PLUG Magazine - The Age Issue

The Age Issue F a l l 2 014

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MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL DIRECTORS Timothy Loo Liam Greenall COMMUNITY EDITOR Josie Mitchell CULTURE EDITOR Sean Broadhurst ASSISTANT EDITOR Jason Kwan WEB EDITOR Lap Capistrano

Dear artists, designers writers photographers models interns patrons sponsors advertisers distributors gangsters with boats party people lovers and rum,

let’s collaborate.

We are always looking for fresh talent and new partnerships.

If you are interested in contributing, collaborating, or being featured in PLUG Magazine, we like you already. Even if it’s just to say hello, get in touch with us at editor@plugmagazine.com

Stay Connected Find us online to stay in touch and up to date with content, events, and what we have in store for our faithful PLUG followers.

MARKETING John Gil DESIGN TEEM Jeremy Loo

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@ BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Guishe Munoz WEBSITE

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CONTACT info@plug-magazine.com editor@plug-magazine.com

© A Publication of PLUG Magazine Age Issue Printed by Invoice PLUG is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be printed wholly or in part without permission.

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COMMUNITY 08 Prime Numbers 09 How To Make a Baby 12 FAMILY: Laura Simonsen 15 The New Age 18 Dr. York Chow 19 Fruits in Suits 21 Come Out in Hong Kong 22 5 Essential Habits 23 Aging Gracefully 24 Daniel, 26 25 The Future of HIV 26 Occupy Told Through Space 27 Retired Recyclers 28 Young Tales of Old 32 Oral History

Photo by Zachariah Brown

CULTURE 38 Film Coming-of-age Films 41 Style Covershots 46 Travel Age Matters 50 Art Carol Rossetti 54 Fashion Vintage Love 56 Food Dried and Tested 58 Photo Ren Hang

Cover Photo Ren Hang

64 Stage Unsung Idols 67 Sex Sex Ed

Staff Chat

A Letter from the Editors

“What makes you feel young?”

Jeremy Loo GRAPHIC DESIGN B-12 vitamins.

John Gil MARKETING Watching Disney movies...any animated movie actually.

Age. A length of time? A stage of life? A number? A period of history? Whatever your associations are with this punch-packing single-syllable, it’s one word that’s ever more in our thoughts. Even more so since we celebrated PLUG’s 1st birthday in September!

How do you celebrate a year? But, more importantly, how do you learn from it and keep growing?

Josie Mitchell EDITOR Listening to the Spice Girls, playing Lego with my girlfriend and botox.

We believe that after a year of involvement and evolution, PLUG has positioned itself as a substantial voice for the LGBT-community in Hong Kong. We’ve done this by reaching out and making connections with people who have paved the way in the past and those like us who want a hand in shaping the future.

Liam Greenall EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Selling my soul at an old persons home.

With each issue we offer readers more than just an insight into the world and narratives of the individuals and communities we feature, but we also share our vision of what happens when places like Hong Kong are able to realize their dream of more equality, greater freedom and democracy.

Jason Kwan ASSISTANT wEDITOR The Maplestory soundtrack and my HiFi playing ABBA.

Lap Capistrano WEB EDITOR Playing pranks. Every chance I get.

Sean Broadhurst EDITOR I don’t know. I don’t feel old yet.

Guishe BUSINESS Sex. And having a good time with my friends.

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Unfortunately, as some societies move forward, others move back.

So it’s up to us to define what this ‘age’ will be known for. Will it be complacency? Activism? Promiscuity? Or progress?

In this issue we made connections with Hong Kong’s Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, same-sex families, an artist dealing with censorship in China, a financial advisor and young leaders of LGBT organisations. We hope the connections that we made connect with you, our readers and avid PLUG supporters.

Make connections. Share dreams. Change history.

- Tim and Liam

COMMUNITY 09 How To Make a Baby Josie Mitchell finds out how babies are made.

12 FAMILY Two friends share an awkward, accidental journey to find peace in Buddhism.

15 The New Age We get some answers from gay youth in Hong Kong

Photo Credit Chan Ka Kei

18 Dr. York Chow A Letter from the Chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission 19 Fruits in Suits Happy 10th Birthday! We hear what the community has to say about FinS. 21 Go Out in Hong Kong!

PLUG Community Highlight 22 5 Essential Habits How to Reach Financial Independence 23 Aging Gracefully The actual cost of being forever young.

24 Daniel, 26 An honest interview with a young man dealing with HIV infection.

25 The Future of HIV A look at the new age of HIV prevention and treatment.

26 Occupy Rik Glauert describes the Occupy movement through space.

27 Retired Recylcers What are we doing for the elderly recyclers in Hong Kong?

28 Young Tales of Old Jason Kwan gets a candid education on life for older gay men in Hong Kong.

32 Travis Kong Photoshoot from the new book, Oral History of Gay Men in Hong Kong.

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P R IM E NUM BER S From birth to death, and all the important numbers in between.

42.5 The median age of the population in Hong Kong.

864 to 1000 The number of males to females in Hong Kong.

16 In Hong Kong the age of consent for sexual activity is 16 between a male and female and two males.

There is no law concerning the age of consent for two females.

1,021,500 Total number of population aged 65 or older.

66 593 623 1002 86 38 86 53

Hospitals Middle Schools Primary Schools Kindergartens International Schools Higher Education Institutes HK Federation of Youth Groups Elderly Centers

80.9 Expectation of life at birth for males.

86.9 Expectation of life at birth for females.

COMMUNITY

At some point in our lives, we all find out how babies are made. We may have seen some rather confusing diagrams in a high school science textbook, had an awkward conversation with a parent or heard it from a boastful friend in the playground. Most often, we were told that it happens “when a man and a woman love each other very much…’’. Whenever I think of the biology of the reproductive process, my mind immediately goes to the opening sequence for Look Who’s Talking, where we get to experience a point of view shot of a sperm amongst a shoal of little white swimmers racing towards the finishing line that is an egg - all set to the soundtrack of the Beach Boys’ I Get Around. But how about when a man and a man, or a woman and a woman who love each other very much want to have a baby? In either case, one of the key components of reproduction is missing. So what options do LGBT singletons and same-sex couples in Hong Kong have if they’ve made the incredible, life altering decision to start a family?

How to Make a Baby: Rainbow Family Planning

by Josie Mitchell

IVF/IUI Biologically, the female of the species has more going for her in terms of reproduction. She has a womb to grow a baby in and she has the eggs, all that’s needed is the sperm. This is where IVF, IUI and sperm donors come in. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a process whereby eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a petri dish.

Once fertilised, the embryos will then be returned into the womb to, hopefully, develop into a baby.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a form of artificial insemination whereby concentrated sperm is placed directly into a woman’s womb using a catheter, a more technical version of the turkey baster method (not recommended). This is best done around the time of ovulation, so that those little swimmers have something to get stuck into. IVF has higher success rates than IUI but is also more invasive, therefore it tends to be more emotionally, physically and financially draining.

acknowledge same-sex marriages, IVF and IUI for gay women can be very hard to come by. That being said, there are a few clinics in Thailand, India and Vietnam that have been more lax on the rules and have helped unmarried women to conceive through these methods. Bess Hepworth and her wife Kirsty, who now have two healthy, happy and handsome little boys, told me about their success with a clinic in Bangkok: “They were very comfortable with the arrangement. Although the nurses asked about a husband, the doctors knew fully well what was going on. And we’ve been back there several times.” However, due to changes in the Thai government and in Indian legislation, these clinics are having to tighten up their codes of practice and some families have been caught in the crossfire, with stories arising of parents not being able to leave the country with their newborns or having them simply being taken away.

Unfortunately, neither of these procedures is legally available to unmarried women anywhere in Eastern Asia, and as most Asian countries don’t

If you are able to travel further, the USA, Canada and the UK offer IUI and IVF to single women and same-sex couples. In the UK, IUI and IVF

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How To Make a Baby:

Rainbow Family Planning

are free for residents on the NHS, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation. In the USA and Canada, although the costs are higher, there is a wide range of clinics, so you can choose one that you feel most comfortable with. Furthermore, the USA is home to the highest rates of successful pregnancies conceived through IVF. Finding a suitable fertility clinic to carry out your assisted reproduction is just one piece of the puzzle.

Before you can go through with these procedures you need to get your hands on some sperm. There are many things to consider when choosing the most appropriate donor for you: - If you prefer the donor to be a friend, how would you like them to be involved in the child’s life? A full-time dad or more of an uncle figure? These details need to be explicitly agreed on to avoid any future conflict of expectations on either side.

- If going through a sperm bank, what criteria are you looking for? How much should you order?

Would you choose a donor who is ‘willing to be

known’? Meaning that when your child turns 18, they’ll be able to contact the donor.

- If your sperm is stored in a different country to your fertility clinic, does the bank offer a suitable delivery system? Timing is everything.

In conclusion, assisted reproduction for single women and lesbian couples is an absolute godsend, giving women opportunities to start a family that were simply not available 20 years ago. Thank you, progressive scientists. However, it is important to be prepared for disappointment as women rarely become pregnant on the first attempt. Bess highlights the important part that friends and family can play on this journey: “having the support structure that you need is huge. If some people are starting without one, it’s really insurmountable.” If you are considering this path it is strongly recommended that you speak to other women who have already conceived through IVF or IUI, who will be able to help you prepare both practically and emotionally.

Surrogacy Surrogacy is an ideal solution for gay men who prefer to be biologically related to their children and are keen to have a detailed knowledge of the medical history of their child’s mother.

Unfortunately, surrogacy is extremely expensive, unless you happen to have an extremely altruistic female friend who’s willing to have IVF treatment, carry a child for 9 months, go through childbirth, and then just hand the baby over to you, then you’ll probably have to go through a surrogacy agency to find a suitable match. On top of that, you will need to pay for IVF, insurance, legal and medical costs.

In all costing around US$150,000, or the price of an Aston Martin DB9. A cheaper option is to find your own surrogate through online forums but you will lack the protection and professional 3rd party mitigation that an agency offers if any problems arise.

Unsurprisingly, Hong Kong law does not make surrogacy a viable option for the gay community.

Firstly, paid surrogacy is illegal so you better start screening your friends for levels of altruism.

Secondly, at birth your surrogate is the legal mother. You will then be subject to complicated legal proceedings to prove that the child is yours, be legally recognised as the father and have the surrogate’s name taken off the certificate. To top it all off, due to the absence of a legal framework, the surrogate is within her rights to change her mind and keep the baby after all.

In the UK, commercial surrogacy is also illegal and as no third party is allowed to receive financial reward you’re unable to go through an agency

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and will have to find a surrogate independently.

However, you are able to pay ‘reasonable expenses’ to the surrogate and certain non-profit organisations, such as Brilliant Beginnings, can help with the process. As with HK, surrogacy agreements are unenforceable but disputes appear to be very rare.

As with IVF and IUI, Thailand and India have been hotspots for gay men to find surrogates. However, the lack of legal framework and sudden changes in surrogacy law can put intended parents at risk of exploitation. Richard Westoby, author of Our Journey: One Couple’s Guide to US Surrogacy, warns of the pitfalls of going through these less regulated services: “You can be very easily taken advantage of. Without a legal framework that protects all of the parties involved, those paying for the services are putting themselves at risk.

There have been instances where the law changes overnight (e.g. Thailand banning surrogacy for non-Thai people or India banning surrogacy for gay and single people) and all of a sudden noone knows exactly what the status of play will be when you are pregnant with a surrogate, which at that point can be an awful situation. In the US there is a fully known and understood legal framework and culturally it is an accepted practise. In the US everything is done in such a way that all parties are protected: you’ve got escrow accounts for all the monies, lawyers only get paid for work they’ve done, your surrogate signs a contract which is legally enforceable and you are able to be fully recognised as parents from day 1... To me, the US is the global benchmark for surrogacy”.

The biggest and most progressive market for surrogacy is by far the US, with commercial surrogacy providing gay couples with services that help them find suitable surrogates, egg donors, IVF clinics, and a legal framework that protects both parties. Some agencies, such as the Las Vegas

Fertility Clinic, have even started to familiarise themselves with the law in Hong Kong so that they can offer a more comprehensive service to their international clients. However, this all comes at a much higher cost than any other country.

ADOPTION As our straight friends are mostly able to pop out babies willy nilly and some may be financially, logistically, or emotionally unable to care for a child, there are many babies and children living in care homes that want nothing more than to be adopted by a loving family. So doesn’t it stand to reason that a same-sex couple that are actively trying to start a family would be ideal parents for these waiting children? The Hong Kong government thinks not.

Adoption in HK is only available to married couples and singles over 25. As a result, many same-sex couples choose to adopt as a single parent and keep their partner hidden from social services.

If going down this path, parents should take into consideration the message that this secrecy might send to their children. Bess gives some invaluable advice to LGBT parents, “You’re going to be outed through your children’s experiences. You have to be comfortable with yourself because you need to reinforce that with your kids in a way that’s natural”.

She recommends same-sex parents to connect with other LGBT families through the Facebook group, Rainbow Families of Hong Kong. As children are

going to notice that their school friends tend to have both a mummy and a daddy, spending time with families similar to theirs can help avoid feelings of being ‘different’ and will aid in nurturing a positive attitude towards their non-traditional family.

If you’ve been watching gay dads Mitch and Cam on Modern Family and have been inspired by their seemingly effortless adoption of the fabulously precocious Lily, from Vietnam…think again.

Worldwide, there are currently 18 countries that allow same-sex parents to adopt. Unfortunately, very few of these countries are open to international adoption, so you can only apply if you are a citizen of that country. This leaves very few adoption choices for HK citizens that are openly gay. If you happen to be an expat from Belgium, South Africa, Brazil or any of the other more accepting countries that allow same-sex adoption, it would be best advised to return home to apply for adoption. However, be aware that an adoption that has legally taken place in one country, may not be recognised in another.

19 Countries that allow same-sex couples to adopt:

· Argentina · Belgium · Brazil · Canada · Denmark · France · Iceland · Luxembourg · Malta · Netherlands · New Zealand · Norway · South Africa · Spain · Sweden · United Kingdom · Uruguay · USA (depending on state) · Australia (depending on territory)

85 Children available for adoption in Hong Kong (as of June 2014) Source: Social Welfare Department

Useful Resources Rainbow Families of Hong Kong Facebook Group

International services vs. Hong Kong Many same-sex couples intending on starting a family in HK will choose a service from a foreign country. Going through the above procedures in a more progressive and accepting country will help intended parents feel more comfortable and at ease that their rights are being protected. However, as laws don’t match up across different countries, it is imperative to seek legal advice from a family lawyer here in Hong Kong before beginning your journey. Make sure that you are aware of any possible legal fines or future ramifications, and of utmost importance, ensure that you will be legally recognised as the parent when bringing your child back to HK.

Richard Westoby’s Article in ‘We Are Family’ Magazine:

Although the path to starting a family as an LGBT parent may seem daunting, debt inducing and emotionally draining, you only have to look at the smiles on the faces of Bess’ boys and Richard’s twins to know that the rewards are worth their weight in gold.

