Gay In Beijing

Hi gyz and gauls!

OutRites! Live in Beijing here,
as promised, a little update on what's queer, what's here and how I'm getting used to it.

Well, first off, although Queerness is not officially on the rulebooks in China, it is still relatively underground as the Communist Party, is apparently only a party for straights.
Homosexuality is still considered very taboo, and mostly , for the Chinese (who are largely undereducated on social issues) are still hush hush about such things. There is a scene here, but if you're a QuaiLo, it's a little more dangerous.
See, the thing is Chinese people are very into being Chinese, so if you show up at one of the local clubs, you'll get attention, but there's an underneath feeling of hostility (as though you're merely "shopping for exotics" as it were).

The 'on the street scene' is both subtle and overt, lots of sideways glances and completely over-the-top staring
(although I still can't determine whether it's because of my bizarre appearence) and, if you're gay and NOT LOOKING in the proximity, DON'T stand on the street looking at a map...you will be solicited.
In fact, if you're a gentleman who smokes, you may want to even reconsider sitting down in public and smoking as, this too (like America back in the day) is considered a high sign.

Personally, I'm not interested in these little clues as, if I am trying to find a particular place, I will not hesitate to stop and look at my map, nor will I refrain from smoking in public simply because I am a foreigner. Hey...straight Chinese guys do it...and generally, I'm a 'when in Rome' kinda person.

Some other issues include tattoo's, while they have gained popularity amoung the youth cultures in SE Asia (and have historic context in places like Butan, where the Buddhist Monks (and others) tattoo themselves RE: evil spirits), they are still generally thought of as reflecting criminal intent, so if you can avoid over-exposure, do it. (The problem I've found is that it's so bloody hot here a t-shirt and shorts are almost completely neccesary...therefore almost all of my ink shows...alas..:) teehee))
Although, I'm on a minimal budget so if you're Queer and money'd just wear non-revealing clothing and take a lot of cabs, or better yet, hire a personal driver. The exchange rate here is phenominal and money can be changed @ local branches of the Bank of China, Bank of Communications, Agricultural Bank.

The streets (other than directly downtown) are lined with acres and acres of mini-mall-esque type shopping. If you're looking for high-end clothing etc...keep to the shopping centers (you'll still get a good deal)

The temples here are magnificent. But I'm blogging about those, elsewhere on the net.


Well, that's all for now....:) I'm having a great time regardless of clear, other contexts or little social maladjustments...


Thet
OutRites! Live From Beijing!