China-based Global Times reports on May 18:
An event celebrating an "International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia" (IDAHO) was held last night at Beijing's Café Copy in the Today Art Gallery, and was organized by the British Embassy and Queer Comrades, a Beijing-based LGBT awareness group.
"We are delighted that the embassy could support this evening's event," said Chris Wood, deputy British ambassador to China. "Human rights apply to all people, regardless of sexual orientation."
The deputy ambassador went on to explain that IDAHO events separate themselves from other LGBT events by focusing on issues of discrimination, rather than focusing on individuals being able to find happiness with who they really are.
Held annually in more than 50 countries worldwide, IDAHO seeks to promote an "ideal of a world without homophobia or transphobia," according to a notice on the organization's official website.
Last night's event also saw the debut of a short documentary produced by Queer Comrades, The Story of Mr Gay China, which provided an in-depth look at the events leading up to the cancellation of China's first gay beauty pageant.
Speaking at the conclusion of the film, Xiao Geng, one of the film's producers and co-founder of Queer Comrades, told attendees that the documentary was made to bring awareness to issues facing China's LGBT community.
For the full story in Global Times, click here.
Queer Comrades presents
酷儿制造电影之夜 QUEER FILM NIGHT
Friday, 21 May 2010, 8.30 pm
Venue: CNEX Salon Cafe
Entry: 50 RMB (includes 1 drink)
Bye Bye Surabaya (A Queer Comrades Production)
Director: Xiaogang Wei, China 2010, 30 min
Prayers For Bobby
Director: Russel Mulcahy, USA 2009, 89 min
2010 GLAAD Media Award