Gay China

In Shanghai, the sexually alternative scene has blossomed into a world-class affair, with thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people living under the city's neon lights. Ever since the opening of Eddy's Bar in 1995, Shanghai has rapidly accumulated an array of gay-friendly bars, restaurants and shops. Of course, the LGBT crowd isn’t all fun and games; outreach organizations like the newly formed Shanghai LGBT, work towards building a visible gay community based on principles of tolerance and comfort. While China still has a long way to go to promote and enforce the acceptance of homosexuality, widespread gay sentiment holds that Shanghai is at the forefront of alternative culture.

There are currently no laws on record anywhere in China regarding the legality of homosexuality. In 1984, same-sex seduction and various "sexual behaviors with bad social influences" were classified as "hooliganism" in a provision to Chinese criminal codes. In 1997, a new criminal law was issued and the term abolished. Homosexuality, once defined as a "metal disorder," was also deleted from the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders in April 2001. Gay marriage is not recognized in the country. While nothing about homosexuality is recognized or protected in the Chinese legal system, several courts have upheld the rights of gay plaintiffs in sexual harassment cases. Instances like these are strong marks for the continuing promotion and acceptance of gay lifestyles across the People’s Republic. –Jamie Feldmar

Gay and Famous

As an openly gay Chinese performer, Coco Zhao has a fierce streak of individuality, and a strong personal philosophy to back it up. "Music is music, and my sexuality doesn't directly affect my music,” says the jazz singer. "If I love the music, sometimes I forget who I am, [and] see myself as a song. I am only an instrument. Singing is an instinct for me.” Summer months will send this Shanghai native on tour to Malaysia and Canada, and mark the Shanghai kickoff of his daily jazz program on Soulfire Radio. While his fine vocals have garnered much attention, so too has Zhao's outlook on his own sexuality. "I am only one human being in this world. If I can be myself and inspire people, or help them, or show them how to be themselves and be brave, then that's wonderful. But I can still only represent myself and no one else."

Who We Are

My name is Aaron (right). I am a student of life (to say what I do in the simplest terms). I love being around other people and I am saddest when I am alone. I'll try anything once, and do it again if I liked it the first time.

My name is Adin (left). I'm a student from Thailand and have been here for two years studying at Jiao Tong University. I've also just started a Thai cooking class for people who want to have a Thai dinner at home.

Confessions of Fag Hag

"Picture this: I am having a decadent night out dancing, surrounded by gorgeous half-naked men. Through my haze of alcohol and smoke one of these beautiful creatures shimmies up to me and breathes

'Darling you look amazing!' Fantasy? Nope, just a typical night out at a gay club with my fab boys. A single girl's life in Shanghai is filled with pitfalls and heartache. But just when I need them, my sweet gay men will sweep in with a patient ear for my love dramas and razor-sharp wit. According to my ever fab friend Aaron, 'In life you sometimes get rainbow sherbet, other times pea soup.' And thanks to my amazing boys, it’s rainbow sherbet for me everyday!" Juliette McCawley, film producer

Who We Are

We are Hannah (right) and Chris (left). We have been a couple for about two years. You may have heard that lesbians are a clan of bitter lumberjacks who sit in corners of dark bars listening to Melissa Etheridge, hating men, and glaring at the women their girlfriends will eventually leave them for, but we are here to nip that nasty rumor bud. Women of the lala variety, particularly in Shanghai, are sociable, fashionable, and downright fabulous when provoked. We know from experience.

Bars and Restaurants

Gay Favs

Eddy's

A long-running Shanghai staple, traditionally where the boys start their night but a fun joint for girls, too.

Frangipani

This queer newcomer has recently declared the narrow second floor of the bar as “all-girls, all the time.”

Pinkhome

The largest and first gay club/bar/restaurant/ hotel complex in China. Hosts events for gays and straights alike.

200 / The L Word

Back rooms, movie projectors and a small dance floor liven up one of the city's few lesbian spots.

Shanghai Studio

Part gallery and part bar, a labyrinth of tunneled hallways opens up to a sultry space with private rooms and low-lit tables.

Club Deep

Hosts regular theme parties on their infamous dance floor. The two-story center comes complete with VIP rooms, beds to lounge on and a chilled-out private garden.

Fabulous-friendly

Velvet Lounge

Understated sexiness is the vibe at this classy bar, complete with velvet sofas and vintage chandeliers. The perfect way to pre-game before sweating it out.

Vault Bar at Laris

This super-stylish bar packs in image-conscious hipsters that defy sexual boundaries, mostly on Thursday nights.

Glamour Bar

With its pink interior and orchid garnishes, it's no wonder this bar has become a favorite within fabulous urbanites. Perfect for playing dress-up.

Restaurants

Arch

The sleek decor at this cafe matches the meticulously coiffed clientele. A good place for conversation if the club scene isn't your style.

Arugula

This cafe, at one point the host of Shanghai LGBT's Sunday Brunch meeting, is a cheery place to while away an afternoon. Come sundown, grab a cocktail on the top floor and watch the sunset.

Kevin's

A long-running favorite for Thai dinner and quiet drinks, this spot is frequented mostly by the quieter gay crowd.

Lifestyle

Shopping

MANifesto

Inside of the trendy Shanghai Studio, this pint-sized boutique specializes in premium male underwear. Ask gay owner Kenneth Tan to help you choose a flirty design.

Charterhouse Booktrader

English-language books and magazines, including works by a scattered, but noteworthy collection of gay authors.

Health

Physical Gym

With two locations, this fitness center is a favorite among chiseled (and almost-chiseled) gay men.

Spa Jumpmale

A high-end private men's health and spa center, catering to business-types willing to pay for top-quality massage treatments.

578 Gonghe Xin Lu, 5630-5264

VistaM

The first gay sauna in Shanghai. This spot promises to keep boys entertained for hours on end at a time. www.vistamclub.com

Travel

Purple Dragon

One of Asia's top alternative travel companies, this gay-owned and managed agency offers trips with English-speaking guides to Thailand, India, China and a half-dozen other locations. www.purpledrag.com, (662) 634-0273

Gay Today

• 30,000,000 gay people in China according to a 2002 survey.

• 400 members of Shanghai LGBT

• 30 cities participated in the Rainbow Kite Flying in June 2005.

• 10 percent of college students have had a homosexual experience.

• There are 10 officially published gay works of literature in China, but countless online blogs.

• No one has ever done the accurate research on the breakdown of gay and lesbian, but in Shanghai, common wisdom suggests gay men far outnumber gay women.

• There is an unofficial ban on representing homosexual acts on TV and in films, so you’ll never see homosexual acts in publicly screened movies. Li Yu’s breakthrough film “Fish and Elephant” (2001) is still not officially distributed on the Mainland.

• In 1997, homosexuality was decriminalized, but in many ways it’s still not legal. The last “Gay Pride” event, scheduled for December 2005 was shut down by the police.

• In 1998, the first lesbian support group, Beijing Sisters, was started. It lasted until 2001.

• In 2005, an underground film festival screened 37 films at 798 art district in Beijing. The festival is held every four years.