DISCLAIMER: Laws relating to same-sex parenting are a mine-field and constantly changing. Use the above information as a basic introduction only.

Consult a legal professional before engaging in any procedures or services.

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F A M I LY 12

Laura Simonsen, mother of two, CGI visualiser and administrator of social networking group Rainbow Families of Hong Kong, has created Family. a photographic exhibition and on-going project that features non-traditional and minority families in Hong Kong. Laura sees photography as a powerful tool which she is using to raise awareness and acceptance within

modern society, 'I hope that the next generation will live in a world of equality without being labelled or categorised or questioned. Without being judged or bullied, and to have the freedom to marry legally whoever they love and the freedom to create their family however they choose.'

www.laurasimonsen.com

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COMMUNITY

The New Age: Gay Youth in HK

by Jason Kwan

An age of the new, an age of change, and an age of continuation: as the gay youth of Hong Kong, we are the new-age.

When puberty begins and sexuality flourishes; when emotions are experienced for the first time; when opinions and mindsets are being formed and explored; these are the times when the foundations of change can develop most strongly. As a youth myself, being 20 this year, I realise how powerful our voices can be, and the potential behind the change we can incur.

I believe that our power lies in our fearlessness.

With our newly-lit fire of hope and our evershaping minds, we are learning and discovering the potential of our worlds, dipping our feet into society and reacting to its limitations and liberties. We experience instant responses to the world and conceptualise how we would like our world to be. With the catalysts of hope and change combined, we, the LGBT youths of Hong Kong, are the most powerful driving force in provoking and continuing change for the better, advocating for equality.

Interviewing KK and Geoffrey (Joint-Presidents of the Queer Straight Alliance at HKU, with Geoff also being Policy & Advocacy Secretary of Action Q), we discussed the role of the LGBT youth in Hong Kong and our influence on the LGBT community and Hong Kong society. How powerful are we? And how can we utilise that power?

Jason: Do you feel that LGBT youths have enough representation to be heard and respected in our community and in wider society?

Geoff: Yes and no, because the community has not been an extremely high profile community until quite recently. It gained a lot of visibility in the past 3 years because of local and global developments.

The first people who are visible representatives of the community would be celebrities such as Denise Ho and Anthony Wong. They are not really youth, but the image which they present is youthful, energetic, and positive. (Jason: With a huge youth following as well). In that sense, their values align with youth values. Whereas, mature LGBT values are actually less represented.

What sort of views do you think they have that are in line with ours?

Geoff: I personally think that they have more progressive views on the community that would probably not be taken up by current activists.

For example, in Taiwan, their gay community is extremely diverse and they have a very significant BDSM community there. But I doubt that the LGBT community in Hong Kong would accept that association or accept their presence at Pride.

So as youths, we should be as inclusive as possible.

Sometimes older, middle-class, rich, gay men, probably won’t accept that. There is an obvious class difference.

Do you think that LGBT youth are respected in the community?

KK: Respect comes with contribution. I see a lot of movements from the gay youth which are very active contributions. I hope that these movements will bring about more respect, or at least visibility. Movements, for example, like Action Q. We are very actively advocating for gay rights and equality internally in campus and externally in Legco. We also engage in exchanges with foreign organisations.

Geoff: I think that the lack of the LGBT youth voice is recognised and the community like that the LGBT student movement is beginning. It’s still new. Whether if they will have ideas which will conflict, I don’t know yet. At this stage, our voices are very welcomed. There will always be differences in the LGBT community regarding movements, but I think the community is actively nurturing and encouraging us to speak up. We receive a lot of support: when Action Q does something, it is easy for us to gain support from other LGBT organisations and groups.

The mentorship program, for example, is supported by Goldman Sachs.

Geoff: Yes, they sponsor the venue and like our representation. I was at Baker and Mckenzie, and we were recruiting mentors from the industry for our mentorship program and it was very welcomed.

It was actually organised by Hong Kong Gay and Lesbian Attorneys (GALA). Their first thoughts for action were to pursue mentorship programs and student outreach opportunities. They really treasure student outreach and are encouraging of the gay youth to take more initiative.

What is the nature of the LGBT youth platforms you provide to the community through QSA and Action Q? KK: Most of our activities are platform based to provide resources and support the gay youth. We are service oriented and neutral. The Centre of Development and Resources (CEDAR) have been extremely supportive of QSA. They treasure us as a collaborative partner to deliver us to LGBT students in the university. For example, when we hold comingout workshops, they are willing to lend venues to us, provide speakers, and help us coordinate promotion.

This is in line with HKU’s “Equal Opportunities” belief. But I know that in some other universities it’s not as progressive - maybe those with religious backgrounds…which there is only one!

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A New Age: Gay Youth in Hong Kong

Could you tell me more about the coming-out workshops which QSA hold?

Geoff: Last year we had a sharing session. We invited people who had gone through the process and one of them brought his Mom too, who accepted her son as gay after years of struggle. They shared about their different methods and experiences of coming out. A lot of students would find coming out a very practical issue that they may face in their university stage of life, so the coming out workshop serves as a very useful resource for them to refer to, giving them very concrete methods to come out.

Do you feel that this time, our generation, is becoming a turning point? Where people feel more comfortable than ever, to come out?

Geoff: Than ever, yes. But maybe not a turning point.

It’s definitely improving. It’s a very big opportunity as we are living in a period of hope. For quite a few of the guests, in hindsight, the coming out process didn’t seem such a big deal.

That’s really great that the LGBT youth are actively being sought out to provide representation. Back to your social media point, do you feel that gay youths coming out online and having people show their support gives people more confidence to come out?

KK: You mean peer-pressure?

Haha, more like, peer-encouragement! Do you think people have been receiving confidence from seeing positive social media support?

KK: I came out on social media and my boyfriend told me that a number of his friends were motivated to do the same.

Geoff: Media is a double-edged sword: it’s a loudspeaker for any voice. Positive messages can quickly get to you, but negative messages - even quicker!

How can LGBT or LGBT-friendly people can get involved in advocating for gay rights in HK? KK: Haha, join QSA!

Do you think that with the protests happening in HK, youths (especially university students) are more vulnerable to the public and the media? Or do you think this opens up more opportunities for our voices to be heard?

KK: One of my friends has experienced coming-out in front of the media, and his parents made a big deal about it during last year’s Pride. The media wasn’t very ethical and developed a twisted two-page article from one quote. The media stalked-out information from his Facebook, making up a story to satisfy their readers. We are vulnerable, yes. If he wasn’t prepared to come out, this could have been very disastrous, and the magazine did not ask for his permission to publish that story either.

Geoff: The curiosity of society towards homosexuality would mean that they use less ethical ways to hunt down interesting stories without respecting the individuals. Soundbites are what they’re looking for.

Go on, PLUG it.

KK: I think a very important thing is to gain momentum in these movements, and by gaining momentum you need to get together and get connected. I think the QSA and Action Q platforms are very good ways of connecting these people.

Say, the mentorship program connects LGBT professionals with LGBT aspiring students. It is through this connection that momentum is fuelled towards the LGBT movement.

Geoff: It’s about personal empowerment as well: I think that QSA does a lot to help on that level for students. On the other hand, you also need, on a bigger scale, a more accepting attitude in society, as this is important to give LGBT youths assurance.

They need to feel comfortable among their friends, in their career paths, in their family, and in society. This could be very difficult, and that’s the first thing youths should do. Don’t be afraid of getting connected. The isolation is the worst feeling.

Especially at Pride, when you have members of the community from all walks of life, the entire spectrum is represented and it’s easier for the media to target minorities in the LGBT community.

Geoff: Yes, and on the other hand, I think that there are definitely good opportunities for youths to have their voices be heard. Action Q was developed as such a platform. There are also straight-allies involved who play a very active role. Some of the members are comfortable with saying that they are gay, maybe not in front of the media, but on social platforms such as on Facebook. They see social media as a vehicle to change perception and to increase visibility. There is a developing discourse, as the DOC has commissioned CUHK to study the visibility of anti-discrimination law and LGBTI status. They hold public forums, and deliberately seek out voices from the LGBT youth to represent this age category. Action Q allows these conversations to continue between the community and society, moving things forward.

The biggest fear I had before I came out, was that I felt very lonely - like the only person in the world. And for a lot of youths, they do feel that way. Visibility is not enough, for the community in general, but especially for the youths in the community, unless if you’re at the clubs…haha!

Geoff: I think QSA is exactly trying to provide that social platform for youths, especially university students. It started off more career based, which is important, because youths should be able to be themselves in the work place (where they will spend decades)! It’s important to develop more personal and social networks to provide a safe platform for LGBT youths to connect with each other and with corporations. But for those who really want to get involved on a bigger scale, they can join Action Q, which is an advocacy platform. This is a very empowering platform because when you go to Action Q, you will be facing off opponents, but realise that the support you get from the platform is always more

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than the negative opposition. Those who oppose us only talk about you personally behind your back. In front of you, they don’t dare to attack you; they only debate with you through their twisted logic. So these are two different kinds of platforms, but they both aim at connecting LGBT youths.

How can parents give support and guidance to youths in HK who feel neglected or disenfranchised by society? When I came out to my parents, one of their biggest worries was that I would never have a developing career in Hong Kong because of discrimination. But your mentorship program helps combat that anxiety. Not only are the youths confused about sexuality and what this all means, but parents are even more confused, because they never grew up in a generation where being LGBTI was accepted or visible.

KK: Well for me, the greatest support my parents can offer is their emotional support.

Geoff: Like the mother who was at QSA’s coming out workshop, she was very public and was willing to talk on various platforms about how she went through the process of initial struggle and depression, to acceptance, proudly accepting her son as a gay man. The process took 4 years, which is actually great progress!

The best advice I’ve been given is to give my parents time: at the end of the day, they are human beings, they can’t change a mentality they grew up with overnight.

Geoff: Exactly, and we can increase our visibility by coming out, but also, if our parents come out as supportive parents, and do it publicly, sharing their process and their experiences and struggles,

this is the key to connecting with other parents who are experiencing the same difficulties.

So, parents should come out, as accepting parents, to guide other parents who are struggling.

Geoff: Parents don’t apply the same openness to the LGBTI community to their own children. It is very important for parents of gay youths to come out, and say, “We’ve already gone through what you are going through”. There are also parent support groups run by the BGCA (Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Association), which is an extremely good initiative. It was even commended by the United Nations!

And unfortunately, there was a lot of opposition at the time of their launch.

Geoff: Yes, they faced a difficult time in pioneering for providing support not only for gay youth, but for their parents, which in turn actually benefits the gay youth! But after receiving support, what would the next step be? It would be for the parents to become more public with their acceptance: “I proudly support my LGBT children.”

If dealing with personal issues is our first step, visibility being the second, how do you think we can push further towards advocacy?

Geoff: I hope parents can try to be activists. They are in a very good position to be, because no one would dare attack them. Once they tell their story, they will move everyone to tears!

Their stories are of unconditional love!

Geoff: They just have to tell their stories repeatedly in all ranges of forums. It’s the best positive message.

In summation, the best partnership we can have is between LGBT youths and their parents, bridging the generation gap, and collaborating towards advocating for equality?

Geoff: It would be the most powerful.

KK: I think one point to bear in mind is that the gay community is a minority in society.

And gay youths who are publicly out are an even smaller minority.

KK: Yes, and the parents need to remember these facts. If they do want to protect their children, they really need to stand up and do what is necessary to show support for LGBT youths.

Geoff: They have a good reason to be afraid, but an even better reason to speak out. If they are able to go through that tremendous process of accepting their son or daughter’s sexuality, they should feel empowered to take this next step to affect greater society.

On a final note, what would you like to say to the LGBT youths of HK? KK: In terms of coming out: it seems a big struggle. But when you look back after coming out, it isn’t. This is applicable to a lot of other issues, even beyond our sexual orientations.

Don’t be afraid: accept the challenge you see right now, and when you look back in the future, you will see that you’ve made the right choice.

Geoff: The braver you are in facing your challenges, the smaller the challenge will actually look, especially when you’ve overcome that challenge. To put this into context, the more public you are about your sexuality, the less challenge and attacks you will face, because no one will dare to attack you in your face when you are brave.

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PLUG + EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION

A Message from Dr. York Chow,

Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission

We were all young once, when we felt the world would open up for us, with pathways leading to our dreams. We felt energized, motivated, and optimistic about the future, because we managed to pass examinations, and enter universities, an opportunity of which most of our parents were deprived.

Let us consider the undeniable facts and trends that will affect Hong Kong in the coming future:

Hong Kong was a haven for refugees seeking safe settlement after a turbulent wartime, mostly with Chinese from the Mainland and other parts of South East Asia. We knew as long as we studied and worked hard, we could move on and life would be better, for both ourselves and our families. Hong Kong was felt to be a fair society, with equal opportunities for everyone irrespective of socioeconomic background, race, or ethnicity. With an independent judicial system, the ICAC, and a responsive executive government, Hong Kong excelled on many fronts, and became a popular place for young people to work and raise families. Compared with many neighbouring nations, Hong Kong was considered free, safe and trustworthy. Infrastructure was established aiming at catering for the needs of these young generations and for their future: the education system, welfare schemes, public housing and new town developments, the MTR, the new airport, and the Hospital Authority, just to name a few.

Many of those achievements, whether pre- or post-1997, were the result of constructive dialogue between the government in collaboration with Executive, Legislative and District Councillors and stakeholders. Input was also obtained from many young people of the day, who had clear visions of how to maintain Hong Kong’s advantage amongst competitors, and how to ensure Hong Kong continues to develop as an international city of the region, and to act as a “role-model” for other cities in China. Even then, Hong Kong citizens realized it was imperative to sustain continuous progress to stay at the forefront of development in both China and the rest of the world.

1. Hong Kong will be competing with other rapidly developing China cities for economic growth, human resources and investment.

2. Hong Kong will be competing with other cities of the region as the preferred place to live and raise a family. Maintaining superior social, judicial, security, education, healthcare, and public services systems, are vital to ensure fair access for everyone in Hong Kong.

3. Hong Kong needs to maintain and continue to strive for inclusiveness and diversity to maintain its international standard and culture, and to protect disadvantaged and the at-risk minority sectors of the community, including those facing poverty and hardship, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities and LGBTI groups.

4. Hong Kong needs to find a democratic and sustainable political system that can see it through the next 30-odd years, leading up to a smooth transition past 2047, when most of today’s young people will be in the prime of their lives. It is vital to set goals for Hong Kong, and also develop the strategies and plans to achieve these.

It is therefore necessary for leaders today to listen to the voices and needs of our young generation, and nurture them so they not only possess the heart and desire to excel, in achieving their goals, and in safeguarding values, but also to equip them with skills to build trust, adopt compromise for consensus building and to conduct constructive dialogues with other stakeholders.

