First Chinese Gay Pageant Shut Down

BEIJING - Police shut down what would have been China's first gay pageant on Friday an hour before it was set to begin, highlighting the enduring sensitivity surrounding homosexuality and the struggle by gays to find mainstream acceptance.

Organizers said they were not surprised when eight police officers turned up at the upscale club in central Beijing where the pageant, featuring a fashion show and a host in drag, was set to take place.

"They said the content, meaning homosexuality, there's nothing wrong with that, but you did not do things according to procedures," Ben Zhang said. Police told him he needed official approval for events that included performances, in this case a stage show.

Year of the Tiger Dinner in Chicago

Asians and Friends Chicago is set to hold its annual Chinese New Year's Dinner on Sat., Feb. 6, 2010, at Phoenix Restaurant, 2131 S. Archer in the city's Chinatown district. The price is $45 persale and $50 at the door and includes a multi-course dinner and cabaret-style performance. Visit www.afchicago.org to order tickets.

Gay TV

This was posted on YouTube as being "Singapore's first gay TV scenes."

Trip to the Addams Family

The Addams Family is making its intial debut run in Chicago prior to going to Broadway in New York. An offshoot group of Asians and Friends Chicago made a holiday visit to the kooky clan.

FINC Ball

The Chicago Filipinos who organize a float every year for Pride Parade (they call themselves "FINC" which stands for "Filipinos in Chicago") had a fundraiser this weekend in a highrise on Lake Shore Drive. Though it was cloudy, the fun and "awards" were plentiful.

A Filipino Christmas Party

A lot of merriment and cheer at Chip and Gordon's caroling party. Chip has the connection to the Filipino men in Chicago.

Naked Sushi!

The men of Asians and Friends Chicago held a "Naked Sushi" fundraiser a couple of weeks ago and found it to be a unique and amazing event. Most had never eaten sushi off of a person before, so it opened a lot of eyes to the sensuality of food. Plus, two of the four models were adult film stars from Toby Ross films. In addition, there was a sushi chef, a sake shot boy and a chair masseur. Good times!