About the 5th Tongzhi Conference

The 5th Tongzhi Conference was held in Hong Kong from May 2 to 5, 2004. About 80 people from all over the world attended the conference. During four days and three nights, participants strategized the future development of Tongzhi movement, shared their Tongzhi experience, and networked with other participants. In addition to the four-day conference itself, there were a series of Tongzhi events throughout the week, such as public education activities, social gatherings and dance parties.

For more information, please visit www.Tongzhiconference.com

Supporting Tongzhi activists in Mainland China to attend the Conference

Many local Tongzhi communities began to emerge in mainland China since 1999. However, due to financial difficulties, many Tongzhi activists in mainland were unable to attend the past Chinese Tongzhi Conference. Based on raw estimation, for the past four conferences, less than 5% of the participants came from mainland China.

With the help of AIZHIXING Institute and donation, ITS succeeded in supporting 19 Tongzhi activists from 14 provinces/cities in China to attend the 5th Tongzhi Conference. Here are some facts about this conference:

• Among 80+ participants of the conference, about half are from mainland. ITS supported 19 of them, which is about 50% of the participants from mainland, and is about 25% of all the participants.
• 10 women went to the conference, 6 of them are from mainland. All 6 were supported by ITS.
• ITS supported local Tongzhi group leaders and influential Tongzhi website owners, including:
  1. Nanjing Hotline
  2. Xii'an Tongzhi Health
  3. Shenyang Tongzhi group
  4. Qingdao Gay Community Project
  5. Dalian Tongzhi group
  6. Chongqing Rainbow
  7. Chengdu Tongzhi group
  8. Yunnan Gay Net: www.yngay.net
  9. Heilongjiang Ai Xin Sky Net: www.aixinsky.com
  10. Shanghai Shen Qiu Xiao Wu: www.leschina.com
  11. Shanghai Hua Kai de Di Fang: www.lescn.net
  12. Henan Tongzhi Net: www.hntz.net
  13. Tongzhi Legal Aid Hotline and Network:www.tongzhilegalaid.net

Reports on the 5th Tongzhi Conference

After the conference, ITS has received many positive feedbacks. Here are some reports written by ITS supported participants(in Chinese):

• Comprehensive reports on Shen Qiu Xiao Wu: >> (everything!)
• By Lavie: To Share >> (long, detailed report)
• By Long Xiao Shuai: Thoughts On Tongzhi Website >>
• By Zhi Tong: Thoughs on Tongzhi Conference >> (things to improve)
• More to come soon ......

Related articles:

• Gays, lesbians in China Struggle to Come Out, by Steve Friess from Chicago Tribune >>
• Call for Donation: Support Tongzhi Activists in Mainland China to attend the 5th Tongzhi Conference in Hong Kong, May 2-5 2004 >>