The dilemma facing Hong Kong now is how to cope with an ever-strengthening Mainland and the evolving policies of the Central Government, how to maintain the balance considering different views of a diverse public, and how to maintain the core values of fairness, justice, inclusion and diversity. Are our youth and young leaders able to guide Hong Kong through another phase of prosperity and achievement?

Dr. York Chow Chairperson Equal Opportunities Commission

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COMMUNITY

Happy 10th Birthday, Fruits in Suits!

A Few Words from the FinS Chief Dreamer.

The adventure all started with a question, “Are you sitting down?” The second part of that conversation was “How would you like to live on the other side of the world – in Hong Kong?”

My partner and I at the time were in New York City, entrenched in our lives and work and the thought of packing it all up and moving house was ridiculous, shocking and unrealistic…but I looked around at my business, staff, facilities and clients and without hesitation said, ‘Let’s Do It!” I loved what I was doing in the events industry, I still miss my staff and clients dearly; my partner loved his architectural firm, but the idea of the situation would never in our lifetime possibly come up again, so we moved!

I immediately looked for community engagement of any kind when I moved to Hong Kong. Back home we volunteered mostly for the neighborhood and community activities. We came across FinS – Fruits in Suits the second month of its new beginning.

After meeting and admiring some of the original founders and organizers I began volunteering. It was delightful to meet so many new friends and acquaintances. I soon found myself getting more and more involved with organizing the monthly events and the best part was greeting familiar faces every month.

Over the years the founders moved on to other endeavors, leaving myself to the role of ‘Chief Dreamer’. I have enlisted a few of our friends throughout the 10 years of FinS’ monthly networking events and together we have tried to keep to the original mantra of Business Networking and Social and Corporate interaction and Community Engagement for LGBT Hong Kong and its supporters. I thank dearly those whose testimonials follow as well as the many sponsors, supporters and volunteers as without them FinS would not have made it to 10 years.

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Stories of Support from the Community Glenn FinS appeared at a fortuitous time. In 2004, both my partner and I had a pretty good picture of Hong Kong’s small LGBT social and bar scene, and were practicing, like most active people, a typical “venue bar hopping routine” carried out in every gay and lesbian cultured city in the world. So it was a refreshing change to attend our first FinS, at One Bar & Grille in the Rotunda of Exchange Square. Wow -- gay people in business garb carrying on real conversations (vs “bar-talk”) at a decibel level which was comprehensible, and in a venue that wasn’t hidden down a dark alley or behind a large dark velvet curtain --- imagine that!

Fruits in Suits, over the course of the following 10 years, has brought Eric and I some wonderful benefits – the first and foremost being an introduction to scores of amazing & inspiring individuals, both local and expats, many of whom have become dear friends and “gayfamily members” and who are all, in their own ways, contributing to the richness, diversity, and activism which characterizes the emerging LGBT community in Hong Kong.

For those who knew the founders / organizers and many volunteers that followed, they like Eric were a perfect match being extroverts & peopleperson oriented.

Marion Three years ago I was asked if I would volunteer to mentor one of the many female students who sign up to the FinS/Queer Straight Alliance HKU mentoring program. I got so much out of the experience that the following year I was at the orientation night, hosted by Goldman Sachs, promoting it to the next round of prospective mentees. The amazing young woman I mentored from that year has worked in Antwerp since graduation, broadening her horizons incredibly.

I continue to admire her talent and courage.

Last year I was matched with a mentee so full of potential that she made me want to be her age again. I like to think I was a good role model to them all, though secretly, I envy how fearless

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facebook.com/groups/fins

they have all become through this program. FinS makes these connections possible - to coach, support and learn across the two-decade divide.

Where were you when I was 21?

Abby & Betty co-founders of Les Peches Happy birthday Fruits in Suits! Bravo Eric for the hard work! FinS is 10 and Les Peches is 9. We have always considered the two groups siblings in Hong Kong’s LGBT community. We’ve loved going to meet our brothers on every third Tuesday of the month since we arrived in Hong Kong.

So much so that we created our own group for ladies modeled on this wonderful evening and even named our group after FinS by also using a fruit reference to describe our events.

Marc I have been a supporter of FinS since I moved back to Hong Kong from Tokyo more than seven years ago. I have also worked with FinS as head of the LGBT network at financial institutions and more recently as a founder of the Hong Kong Gay & Lesbian Attorney’s Network (HKGALA).

Throughout that period, FinS has operated in a unique space that straddles the professional and the social, the activist and the mainstream without being tied to any particular institution.

I have been particularly impressed with and an enthusiastic supporter of FinS partnership with the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA), to sponsor a mentorship program targeted at LGBT students in Hong Kong and have been a mentor in that program for each of the past five years. I appreciate the opportunity it affords me to contribute to the LGBT community in Hong Kong.

Anonymous I attended the very first FinS event 10 years ago, delighted to hear of a new organization which thrived on diversity, but held its meetings in decent, but fun, venues, away from the usual dark midnight gatherings of the LGBT community back then. FinS brought something very new to Hong Kong, with fabulous guests, venues and organizations, which led to lots of new friends, in addition to some networking. I was hooked, joining all the events, so after the

first year I won a bottle of champagne for having attended every event. My support has never wavered since, because FinS has continued to provide an excellent environment, away from the “scene”, for those who are already comfortable with diversity, but also a friendly welcome for the lots of newcomers who choose FinS for their first LGBT event.

Lawrence The first Fruits in Suits event that I went to was at the launch party of the Mentor Protégé Program, back in February 2013. From my first impressions, I found Eric and the rest of the volunteer team to be very professional, cordial, and helpful. They introduced me to many fantastic members of the LGBT community here in Hong Kong, some of whom I consider my good friends now. In fact, I enjoyed my experience at FinS so much that I joined their volunteer team shortly after!

For those who wish to expand their social and professional circle, I highly recommend you to join us at FinS! Philip Arriving in Hong Kong as a member of the LGBT community I was delighted to discover FinS. A relaxed and enjoyable event where people can network and be open about who they are, make new business contacts and friends. Eric’s enthusiasm is infectious and Infinity is very proud to be able to work with the group. With everyone pulling together towards the common goal of equality, FinS is the perfect platform to discuss experiences and present ideas in an event that is unique and valuable to Hong Kong.

In a vibrant city such as Hong Kong it is a strange concept that sexual inequality still exists.

Fruits in Suits is an invaluable event that is able to offer a safe, friendly and welcoming business environment where the LGBT community can enjoy the opportunity to mix with like-minded people. Working with FinS is a great experience.

Eric spends a lot of time sourcing the best possible venues and attracting a wide range of presenters from all industry sectors.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT

GO Out in Hong Kong!

Being LGBT is more than just sex, drag or drinking ‘til sunrise, but living in Hong Kong can be stressful and many people often find themselves stuck in an unhealthy bubble of hard work and lots of partying. “Out in HK” offers an alternative for people to be active and meet new people in a social and outdoor environment.

Who started the group? What's the story behind it?

In May, I found myself newly single after I broke up with my boyfriend of two-and-a-half-years. I returned to my first love of outdoor activities in Hong Kong, like long distance trail running, hiking, surfing and camping. However, most people on social apps like Meetup are straight and I missed the social element of meeting other LGBT people. So I started looking for LGBT people who have the same love for social outdoor activities. After a week on Grinder, I was soon bored and fed up with all the “fun” requests that I decided to start a group that would connect active LGBT people with a passion for healthy living.

As a trial in June, I organised a hike and stand-up paddling event in Stanley by posting the event on different existing Facebook groups. Ten people showed up, of whom I only knew one!

So I knew there were others looking for the same thing I was.

On 12th August, I met up with my friends Victor Chau, a yoga teacher, and Alvin, a designer, and we officially started “Out in HK”. The group now has more than 650 members. We organise weekly weekend events and an easier Urban Jungle Run every Wednesday.

The first event we organised was a hike on Dragon’s Back with 42 people. After the hike, we did yoga on the beach (led by Victor) followed by lunch. It was really impressive to see 42 guys on the beach doing yoga together! Most of them had never done yoga before so it was really a great “out of your comfort zone” experience.

What's the goal of the group? What do you offer the community?

The goal of “Out in HK” is to connect LGBT people who want to maintain a fit & healthy lifestyle with other like-minded people. It’s our goal to organise active & social outdoor events that combine fun with a bit of sweat as well as workshops about healthy living & nutrition.

“Out in HK” has quickly become its own community. It’s also great to see many more women joining our events.

The Facebook group is also becoming an open platform to help people start organising their own events.

For example, somebody asked on our page, “Any tennis players?” and

within a couple of hours several people replied. Now thanks to the ‘Out in HK’ page, they are playing tennis together every week. How exciting!

What's your favourite thing about Out in HK?

I really enjoy organising and connecting people. I’m so grateful to meet people with the same passion for a fit, healthy lifestyle, watch as new friendships are made, and help people get out of their comfort zone and try new things together. Recently, we went to RyZe trampoline park with 35 people which was a lot of fun! In October, we’ll go kayaking with 50 people and in November, we’ve planned a weekend camping in Sai Kung with hiking, BBQ, yoga on the beach and surfing. We have a lot of great events coming up.

What's something that you wish you knew when you were younger?

Firstly, I’m a big believer in meditation so I would tell my younger “me” to start meditating sooner. People often think that meditation is sitting in a pose for hours and always tied to religion or spirituality. It’s actually proven by science that consistently meditating daily for 5 minutes or longer will calm down your mind, give you better focus, a bigger brain and increase creativity.

facebook.com/groups/outinhk 21

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COMMUNITY

5 Essential Habits You’ll Need to Reach Financial Independence Robin Adams

Wealth Advisor Discretion Wealth Management, Hong Kong

Financial independence means having enough money to live your life without having to work.

Most people think of this as “retirement” but it can happen much earlier if you’re clever. If you’re not so smart – you may never achieve financial independence. Few people look forward to having to work after they’re 65, and with what’s happened to the economy over the past five years many of us will be working until we’re in our 70s and 80s. But this doesn’t have to happen.

One way to achieve financial independence is through starting a business that grows phenomenally, and eventually is sold. It’s never planned, but 90% of businesses close after 5 years leaving their founders dead broke. This strategy is a risky bet at best.

For most of us, saving, investing, and living life reasonably are the sure ways to financial independence. It doesn’t have to be as bad as it sounds.

After you take the first few steps, you’ll certainly want to explore more about how to grow rich. 94% of the millionaires alive today got that way by investing. They didn’t start dotcom businesses, nor did they inherit their wealth. They invested their way to financial independence. You can too. Be smart and you can still enjoy yourself now and retire well.

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Here’s what you’ll need to do: 1 Keep away from consumer debt.

Also known as credit cards, most people in Hong Kong are pretty good about not going overboard, but when someone gets bitten by the spending bug, retail therapy becomes totally addicting. The damage is done in two ways. First of all, credit card rates range from 30% to 40% per year. It was certainly in the fine print when you applied for your card – but then was probably never mentioned again by your card issuer. The second stab is that credit cards give us the completely false feeling that we can afford way more luxury than we really can. Any time we consider that we’re spending too much, credit cards seem to magically come to the rescue when in fact, they’re the cause of the problem! What we’ve paid for is usually gone quickly, but the debt isn’t.

2 Forget about your neighbors.

When we face up to the fact that we’re trying too hard to “keep up with the Joneses” then we’ve claimed another huge victory. So much of what we spend is done so that we can demonstrate to our friends and neighbors that we’re just as rich as they are.

(And they’re doing just the same!) Facebook is the biggest cause of this problem.

When we see our friends taking another weekend trip to Phuket, or enjoying another bottle of Veuve at a five-star hotel, aren’t we just dying to out-do them, or maybe just trying to keep up?

3 Pay yourself first.

What this means is: set money aside for your future, even before you pay your credit card bill. Set up an auto-pay direct debit into some kind of savings vehicle. If you get it out of your greedy little hands, you can’t spend it! This has two benefits – first of all, it establishes a “saving” habit for you. Face it – you know you need to start saving at some time – even if it’s just HKD1,000 per month, do it and get into the habit. It’s an essential habit to have for achieving financial independence. The earlier you begin, the less you’ll miss the money. The second benefit is that you gain the advantages of compounding, which is when your dividends themselves begin to create dividends.

This is the real pot of gold.

4 Invest in appreciating assets Buy a flat! Stop renting and helping someone else pay off their mortgage. If you think that you can’t afford the down payment, think again – there are many ways to cross this bridge. The beauty of buying a flat is that you use borrowed money to leverage your purchase – but you don’t have to give any of that appreciation back to the bank. You’ll never have to be subject to the bi-annual 20% rent increase again.

And best of all, you can paint the walls any color you like! Of course there are many ways to invest your money safely and with excellent returns. You don’t need much to get started – but you do need to start. No, your MPF isn’t going to be worth much by the time you retire, it’s just one component of many that you’ll need. Even the HK government will tell you this.

5 Stay tough Financial independence is a long-term goal – you can’t achieve it over-night unless you win the Mark Six. We all need to take a long-term perspective and not give up even when things look tough. Markets will certainly go down, but they always go up again.

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THE PRICE OF AGING GRACEFULLY

$107

$3510-7800

$290

$23,900+

(Brow & mini face lift)

$109k-1.95m (Annual preservation fee not included)

NOT FOR SALE 23

Daniel, 24 When and how did you find out about your HIV status?

I found out about being HIV positive in January this year. I have always gone for regular STD/STI check-ups every 6 months. My last check-up before December was at the end of July and I tested negative.

Due to this I knew that my infection was recent.

What was your initial reaction?

My initial reaction was shock, followed by a sense of duty and calm. Strangely enough, when I was told about my infection the first thing I did was message anyone who I thought could have been infected or infected me and told my work about my status. I realized that if I was infected then it was my duty to make sure anyone who I had put at risk or who was at risk needed to know. After this I went for a drink with my friends and tried to plan my next few steps and researched things thoroughly. Finally, that evening I went home and spoke to my family. Only after having all of these things sorted did I let myself feel the weight of having an incurable illness.

What was your family’s reaction? What is their response now?

My family’s reaction was strange. When I told them, their first words were “well that’s the end of your sex life”. This was followed by advice and general support for my well-being, but within a week I realized how seriously our relationship was affected. When I tried to speak to them about my status, I was told they needed time and that I did not understand the pressure and stress I was putting on them. This led to a 3-month silence, meaning that all of my support network came from my friends. When I saw them at Easter, I was faced with a lot of prejudice and judgment for being irresponsible in their eyes. I decided to give them more time and wait. Then on my birthday in August, I received a message and an apology, but even though we are on messaging terms I still find it hard to speak to them.

What is your treatment? Do you get any assistance with medicine from the HK government?

My treatment is 4 pills a day, I take them in the evening and luckily there are minimal side effects. I found that choosing the medication was interesting because there are many combinations to choose from and each have their different side effects. I am very impressed with the HIV care in Hong Kong.

