A few members of Shanghai's queer community share hopes for 2020
Photograph: Nicole Chan (Lilian Shen)
Every year has its ups and downs. Whatever hardships you may have faced in 2019, know that you’re not alone for 2020. No matter how you identify, no matter whom you love, we’re in this together. Read on to keep you inspired for what’s to come as we all head into 2020 together.
Andrew Shainker, founder of community group OpenDoors Shanghai
Photograph: Alejandro Scott
My goal for 2020 is simple: to continue to empower LGBT ambassadors in China and around the world by placing qualified humanitarians throughout the LGBT sector who understand the needs and wants of the community – the goal is sustainability and longevity. It’s all about community enrichment, connection and spiritual growth. I can’t wait to see what the new year will bring.
📍Add WeChat ID ‘ashainker’ for more information on OpenDoors Shanghai.
Ricky Lu, founder of party platform ANGEL Shanghai
Photograph: Ricky Lu
So many negative things happened this year. I want all of us to grow together and stop hurting each other. We should all learn from the past and support each other like family, that way we can hope for a better future where everyone can live their own life free from prejudice or discrimination. These changes will come gradually, but I’m looking forward to the years to come for LGBTQI people.
📍Follow WeChat ID ‘angelgaymap’ for more information about ANGEL Shanghai.
Lee Ji-Young, trans activist and queer historian
Despite my activism, I’m still forced to hide my sexuality and gender identity at work and to most of my family. After years of emotional turbulence, my parents finally accepted me as their daughter earlier this year, so I hope that 2020 is when I can come out to the rest of my family and teach at a school where I can be out and proud.
Gabby Gabriel, founder of queer platform Qmmunity
Photograph: Lili Peng
Next year is all about enjoying who I am and expressing my love to my partner without worry. Holding hands while walking down the street as a same-sex couple is a form of activism. I’m looking forward to next year’s IDAHOT gala and version 2.0 of the Qmmunity app, and continuing to forge conversations and awareness to raise the profile of the LGBTQ community.
📍Follow WeChat ID ‘Qmmunity’ for more info.
Lilian Shen, founder of discussion group Queer Talks
Photograph: courtesy 重见自己
After a tumultuous 2019, I hope 2020 can be a year filled with self-care for myself and the queer community at large, both physically and mentally. The best way to rebel against the negativity around us is to not only accept but also embrace ourselves, despite the voices that scream otherwise. My dream and goal is for the community to thrive, to be filled with positivity, love, mutual respect and celebration for who we are as individuals and as a community. You are not alone – we got your back!
📍Add WeChat ID ‘lilianshen92’ for more info on Queer Talks.
Yu Zhiming, Digital Editor at Time Out Shanghai
Photograph: Yang Xiaozhe
I’m so proud that LGBTQIA+ content is a part of our brand and that the Queer section gets louder and prouder with every new issue. I’d like to help publicise LGBTQIA+ events as much as I can next year, as I firmly believe in the power of the queer presence in mainstream media and know how important and meaningful it is to a lot of people.
Sammy Wu, co-founder of lesbian and queer women's app Rela（热拉）
Photograph: courtesy HORNS
My 2020 plans are to continue to improve Rela and explore the overseas queer women’s market. I hope that Rela can provide better content and high-quality service to our users, and be there for them as they experience joy, disappointment, loneliness, connection and other moments in their lives.
📍Search ‘Rela’ on the App Store.
Raymond Phang, co-founder of ShanghaiPRIDE
Photograph: courtesy ShanghaiPRIDE
It’s been 11 years with ShanghaiPRIDE and I’ve never felt more motivated to continue our efforts. I’m so proud of our volunteers who work so passionately and are always contributing to the cause of creating awareness and promoting acceptance of the LGBTQ community. I definitely hope we can do more outreach in 2020, share the pride and engage with more of the queer community and our allies. It hasn’t been an easy journey but if not now, then when?
📍Follow WeChat ID ‘Shanghai-PRIDE’ or visit shpride.com for more info.