of Service to Asia's
Gay & Lesbian Community!
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| PHUKET GAY FESTIVAL
Patong Beach, Thailand -- From April 7-10, the 2005 Phuket Gay Festival held its 6th annual festival with beach volleyball tournament, contests, public performances from Phuket's colorful cabarets, and culminated with the public parade along the beach road. Postponed from its previous slot in February due to the tsunami disaster that struck on the day after Christmas, the festival brought color back to the cheeks of this favorite tropical resort.
The opening ceremony was held in the main soi in the Paradise Complex, the heart of Phuket's gay scene. The ceremony was officiated by Khun Tangmo (cutting the ribbon above) and Khun Bon (My Way) who were two of the lead organizers for this year's event. Also present where representatives from Rainbow Sky in Bangkok, a deputy governor of Phuket and a senior official from the local health department office. Stalls and safe sex handouts from local hospitals and AIDS organisations were also on hand.
Following the ceremony were cabaret acts on the stage by all the major bars, games, a magic act, and a fashion show.
The parade was quite long, with large floats from all the major gay venues, restaurants and carabets with lots of color and music. The crowd, though smaller in previous years (due to post-tsunami jitters), was appreciative of the spirit of the celebration.
Following the parade was the annual street party in the Paradise Complex, where the celebrants strutted there stuff for the remainder of the evening.
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