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by China Doll
Houston, Texas

Asians And Friends

With so many people from so many walks of life, I find Houston one of this region's most interesting cities. And Houston's diversity is no less characteristic of its Gay community than any other. Consider, for instance, Asians and Friends of Houston, an organization for Gay and Lesbian Asians and Pacific Islanders as well as anyone interested in furthering their understanding of the Gay and Lesbian cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Their socials and other community activities are scheduled throughout the year. Everyone is invited to participate.

In the few short years that Asians and Friends has existed, its membership has increased dramatically. Mind you, it's not a place to encounter Asian men for one night stands: the monthly social events include pot lucks, movie nights, and educational meetings devoted to learning about other cultures, traditions, and backgrounds. Becoming involved may even mean learning to adapt other traditions as a part of your own: celebrations of New Year's and other special holidays, for instance. Among upcoming topics for Asians and Friends' discussions are "What you can do to help stop AIDS in Vietnam," and "General Gay Information about Vietnam." Some issues discussed in the past include: "The Opera Queen's Ultimate Queen Remembered," "Chinese Bend Rules On Offspring Limits," "It's Cool to Eat 'Hot Pot' in the Summer," "Tolerant Atmosphere for Gay Teens is Goal at School in Dallas," "India Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary of Independence," "Koreans Finally Talk Peace" and "Thailand Receives $16 Billion Bailout."

Asians and Friends is related to several other organizations, including: A Slice of Rice (founded in 1996 to fill the need for a peer organization for Asian and Asian American Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender youth in the greater Boston area), Asians Pacific Alliance of New York, Long Yang Club, Asians and Friends Pittsburgh, Asians and Friends Ottowa, Asians and Friends New York, and Trikone Tejas-Austin Organization for Gay South Asians.

On Sat., Aug. 22, Asians and Friends of Houston will be hosting its first open house pool party. This event is free to members and their friends. You do not have to bring anything except your swimsuit and towel, if you choose to join them in the pool. For more information you can contact their President or Vice President at 713.728.5181 (Albert). For upcoming events, call 713.626.6300. Address: Asians & Friends of Houston, Inc., Post Office Box 667100 Houston, Texas 77266-7100

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