Fridae

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

More gays and lesbians will find themselves cut off from important HIV and other resources as China blocks it's largest gay resource site - without an official reason. Beijing-based Dinah Gardner tracks down site manager Damien Lu and prominent AIDS activist Dr Wan Yanhai to find out more.

Vitaya Saeng-Aroon, founder of a Bangkok-based support group for gay men to talk openly about coming out and their encounters with homophobia, shares his struggles and hopes for more men to find themselves.

Last week, China blocked a leading Chinese-language web site providing gay-related info and safe-sex information while a survey of men in Shenzhen found that only 20 per cent regularly use condoms for anal sex. In Hong Kong, health officials have expressed concerned over increasing HIV infection rates among homosexuals and bisexuals.

Is Thailand some sort of 'gay paradise' - or only in comparison to its neighbours? Retired Canadian law professor Douglas Sanders muses on gay life in the 'magic kingdom.'

The Amazing Race 7 contestants Alex Ali and Lynn Warren are getting married in Ottawa, Canada next month, while in Guangdong, China, free and anonymous HIV and STD tests are being offered to gay men in a month long exercise.

Singer and gay icon Kylie Minogue has been diagnosed with early breast cancer, leading her to cancel the Australian and Asian leg of her tour. Please click here for refund info.

Chants of "Celebrate diversity" and "Yung po, daw yun fat" (Cantonese for "embrace difference") echoed in Hong Kong's busy Causeway Bay retail district on Monday as gays and lesbians held the city's first rally in support of gay rights and against homophobia. Tim Cribb reports.

Hooking up has always been a fundamental element of gay male identity, and online personal ads serve that function 24/7. New York-based artist Jason Wee discusses his new installation art exhibition on gay personal ads and identity.

Hong Kong's gays and lesbians are being urged to join a march next Monday, May 16, to mark the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). Tim Cribb reports the march comes amid growing attempts by fundamentalist Christians to kill a proposed law that would protect homosexuals from discrimination.