As China Opens up to the West, So Too Opens the Country's Gay Scene
Friday March 23, 2007
My friend Alison and I are in the middle of a somewhat hastily planned 15-day trip to Hong Kong, Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai. And while I've been amazed by much of what I've seen in China, especially in terms of unbelievably rapid growth and development, I've also been surprised how relatively easy it is to explore this country's huge cities, even if you speak no Chinese. The idea that China is not particularly accessible to Westerners, and that it's not worth coming here unless you're with a tour group, is definitely an outdated one. Another surprise has been that the gay scene, even in less open cities like Beijing and Nanjing, is relatively visible and easy to find, if rather compact.
One of the nicer gay Beijing hangouts I've discovered is a trendy bar in called Destination, which I've reviewed here - this is a must-do for any gay traveler to this host city of the 2008 Summer Olypmpic Games.
Since I can’t reach Mr. Andrew Collins’ thru the About.com site, here’s my bitch, I’ve been planning a trip to Egypt, but because of politcal unrest, it’s not wise to travel to this country; especially if you (or one) happens to be HIV positive, and taking medication to control this. Big difference here! I am HIV positive, I DO NOT have AIDS. Yes, I am on medication to handle this, and I maintain a healthy attitude towards this when others do not. But, now here’s the BUT! what’s to prevent customs from rifling through my baggage and they see my Dr’s. prescription filled bottles’ of medicine and I’m detained? As a Tourist? I have no plans to live in their country, all I want to do is explore Egypt as a Traveller and a sight-seer. . .Now, I do understand some of their political unresovled isssues, but, what I’m getting at is I’m a tourist here. I’m not planning on attending the A.U.C., I’m not staying for more than a month, or beyond six months for that matter. Which I understand that their country requires an AIDS test in order to enter for that period of time. I’m an American for christs’ sake! what gives here? Why so much problems with visas and the like only to be detained at customs once you enter their country as a tourist!!! I can’t find any information ABOUT this on the web site, neither does Mr. Collins website come up to contact him and ask such questions. On the website itself all I get is a repeat of his ponderous hastily trip to frickin’ China, a country that refuses anybody from the outside to enter, even if ANYONE is or has an indication of being HIV positive. Thank god my mother had a chance to walk The Great Wall of China when she had the chance of lifetime before my father past away! . . .(such regrets about china, that’s why I’ll boycott chinese food, furniture, jewelry, and the God Damn Olympics!) What a Shame!
Any indication ABOUT, where I can get answers to my Questions???
In response to Ross Bosque, this website is about Gay travel! It is not about your personal HIV issues. Great article, Andrew.