Recap | Forums Shared Diversity of Life
Every year, ShanghaiPRIDE hosts forums with topics that are pertinent to the LGBTQ community. On June 16, we presented three discussions about educational topics aimed at providing a more diverse and profound perspective for the LGBTQ community.
Rainbow Family Forum
The forums, held at Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, began with the Rainbow Family topic.
The forum began with a few remarks from the moderator, Ivy. Lucy Du, the Public Diplomacy Manager of the Australian Consulate General Shanghai, delivered a short opening speech to express her gratitude towards ShanghaiPRIDE’s immense effort and contribution to the LGBTQ community. She also stated that the Australian Consulate General looks forward to continuing its support for ShanghaiPRIDE.
The millennial illustrator, Asuo narrated how she and her girlfriend came out to their families while the founder of Queer Psychology (the first LGBTQ-friendly Counseling organization in Shanghai) shared the reason why she decided to help more members of the LGBTQ community. Lim, the founder of TrueBaby, also shared his personal experiences and his company’s founding story.
The highlight of the forum was Tang Long’s self-acceptance story. Meeting his current partner after turning thirty, he eventually decided to end his previous heterosexual marriage, while earning support and understanding from his ex-wife and family.
Special thanks to Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai for the venue, as well as the Australian Consulate General Shanghai, Bayer, TrueBaby, and Queer Psychology for their generous support.
History of LGBTQ Forum
The History of LGBTQ Forum was presented by our guest speakers, Lucetta Kam and Lee Ji Young.
The speakers’ engaging presentation not only discussed the nature and influence of European homophobic mentality, but also covered the often-overlooked LGBTQ history in China, Australia, and many other areas around the world. Examples include hundreds of phrases to describe LGBTQ identities in an ancient African language family, homophobic laws originating from the British Empire in the 19th century, and the contributions made by North American and Australian aboriginals to protect the Queer identity.
Many thanks to the Australian Consulate General Shanghai and Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai for supporting this event.
Gender Minorities Forum
The Gender Minorities Forum held was the last forum of this year’s ShanghaiPRIDE. We invited three guests to share their unique experiences of being part of the gender minority community.
Lee Ji Young, who doubled as host, opened the session. She hoped this forum organized by ShanghaiPRIDE would help people better understand the minorities within this minority group.
The founder of Oii-Chinese, Hiker Chiu, made a special trip from Taipei to take part in the event, sharing different vocabulary to describe and address intersex people. The speaker illustrated the diversity of genders in the animal kingdom with a slideshow. Chiu’s humorous delivery and carefully crafted content left the audience with much to ponder.
Next, Lee Ji Young shared her transgender story. Despite the discrimination, Lee has never turned back from this path.
The final guest was Linus. Linus described the open and accepting attitude of American university campuses, which helped her more smoothly explore and find her identity. She emphasized that finding and accepting one’s identity is an ongoing process–one she has not completed.
Special thanks to Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai for providing the venue, the Australian Consulate General Shanghai, and Intersex Asia for their generous support.
