I’d been away from Beijing for two weeks this time and nothing had changed in my neighborhood, except that the construction site for the Ritz Carlton has more glass windows on it now. That was strange. Usually there should at least be some restaurants popping up here and there.
Or perhaps I’ve been staying inside all day since I got back thus haven’t noticed any change?
I spent the past two days working on a grant proposal for my planned documentary on the transformation of a straight bar into a gay one. I finally finished it this afternoon. So I called Owen, a co-owner of the bar, to schedule an interview.
“Oh, we are in the process of selling it. A very good price. I’m negotiating the contract right now.” He announced enthusiastically.
My heart sank. Last time I talked to Owen, he was just having a fight with the other owners over management control. Things changed fast. “Will the new place still be gay?” I tried to hold on to the last bit of hope.
“Uh…” He hesitated. “Probably not. But I still have this other friend who may start another gay bar soon.”
Damn the ficklenss of Beijing. Can’t the place just stay gay until I finish filming?
6 comments:
bad news. I'm sure you will find other more interesting topics ... what does the picture mean?
Nothing I guess. Just a rainbow flag with bear's paw on it. I found it online and thought it cuter than the average rainbow flag.
Are the gay bars in Beijing using any rainbow flags? I am sympathetic to your situation, that is the tough part of doing documentary, you can not just make it up. Or maybe you can. Salute for patience and waiting...;-)
Yes, the gay bars here use rainbow flags. Apparently so does the Chaoyang District. There are rainbow-colored neon arches on the main roads leading into Chaoyang...
That is a bear paw on the flag, and means you are, or are interested, in 'bears' ( a subculture of gay men that are interested in being, or being with, more masculine / less feminine men ... ie, usually harry, muscular, and a bit chubby ).
Thanks for pointing it out. I missed the meaning of the paw. Unfortunately "bears" are not my cup of tea. :)
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