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Since I was infected, they have helped me sort everything out and have been very supportive. They offer counselling, support groups and you can ring them if you have any questions you need to ask. The medication is very cheap and subsidized due to my Hong Kong ID card. For 3 months of medication it costs me only $30-40HKD. What’s been the biggest change in your life? What’s been the most difficult?

The biggest change to my life has been in dating and facing discrimination by the community. Certain people in the community are still uneducated on the advancements in HIV care and still believe it is the killer it was in the 1980’s. HIV is still a very dangerous and deadly disease but if it is discovered early then it can be treated and many HIV sufferers can live long, healthy lives. I realized that if I was going to date again then I needed to show everyone how alive and amazing I felt, which is why I am very open about my status and believe in living life to the fullest.

My positive outlook and openness about my status has meant that many HIV sufferers come to me for support.

What have you learned from your experience?

What’s your message?

I have learned how strong I am as a person and who my real friends are. I have also learned that many people are still terrified of the HIV virus and discriminate according to this.

My message is very simple: “Do not discriminate against people with HIV. We are not monsters, we are just people who have an illness.

Keep yourself protected and test yourself regularly as anyone can have HIV and chances are they won’t even know it. If you are infected, remember an illness does not define you are, YOU DEFINE WHO YOU ARE”.

COMMUNITY

The Future of HIV Treatment 5 Things to Know About HIV Medications ERADICATING HIV-1 A team of Temple University School of Medicine researchers has designed a way to snip out HIV1 genes for good. HIV-1, the most common type of the virus that causes AIDS, has proved to be tenacious. It inserts its genome permanently into its victims' DNA, leaving patients with no choice but to follow a lifelong drug regimen to control the virus and prevent a new attack.

"This is one important step on the path toward a permanent cure for AIDS," says Kamel Khalili, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Temple. Khalili and his colleague, Wenhui Hu, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Temple, led the team that accomplished the first successful attempt to eliminate latent HIV-1 virus from human cells. "It's an exciting discovery, but it's not yet ready to go into the clinic. It's a proof of concept that we're moving in the right direction," added Dr. Khalili. “The same technique could theoretically be used against a variety of viruses,” he says.

"Since HIV-1 is never cleared by the immune system, removal of the virus is required in order to cure the disease," says Khalili, whose research focuses on the neuropathogenesis of viral infections. The team’s research proves that there are molecular clues that hold promise to a therapeutic vaccine.

However, Khalili admits the approach of HIV1 eradication faces several challenges before the technique is ready for patient use. First, the researchers must create a method to deliver the therapeutic agent to each infected cell. Because HIV-1 is prone to mutations, treatment may also need to be individualized for each patient's unique viral sequences.

"We are working on a number of strategies so we can take the construct into preclinical studies," Khalili says. "We want to eradicate every single copy of HIV-1 from the patient. That will cure AIDS. I think this technology is the way we can do it."

TRUVADA Doctors now have another weapon against HIV/ AIDS in their arsenal, and it’s a potent one. For the first time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug treatment that will prevent infection in healthy people.

The drug, called Truvada, which is already approved for the treatment of HIV in infected patients, works by lowering the amount of virus circulating in people’s blood. But clinical trials show that it can also protect uninfected high-risk people from acquiring the virus, if they take the drug daily before and after exposure.

The approval is controversial. Some public health experts argue that allowing the drug to be used for prevention will foster a false sense of security among users, leading people to believe mistakenly that they are immune to the virus and reduce their use of condoms. However, the FDA determined that the benefits of expanding the pool of people who may use Truvada to protect against HIV made it worth approving. Here’s what you need to know.

The drug, made by Gilead Sciences Inc., is approved for healthy, uninfected people who are at high risk of contracting HIV through sex. These include sex workers and people with partners who are HIV-positive or engage in high-risk behaviors, such as using IV drugs.

In one study, healthy gay and bisexual men who took Truvada daily and were counseled about safe sex practices lowered their risk of becoming infected by up to 42%. In another study involving heterosexual couples in which one partner was HIVpositive, the uninfected partner had a 75% lower risk of contracting HIV if they took Truvada.

Sources: Temple University, HIV Data from World Health Organization (WHO), Healthland- TIME Magazine, webmd.com

1 It’s easier to take than it used to

be. A lot of people with HIV just take one pill once a day. That’s it. That one combination pill --Atripla, Complera, or Stribild -- packs in all the different active ingredients you need. Most people don’t need the “cocktails” with complicated dosing schedules anymore.

2 You have lots of options. Some

people need drug combinations. There are six classes of antiretroviral drugs for HIV and more than 30 drugs. If one doesn’t work or causes side effects, the doctor has many other choices.

3 Medications work for a long time.

People used to worry that their drugs would stop working after a while and that they’d have to keep switching to new ones. That’s not really a risk now.

“As long as you keep taking your medications, the same treatment can work for decades,” Hare says.

4 Drugs have fewer side effects.

While specific side effects depend on the drug, HIV treatment is much safer and easier to tolerate than it used to be. For most people, side effects - like upset stomach and diarrhea - are minor and often go away. Long-term risks include cholesterol problems and weakened bones. But even so, the risks of treatment are much lower than the risks of not getting it, Hare says.

5 You may start taking medication as soon as you’re diagnosed. Many experts believe that the sooner you start treatment, the better. However, some doctors prefer to wait until your CD4 count, a measure of some immune cells, drops to a certain point before starting treatment. See what your doctor recommends.

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OCCUPY TOLD through space

by Rik Glauert

Towards the end of September, as the scorching Hong Kong summer began to lose some of its sweaty bite, Hong Kong changed. Ten-lane avenues of tarmac ploughing between Hong Kong’s iconic skyscrapers accustomed to the steady beat of tyres became the stage for a battle of power and dreams.

The recent events in Hong Kong have been labelled as many things: a boycott, a protest, an uprising, a movement, even a revolution. Most prominent is a word that has obtusely squeezed itself into small talk across the city and now the world – occupy.

When Occupy Central was first muted over a year ago the term felt somewhat indolent; an imitation of anti-capitalist movements in the US and Europe. Yet to occupy (defined as to fill, to take up) has been absolutely critical in the story of Hong Kong’s peoples’ recent bid for true democracy. Space, presence and occupation are the real tools of Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution.

On August 31st Beijing ruled that although universal suffrage would be granted for Hong Kong’s election of the Chief Executive in 2017 choice would be limited to two or three candidates screened by a committee. In a flurry of rejoinders, protest group Occupy Central announced they would implement their plans for mass civil disobedience whilst student groups the Federation of Students and Scholarism promised class boycotts and protests.

A week of class boycotts culminated on 26 September when student protestors occupied Civic Square at the heart of Government. Here begun the power play between the public and private space. As the name suggests, Civic 26

Square was originally intended for public use.

Former Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yamkuen said that Civic Square was a “reminder telling us (the Government) to be liberal, openminded and proactively solicit public opinion at all times.” The metaphorical ramifications of erecting a 3-metre high security fence to block public access to Civic Square in July were clearly lost on those at the top.

When student leader Joshua Wong led the charge over this fence and over 100 students occupied the square, space became the language in a dialogue about the very future of Hong Kong. Students occupied the area around the Government Offices throughout that weekend and by Sunday 28 September Occupy Central organisers called their own movement to start early. Throughout the day, citizens massed in Admiralty to show support for the embattled students and add their voices to the call for real democracy. The sheer volume of people broke police lines and spilled onto Connaught Road, the main East-West artery of Hong Kong Island.

Thousands of demonstrators voted with their bodies as they occupied the streets surrounding the Government offices in Admiralty.

Demonstrators stumbled onto the highway with wide eyes, bemused by being present in a space that just minutes earlier was the preserve of traffic. In response police deployed pepper spray, baton charges and finally tear gas, with the humble umbrella protesters only defence.

Hong Kong’s streets took on that iconic semblance of ‘unrest’. In an area of Hong Kong where brunching and junk trips are the modus operandi for many who strut the streets, the clouds of smoke and gas-masked

police in green fatigues distorted the Hong Kong that they knew.

It was the images of battered students with medical masks and clingfilmed faces splashed across the news and social media that lifted tens of thousands of people from their seats to the streets. Expressing outrage on social media and retweeting an image or updating a status was no longer enough; Hong Kong peoples’ biggest response was a real sense of physicality.

Travelling from across the territory (sometimes as a family, a couple, a group of friends but also alone) people needed to be present to voice an objection. They occupied Admiralty, Central, Causeway Bay, Mong Kong and, at one point, even TST and Wan Chai.

After this initial flourish of drama the police stood down and Hong Kong’s protests began to take on a nature that would demarcate them from other movements around the world – a dedication to peace. Small acts of kindness and compassion such as sharing food and water, offering masks and clingfilm, or fanning heated crowds defined the Hong Kong peoples’ commitment to non-violence.

Signs and posters popped up that promoted non-violence or apologised for the occupation.

One read ‘Sorry for the inconvenience, we fight for democracy.’ Supply centres, first aid tents and recycling stations were erected on day one before libraries, study zones, democracy classrooms, clothing exchanges and art areas were established on Hong Kong’s streets within a week. This appropriation of apparently public space for very civic means is the rallying call of Hong Kong’s protests and has garnered media attention worldwide.

COMMUNITY

RETIRED RECYCLERS

by Amy Poulton

We’ve all seen elderly waste-collectors on the streets with their trolleys of cardboard, aluminium trash and incredible up-hill pushing strength. But have you ever wondered why so many of Hong Kong's elderly are on the street, scavenging through bins to recycle?

This infrastructure was only surpassed by the splurges of creativity in posters, signs and installations that were also conjured by protesters.

The iconic umbrella man forged by students from Baptist University, the umbrella sculpture, the Lennon Wall of encouraging post-it notes and origami umbrellas all added to a sense of permanency of the space. As occupiers were forced to return to work or lessons, the creators’ time, dedication, and skill became a proxy for their physical presence ensuring support.

The current ‘spacial’ crisis in Hong Kong expresses Hong Kongers’ desire for true democracy and to hold their government accountable, but it also creates a vision of what Hong Kong could be. In a society where making money has been the primary concern almost since Hong Kong’s inception, the occupy zones are centres where the needs of the people are put ahead of those of big businesses and the government.

With Occupy, the people have space to use areas of the city centre as they please and the implications have been felt throughout the city. The air is the clearest it has been in years – the road closures mean more people are taking public transport and using park and ride schemes that had hitherto gone unnoticed.

To occupy has taken the millennials offline. They are engaging with politics and demanding a voice in their future and being very clear about what it means to be from Hong Kong. Their occupation of prime Hong Kong property has awakened a political consciousness, a communal spirit, a sense of identity and a civic mindedness. Whatever the destiny of the Occupy movement this surely cannot be undone.

‘This is a social phenomenon in Hong Kong,’ explains a social worker from the District Elderly Community Centre (DECC).

‘The elderly search for waste paper and cans from the bins in streets which can be exchanged for a small amount of money (around 20-30 Hong Kong dollars per day). Many of the elderly aged 70-80 were refugees of the Chinese civil war and migrated from the mainland to Hong Kong during 1950-1960. Most of them received no formal education and may be illiterate. They are unskilled workers and at a disadvantage to compete for a job when they are retired. In Hong Kong, there is no public pension scheme for the retired person. If they are not civil servants, without enough saving, collecting waste paper is one of the ways for them to earn some income.’

When 1 in 3 elderly residents in HK are living below the poverty line, it’s a bit odd that the Hong Kong government can afford to provide free newspapers for well-off commuters but doesn’t provide ample financial support for elderly residents.

Although there is some financial help for the elderly, the system is heavily flawed. The assessed Comprehensive Social Security Allowance (CSSA) provided by the government is only HKD3,055 per month and to qualify, the children of the elderly must announce they are unable to take care of their parent, which they may be unwilling to do to protect their dignity.

These elderly waste-collectors expose themselves to injury and disease through their work, but the social workers at the DECC also see the psychological impact: ‘Some of the elderly we meet describe themselves as ‘garbage’ – ‘discarded’ and ‘useless’. Others are proud of being independent and see themselves as useful contributors to society – they can be very determined to continue their work and may refuse the CSSA because of their beliefs in self-reliance.’

Although the sight of aging Hong Kong citizens rifling through rubbish bins at 4am breaks my heart, just like all of us tied up in the general chaos of city life, I am guilty of looking the other way. The problematic and prevalent topic of elderly poverty in Hong Kong needs to pop our busy city-life thoughtbubbles. So for your good deed of the day, get in contact with the District Elderly Community Centre (DECC) or St James’ Settlement to find out how you can help.

Photography by Zachariah Brown.

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Young tales of old

by Jason Kwan

Shmily welcomed me with a flamboyant pink t-shirt and a half-shaved head, trotting up to me with his tote bag, leading me to his apartment for our interview. He tells me his drag-name is an acronym elaborating to “See How Much I Love You”, expressing himself as someone full of love and compassion. He’s currently in his 70s and has recently been featured in Dr Travis Kong’s book, “Oral History Of Older Gay Men”, also being on the cover-photo of the book. We discussed his experiences of growing up in HK as a gay man, with his stories lending a delicate insight into the mentality and atmosphere of the gay scene back in the day.

As I interviewed Shmily, with questions on gay culture, politics, and his personal experiences, he answered in stories, providing me with a contextual background of the time. His stories mostly revolved around sexual encounters and sexual experiences, seemingly shying away from the “bigger” questions on identity, coming out, and politics. However, after hearing his multiple stories, it finally became clear to me: the older identity of homosexuality was a sexual one, a satisfaction of the sexual desire, and not a lifestyle that could be pursued. All my questions regarding relationships were answered with one-night stands, because relationships were rarely possible, and it was only idealistic to have a long-term relationship at the time. The climate was different then, and homosexuality could only be a sexual desire to be satisfied.

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Could you tell me about the gay scene and meeting people back when you were growing up?

The scene had no future. Meeting people was extremely difficult. I’m only starting to learn about meeting people online now. If in the toilets, two people were compatible, then they would go for it. When saunas were introduced, I couldn’t go to meet people: I had to work and make a living, and this was true for many LGBT friends. Hearing my friends talk about it, the scene started to get into clubbing: Disco Disco (DD), but I couldn’t go either, as drinks were unaffordable. Life was about earning money; there was no liberty to explore a gay-lifestyle. I did look in the newspapers’ Lonely Hearts sections for pen-pals, though.

Nowadays, saunas are more popular and accessible because they’re easier to get to. Some places, however, are very discriminatory to the older gay generation. I remember in 1964, most vividly, there was this one sauna, I don’t mind bad-mouthing it at all, called Jungle. We went up, 3pm, on a Saturday, “Sorry members only”, okay, well let me register as a member now then. “It’s full,” What? It opens at 2pm, it just opened, and now it’s already full? I don’t believe you, but fine.

At that time, I was still answering the Rainbow Centre hotline. If someone called to ask for a sauna recommendation, I would definitely not say Jungle. Therefore, I went to the EOC to sue the sauna, and as typical, my letter was referred to the Consumer Commission, and I just never

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heard back. They’re very discriminatory too. At another sauna, after I paid to get in, I went to change in the locker room, but they came in to give me my money back. I couldn’t make a fuss.

