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PARTYING IN SHANGHAI
Tips for your sanity, your health and you Karmic wellness.
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It's no longer a status crime, and it's no longer a mental illness. Homosexuality, that is. You won't find a gay pride event in China, though. Shanghai is not Bangkok, my dear! For that matter, Beijing is not, either. Neither is Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian or even Hong Kong ¨C you get the picture. Different cultures, different values, different social mores.
But are there saunas? Sure, there are saunas and public bathhouses as well. They've been around for ages. But these are not the kind of places you might be thinking of ¨C rather, they're dank, dirty and, well, seedy. You're more likely to find trouble than fun at these places. Trouble comes in all forms ¨C the thieves, the undercover cops and the boys who expect and demand payment.
Open air cruising? Sure, you can get hooked around People's Square. As they say, AYOR. Add to that the money boys, the cops and language barriers. Think it through, dude. Do you really want to mess with this stuff in the Peoples' Republic of China?
Toilet sex? Not the sort of places George Michael would frequent. The cops are on to tea room culture, too. So are the money boys. Not pretty, and not something the average visitor is likely to navigate with ease.
Enough gloom and doom? What's the answer, then? Hit the bars, my friend, and if you need to get the latest scoop, or find out who's been doing what of late, have a chat or two at Eddy's. You'll find someone (or lots of someones) who know the dish, and can fill you in.
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WHO'S THE MONEY BOY?
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For starters, remember you're not in Kansas, Amsterdam or Bangkok.
There's trade everywhere, and there's trade here as well. But who are these boys? Usually, they're from outside Shanghai. Usually, trade is not a career choice. Many of them do not consider themselves gay. Some are less that scrupulous. If you're approached, proceed with caution. You're the newcomer, and you probably don't know the rules.
Remember, this (unlike your status) is a crime. And always be safe. No exceptions.
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