Fridae

A Singapore newspaper suspended one of its regular columnists after his column about the deteriorating state of the local economy drew a sharp rebuttal from a government spokesperson. Gay activist Alex Au notes a pattern of lip service offered by officials, and that the gay community might find allies among other non-gay Singaporeans.

Advocates of gay marriage have lost court battles in two of the largest US states, New York and Georgia.

Singapore's favourite lesbian contest Femme Quest rolls around next week. Like mainstream beauty pageants, it has been accused of buying into the objectification of women. Is it ultimately empowering, not only for contestants themselves, but also for the (lesbian) audience? In partaking in the spectacle, is it an act of subversion or betrayal?

Singapore cinema's wonderboy Royston Tan has just released his new homoerotic film 4:30. He tells Fridae about his plans to make a full-fledged gay movie and a women's movie, and what he once did to his crushee when he was drunk.

The quadrennial Gay Games - originally to be held in Montreal, Canada - will be held in Chicago, USA from July 15-22, with the inaugural World Outgames starting in Montreal four days later. A case to be heard by theTasmanian Anti-Discrimination Tribunal could set the wheels turning for the global movement to reform blood-donation guidelines. Meanwhile, the gay-themed King and the Clown has been banned in Chinese cinemas.

The Marriage of Figaro is the union of a clever, satirical play about the foibles of lovers and the presumptions of class. It will be sung by an internationally acclaimed all-Asian cast accompanied by the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and the Singapore Lyric Opera Chorus at the Esplanade Theatre from 14 - 17 July 2006. Find out what lead star Fukushima-born Teppei Kono would do should he forget his lines.

Some have argued that the Western way to come out is to assert one's rights and march at pride parades while the Asian way is to claim one's place in the family and society. Dr Tan Chong Kee ponders what coming out and pride mean, and if there are any differences with the Western and Asian processes.

Welcome to Fridae's monthly advice column where Alvin dispenses his own unique brand of advice for those who need it oh-so-badly.

Men are more likely to be homosexual if they have older brothers, says a new Canadian study. Veteran Hong Kong actor-singer Andy Lau has denied rumors that he's gay. In India, the former royal family of Rajpipla has disinherited their activist son for coming out of the closet.

A trainee doctor in Singapore received an 8-month prison term for possessing drugs. The case made the headlines as his counsel argued that he had been a victim of police entrapment. Alex Au examines what some confused bloggers are saying online, whether Singaporeans are intellectually stunted and what it all means for the fight for gay equality.