If I did, they would have just singled me out as the old guy, making a scene. Fine, so I’ll go somewhere else. It spoils the atmosphere. Now if you went at 4pm, on weekends, places are full and you have to line up to get in. They also have soup at this sauna I go to, home-made soup. They know that a lot of elderly gays don’t have soup at home, because no one’s there to cook for them, or they don’t have the time to just boil soup. The owner, a straight man called Uncle Ping, boils soup for all of us, and so at 3pm we all line up for soup. If the sauna isn’t that full, he would shout through the overhead microphone telling us to come have soup! So if you’re in the sauna in the middle of something, you pause and go get soup!

This atmosphere is very much like an elderly home. So it got me thinking: why don’t we, as the elderly members of the community, request that the government open up an LGBT elderlyhome? I always say, if someone donates a piece of land, one of those billionaires in Hong Kong, $30M would be enough to build an elderly home.

It wouldn’t cost them that much at all! This would give the LGBT elders security and something to do. The government is willing to invest a lot of money in creating a specially designed “safespace” for those who are blind, wrapping every corner of every table with styrofoam: if they are able to invest in such minute detail, why can’t they do something for the LGBT elders? We, as part of society, have offered so much throughout our lifetime - don’t we deserve a little bit in return at the end of our lives?

There is one thing about going to a general elderly home - we don’t fit in. The areas of conversation are all about their sons and daughters, grandchildren, and the younger generations. We don’t have that, and so naturally, we don’t get along with the majority of the crowd.

For us, it’s conversations about courting boys and our sexual adventures! These are our topics of interest!

Of course, they might have restrictions on LGBT elders who once had heterosexual marriages, but if they are LGBT, they must be accepted! A lot of people in the LGBT community are in the nursing industry, so we could hire them to work at LGBT care-homes. People need to know that just because we’re older, doesn’t mean we don’t have a sex-drive! I think it’s harmless for us to hire a good-looking Filipino or Thai nurse to take care of us. Young nurses will have enough strength to help us shower, get-dressed, give us massages, take good care of us…

This is our dream! A future plan. I’m not advocating for marriage, as that time for us has passed. But at least let me fight for my dignity at the end of my life, to have a place to stay and live out my final years. This is the difference between the young and the old in our advocacy and strife.

But with the younger generation, marriage is definitely something worth advocating for. But I’m not interested in politics anymore. When we were younger, for the sake of earning money we had to work, we didn’t have time to advocate or to enjoy life as LGBT individuals. I want to encourage youths to fight for an elderly-home, because they might need care in the future too!

This could become a snowballing effect: if those who live in the elderly home pass away, and they leave a portion of their money to the home, we can expand and develop it, and maybe even open another! It gives us a purpose and happiness in life, instead of feeling even more disenfranchised in society. With happiness, we have positive energy, and this would easily prevent depression.

We’ve already had a tough life in society, being restricted to toilets for sexual release and working hard to earn a living, why can’t we have a bit of relief at the end of our lives? My friends are becoming more depressed now, refusing to leave their homes, mostly because mobility isn’t easy anymore. And since fate has decided to give me visibility through Travis’ book, I want to encourage people to come out to have dim-sum, to socialise, and enjoy each others’ company.

Travis organises a lot of events, wanting to create a community which never was able to thrive.

We call it “Gay and Grey”. As an LGBT centre, we want to grow and establish an LGBT elderly home. This could be a healthy cycle: “Youngster,

come teach the elders how to use a phone, teach us about computers and the internet…” There are so many activities for us to enjoy and learn, and this would help us feel that life is still worth living.

At this point, Shmily released a beautiful smile, and his eyes were immersed with hope and joy. To have such a grand goal after experiencing years of suppression and an inability to be his own, I couldn’t help but smile in return, understanding how rewarding an LGBT elderly home is for the elderly community.

You mentioned that you have a lot of LGBT friends who are in heterosexual marriages, what were their reasons and stories?

I have so many married gay friends: When we were young, you could get hard easily, and I guess they can get used to the sex. And so, procreating wasn’t that difficult. But when I know it’s not possible to have sex with a girl, and that I can’t do it, what am I supposed to do then? Why should I kid myself by forcing myself to get married?

The mentality went: If your father and I are “okay”, how could we have given birth to someone who’s not “okay”? Being gay wasn’t accepted and it didn’t follow their logic.

I have a friend, the 9th generation of sons, he had a lot of pressure from his parents to marry and have children. I asked him two questions: “Can you do it?” and “Do you enjoy it?”. He replied, yes, to both. And so be it. He agreed to the marriage, and on their wedding night, the couple watched porn together. Once he was hard, they went for it. She became pregnant, but the baby was a girl - they wanted a boy to continue the lineage. And so the father urged him to try again, and here is where it was tough for him. It was unnatural for him and completely contrived to have sex with her. It was forced. So I suggested they repeat the tactics of their last attempt, through watching porn. But finally after he got his wife pregnant, she caught him bringing another man home.

She wanted a divorce. The product was that it wasn’t meant to be - the marriage only happened because of familial pressures.

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YOUNG TALES OF OLD

Another friend of mine, I asked him, why did you suddenly get married? Confused and dazed by society’s expectations, he said to me, “I guess a man’s role in life is to get married, right? I wouldn’t feel like I’ve achieved all my life goals if I don’t get married…”. It was a rite of passage for him, and he didn’t see the responsibilities that came with marriage. It was simply a norm that must take place for him and many others, to feel accomplished in life.

I remember a friend, he was a construction worker. After work, his colleagues would hire prostitutes, and so would he. Clothes come off, she sits on top of him, but hey, he’s not hard. So what are you supposed to do then? It was difficult for him to pretend. Instead, I brought him to a sauna and introduced him to a friend. Young, vibrant, and pretty - my friend hadn’t tried gay sex before. I met him through the Rainbow hotline. He called me at Rainbow and asked for a sauna recommendation. The procedure was that the caller had to make himself known at the centre physically first before we met outside of the centre. Right after he saw my friend, he was hard as steel. And so he knew himself, what we all knew already. You can’t kid yourself. Now when his colleagues hire prostitutes, he sneaks out to go to the saunas or to Shen Zhen for massages. He’s even more involved than I am now, always telling me which boys are the best looking! He’s found his release and he’s happy. He hasn’t harmed anyone in the process.

My mantra to the younger generations is that we’re all people: gay or straight, we all have to reason in life, make a name for ourselves, fight for our futures, strive for success and our passions, respect our parents… The only difference is that some of us love men, and some of us love women.

Do you think it’s easier for older LGBT people to come out in society now?

I don’t think so. They have no courage; they fear the reactions of their children and grandchildren, even if their wives have already passed away. But with Travis’ book, it has given our generation a new visibility. For example, here you are interviewing me! And so have many TV and Radio stations around Hong Kong. There is an interest in our stories and our experiences, which I am more than happy to share with your generation.

People ask me, “You’re in your 70s, and you choose this moment to come out? What’s the point anymore?”. I tell them that it’s been a struggle not being able to tell anyone, an it has been unnecessary stress on me. Our mentality is different from the current mentality. Coming out wasn’t necessary before, because being gay was only a sexual preference, not a lifestyle. Now, youths have the freedom to find someone they love for love’s sake, not just for sex.

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For me, I used to have a lovely girlfriend - she was very dear to me and treated me very well. We used to go partying together, slow-danced, but I felt nothing. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it, it’s just that I knew what I really liked. I’ve experienced the pains of awkward sexual encounters with her, and even my parents tried to force us to marry and have children. So my mother asked my uncle to take a shower with me…guess for what reason! She wanted to see if I had the necessary tools. “Here they are”, I told him, “here they are”, I showed him. I was in my 40s! I was just satisfying my Mom’s fancies. She couldn’t accept that she wouldn’t have grandchildren, unfortunately.

I think she knew I was gay, but it remained unspoken of. In Travis’ book, only 1 person out of 13 had told his Mom. No one else dared. When my ex-girlfriend saw me on the cover of Travis’ book, she called me up: “Is that you? Are you playing around? You’re gay?!”. It was a beautiful surprise.

I enjoy my gay life. I’ve never once complained to God for creating me the way I am.

Was it difficult to not be able to come out when you were younger?

The need to come out wasn’t as great as it is nowadays. The internet didn’t exist, so we simply used public bathrooms to meet people. There wasn’t a fear of being exposed on the internet.

The community, in a funny way, was in the toilets. We would go yum-cha together and phone each other - it was just a different way of meeting people. The world has changed with technology…talk about Skype! But is it better for people to come out at an earlier age? Before they are independent from their families? I don’t think so. Financial independence is important. Who dares hire anyone seemingly controversial, let alone gay. Even youth protestors these days won’t be able to find employment - they’re too publicly known. In my experience, it’s better to stay low-key. But with celebrities, they should take an initiative to come out and use their already established voice: there are so many LGBT celebrities, and their courage could change the way society views our community for the better.

Tell me some stories your own adventures with your friends!

Once every year, for 15 years already, I go to Thailand with my pen-pal. We’ve been pen-pals for 30 years now. I trekked all the way to Malaysia to see him once, only to be turned away. After hiking up a mountain to the small village he lived in, he told me to leave. His mother was there, so I had no choice but to go home.

He was so afraid and so timid. Even when he met gay Malays at saunas who spoke his dialect he wouldn’t reply, in fear that he would be outed in some way. But now he feels liberated and has release. Traveling with me, he doesn’t feel trapped anymore. He is able to just be who he is. His son, has just turned 18, and is studying in England, by the way.

We used to pen-pal through newspaper ads: We begin through casual conversation, and as the months go by, we slowly drop hints here and there, until, if lucky, we reach the part where we both know we’re gay. It was completely discreet: all we asked were age, interests, books…we didn’t dare to drop any hints that were too obvious. It’s tedious and very difficult to meet people this way, but there wasn’t any other way. However, I am learning how to use Jack’d and mobile phones now!

I have a friend, it’s been 50 years now, we met at church. He first found out that I was gay when he read my diary, but it was fine for me, as we are such close friends. It was never awkward because we knew each other so well. He asked me, “Why are you this way?”, and well, I couldn’t be any other way! He then told me, “I want to explore this too…”. Perfect for him, I was a match-maker.

But with the dating climate at the time, people weren’t serious about relationships. It was just about sex. A few years later, he met a girl and knocked her up. He is unable to leave his son and wife now, even though he has a male lover.

My friends get worried when the matches I make for them become needy - they’re afraid of commitment. Playboy culture was the trend: my friends had a few guys going at the same time. But we did look out for each other in the workplace, helping each other get jobs and promotions. In that respect, we were supportive of each other.

But nobody was looking for anything serious. It just wouldn’t work in the suppressive society we lived in.

Another one of my friends, he has a daughter now, and she’s a lesbian. Their sexualities are unspoken of, and I have tried to persuade him to come to Shen Zhen or Thailand with me for a massage to find release. He would give excuses, saying that he was ticklish! And this was coming from someone who has sex with his wife…fullyclothed! We don’t know their grief and suffering in their oppression. He wanted the title: Mr and Mrs. Only through marriage can you get that.

Secrets are taken to the grave. But do they have each other’s love? I fear not.

What do you love most about the gay scene today?

Pride is so much fun. I’m able to dress up in drag and release all my stress and insecurities that have been building up over my entire life. Pride is a parade - I’d love to join in the Prides overseas, 60,000 people in Australia I hear? The energy must be amazing. I can get made-up, put my dress on, where no one can recognise me, have all the attention surrounding me, and just be free. I love it. See you all there this year!

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ORAL H I S T O RY

O F G AY M E N I N H O N G KO N G

Earlier this year, Dr Travis Kong, Associate Professor of Sociology at HKU, released his latest book Oral History of Older Gay Men in HK. Dr Kong, who has dedicated much of his career in academia to researching, sharing and publishing studies on sexual minorities in Asia, collected stories from 12 gay men over the age of 60 through monthly chats over dim sum. The men spoke fluently of experiences that they had rarely verbalised before, giving an insight into how life has changed for the gay community over the last few decades and how they are often ignored and even stigmatised by the modern LGBT community. These meetings inspired him to invite 4 photographers, Chan Ka Kei, Gyorgy Ali Palos, Bobby KH Sham and Wong Kan-tai to create images of his subjects that capture their current lives whilst protecting the anonymity of the closeted and more private men among the group.

This intimate photography has received international interest from online media and has been exhibited at both HKU and King’s College London.

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ORAL HISTORY OF GAY MEN IN HK

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Photography by Chan Ka Kei 33 (color) Gyorgy Ali Palos pg 32,35 Bobby KH Sham pg 33 (b&w)

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Photo Credit Ren Hang

Culture 38 Film Coming-of-age Films 41 Style Covershots 46 Travel Age Matters 50 Art Carol Rossetti 54 Fashion Vintage Love 56 Food Dried and Tested 58 Photo Ren Hang 64 Stage Unsung Idols 67 Sex Sex Ed

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5 PLUG’s

TOP FIVE

coming-of-age movies

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by Sean Broadhurst The coming-of-age tale: a classic genre that explores the journey from youth into painful, awkward, gloomy maturity. You take a kid, teach them some life lessons (usually about parents or heartbreak), add some cheesy Dad-rock over a tearjerking montage (maybe some Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel) and you’ve got yourself an instant hit. We all remember these movies from our childhood and when we watch them now, we can look back with a nostalgic wistfulness and still feel our hearts touched. Or, we can think, “Wow, did I really cry at the end of Land Before Time? No wonder I had no friends.” Either way, in this issue of PLUG magazine, we’re going to take a look at some coming-ofage tales you might’ve missed out on. So stand aside Stand By Me and stand with PLUG as we take you through our top 5 comingof-age movies. {Cue the ‘My Girl’ soundtrack}

Yi Yi. Yi Yi presents us with the portrait of the Jian family and brings us not just one coming-of-age tale, but several. Edward Yang’s masterful portrait of urban life in Taipei is a beautiful and richly detailed character study of growing up and growing old in a big city. Yang earned himself Best Director at the Cannes film festival for Yi Yi and it is not hard to see why. Every long shot and intercut is imbued with a deep sense of beauty, quietude and sadness.

Though the story follows many different storylines, it focuses mainly on the lives of three Jian family members. The first one is NJ, the father, who has fallen on hard times while trying to do the right thing, his daughter, Ting Ting, who is first starting to learn about falling in and out of love, and his young son, Yang Yang, who is suffering an existential crisis he hopes to solve by taking pictures of the backs of people’s heads. The movie itself is over three hours long, but it completely earns the lengthy running time by remaining thoroughly engrossing throughout. It is often quite easy for long family sagas to teeter over into melodrama.

