A few years ago it would have been unheard of anywhere in China for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals to gather together in public. However, as China opens up the attitudes towards sexuality are changing. Shanghai is at the forefront of this change, and now there are a number of LGBT societies in the city. Helping to bring together the LGBT community, Shanghai LGBT organizes events and spreads awareness of major issues such as AIDS and the attitudes of people towards the gay community.

Shanghai LGBT has created a greater sense of freedom for many individuals, meaning they can spend time with other members of the gay community and those who are gay-friendly.

The organization allows gay people in the city to meet others without having to consume lots of alcohol, or having to be secretive and meet people online from sites like Gaydar or Fridae. Until around 3 or 4 years ago the gay bars were constantly shut down and gay people had to meet in parks or even the dreaded public bathrooms to avoid suspicion and harassment. Instead, the community can now get together and have fun whenever they want.

Although the Shanghai LGBT has only been around since 2006, it has quickly grown and been embraced by the gay community. Events including pub quizzes, scavenger hunts, dinners, bar crawls and bowling nights have been organized meaning that there is something for every LGBT member.

Shanghai LGBT Logo

Although Shanghai has taken longer than most developed cities to expand its gay scene, there are now around ten gay and lesbian bars in the city, and more are expected over the coming months as the scene grows.

The strength of the group can be seen with recent event successes such as the LGBT Halloween pub crawl, which sold out quickly and attracted “two tour buses full of ‘100 costumed homosexuals’ (and friends)”.
 

Frangipani gay bar in Shanghai. (Photo by Andrew Collins)

Another hot LGBT event is taking place this weekend in the form of the Shanghai LGBT Winter Ball. Dubbed a ‘pink tie affair’, it promises glitz and glamour as well as raising money for AIDS charities – a noble cause indeed.

What is so great about the Shanghai LGBT scene is that despite being in its infancy it is remarkably friendly and open. The fact that you can see gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight people all talking and relaxing in the same bar is testament to this.

If you want to get involved with the Shanghai LGBT then why not head down to the Winter Ball.  For more information look at our What’s On section

Shanghai LGBT Winter Ball – A Pink Tie Affair
December 13th
Zhi Jiang Dream Factory
4/F, Building B, 28 Yuyao Lu, near Xinzha Lu inside New Factories, Shanghai
Tel: 52135226
100rmb (performance), 50rmb (after party), Free (SH LGBT Members)

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