CW debuts its new LGBT column

For me, whenever someone mentions the word "tour" in China, what I imagine isn't pretty. Finally, here's a tour that is sassy, spicy, and perhaps salty. Okay, maybe that's going too far. Thought this column you'll get a glimpse into the world of gay Shanghai from the lesbian or "la la" part of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community as well as the more well-known gay male side of the community. So relax, sit back and be prepared to hear the word "fabulous" a few dozen times.

At first, it can be daunting and even scary for both expats and locals to find out more about the gay community in Shanghai since most people don't have gay friends here. We don't get much coverage in the media, so most people have no idea what we are all about. Just as our fair city has grown leaps and bounds, so has the LGBT community–most people just don't know it. Like everyone else, LGBT people live (in nicely decorated apartments) and work (usually in PR or marketing) in Shanghai–so basically, we're everywhere. What makes Shanghai's gay scene so great though is its flexibility and friendliness. At any gay bar, club or Shanghai LGBT gathering, you'll see gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and (gasp) straight people from around the world in one room together. It's like the pink United Nations. And just think, a few years ago, this was not even possible.

As recently as three or four years ago, gay people in Shanghai had to meet in malls, parks and even the stereotypical public bathrooms to avoid suspicion. Gay bars were constantly shut down. With no consistent place to gather, we met in the dark, in private, away from society. Basically, we were like the rats of Shanghai.

But now, like cockroaches, we keep coming back (and more fabulous than ever). At night, we can freely get together in chic dance clubs like PinkHome. Or, for a more relaxed night you can find us out with friends, family and coworkers in many of Shanghai's LGBT / gay-friendly bars like Frangipani and Shanghai Studio. An openness once unimaginable, even in such an open city like Shanghai.

Although this all might give you the impression that gay life in Shanghai is developed and mature, that's not the whole story. In the future, this "tour" will help familiarize the people of Shanghai with what makes Shanghai the gayest city in China by far.

-Pete