Words: Lee Harlem Robinson & Caroline Manchoulas

The first sound on Mike Hadreas’ (aka Perfume Genius) second album is a deep breath, as if the singer is steeling himself before taking a difficult plunge. And listening to the lyrics and themes he touches upon, I recommend listeners do the same before starting what is a truly moving musical experience. ‘Put Your Back N 2 It’ is definitely not easy listening. ‘17’ is “basically a gay suicide letter” as Hadreas puts it, because as a teenager “sometimes I wanted to hear that someone felt exactly as grim and bleak as I did.” In ‘Dark Parts’ he deals with his mother’s abuse at the hands of his grandfather. ‘All Waters’ expresses Hadreas’ despair that he will never truly be able to walk the streets hand in hand with his boyfriend without fear. Not exactly your run-of-the mill happy pop themes. But Hadreas brings them in such simple yet beautiful melodies, with a voice that at times recalls a less angelic Antony Hegarty, that you can’t help but feel intensely touched. Must-listens are ‘Take Me Home’ which is either about being a hooker or about erasing yourself in a relationship for fear of being alone, and ‘Hood’ that comes with a video that will appeal to lovers of hairy muscle boys everywhere (the clip was judged too adult-themed to be advertised on YouTube but can still be viewed on the site).

It’s round 2 of Volume’s fun-filled gayest bar quiz! Form a team of 4 and get ready to challenge other teams to fight for the title of smartest gay pop culture junkies in town! To enter, visit the Volume Facebook Group (search Volume Hong Kong), email the Quizmaster at beat_quiz_night@volume.com.hk for details, or rock on up on the night and join an existing team. (It’s a great way to meet new guys!) With free snacks and 2-4-1 standard drinks 7:30-10pm, it’s a great way to wind up your friends and wind down the weekend. Big gay quiz night held every last Sunday of each month.

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Venue: Volume BEAT, LG/F 62 Jervois St, Sheung Wan
Price: Free admission
Website: www.volume.com.hk

Volume Beat will unleash its daring and sizzling new monthly Summer party: “Summer Beats Saturday”. With special International guest DJs and live shows dropping in, this promises to be HK’s quintessential gay club night of the season. The franchise debuts with New York’s sex-God Latin pop sensation DiSanto live on stage with his jaw-dropping abs and all-male dance troupe spectacular. Hear him perform his hits “Get Away”, “Animal” and lots more. Accompanied by San Francisco’s DJ Santos on the decks- beating out his signature Summer tribal anthems.

Venue: Volume BEAT, LG/F 62 Jervois St, Sheung Wan
Price: Free admission
Website: www.volume.com.hk

Global superstar Adam Lambert will release his highly anticipated second album TRESPASSING in mid May. Psychic Jack welcomes everyone to join their Adam Lambert party and win special Adam Lambert prizes!

Time: 10:00pm till late
Venue: Psychic Jack Lounge, 1/F, 30-32 Wynham Street, Central
Price: Free admission

Forget about Natalie Portman from Black Swan. Here come the all male ballet dancers, The Trocks, in their multi-awarding winning (& deliciously camp) ballet show. The new show include Swan Lake Act II and Raymonda’s Wedding. This show has been performing in 30 countries and over 500 cities. Don’t miss the funniest night out.Get tickets now!

Time: 15 – 19 May 8:00pm, 19- 20 May 2:30pm
Venue: Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Price: Weekday and Weekend Matinees $850, $750, $550, $350 / Fri and Sat evening $950, $850, $595, $395
Website: www.hkticketing.com

The premier networking event in Hong Kong has joined hands with Pink Alliance and all of the revenue will support LGBT causes. Join them to “Promote your career and promote your business” and win fabulous prizes at their lucky draw.

Time: 6.30pm to 10:00pm
Venue: Club Veto, 3/F Hilltop Plaza, 49-51 Hollywood Road, Central
Price: HKD 50,
students are half price
Website: www.fruitsinsuits.com.hk
Email: darrick.sampson@tcjm.org, eric.jh@fruitsinsuits.com.hk

CFD is proud to support Hong Kong’s IDAHOT (International Day Agianst Homophobia and Transphobia). Their theme is black but after their gathering you are welcome to put on something brighter for the evening disco as CFD is having a black and white costume night. Pandas, priests, French Maids are all welcome…just wear something black or white..or both! 10% of the bar takings go to local HK LGBT charities. This month’s featured music artist is Michael Jackson. Who wants to be BAD??

Time: 9:00pm til late
Venue: Club Veto, 3/F Hilltop Plaza, 49-51 Hollywood Road, Central
Price: Free admission
Website: www.facebook.com/chickenfeetdisco

Bonjour! Le French May is back. This year is the 20th edition. This event includes opera, music dance, theatre, movie, fashion and gourmay… The highlight of the event is Picasso: Masterpieces from Musée National Picasso. It will display 48 paintings and 7 sculptures by Picasso. Click on their website for more details.

Website: www.frenchmay.com

This year, the 8th International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) Hong Kong is themed “What To Fear?!” Wear “black” to support the event on the day.

Do you have an inspiring story to share with us — a story that will bring hope and inspiration to others? If so, we would love to read it because it may inspire others to collaborate with us. In conjunction with the event, we would like to listen to your story.

TELL us your story within 250 – 300 words on the following subjects and submit it to idaho@tcjm.org

by Sunday, 15 April 2012: i. Homophobia and Transphobia / ii. Sexual Minorities Allies and Supporters / iii. Bullying

Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Venue: Chater Gardens, Central
Price: Free admission
Website : http://tcjm.org/events/idahot-hk/idahot-hk-2012/