to creativity, to self-expression, to art, to self-reliance and to community. When you get there in your trailer, you’re greeted with a giant “WELCOME HOME” because if you find yourself at Burning Man you’ll realise this is what you’ve been looking for your entire life.

Where’s the party?
Everywhere. Everything is free – but you have to provide as well. Whether it’s giving yoga lessons, mixing free cocktails or just helping other people do their dishes, the party is you. The true expression of Burning Man is to give – and so you’ll see the most incredible singers, dancers, acrobats, artists, musicians – you name it, they’ll be there – will all be performing just for you.

Who’s going to be there?
The most interesting, fascinating, wonderful people in the world. And you.

www.burningman.com