Gay Nepal: A Struggle Against History

At an International Lesbian and Gay Association conference, delegates gathered from more than one hundred countries to report on the condition of LGBT life. Among the  leaders was Sunil Pant from Kathmandu, Nepal, head of Blue Diamond Society.  I spoke to Sunil and listened to his confident voice describing the difficulties of fostering pro-gay understanding

Nepal – Kathmandu and Area

Historically, Nepal had many small kingdoms and the modern state was formed with the Unification of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah on December 21, 1768. Prior to 2006, Nepal was a kingdom. Nepal is now a federal democratic republic.[2] Its recent history has involved struggles for democratic government with periods of direct monarchic rule. From

Gay Pakistan – A Complex Society

Introduction Three native Pakistani men write about living inside their sexually ambivalent culture where gay men live behind masks and love in secret. There is a gay subculture in Pakistan but it is virtually invisible and exists only by word of mouth and in furtive situations–in nighttime parks, discrete parties and in one’s imagination or

Philippines – Cebu, Leyte

The Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It constitutes an archipelago of 7,107 islands.The country is the world’s 12th most populous country with a population approaching 90 million people. Its national economy is the 46th largest in the world. There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos

Philippines – Manila City

The Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It constitutes an archipelago of 7,107 islands.The country is the world’s 12th most populous country with a population approaching 90 million people. Its national economy is the 46th largest in the world. There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos

Gay Singapore 1996: Renovating The Closet

Intro: Singapore is a traditionally conservative Asian country, known for its stringent laws. But it’s also one of the top economic and technological ‘tigers’ of the twenty-first century. The clash of these two forces, old and new, is slowly but surely bringing change for the better for lesbigays here.   Also see: Gay Singapore Stories

Gay Singapore 1997–Censored (Almost)

Intro: A short commentary on my second exposure to this squeaky-clean city-state where lesbigays are clearly present, well-dressed–and with few places to go. Gay life might be narrow and suppressed here, but the overall quality of life in Singapore makes it quite bearable.   Also see: Gay Singapore Stories Gay Singapore News & Reports 2000

Gay Singapore 2010

Intro: An updated trip to this prosperous city-state where the LGBT community has learned well the rules for survival and good business. Today’s gay Singapore is surprisingly active, varied and always pushing the envelop of tolerance. Also see: Gay Singapore Stories Gay Singapore News & Reports 2000 to present Gay Singapore Photo Galleries By Richard

Singapore – City: (1)

Singapore is one of three remaining true city-states in the world. It is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia.It is the 6th wealthiest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita. The population of Singapore is approximately 4.6 million. Though Singapore is highly cosmopolitan and diverse, ethnic Chinese form the majority of the

Singapore – City: (2)

Singapore is one of three remaining true city-states in the world. It is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia. It is the 6th wealthiest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita. The population of Singapore is approximately 4.6 million. Though Singapore is highly cosmopolitan and diverse, ethnic Chinese form the majority of

Gay Life in South Korea

Introduction: a Shifting Paradigm South Korea has been one of the most ambitious and progressive countries in Asia in the last fifty years. It’s ancient culture has assimilated, for better or worse, many western ideas and systems. Along with the changes in commerce have come alterations in human behavior and attitudes, including a recent softening

South Korea – Seoul

Seoul is the capital of South Korea. As a Special City, it is administered directly by the national government. With over ten million people, Seoul is South Korea’s largest city and one of the most populous cities in the world. More information at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoul Read the story about gay South Korea

Taiwan – Taipei and Island Drive 2

A guest photographer living in Taiwan offers a random selection of images from his roving mind’s eye. They range from urban life in Taipei and Kaoshiung to rural mountains and sea surfing. The island of Taiwan, also known as Formosa, is located in East Asia off the coast of mainland China. The island is 394

Gay Thailand 2015–Scene and Unseen

Gay life in Thailand is alive and well in half a dozen cities and towns, having survived six years of a homophobic prime minister. Now revitalized with more venues than ever, the scene continues to be as it was, both visible and invisible. Despite the glitter and spice of the nightlife, most LGBT citizens continue

Gay Thailand–Phuket in 2007

The week I arrived in Phuket to research a new story about local gay life in Phuket, this story appeared in the Phuket Post. It nicely usurped my intentions and added, no doubt, more depth and undestanding than I might have found. I am pleased to present it here, written by reporter Aparna Raut Desai.

Gay Rights in Thailand 2007

In searching for human rights activity in Thailand it’s easy to be distracted by the sexy flash and booming discos of Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai, which to many visitors and reporters appear to present an exciting ‘liberated’ face of homosexuality in Thailand. However, the reality is quite different the longer one stays or

Thailand – King’s 50th, Ko Samet

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, as the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. His Majesty the King is recognised as the Head of State, the