For years, Joanne Chen avoided traditional Chinese New Year celebrations, minimizing contact with relatives. As a queer Singaporean, this important holiday often involved uncomfortable questioning and judgment from family members.
Now, as the center manager of an LGBTQ+ community organization, Chen aims to create an inclusive space for others to celebrate the new year, starting January 29th. The event, held on the first day of the holiday, will feature dumpling making, hotpot, and lohei—all traditional new year activities.
The holiday emphasizes family and tradition, with a reunion dinner on the eve of the first day followed by three days of visits to relatives and friends. Despite Thailand’s recent legalization of same-sex marriage, a landmark event in Southeast Asia, many queer individuals across East and Southeast Asia still face challenges in conservative societies and traditional family settings—a tension often heightened during holidays.
However, queer individuals across Asia are finding new ways to embrace the holiday. Some participate in drag dance parties, listen to the Vietnam-based radio show, or attend underground events. Chen’s Proud Spaces event offers a public, alternative space for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate traditionally.
“Ultimately, it’s about family,” Chen explains. “We want people to come with their chosen family. We want people to come and make new friends, and maybe they will become chosen family. It’s about providing an alternative for queer people.”
Turning to and away from tradition
Kit Hung, a Hong Kong artist and filmmaker, describes how, before coming out as gay in the 1990s, family traditions forced him to conceal his identity. His mother, for instance, requested a photo of him with a woman to show relatives inquiring about his dating life. After coming out, Hung felt his presence at family dinners silenced conversation.
Even now, living in London and married, Hung feels anxious returning to Hong Kong. “I would hesitate about holding hands with my partner in Hong Kong,” he says. Recently, however, Hung has used Chinese traditions to be more open about his identity. For example, he sent traditional wedding gifts to friends’ children and relatives—a gesture typically made by married couples—publicly acknowledging his relationship.
This year, Hung plans a small celebration in London with his immediate family, including his husband.
Celebrating with ‘chosen family’
Koh An Ting, who opened a queer micropress and bookstore in Singapore, will attend Chen’s event. She views it as an opportunity for open celebration without hiding aspects of herself. Many queer Singaporeans may feel unable to bring partners to family gatherings, she notes, but this event allows celebration with “chosen family.” Koh plans to bring her girlfriend.
According to Chen, attendees will range from those seeking respite from family inquiries to those searching for community. Around half are expected to be expats unable to return home for the holiday.
Seth Hoo plans a separate dinner with friends alongside family events. Unaware of the Proud Spaces event beforehand, he finds it appealing, believing it fills a need for a safe space to celebrate “without the stress of microaggressions” or needing to explain oneself. As a Gen-Z Singaporean, Hoo states he and his friends are not interested in hiding their identities. “We get to choose our own family.”