Rainbow Flag Soars Over Shanghai

Gay Pride is a new concept for many in China

Out and proud was the sentiment at 294 Xinhua Lu in Shanghai, China on Saturday afternoon. Outdoor lounge and restaurant, Cotton’s, played host to Mainland China’s first ever gay pride celebration.

Although no parade with men in tighty whities or ladies shaking what their momma gave them took place on streets of Shanghai, there were enough fabulous drag shows and hot body contests to make up for it.

Local neighborhood folk looked on through the rainbow banners draped around the outer fence of Cotton’s while boys and girls with rainbows painted on their faces danced with each other and same sex couples participated in a marriage ceremony.

Pride activities took place everyday last week leading up to the big bash at Cotton’s. The events were going smoothly until mid-week when police told venue owners that the appropriate permits had not been obtained to house film screenings and theatrical performances. The cameo appearance by government officials was a bit puzzling and frustrating for event organizers, but the minor set back just made the gay community more eager to throw a successful event on Saturday.

Over 15,000 RMB raised by raffle ticket sales went to the Chi Heng Foundation based in cities throughout China. The non-profit organization promotes safe sex awareness while also helping children living with AIDS and HIV.

Exploding Pandas Productions filmmakers, Xing Zhao and Dara DiGerolamo, spent the week profiling figures within China’s gay community for a documentary. When available, premiere and screening information will be posted on Ambassador Doodle.

Shanghai’s first Gay Pride showed to be a success without major interruption from local authorities or cranky neighbors. Until next year, keep those rainbow flags waving, China!

Gay Pride is a new concept for many in China

My Fudan classmate, Alicia

This queen could’ve been Scarlet O’Hara

Alejandra getting her pride on

Josie and her traveling ladies from the U.S. came out to support

Party time

A couple embraces after participating in the marriage ceremony

Crowd near the entrance

Xing sporting his true colors

Ray in Chinese opera regalia

Xing and I aka Exploding Pandas Productions

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