ShanghaiPRIDE means goodbye for me: I’m leaving China for good after the big bash. For everyone else, this is just the beginning of what could be a fabulous era of gay life in Shanghai, which once was home to some of the sexiest gay bars on the planet. For a city that prides itself on social extravagance and an international mindset, a gay future is inevitable.

Seven years of partying with homos under the radar in China has left me exhausted but thrilled with the progress I’ve seen. Newcomers often complain that Shanghai’s gay community is mamahuhu–which, relatively speaking, it is. But after working for the past three years to help develop a more visible network, ballroom dancing with 70-year-old gay Chinese men, planning pub crawls and meeting the amazing people (gay and straight) dedicated to supporting the LGBT community here, I’ve witnessed a transformation from what was a dark and mysterious existence to a welcoming and visible presence.

I owe a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped reintroduce a gay contingency to Shanghai’s nightlife over the past few years. Kenneth Tan, bravo on developing a sense of belonging for us queers here. Shanghai is a better place because of Kenneth. Register on gays.com, shop at Manifesto and watch Kenneth’s video in celebration of International Day Against Homophobia.

My hat also goes off to Shanghaifaghag, ShanghaiLGBT co-founder, whose writing has played a crucial role in pushing Shanghai’s gay happenings into the mainstream. How many breeders do you know that would give up 50 plus hours a week to plan our first gay pride festival for free? This fruit fly [note: a fruit fly, while also an insect, is an attractive female who hangs around gay males] is one in a million.

And to every single homo, queer and friend who has been with us at ShanghaiLGBT since its beginning–thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming out and supporting us and partying like the decadent queers you are.

For everyone staying: if you can, be out! Go to to gay-friendly venues but refuse to be segregated. Invite your straight friends to gay parties–and convert as many as possible. Keep the flame alive and I’ll see you for ShanghaiPRIDE 2010.