Eye on Gay Shanghai: LBGT, a group for everyone

Gay in the city and want to meet new people without A. Consuming unseemly amounts of alcohol, B. Making a Gaydar or Fridae account, C. Begging friends for introductions, D. Gyrating on the dance floor?

Well, Shanghai's No. 1 Fag Hag is here to make your day. Welcome to the city’s newest, and first all-inclusive, alternative group: Shanghai LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender). (Full disclosure: The author of this post is a co-founder of Shanghai LGBT).

Shanghai may be leading the world in GDP growth, but in queer activities and social groups it still lags behind. Even Beijing has had a gay association, Beijing Gay, Lesbian, and Allies Discussion (click link to see scary penis logo), since 2005. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s own group formed only a few months back.

Shanghai LGBT organizes events for queers and straight friendlies (like the Beijing Olympic Friendlies, but not as cute) to meet on a social basis through Yahoo groups. Events have included a pub quiz, scavenger hunt, bowling, dinner, and drink nights. They also just started a regular “meet and greet” night on the last Thursday of each month at good old Frangipani.

LGBT has organized a brunch event for this Sunday and plans are in the works for a KTV night in May.

The club is still waiting for its first couple success story, but with over 250 members, the wait shouldn’t be that long. A baby, on the other hand, may take awhile longer with the new adoption laws in China.

In other brief gay news:

• Tonight, April 6th, PinkHome-Fabulous Drag Show (Cover Chagre: 30RMB, Members: 20RMB
• Saturday, April 7th, Drag Show and Dinner in Hangzhou sign into the LGBT organization’s website to join. PinkHome- Maximale Party (Cover charge: 150RMB, Member: 100RMB including Champagne Reception. Music: Funky, Latin and Electro House.
• Sunday, April 8th, Shanghai LGBT- Sunday Brunch at Arugula 11am. RSVP to shanghailgbt@yahoogroups.com