All summer, Shanghai homos have been salivating with Pride envy as cities around the world got their gay on. Shanghai’s second ever Pride was not held during the usual summer months because the powers that be did not want to stir up too much gaytivity during the Expo. Unfortunately, last year, some of the activities scheduled to take place during Shanghai’s Pride festival were banned, but, nonetheless, the festivities charged on, attracting close to 3,500 people from all over China.

All gay eyes will be on Shanghai again in October, and international media like The New York Times, the BBC, NPR, The Economist and Le Monde–all of which reported on Pride 2009 with intense curiosity–will be back for more coverage.

This year, there has already been some interest from the authorities, but so far so good. Events look like they will be going ahead as planned, and we are hoping to get through without any problems. It is important to remember that these events are about promoting tolerance and goodwill–it is not a protest or a demonstration. Please respect the society and community in which we live. Any extracurricular activities you’re planning in that alley behind the club or in that stairwell just outside the bar should be kept within the privacy of a closed bathroom stall.

I was able to speak to some of those who have been working tirelessly to make this year’s two week Pride event so great that it will make everyone in Shanghai want to celebrate being gay. Here is a sneak peak. Pride runs from October 16-30 at venues all over the city. Look out for a pink picnic, panel discussions, a pool party, BingGay (gay bingo), Vagina Monologues, Diversity Day at the Expo, film screenings, a barbecue, a family day, a pub crawl, a “Shanghai Idol” karaoke competition and, as a grand finale, a huge party.

The organizers have gone out on a limb and invited Madonna, Kylie, Peaches and Pink on Facebook and are still waiting for their confirmation. I’ve also been promised some very special venues, but I just can’t seem to squeeze or seduce the specific information out of the organizers.

Although the straighties have contributed to the world’s population crisis, I know our parties are more fun, so you are more than welcome to come, as long as you act gay in public. And lalas, don’t hide this year, or you will miss Minjita, who has been known to lose her top in the heat of passion and gin tonics.

DETAILS

What: PRIDE Festival Shanghai, Celebrating all things LGBT

Where: Venues throughout the city

When: PRIDE runs from October 16-30. Visit the events page

Did you attend last years flaming festivities? What are your hopes and dreams for Pride this year? We want to know.