Fridae

Meiya is the editor of the Sydney Asian Lesbians (SAL) website. SAL was established in 1990 to allow lesbians of Asian origin and their friends to interact. Following a period of inactivity, the committee was restructured earlier this year to kickstart the social calendar for Asian lesbians in Sydney. Originally from Indonesia, 31-year-old Meiya has been a resident in Sydney since 1979 and is currently a PhD student at the Department of Medicine, University of Sydney.

Fridae chats with her to find out more about the scene and what's in store for Asian lesbians in the Australian city renowned for one of the world's biggest gay and lesbian communities alongside San Francisco.

About SydneyAsianLesbians (SAL)

æ: Can you tell us more about SAL, its history and why it was set up?

meiya: SAL was initially formed in 1990 with the objective to create Asian Lesbian space in Sydney. It welcomed those identifying themselves as Asian lesbians. SAL was active in promoting the existence of Asian Lesbians in the Sydney lesbian and gay community. One of SAL's much publicized contribution was the "Chinese Wedding" float in the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, 1992.

æ: SAL was formed in 1990; what are the significant milestones of the organisation?

meiya: SAL almost became non-existent a couple of years ago when the original founders became inactive. However, thanks to the passion of one of its committee member, Vonnie, and the dedicated voluntary work of a new and motivated team, SAL was brought back into the limelight in the year 2000 through an event, "SAL's 10th Anniversary Party".

Early 2001, SAL established a new mission which is to communicate, exchange ideas and build relationship with Asian lesbians nationally (within Australia) as well as globally. SAL welcomes lesbians of all cultures, and their friends, to interact with the Asian lesbians in Sydney in a social environment.

In August 2001, SAL launched a website simply to reach out to all lesbians via a tool known to all, the Internet. This allows both "out" and "closeted" lesbians to be updated on SAL's past, current and future activities.

Currently, SAL is restructuring its committee in order to fully maintain the running of its website and continue its support to the whole of the gay and lesbian community.

æ: How has SAL affected the lesbian community in Sydney?

meiya: So far, SAL has increased and promoted social activities for Asian lesbians in Sydney and their friends.

æ: How many members does SAL have and where are they from?

meiya: SAL has yet to establish a membership. We normally have over 150 guests attending our social events. The guests are predominantly Asian originating from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and India. Other guests originate from Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

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Meiya's Community

æ: Can you tell us more about the gay and lesbian activist/support groups you work or have worked with and how you got started?

meiya: Currently SAL's networking is still in its infancy. Once the committee is fully established, sal hopes to facilitate various gay and lesbian support groups, businesses, nightclubs, performers, etc, through our website.

æ: Given your active involvement in an Asian lesbian group, do you think Asian lesbians in Sydney are subject to discrimination on more fronts? Are there any stereotypes you would like to dispel?

meiya: We are not subjected to any discrimination per se. It just appears that we are viewed as catering exclusively to the Asian lesbians and not to the rest of the gay and lesbian community. We would like to correct this by announcing that SAL welcomes everyone interested in socialising with Asian lesbians in Sydney.

æ: What do you think we need most in Asia's gay and lesbian community?

meiya: More active involvements from the individuals, and support from the wider gay and lesbian community.

æ: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to come to terms with his or her sexuality?

meiya: Be brave to accept your sexuality rather than to deny it. Be aware that there is many support groups you can approach for counseling, etc. Involve yourself in the various activities offered by the gay and lesbian community. You will not regret.

About Meiya

æ: When did you realise you were lesbian? What was the process like?

meiya: I first realized it during my undergraduate days at Uni. I could not help but notice all the gorgeous gals around campus. Just had to follow my heart (and of course straying eyes) I guessed.

æ: Have you ever encountered prejudice because of your gender/sexuality? How did you deal with it?

meiya: Fortunately, NO. Mainly curiousity of Why? and How?

æ: Are you out to family and friends? If yes, could you tell us something about it? Is it an important factor in your life?

meiya: Yes I am. There's nothing worst than being in the closet and remaining there. Being out had educated those around me that there is nothing abnormal about being a lesbian.

æ: Do you believe in monogamous or open relationships? Are you in one?

meiya: Yes, I believe strongly in monogamy�. Just one at a time.

Apr�s Interview

æ: Tell us something about your first sexual experience?

meiya: Hmmm�. My first time with a woman was gentle, yet forceful, passionate and addictive.

æ: What's the stupidest pick-up line you've ever heard?

meiya: "Since you don't wanna dance, is a f#@% out of the question?"

æ: Which is sexier, mind or meat?

meiya: At first glance, meat. But of course without the mind it becomes tasteless.