【Recap】ShanghaiPRIDE 2016 Queer Talks
Shanghai, June 19th – Queer Talks partnered with ShanghaiPRIDE to present a panel discussion on Self and Community Awareness (mental and physical wellbeing) where 3 speakers shared their expertise at the Shanghai American Center.
Our first speaker was Liushi, long-time advocate against HIV stigmas and silver medallist of the Gay Games. He shared his experience coming out to the public and sudden media attention because of his success in the Gay Games. Eventually he worked at an LGBTQ hotline, receiving hundreds of calls a day. His stories were moving and inspiring as he emphasized the need for support systems to provide information and psychological strength.
Our second speaker was Olivia Chiu, clinical psychologist at The Clinic, she gave an introduction on the interdependent relationship between physical and mental wellbeing and how anxiety and pressures affect us. She concluded with some helpful tips on stress-relieving exercises one can do at home.
Nate Balfanz was our final speaker, clinical psychologist at American Medical Center (AMC). His specialty on youth and self-image gave him insight on the struggle in finding self-identity in relation to feeling accepted by external relationships. Nate notes his lack of experience with LGBTQ clients, as clinical psychologists with mature LGBTQ experience are very rare in Shanghai and China.
Some of the questions raised by the audience were to do with dealing in external relationships (family, work, friends…) after our self-identity has been established. Liushi emphasized the importance of reaching out to queer organizations, finding information and learning about other stories, because most likely, they are not alone.
We ended the afternoon with ShanghaiPRIDE closing the event, special thanks to our venue sponsor, the US Consulate-General Shanghai.
For more event photos, please click “Read More”.
