ShanghaiPRIDE 2012
PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2012.06.27
It’s a Wrap! 4th Annual ShanghaiPRIDE Week Sees Unprecedented Involvement from Local Community
Shanghai, June 27, 2012 – Shanghai joined communities around the world last week in celebrating global LGBT Pride Month. Now in its fourth year, ShanghaiPRIDE saw unprecedented turnout among locals and expats alike.
One of the most popular events of the week was a panel discussion around coming out, hosted by the US Consulate, with approximately 80% of the 140 attendees being local Chinese.
Film Screening at Goethe-Institut. Photo by Linda Li.
Other highlights included the film screening series at Xindanwei creative space, which saw about 300 audience members in total; a lively trivia night at Masse hosted by a glamorous drag queen; and superb performances from a Beijing choir and other musicians at the Family Day BBQ.
Around 800 revelers turned out for Saturday evening’s Taittinger-sponsored closing party at Mi Tierra.
“This year’s PRIDE was fantastic!” says organiser Charlene Liu. “We saw great enthusiasm and attendance from the Shanghai community this year, as well as involvement of local volunteers and LGBT groups. Support from the Consulates of France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands also added a lot to the range of cultural and arts events this year. We’re looking forward to continuing the ShanghaiPRIDE tradition in the years to come.”
Closing Party at Mi Tierra. Photo by Linda Li.
About ShanghaiPRIDE:
ShanghaiPRIDE is a diverse and colorful celebration of all that’s great about being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The first ShanghaiPRIDE came into being with a bang (shake, rattle and roll) in 2009, thanks to the tireless commitment of a small group of volunteers. Their hope was, and still remains, that ShanghaiPRIDE can raise the awareness and visibility of the LGBT community in China and thereby increase acceptance and tolerance.
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2012.06.18
Record-breaking Attendance at ShanghaiPRIDE 2012
Shanghai, June 18, 2012 – The 4th annual ShanghaiPRIDE Week kicked off last weekend with record-breaking turnout and enthusiasm from the Shanghai community.
China’s biggest LGBT event of the year, whose slogan is, “Don’t Hide, Don’t Change, Be Proud” jumpstarted the weekend with a Pink Picnic in Zhongshan Park, and a swimming competition, both of which saw more than 2X attendance compared with last year.
Last Saturday evening’s opening party at Rico Rico on the Bund was also a smashing success, with nearly 1,000 party-goers and live performances from a range of talent, including pan-Asian girl group BLUSH. And on Sunday, drama troupe Urban Aphrodite brought down the house with a sold-out performance of 3 X Tenn: A Taste of Tennessee Williams.
“We’re delighted at the response that ShanghaiPRIDE 2012 has been getting so far,” says organizer Charlene Liu. “We always strive to be inclusive and to plan an array of events that will appeal to a wide range of participants. So whether you prefer nightclubs, art, or daytime family-oriented events, there really is something for everyone. I think that our attendance numbers for the opening weekend reflect that inclusive spirit.”
Pink Picnic 2012. Photo by Linda Li.
The momentum continues for the coming few days packed with more ShanghaiPRIDE activities, wrapping up on Saturday, June 23 with a Family Day BBQ party at Cotton’s 2, featuring lots of local musicians and dancers, followed by a dance party at Mi Tierra.
Pink Picnic 2012. Photo by Linda Li.
Cinema buffs will also have tons to choose from this week, with a variety of film screenings at venues around town. On Friday June 22, director Fan Bobo will be on hand to discuss the film Be a Woman post-screening at Xindanwei.
Reservations recommended for June 21 and 22 screenings. Click here for RSVP info and film synopses.
Visit www.shpride.com for the up-to-date schedule!
About ShanghaiPRIDE:
ShanghaiPRIDE is a diverse and colorful celebration of all that’s great about being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. The first ShanghaiPRIDE came into being with a bang (shake, rattle and roll) in 2009, thanks to the tireless commitment of a small group of volunteers. Their hope was, and still remains, that ShanghaiPRIDE can raise the awareness and visibility of the LGBT community in China and thereby increase acceptance and tolerance.
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2012.06.04
ShanghaiPRIDE Week: June 15-23 2012
China’s Jubilant LGBT Summer Celebration Returns
Shanghai, June 4, 2012 – The 4th annual ShanghaiPRIDE Week, China’s biggest LGBT event of the year, will take place from June 15 to 23. The week of art, sport, performances and social events is spearheaded by the ShanghaiLGBT group in partnership with other Chinese LGBT groups. ShanghaiPRIDE aims to be as inclusive and as enjoyable as possible while pushing its key message of acceptance and tolerance to the wider community. This year’s slogan is, “Don’t Hide, Don’t Change, Be Proud.”
“We’re really excited about this year’s Pride,” says co-founder and organiser Dylan Chen. “It’s the perfect opportunity to bring the LGBT community from across China and the world together in a fun and relaxed way. And it serves the important purpose of letting gay and lesbian people know that they’re not alone. Attitudes toward gays and lesbians are quickly changing in China among the young, urban classes but there’s still a lot of work to do in convincing older generations and the more traditional among us that being gay is ok.”
The week’s festivities officially kick off with the ever-popular Pink Picnic, a free event in Zhongshan Park on June 16. The following seven days will be packed with other outdoor events, film screenings, art and drama, and much more.These will be interspersed by nights out as fun and fabulous as only LGBTs know how to throw. Things will draw to a close with the Family Day BBQ party on June 23 at Cotton’s 2. This fun-filled day will include lots of live music and dance performances and activities. We’ll wrap up in style with a June 23 dance party at Mi Tierra.
Visit www.shpride.com for the up-to-date schedule of events!
ShanghaiPRIDE is a non-profit event run entirely by volunteers. “We’re completely dependent on people’s and organizations’ generosity to make this event a success and help make China just that little bit more accepting of LGBT people,” says Charlene Liu, co-founder and organizer. “This year we’ve been very pleased with the interest shown so far by a broad range of sponsors and partners, but to make this year’s Pride the best yet we still need more support.” For sponsorship opportunities, please contact shanghaipride@gmail.com
About ShanghaiPRIDE:
ShanghaiPRIDE is a diverse and colorful celebration of all that’s great about being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The first ShanghaiPRIDE came into being with a bang (shake, rattle and roll) in 2009, thanks to the tireless commitment of a small group of volunteers. Their hope was, and still remains, that ShanghaiPRIDE can raise the awareness and visibility of the LGBT community in China and thereby increase acceptance and tolerance.