However, Yi Yi never slips into that territory, even with plot lines including a woman in a coma, a pregnant bride-to-be and an unexpected murder. (I know, it sounds pretty melodramatic, but I guarantee you it’s not) The journey of the three main characters and their growth along the way is so richly textured and deeply detailed, that you might almost miss it because of how naturally it progresses. The monologue in the final scene manages to be one of the most heart-breaking and simultaneously life-affirming messages about growing older ever presented on film. That contrast more or less sums up Yi Yi as a whole: a simple, yet utterly complex, life-affirming but heart-wrenching dramatic, but never melodramatic, quiet, but beautiful piece of cinema. GO NOW. WATCH IT.

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The Virgin Suicides.

While Yi Yi presents the experiences of growing up quietly and realistically, The Virgin Suicides presents growing up as a dreamy, pastel-colored mystery. Sofia Coppola’s first feature-film tells the story of the doomed Lisbon sisters through the eyes of a group of neighborhood boys. Taking place in the suburbs of Michigan in 1974, the story begins with the youngest Lisbon sister committing suicide. Following the incident, the overprotective Lisbon parents begin to isolate and confine their daughters at home which, of course, leads to rebelliousness and obligatory sexual awakenings. Though it is the a coming-ofage story about the girls, having their narrative framed by the neighborhood boys also gives the boys their own coming-of-age tale. However, this tactic also means the girls don’t exist so much as characters, but as a symbol of youth and the eventual loss of innocence. And so, as with most coming-of-ages tales, the pain of heartache and loss ultimately pushes both the audience and the characters unwillingly from innocence into maturity. But, hey, let’s not forget the achingly beautiful AIR soundtrack. At least we can all be happy about that, right?

Frances Ha. Alright, well, kids and teens have already had their fair share of coming-of-age tales, but where’s a coming-of-age story for the lost and aimless late-20s and early-30s among us, amirite? Well look no further than the thoroughly THOROUGHLY charming Frances Ha. We follow lovable goof, Frances (a spectacular performance from Greta Gerwig) as she stumbles haplessly from one comedic vignette to the next. The events of Noah Baumbach’s 2012 comedy play out almost like a Charlie Chaplin movie for the hipster set. The movie picks up just as Frances accidentally breaks up with her boyfriend and then loses her best friend/ roommate, Sophie. From there we travel along with Frances through New York City (and a brief trip to Paris) as she moves in with new roommates, finds and loses jobs, builds and destroys relationships and basically just stumbles her way through life.

It’s a coming-of-age story for the “grown-up” who wakes up one day and is like, “Oh wait, shit, I’m almost thirty. What….uh…. what now?” It’s a movie about wanting to follow your dreams but realizing, oh hey, that’s just like... not that doable. But despite that, the movie manages to remain completely uplifting, and, as stated earlier, THOROUGHLY CHARMING. 39

Boyhood.

This next film is a pretty, daring cinematic experiment, which is an actual, literal comingof-age story. Boyhood was released just this year, but director Richard Linklater has been working on it since 2002 when he cast a young actor as his lead. This movie has been 12 years in the making and follows the actor from childhood up until the age of 18. While the story itself is fictional, the audience does watch the boy (as well as Linklater’s own daughter, who plays the boy’s sister) grow up before their very eyes. The movie, as the title implies, explores the world of childhood through the boy’s eyes as he, again, literally, grows up. We see snapshots of family vacations, birthday parties, road trips; all the experiences, sometimes tumultuous, that are part of growing up. It is fascinating to watch not just the boy and his sister, but all the actors grow and transform over time. And not just the actors, but watching society and pop culture change along with it. All the music used in the soundtrack is from the time that the filming occurred and works as a time capsule of American life as well as a document of the boy’s childhood. Humungous in scope, but small and intimate in the details it presents, Boyhood is a both a wonderfully executed experiment and a skillfully constructed film.

Milk Money.

Now before I begin, let me just say that yes, this is a real movie. Someone had this idea, thought it was good, and then made this movie. This actually happened. Seriously. Ok, now I’ll continue. Milk Money tells the story of that timeless rite-of-passage that every young man must go through wherein he and his friends pool their money together, ride their bikes into the big city and HIRE A HOOKER. Oh, and did a mention that this is a family movie? For children? Frank and his two best friends ride into downtown and find a woman named V (played

by Melanie Griffith), and she agrees to show the children her breasts in exchange for money. But then through a complicated series of events, her pimp is murdered and a mob boss thinks that Griffith has stolen his money so she ends up living in Frank’s treehouse (In a genius idea from someone at the studio, the boys communicate with V via a tin can and string “telephone”). The rest of the movie sees V masquerading as Frank’s math tutor and falling in love with his father, played by Ed Harris, and then eventually bringing down the mafia and, I kid you not, SAVING THE WETLANDS. Though it only has 9% on Rotten Tomatoes, we at PLUG believe that Milk Money is hands down the best coming-of-age movie of all time. Or maybe the worst. We’re still on the fence.

Where do you weigh in on this or any of the other films? Write to us at culture@plug-magazine.com.

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COVERSHOTS Since Jesus Christ’s 2000th birthday there’s been rapid change and adaptations in print publishing, considering the growth and innovations within the digital realm. A magazine, in its contemporary context, is a communication tool. Pages of paper are bound together to express a point of view, stir up debate and educate their intended audience.

Whether it’s fashion, left-wing politics or kinky business, there is, or has been, a magazine for every nook and cranny of the globe’s societies and cultures. Niche markets have been catered for and the masses have had their fill of what’s hot and what’s not since the first general interest magazine was published in 1731 in England; perfectly titled ‘The Gentleman’s Magazine.’

Any publishing house will tell you that a magazine’s front cover is the main selling point for those wondering eyes at the newsstand, and trust us, we know a thing or two about that! From minimal aesthetics to full on cover-lines, straplines, buzz words and covermounts, the front cover is the main attraction in enticing a reader in. You only have to take a trip to Page One and see the rows and rows of visual treats on offer for us to gaze at and ponder which glossy issue to consume.

Considering the distribution of magazines is moving away from the traditional newsstands and bookshops, designers and editors are free from the restriction of following conventional formulae.

One formula that’s stuck around is the central image of a magazine cover. It’s got to attract, it’s got to be different, it needs to stand out from the rest, and many LGBT publications over the years have done that.

PLUG packed its suitcase and took a trip into the archives of gay and lesbian magazines of yesteryear, and now, to present to you an interesting bunch of front covers that were avant-garde, stylish and a little bit… well, you decide!

AFTER DARK After Dark was the legendary entertainment magazine of the 70s. Covering theatre, music, art and dance, it soon built up a gay following. It profiled many of Hollywood’s elite - Think Donna Summer, Dolly Parton, Bette Midler and Diana Ross. I don’t think you can get much 70s gay than that! Afterdark started printing articles on the gay community and ads for gay movies, bathhouses and book clubs. Considering its time in history there were also healthy servings of male nudity and the very sought after beefcakes! Its pinnacle was the 1977 issue ‘Musclebound for Glory,’ which hosted an array of bodybuilders in all their glory. Their coverstar? Mr. Schwarzenegger himself. Penis too.

Google it. We did!

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STYLE

PHYSIQUE PICTORIAL Physique Pictorial was founded by Bob Mizer in 1951 as a magazine dedicated to men’s fitness and health. Of course most gay men of the era knew it was a magazine published for them, considering it was full of attractive men in striking athletic poses. Due to censorship laws this was the only way Miser could get around the law and the stigmas attached to homosexuality.

The imagery associated with Physique Pictorial has become iconic over the last two decades, but for a gay man living in the 50s and 60s this was their only venture into gay culture. In the book Beefcake: The Muscle Magazines of America 1950-1970, the author, Valentine Hoovan, states, ‘those little physique magazines were not just an aspect of gay culture; they virtually were gay culture.’ For many gay men, wrote Hooven, ‘it was their first awareness that they were not alone, the first contact with others of their own kind.’

CHRISTOPHER STREET Christopher Street was founded in 1976 is New York and was published monthly. Its New Yorker-style aesthetic and gay literary editorial featured works of fiction, essays and reviews and stunning art and photography. The magazine’s content and politics were of a more serious tone in a post-Stonewell New York, with hints of satire and wit along the way. Alongside Village Voice, Christopher Street became a leading national gay publication and one of the first to use contemporary graphics in its design. Political commentary aside, Christopher Street had some humour and thought-provoking cartoons too.

THE LADDER The Ladder started in 1956 as a newsletter for the Daughters of Bilitis, a US organisation of lesbians. Its more personal stance on the needs of lesbians helped the publication grow to a 56-page typeset illustrated publication, which featured subscriber-submitted fiction, book reviews, poetry and news. In Vol. 4 1960, Niki of Minnesota wrote 'When The Ladder comes to my door once a month, I live in that secret world for approximately 20 or 25 minutes while I read each and every word and marvel at the work that is being done to alleviate the pain of falseness that most of us endure just for the sake of not being called queer.' It was in 1970 that the magazine went into decline when the DOB disbanded and funds eventually climbed back down into the pit of zero. Shame!

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COVERSHOTS

HEADMASTER MAGAZINE Headmaster promotes itself as ‘bi-annual art magazine for man-lovers’. Currently in its 6th issue, it had its humble beginning as a Kickstarter project back in 2010. Their pledge was: We, your Headmasters, are smart and sexy gay men, so each limited edition of Headmaster magazine will be smart and sexy as well. Headmaster will feature clever writing, provocative photography and mindblowingly nifty art projects. Since its first issue, Headmaster has stuck to its vision and delights its readers with smart writing and art-driven assignments from the world’s current ‘man-loving’ artist. Headmaster’s front covers are minimalistic in design with one central image, the masthead and issue number. Sometimes, that is all that’s needed.

Simplicity!

BUTT MAGAZINE BUTT Magazine landed on the laps of gay men in 2011. It created a bang with its nohold barrier to male nudity, sexiness and explicit Q&As with an array of influential and ordinary jack and joes of the queer world.

Its candid photography on pink paper and shockingly simple layout won the hearts and hardons of many homosexual men. BUTT’s tagline ‘BUTT matters. BUTT fills a home’, sums it up in more ways than one. In 2010 BUTT went digital and archived their print editions. Their website now has an equally pink-toned blog, FagMaps and the infamous CLUB BUTT; a unique social networking for the world’s alternative queer man. If you haven’t signed up, do it now!

DIK FAGAZINE Dik Fagazine is billed as ‘the first and the only artistic magazine from Central and Eastern Europe concentrated on homosexuality and masculinity.’ It was founded in 2005

by Karol Radziszewski, the Polish master of all things queer and DIY. It was during a Polish government proposition preventing gay people from being school teachers that the Dik Fagazine revolution began. The magazine’s low-fi design and editorial has gone from a gay fanzine into a specialist art publication with a clear focus on art from Eastern Europe. After a fire at Radziszewski’s studio, in which he lost all of his work and archive, the magazine took a hiatus, but banged back this August. Now in its 9th edition, we’re hoping it’s here to stick around a little while longer. We missed you!

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On the PLUG Shelf GIRLS LIKE US ‘GIRLS LIKE US is an independent journal turning the spotlight on an international expanding community of women from all genders within arts, culture and activism.’

ORIGINAL PLUMBING ‘A quarterly print magazine dedicated to the culture and lifestyle of transgender men.’

PINUPS ‘Pinups is a periodical transformable from book to poster. Each issue consists of images from a single male nude pictorial.’

OUT THERE MAGAZINE ‘Our aim is to celebrate the many fascinating expressions of global queer culture that extends beyond the mainstream, compendiums of arts, activism, fashion and travel.’

And the not so gay, but are totally gay...

• Fantastic Man • Arena Homme + • 10 Men

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AGE MATTERS

by James Gill Asia is a place of contrasts. Read any travel guide and you’ll barely make it a few sentences without hearing about the juxtaposition of East and West, rich and poor, old and new. They are wound up in cliches that most of us skim over without stopping to think what they actually mean.

It’s true enough, the contrasts exist. You stand outside a pristine, new shopping centre, in Bangkok, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, the air-conditioning blasting out through enormous, grandiose doors and there’s a woman selling barbecued meat or orange juice or mangoes from a grubby cart, by the roadside, in the baking sun. Whatever the social or moral implications it’s undeniably striking and is clearly something that sticks in the mind of not just travel writers but of anyone who visits Asia.

The contrast between old and new is an intuiting thing. On the whole, the Asian continent is moving forward at breakneck speeds. Anyone living in one of the wealthier capitals knows it, skyscrapers and futuristic malls rising up all over the place.

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In the mad rush though, there is barely a moment to stop and think. There is very little space, it seems, for sentimentality. The contrast between old and new is actually often the new making way for more new and the old vanishes in a cloud of dust and rubble. I won’t deny there have been times, living and travelling in Asia, when I’ve felt the strange comfort that a clean, modern shopping centre, with those familiar brands from home, can give. It’s not usually what we seek out when we go travelling, of course. Many people are searching for the holy grail of ‘real Thailand’ or ‘real China’ which we generally perceive to be the world seen in the rural areas of the countries we visit. We believe these places give us a glimpse of something authentic but also of what Asia may have been like in times gone by - albeit with mobile phones and Coca-Cola available at village stores. It’s the simpler way, that many of us yearn for in moments of rose-tinted nostalgia in our daily lives, and we look for it when travelling - a new and meaningful experience in something old.

TRAVEL

Taman Negara, MALAYSIA I wake up in a cave somewhere in the midst of Taman Negara, a 130 million year-old virgin rainforest, apparently one of the oldest on the planet. It’s hard not to think about age when you step into Taman Negara. You try to comprehend as you wander the trails around the entrance of the national park. In truth, it’s impossible to fathom but I felt closest to understanding, not by walking the pathways on the outskirts, but by getting deeper into the jungle.

My girlfriend and I were on a tight budget. We’d looked into tours but were wary of them; a big part of being a backpacker is going it alone and an essential part of it, for us, was trying to save money. After a couple of days attempting our own hikes, close to the entrance of the park, we gave up for fear of being lost or eaten, mainly by leeches. We took the plunge and booked a guided trek. Our guide took us, by boat, up stream and we were dropped off at our starting point. It was there that we began our 16km, two-day trek. In the middle of the dense vegetation, even with someone who’d walked the route hundreds of times before, you begin to feel your isolation and insignificance in the face of both nature and time.

Mottled sunlight shines through the ancient treetops as you clamber over gigantic roots, past creepers thicker than your entire body, the humidity closes in, it’s sweaty and exhausting. We heard animal cries and saw the prints of elephants, jaguars and other wild creatures. At one point our guide started whacking his machete against tree trunks and shouting loudly.

He later told us this was to ward off the tiger he’d heard through the tangled mass of plants.

That night, in Taman Negara, we slept in a cave, leech-bitten, covered in grime and sweat, our guide, our three Belgian companions, my girlfriend and I all huddled together on a canvas sheet, porcupines, like giant prickly rats, running round our heads. It was a humbling but fantastic experience. One that left me aching and exhausted, absolutely craving the comforts of the modern world, but also more aware of the wonders of these truly ancient and untamed areas of our planet.

