Newsletter October 1999 Page 1

Letter to Dad
by Howard

Dear Dad,

I didn’t like how our last conversation ended, and I would like to start the communication again. It has been a while. Still, every now and then I have sleepless nights over the course of what happened, and this memory will continue to haunt me.

Mom told me you had been crying when you saw the China Rainbow Newsletter. It hurts me to know that you were disappointed. Your view and exposures to gay people were negative and limited, and you worried that my gayness would lead my future to despair and loneliness. It must hurt you more to know that I’m one of them.

After you saw the newsletter, I very much wanted to comfort and assure you that my life will not be like that; instead, I chose to avoid the issue by making myself scarce. In hindsight, I regretted that for not seizing the moment and talk with you. I wanted you to know that I would not do things to hurt the family or myself. I’m your son and I grew up with your values, so don’t stop believing in me.

After your absence, I have been trying to open up my life to mom. I have invited my GAPSN & CRA friends to the house and let her the various events in my life. I figure all the misconceptions about gay arise from lack of exposure, and once mom got to know them, she would be at ease. As a matter of fact, mom has grown fairly fond of Hans and Liming. Of course, there is a limit to my honesty. I’m doing my best to be up and front with her. The family is moving on. Mom often reminiscences about the minute details of life with you. I don’t think she will ever get over that.

For the past three years, I have been busy with community services and work. I have had my share of ups and downs interacting with various individuals. Things and people around me change from time to time, but I know your love for me is the one true thing in my life. I miss you till we meet again.

Hao

MOON FESTIVAL: AN ENTERTAINING NIGHT

By Andre T.

Last month’s “Harvest Moon Festival”, celebrating the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Day, was a fun and meaningful event. About 150 people came and socialized before the show and then enjoyed a two-hour performance of traditional Asian dances and singing.

Though there were a few difficult moments during the show, most audience good-naturedly overlooked them and focused on the well-executed performances of the many diverse API artists. Considering the fact that only three performers are professional and the rest amateurs, it was both entertaining and educational. Its value lies in the cultural significance of each performance.

The attendees definitely enjoyed the quality moon cakes provided by CRA and Long Yang Club. So many boxes of them went so fast! Many people seemed to enjoy meeting their friends whom they had not seen for some time. On stage, the Chinese contingent was well represented by Chinese martial arts demonstrations, Chinese songs, and Chinese red ribbon dance. It must be pointed out that this ribbon dance included Japanese, Vietnamese, as well as Chinese dancers.

Tani, the star of the show, is not only a great producer/director, but also a great organizer and “psychologist”. It was basically a “no-budget” production (everything depended on donations and the hard work of volunteers); he pulled it off with resourcefulness, creativity and ingenuity.

Two other individuals also contributed tremendously: Rudy R and Miko. Rudy, the leader of Long Yang Club, worked with great enthusiasm and energy. Miko helped generously with dedication and professionalism. These people and others and I work for 2 months on this event. My sincere thanks also go to all of them.

Will I do it again? The answer is a definite “yes”. I am grateful to have had the opportunity of working with these great people. I look forward to collaborating with them again. CTA members can expect new and improved events in the near future.