Mongolia is a landlocked country in East-Central Asia. It borders Russia to the north and China to the south, east and west. Ulan Bator, the capital and largest city, is home to about 38% of the population. Mongolia’s political system is a parliamentary republic. At 1,564,116 square kilometres, Mongolia is the nineteenth largest, and the
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
Gay Philippines: Traumatic History and Dramatic Queens
Intro: The Philippines is a widely diverse culture spread across hundreds of islands which include high tech cities and primitive jungle tribes. In central Cebu, a small but sufficient gay community thrives and also displays its diversity, from preppies to drag queens. Nearby is the small island of Leyte steeped in history marking Mac Arthur’s
Gay Philippines: Manila and the ILGA Conference
Manila, Philippines is one of the few major Asian cities with an overt gay scene that openly contradicts the conservative culture of the country. Despite a homophobic environment that is critical and hostile to queer citizens a lively LGBT community thrives, and it vigorously leans into the face of the political, religious and legal establishment.
The Silence of History: Leyte, Philippines
Intro: A reverential visit to one of World War II’s most haunting and impressive sites. Also see: Gay Philippines Stories Gay Philippines News & Reports 2001 to present Gay Philippines Photo Galleries By Richard Ammon September 1998 The most haunting aspect of history is the echoing silence that enfolds epic events long after
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
Gay Taiwan: Loving and Living Gay in Taiwan-The Up Side (Part 1)
Intro: Taiwan is an exciting Chinese experiment in true democracy. In great contrast to the repression in communist mainland China, lesbigay citizens enjoy much freedom of expression and activity. Gay life is busy, colorful and politically alive,
Gay Taiwan: Loving and Living Gay in Taiwan-The Difficult Side (Part 2)
Despite much freedom of expression, gay life in Taiwan is circumscribed by strong cultural traditions, legal shortcomings, HIV illness and problematic cross-cultural dating.
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
Bangkok’s Third Gay Pride Festival November 2001
Also see: Gay Thailand Stories Gay Thailand News & Reports 2000 to present Gay Thailand Photo Galleries By Richard Ammon November 2001 (981 words) Glitter and Change Fringed by a huge storm cloud thundering in the high horizon, Bangkok’s third annual Gay Pride Parade nevertheless kicked off (dry) on time and in place November 4th.
Bangkok’s First Gay Pride Festival – October 1999
Also see: Gay Thailand Stories Gay Thailand News & Reports 2000 to present Gay Thailand Photo Galleries By Richard Ammon November 1999 Across the world gay thresholds continue to be crossed, venturing into new social and cultural territory, breaking open, or at least peeking into, centuries of cultural darkness regarding homosexuality. Taiwan, Tokyo, Manila, Hong
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