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The Hutongs of Beijing, CHINA China is well known for it’s unsentimental stance towards its own history and past. Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution saw to it that copious amounts of historic and religious buildings, texts and artefacts were destroyed forever. Today, aggressive development of new buildings is putting more to the sword. Many of the ‘old towns’ seem so revamped that you begin to wonder how old they actually are anymore and the insane number of visitors leaves the old trampled under a weight of tourist tack, over-priced beer, guesthouses, flashing cameras, tour groups and entrance fees.

One thing that still retains its charm and can perhaps give us a glimpse into China’s past are the hutong areas of the capital, Beijing. The hutong are the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, some dating back over 700 years to the rule of Mongol leader Kublai Kahn. They are made up of grids of small alleys and narrow lanes, one-storey houses and courtyards behind wooden doors, through sagging archways. Among these lanes the pace of life changes considerably and it really does feel like stepping back in time. Children play on the quiet streets, old men sit smoking and playing chess, a bicycle rolls by. At night families come out with

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chairs and tables and sit down to meals together, the men drink beer on little stools outside convenience stores.

It’s not all good. The areas are very poor. You peek through the window of a rundown house and a whole family of five or more is sleeping in one room with one bed. In others prostitutes sit, all dolled up, waiting in doorways. Many of the houses seem to share public toilets rather than having their own plumbing. Just like the ancient rainforests of the world, the existence of these hutong is being seriously threatened by modern development.

You can see the arguments for new housing but, whatever the reasons, you have to feel tearing down these places is misguided. Some have been taken to by trendy types and hipsters opening cafes and galleries, which seems like an all right way to keep the architecture alive and rejuvenate the areas.

It’s not just about the buildings though; it’s also about the unique sense of community and the way of life in these old neighbourhoods, something enchanting and indefinable that would be hard, if not impossible, to recreate.

AGE MATTERS

The Temples of Angkor, CAMBODIA As far as monumental, ancient sights go they don’t get much bigger than the Angkor Archaeological Park, the name given to the vast system of temple ruins in the area surrounding Siem Reap, Cambodia. I was there a few days, three of which were spent visiting the temples, constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries, as part of the Khmer Empire. Many of the ancient buildings here were left to rot and collapse for decades, even centuries. Since being rediscovered, careful restoration work has gone on to return the ruins to their former glory while retaining their authenticity. Hiring a bicycle, one day, and cycling round was a highlight of my visit. There are people and tourist traps all over the place but it was difficult for the ancient grandeur of the temples to be diminished: some with endless intricate carvings and murals; others massive, towering above with giant, staring faces; some crumbling and decayed; others with thick tree roots knotted through, entwined with centuriesold stone.

On some level it’s impossible to comprehend even the hundreds of years of the temples of Angkor or the hutong, let alone the millions of Taman Negara. You get a sense of it though and you see and feel what has grown and developed in these places over time. Who can deny they don’t appreciate the comforts and ease of the modern world? Who can deny the people of developing Asian countries these joys or be surprised by the mad rush to get at them when they become available? The truth is that no one can or should.

We wander through as travellers but often have somewhere nicer to go when it’s all said and done. Perhaps it’s from a position of privilege or even ignorance that we are able to yearn for the ‘simple life’. It’s easy to sit in a cosy armchair with a glass of wine and discuss the value of the old, traditional ways. There is however an undeniable importance in retaining a link to our history and past. There is something about these places that fascinates and mystifies and stirs us. Something you can’t get from a book or cosy armchair or a TV programme or swanky mall. It’s something in the vastness and the age and of being here, among all that.

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ART

This Is Who We Are, And What?

by Liam Greenall

Carol Rossetti is a chocolate loving illustrator from Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The 26-year-old freelancer’s prominence in the digital world is forever growing, even though her work uses traditional mediums. Her knack for social media engagement has allowed her oeuvre to be viewed and thought about from every corner of the globe.

Over the summer, Rossetti’s illustrations from the series ‘The Women Project’ made their rounds on social media, creating a hype amongst the female masses.

The reason? Carol’s illustrations had an emotive and socio--political agenda, one that tugged straight at the heartstrings, but more importantly one that made you reflect on womanhood. Women count for 50ish percent of this world and yet their imperfect perfections are still scrutinized publically across the media and behind closed doors too. Carol’s work shouts out ‘this is who we are, and what?’ And for that PLUG Magazine applauds her.

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Like a lot of great art works ‘The Women Project’ grew and developed in a spontaneous way. Carol wanted to develop and practice her skill working with coloured pencil, while leaving a positive and uplifting note to her close friends and family. It was when she posted them on her Tumblr blog that things really took off…

PLUG got in touch with Carol, over in Brazil, to get a run down on the project and how it came about. Carol’s words are uplifting and inspiring and if everybody had an ounce of her energy and passion, the world, and its people, would be a more well-rounded place.

“When looking for a theme, I opted for intersectionality for being something that I acknowledge as a personal issue. It always bothered me the world's constant attempts to control women's bodies, behaviors and identities. This control is such a deep part of our culture that we hardly ever realize how cruel it is and how it restricts our personal choices. However, I don't believe it's enough to discuss

exclusively the issues that affect a specific group of women. We also need to talk about racism, homophobia, transphobia, classicism, xenophobia and ableism. The fight for equality and respect is very wide and should be inclusive.

Not all the situations that I portray are lived exclusively by women. Several of them can be experienced by any human being, and I invite all men to identify as well. This is not a project exclusively for women, nor only about women, neither about all women at the same time. The decision to draw only women was partly motivated by a personal identification.

But on the other hand, I find it interesting to awaken in men the chance to identify with female characters. I remember that when I was a kid it was common that the movies / books / animations starring female characters were seen as "for girls", while stories with male characters were "for everyone". The fact that my protagonists are women does not make this is project just "for girls."

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VINTAGE LOVE

by Lap Capistrano and John Gil It’s no real news to say Hong Kong is romantically involved with retro.

It’s a Sunday in Sheung Wan, and there are several strikingly well-dressed men and women lounging about in hip cafes comfortably loaning old-time elegance from decades-past fashion fads.

Grosgrain ribbon watch straps, beaded flapper headbands, and well-maintained leather wingtips; these Hong Kong hipsters are young and fashion-forward, yet they exude an elegance which borrows from days long gone.

Tucked in between two streets – Caroline Hill and Haven Street is the aptly-named InBetween.

InBetween wonderfully plays the role of a telephone line between the past and the present. At first glance its beautiful royal blue façade stands out in comparison to the cha chaan teng which flanks it. Outside are handcrafted wood-plank benches and stools where young fashionistas and elderly locals hangout with their milk teas; and for some odd reason you might not be able to place, the old and the new are married perfectly. It all just works.

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A brass bell hung by the doorway rings, and you’re in. Desman, the perpetually-smiling radiant shopkeep, peeks from behind the counter. The shop is small, but a step inside transports you to a place where time is irrelevant and it’s easy to lose yourself amidst the shelves of bric-à-brac which envelop you.

Kinn, the proprietor, is in Poland, but he’s not too busy to take time to answer a few of our questions: “I enjoy sourcing vintage items from my travels. I take the time to talk to the sellers, trying to find out the background and the history of the items. I particularly like small local markets and garage sales where the sellers are more willing to spend time to talk to you and share their story. This business is a great excuse for me to travel around talking to designers, too. I find that scrounging about old flea markets is a wonderful way of discovering the city and its people – both where it was in history and where it will be in the future.”

We get the feeling that Kinn doesn’t talk about vintage in a way where it’s all about solely looking forward through a window on the past.

“Vintage is about inspiration. It has a lot to do with taking the lessons from the old and creating something new with it or in some way improving it. I take what I learn with me into my work as a graphic designer.”

Knowing this, Kinn shows that he knows the heart of his clientele, too. The chic residents and tourists who flock to InBetween rest their eyes mostly on trends that are vintage yet look current and edgy.

We ask about the local retro scene, and Kinn says, “I think [the scene] is still very small in comparison to Europe, the US, Japan and other Asian countries. It has a lot to do with Hong Kong people not wanting to keep too much old stuff. Especially talking about the recent generations, kids love acquiring a lot of new things, and to make space, they throw away a lot of great quality stuff, and it’s a bit of a shame.”

But we agree with Kinn when he says, “But there will always be people who see value in the lessons of old.” There are always designers, fashionistas, and people who express their passion through style that

draw water from the well of the past. Poking through InBetween’s collections, we find not only items with history, but consignment from local designers that clearly pull inspiration from trends gone by.

Hats, sunglasses, neckties, wristwatches, movie posters, vinyl – the sights, the sounds and the smell is old, but something about the way everything is displayed and presented makes it relevant still. We ask Kinn why he chooses to be in the business of selling old things, and he speaks from the heart of a Hong Konger in love with vintage in saying: “We all love items that last. Great design, good quality, durable and made with great materials.

There’s also something to be said about how these items were made knowing there wasn’t any advanced technology at that time. People made things by hand using solid raw materials. People concentrated and spent more time on their design and on their craft.”

In other words, these things were made with more than love. And how can we not be in love with that.

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FOOD

Dried & Tested

by Sean Broadhurst We've all seen it before. The rows and rows of bins full of weird, dried...stuff.

The strange smells, the strange shapes, the strange abundance of the same ingredients in different shops all on the same street.

We've all wondered what these mysterious dried objects do and, most likely, wondered how these shops make money when they all sell the exact same thing at, presumably, the same prices. So what do these old, dried out things do? Well, PLUG has taken a look into some of the more curious items seen in the dried food markets and prepared a handy diagram so you can figure exactly what and where that old, dead animal can help heal you.

Fish Maw

Deer Antler

What does it cure?

What does it cure?

Fish Maw can be used as a calcium supplement, can aid with stomach disease, hemorrhoids, amnesia and can make your skin softer. If you are pregnant, it can also make your baby's skin softer. Oh, and it probably helps your penis too.

What do I do with it? Fish Maw is actually the dried air bladder of the fish, which helps fish to maintain their buoyancy in water. All you need to do with it is soak it for four hours or, preferably, overnight. Then you can chop it into pieces and boil it with some spring onion and ginger to make a lovely fish maw soup. It's high in protein and low in fat, so this is one bladder you don't have to cut out of your 21st century diet!

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The deer antler is said to help replenish blood, aid menstruation troubles, strengthen bones, tendons and, once again, to cure erectile dysfunction.

What do I do with it?

Just as with the geckos, deer antler is most likely to be ground down into a powder.

They recommend against decocting it, as the valuable properties of the deer antler tend to stick to your pot or to other herbs, making it a waste of money. However, you can soak it in wine to make a tincture. Or, if it's sliced thinly enough, you can just go ahead and eat it.

But BE CAREFUL, consuming too much deer antler can cause dizziness, excessive fire in the stomach and phlegm-heat in the lungs. I don't know much about phlegm, but I know I don't want it hot and in my lungs.

Sea Cucumber

Tokay Gecko

What does it cure?

What does it cure?

It can be used to treat constipation due to intestinal dryness, joint pain, and the general problems of the elderly. It's also being examined right now to see if it might have cancer-fighting abilities. Oh yeah, and it can treat erectile dysfunction. Go figure!

What do I do with it?

Well, unlike previous ingredients, you can actually cook with this one. But it's going to take awhile. You need to soak it for at least twelve hours and because it's relatively flavorless, most preparations involve further soaking, boiling or braising with other ingredients to give it some flavor. One interesting fact about the Sea Cucumber is that when they are threatened they can "autoeviscerate." This basically means that they can eject their entire digestive tract and then quickly grow a new one. I'm not sure how exactly this helps them to escape from predators, but I'm guessing the answer is "not very well," just based on how many dead and dried sea cucumbers there are in every shop in Sheung Wan.

Tokay Gecko has been suggested as a rememedy for asthma, bronchitis, scabies, erectile dysfunction, frequent urination and nocturnal emissions (the scientific term for wet dreams). In scientific studies, administration of water-soluble gecko powder even caused male mice testicles to gain weight! Maybe that's something you're also interested in?

What do I do with it?

The Tokay Gecko is sold dried and splayed open on a skewer. You can smash it into a powder or you can prepare a decoction.

A decoction is basically a combination of boiling the object, mashing the object, and straining the liquid to try and bring the valuable oils and essences out of it.

Otherwise you can mix the powder with water or put it into a pill and swallow. Who knows, maybe those weird men in the bathroom with the white powder were just trying to help you with your erectile dysfunction! Oh wait, that still makes them weird, doesn't it?

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PHOTO

REN HANG HAS NO RECOMMENDATIONS.

by Liam Greenall

If there’s one artist from Mainland China that explores its contemporary youth culture it’s Ren Hang. Born in 1987, under the one-child policy, his carefully staged photographs are exploitive and starkly fetishishtic. While most of his work uses the youthful body in its naked form, the photographs are deprived of any sense of self. They are void of the drama that comes with being a youth in the post-millennium, but create a new form of genre that’s hard to define.

Like many of his contemporaries the sexually charged imagery provokes an immediate response, but what makes Hang’s work different is his ability to amplify his constructed narratives into something more than being provocative. The photographs are subtly indulgent due to their deliberately staged and sculptured subject matter. They challenge the conventional codes of youth and society in still a highly conservative country and that’s why Hang has had initial difficulties in exhibiting his work in his home country.

While censored in China, his photographs have made their rounds across the art capitals of the world. He has a growing list of international shows and has been featured in publications such as Purple Fashion Magazine, VICE and Juxtapoz Magazine. He was also the recipient of the Annual Terna Prize for Contemporary Art a few years back. Pretty amazing achievements for an artist under the age of 30.

I was in contact with Hang just before he jetted off to France to work on his solo show ‘Anatomy of the Image’ at the 104 Kieber Galerie in Paris. ‘I am tooooo busy,’ he told me as I asked him his first question, and with that in mind I knew the interview would be short and to the point. Maybe we caught him off guard or maybe he was being bad-ass to stir up provocation, but like many a great artists, his enigmatic attitude is definitely alluring.

His new book, SON & BITCH, is out now at www.renhang.com

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How would you describe your photography work?

I don’t think it can be described…

What inspires you to create ?

Life can be too boring, so I have to occupy it.

How do you approach the people you use in your photography work?

Most are my friends, but now more and more strangers have started to be part of the process

Where do you think photography is going? What will it look like in 20 years?

Who knows?

Who inspired you when you were younger?

I don’t remember...

What's your advice for a young person who wants to get into photography?

No recommendations.

Any exciting plans for the next year ahead?

No. 59

16

UNSUNG IDOLS What ingredients are needed to make the perfect gay icon? Glamour? Talent? Wit? Whatever the qualities are, we have had many idols to look up to over the past 100 years. From Oscar Wilde to Lady Gaga, stars of the stage and screen have been put on a pedestal and admired by many a gay person. Whether it’s a pop power anthem or words of empowerment, gay icons have affected our community in many different ways. I’m sure if we asked any LGBT person to name that one star who helped them to come out, empower

their sexuality or had an impact on shaping their sexual self, they could name at least one.

But what about those unsung idols? Those who have little recognition or are not as well known as the usual Madonna, Cher and Kylie? An idol is someone who is greatly admired and loved.

Your hero. Your heroine. PLUG Magazine asked members of Hong Kong’s LGBT and arts community to share with us their unsung idol, their darling beloved of the stage and screen…

Lana Wong, 黃夏蕙 Chosen by Derek Ng Director of Ocean Concept & Look! Models

Mike Stock Chosen by DJ Stonedog Creative Director of Volume & Co-host of The Gaybourhoud

Born in 1930, Lana was an actress who was active in the 50s and 60s. She was well known for her extravagant outfits and make ups, which were fabulous! Beside all the focus on the way she looked, she was also a social movement activist. She supported minorities to have their rights protected. She openly supports the LGBT community. She has done a ton of interviews on the topic, and considering her old age, she is still trying to change the minds of conservative families that have a gay person in theirs. In a recent interview she said. ‘Love is simple… and could happen between 2 men, 2 women. As long as it's true love. Love is love, no matter what.’

To be honest, I cried a little after I watched that interview. We need more idols like her in Hong Kong.

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As a DJ/songwriter/producer my biggest idol has always been the UK songwriter and producer Mike Stock of legendary Stock/Aitken/Waterman fame. Whilst not a gay man himself, he wrote in his 2004 autobiography that he's always had an affinity with gay men and LGBT culture. In the mid-80's, Stock took the Hi-NRG sounds of the London gay underground clubs and successfully crossed it over into the mainstream. Essentially opening up the LGBT lifestyle to a wider audience and narrowing the gap between the bourgeois and the rebels. With hits like Dead or Alive's ‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)’, Rick Astley's ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ and Kylie's ‘I Should Be So Lucky, Mike's musical genius helped shaped the identities of young gay teenagers in the 80's.

I myself began to discover my own sexuality through his music as it certainly differentiated my music taste from my classmates!

Matthew Gillespie Chosen by Meaghan McGurgan Flame Dame, Tequila Provider Matthew Gillespie is a huge inspiration to me.

Yes, he's my roomie and BFF so I'm a little biased but let me tell you why he's so fab. He's constantly helping with charity events and raising awareness for serious issues that face our community. He's been trying for a year to get a charity production, "Elegies For Angels, Punks and Raging Queens" funded to raise money and awareness for the rising HIV statistics in Hong Kong. He's hit a lot of brick walls with the project and yet he keeps going. It's easy to be recognized when you're successful. But I think people who try for greatness and are shut down should be equally applauded. He's a former medical professional who gave up being a doctor for a life in the theatre. He's intelligent, passionate and empathetic towards all. He's my unsung idol

STAGE

Openly gay in real life, she created controversy back in 2011 when she and her girlfriend Camila Grey were ejected from a Southwest Airlines flight for arguing with a flight attendant who had asked them to stop kissing. Not only is Leisha super cute but she also is a multi-talented artist and has her own band Uh Huh Her with Camila Grey. As bisexual Alice, Leisha helped me accept myself, affirming that it was okay to fall in love with people and not a gender, something I was struggling with at the time along with the fear of not being accepted by either the straight or gay community. “It was just amazing to finally see yourself represented. That’s why I carry so much pride about being on this show. I’m excited to be a part of it because I know how big it was for me” she says on playing Alice. I recently found out that Leisha dated k.d. Lang for a long time – I wish I could have known them back then and been there for the jams!

Antony Hegarty Liam Greenall Editorial Director of PLUG Magazine It was in my second year at university, in a choreography workshop, that I heard two distinct and emotive voices erupt in vocal euphoria on a track titled ‘You Are My Sister’. I later found out it was from the Mercury Prize winning album I am a Bird by Antony and the Johnsons. With my sweatpants still on I rushed down to my local HMV to buy a copy of the album. Once I got back to my student digs the album was played over and over again. Each word, tone and expression that came out of Antony’s voice radiated through me like a soul leaving a corpse and coming back again for one last breath. I got to see Antony at the Manchester International Festival when he collaborated on a performance with two of my other idols, the theatre director Robert Wilson and performance artist Marina Abramovic in ‘The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic’. Being part of that experience was life changing. Imagine being in the same presence as all your idols, a very cathartic happening. His words and power on the future of feminism and transgender issues is admirable.

Listening to the track ‘Future Feminism’ on the album Cut the World is also another eye-opener, and for that he is my unsung idol.

Leisha Hailey Chosen by Emma Poney One half of Feed the Poney Many artists deserve recognition for inspiring LGBT people – think of the Indigo Girls, French writer Colette or Lily Tomlin to name a few of my favorites.

But my spotlight is on Leisha Hayley, mostly known for playing quirky Alice Pieszecki in the L Word.

Kirsten Vangsness Chosen by Jennie D Drama Practitioner ‘Queer as a purple unicorn singing Madonna.’ is how Kirsten Vangsness describes herself, and if you ask me that’s one hell of an introduction at parties! This wonderful actress first caught my attention when watching ‘Criminal Minds’ (a rather guilty pleasure of mine). Vangsness plays a smart and funny technical analyst for the FBI called Penelope Garcia. She is the queen of the one liner and quite frankly steals every scene she is in. Vangsness is out and proud which is something not common enough amongst T.V actresses.

Kirsten is beautiful, like many T.V stars, but what sets her apart, is the fact she is not, wait for it…………size 0! In a time where carbohydrates is a feared word and a nasty bout of stomach flu is something to celebrate, it’s refreshing to see a woman like Kirsten on TV. The pressure for women to look a certain way is constant burden for us mere mortals, so I can only imagine what women on T.V are up against. As well as fighting the good fight in equality for sexuality, Vangsness also got involved in high profile dispute for gender equality. ‘Criminal Minds’ let go of two main actresses a few years back and replaced them with younger talent. Vangsness, along with other devoted fans and actors, campaigned to have the two actress reinstated on the show, and it worked! I think her qualities not only make her an unsung idol, but a role model too.

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STAGE

A. B.C.

D. E.F.

G.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR GAY ICONS? ____ 1 Bette Davis Hollywood’s most iconic actress of the 2oth century. ____ 2 Marlene Dietrich A German-born Hollywood great from yesteryear. ____ 3 Judy Garland Is she a friend of Dorothy? ____ 4 Joan Crawford ‘No wire hangers!!!!!!’ ____ 5 Dolly Parton She tumbled out of bed and stumbled to the kitchen. ____ 6 Morrissey A very, very charming man. ____ 7 Quentin Crisp From rent boy to one man stage show.

Answers 1F 2A 3E 4G 5C 6D 7B

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SEX

SEX ED “The Education Bureau (EDB) attaches great importance to instilling positive values in young people. In addition to the mission of their wholeperson and healthy development, helping them to build proper attitude towards sex is of considerable concern. Students are expected to be able to develop healthy relationship with the same and opposite sexes, realising positive values like respect and care for others, and commitment. Learning resources are designed with a view to helping students develop a healthy lifestyle and acquire relevant life skills for facing and handling personal and social issues relating to sex.”

Education Bureau Hong Kong, 2014 Resources are fundamental for any teacher in the learning environment, but when it comes to learning about the birds, the bees and everything in between, are they functional? More importantly, do they do the job at hand? The EDB has a limited number of them on their (English) website for educators to use in their classrooms, but does offer a somewhat decent list of external organisations and links. One link that did look promising was Information for Adolescent Health and Sex Education from Hong Kong’s Department of Health. However, once we clicked on the link we were sent to an invalid page.

Considering that the page was updated on the 14th February 2014 (irony at its best?), we considered it couldn’t be that out of date. We tried again, and after a 5 second diversion, we found ourself at Department of Health’s main page. After a few more clicks we found some video resources on pre-marital sex and its consequences, menarche (the boys at PLUG HQ had to Google that one), puberty and a video titled ‘Between Boys and Girls.’ We digged a little deeper and the only resource we could find that talked about LGBT rights was a lesson plan with this Key Concept: In 2010, the first case ever for transgender people (commonly known as transsexuals) seeking judicial review on marriage rights was dismissed by the High Court. Though the High Court judge acknowledged that transsexuals faced discrimination in society, societal consensus toward post-operative transsexual marriage is yet to reach and he proposed the Government to conduct an extensive public consultation on this regard. This life event aims at getting students to know about transgender people and at the same time clarifying some misunderstandings about them, as well as helping students contemplate on the needs and rights of transgender people with a caring attitude.

By the end of the lesson students were expected to: 1 To know about transgender people with a caring attitude and clarify misunderstandings.

2 And to be capable of identifying and determining social issues related to “sex” with critical thinking and a vigilant attitude.

Are you ready to take part in the lesson to know more about transgender people? Maybe it will help you clarify those misunderstandings you had…

A Reform In 2009 Ambrose Lo wrote a paper in the journal, ‘Improving Hong Kong,’ which discussed potential reforms in Sex Education and ways in which the city could revolutionize the teachings on sex. In one of his proposals he discusses the need for employing a more comprehensive education based on sexuality.

He states: “The curriculum should indisputably go beyond growth and puberty and bring in psychosocial elements like sexuality, gender issues as well as identity, which are integral parts of an all-round sex education. Sweeping these ostensibly contentious issues under the carpet, as opposed to laying doubts to rest, will only fuel curiosity about them. Acknowledging the fact that youth will learn about them inevitably, teachers should take the initiative to equip students with unbiased and factual knowledge.

For instance, sexual orientation, a crucial aspect of sexuality, should be introduced. In junior levels, the existence of homosexual individuals and the challenges they encounter can be presented. As students progress, they can then learn more complex material such as the causes of homosexuality, temporal factors impacting on views on homosexuality as well as religions that are in opposition to same-sex relationships. This progressive methodology would encourage students to recognize and embrace differences between individuals and to gain an insight into the virtues of pluralism, ultimately making them citizens that espouse respect, acceptance and tolerance.” (Vol. 6, p.8)

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The Story of K This is how 50-year-old K described himself: “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus. I am special to being born a Martian, then toured around Venus for some time before returning to Mars again.”

K was a divorced businessman with 2 kids. In 1997, he spent approximately HK$1.2 million to undergo the gender reassignment surgery and became a gorgeous woman. K later married a wealthy landlord. However, after being a woman for 7 years, K discovered he still couldn’t stand the unstable emotion caused by injection of female hormone. 5 years ago, K finally had a divorce and underwent another 3 operations for around HK$310,000 to be a man again. Being a bachelor for the second time, he tried to date women but was rejected and insulted for many times. He no long has the courage to look for a girlfriend.

Creative Drawing Based on the above news, imagine and illustrate K’s experience after his second gender reassignment.

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CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

RESOURCES

Here is a list of contact information for the organizations we’ve featured in the current and previous issues of the magazine.

Action Q www.facebook.com/ActionQHK

Double Happiness doublehappiness.lgbt@gmail.com The first organisation in Hong Kong to actively campaign for the legal recognition of same-sex couples’ relationships and marriage equality.

Out in Hong Kong facebook.com/groups/outinhk

Transgender Resource Center www.tgr.org.hk We hope to help society develop a deeper understanding of the transgender community and of transgender issues.

TGR Gender Care Hotline (+852) 8230 0838 Every Weds Night 8:00-11:00pm Except public holidays.

If you, a family member or friend has questions about gender orientation or identity, please call our hotline.

AIDS Concern 852 2394 6677 Yau Ma Tei Health Service Clinic Unit 602, 6/F King Centre 23-29 Dundas Street, Yau Ma Tei AIDS Concern offers free HIV and syphilis antibody rapid tests, alongside gonorrhea and chlamydia testing.

Les Peches www.facebook.com/groups/lespeches Organisation founded by Abby and Betty.

Hong Kong’s premier event organizers for lesbians, bi/queer women and their friends.

We’d like to say a special thank-you to all the contributing artists, designers and illustrators that helped to make this issue extra creative.

Queer Straight Alliance facebook.com/QSAHK2008 www.queerstraightalliance.wordpress.com

Fruits in Suits www.fruitsinsuits.com.hk facebook.com/FinS.HK Equal Opportunities Commission www.eoc.org.hk Pink Season www.pinkseason.hk facebook.com/pinkseason.hk

1 Laura Simonsen A featured photographer in the Community section.

2 Carol Rossetti Our featured artist Culture section.

in

the

3 Ren Hang Our featured photographer in the Culture section.

1

2

3

CONTACT US Please write our marketing director if you have any events you’d like to plug or resources you’d like to share. Definitely let us know if you are interested in being a distribution partner for PLUG Magazine and we’ll collaborate on a great partnership. john@plug-magazine.com

PLUG Magazine www.plug-magazine.com facebook.com/plugmaghk info@plug-magazine.com editor@plug-magazine.com

D I S T R I B U T I O N PA R T N E R S Kapok bap@ka-pok.com 2520 0114 3 Sun Street, Wan Chai

Konzepp info@konzepp.com 2803 0339 G/F, 50 Tung Street Sheung Wan

Brunch Club info@brunch-club.org 2526 8861 G/F, 10 Peel Street, Central

Life Cafe info@lifecafe.com.hk 2810 9777 10 Shelley Street, Soho, Central

Mr Gay Hong Kong www.mrgayhongkong.com info@mrgayhongkong.com (852) 9660 5552

Culture Club info@cultureclub.com.hk 2127 7936 15 Lower Elgin Street, Soho Central

Just Green info@justgreen.com.hk 2810 9777 52 Graham, Soho, Central

HK Helpers Campaign www.hkhelperscampaign.com info@hkhelperscampaign.com

Inbetween Shop info@inbetweenshop.com 9677 7815 6B Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan

Kubrick info@kubrick.com.hk 2384 8929 3 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei

Pink Dot www.pinkdot.hk info@pinkdot.hk press@pinkdot.hk

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The Flaming Lips will close out this year’s festival weekend.

CLOCKENFLAP AD FLOCK & CLAP! Clockenflap — Hong Kong’s premier outdoor music and arts festival, in its 7th year in 2014, is without a doubt Hong Kong’s coolest music and arts festival, and PLUG’s favorite.

Clockenflap has become quite the monster since its humble beginnings atop the CyberPort in 2008. This year’s party will once again pitch it’s tent at the windy West Kowloon Cultural District from Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30.

Be sure to join this year’s three-day clockenparty.

The brains behind the monster have groomed and grown the Clockenflap brand and reputation, attracting music and art fans locally, regionally and globally. They have already shared an impressive teaser lineup, with many more hot international acts still to be announced in the build-up to the epic weekend.

Whether you prefer clockin’ or flappin’, make sure you get down to the water’s edge for what will be one of the best weekends of 2014.

CLOCKENFLAP TEASER LINEUP

FLAMING LIPS (US) - MOGWAI (UK) CHVRCHES (UK) - DAN DEACON (US) THE RAVEONETTES (DK)

Tickets on sale at www.ticketflap.com ADVANCE TICKETS HK$510 (Friday only) HK$680 (Saturday or Sunday only) HK$1280 (Three-day pass)