Recent threads on the Dimsum forum have prompted debate about seldom-discussed areas of sexuality and identity. Dimsum decided to get a woman's perspective on the matter, by interviewing SuMay Hwang, founder of the organisation Gingerbeer an online guide to London's Lesbian scene.

Sexuality is something that has been little discussed within the Chinese community. How did you feel growing up as a minority within a minority?

To be honest, I don't think of myself now as a 'minority within a minority'. Most of my friends are either gay or Chinese or both! Growing up, I had very few Chinese peers. I felt different but didn't attribute that to my cultural or sexual identity. It was only when I started meeting other Chinese lesbians and gay men that I realised how much we had in common in terms of shared experiences.

Joining Orientations (SE Asian lesbian and gay group) back in 1990 was an extremely empowering experience for me. It enabled me to socialise with other young Chinese without having to deny or hide my sexual orientation. It helped me address my own internal racism and be proud of who I am.

Did you find it hard to come out to your family and Chinese friends?

I think it's hard to come out whatever ethnic or cultural group you're part of. For me, it took ten years for my mum to accept that I wasn't going through a 'phase'. In fact it was harder to tell her that I was moving out of the family home than it was to come out! Now we're the best of mates, and my girlfriend is always treated as one of the family.

I suppose it's easier that my extended family all live in Singapore/Malaysia as neither my parents nor I have to contend with certain expectations such as marriage, kids and lifestyle. I have made most of my Chinese friends since I came out; most of them are lesbian or gay.

Has the perception of same sex relationships within the British Chinese community changed over the last ten years?

I can't speak for the BBC community but in general lesbian and gay people, our relationships and politics have had a lot more visibility compared to ten years ago. I can only hope that all sections of society are becoming more tolerant of diversity (sexual and cultural).

Did you encounter any issues within the British lesbian community?

Being part of a minority doesn't necessarily imply any greater sensitivity about the experiences of minority groups that you are not a part of. I think that holds true of the British lesbian community and the British Chinese community. I haven't experienced that many problems with racism within the lesbian community. I know that friends who were on the scene many years ago or who have a Chinese accent have encountered more racist assumptions and behaviour. I think it's important to be clear that the white lesbian community is no more or less racist than the white British community as a whole.

Do you think that race is less of an issue as we become more integrated and homogenous or do you think that it is important to celebrate our diversity?

I think race is always going to be an issue regardless of whether we become a more 'integrated' society. (By the way, integration on whose terms?) It's important to celebrate diversity and it's also important to remember that diversity doesn't just mean ethnic and cultural diversity. I would like to be part of a Chinese community that not only celebrates itself but celebrates diversity within itself. What is Gingerbeer?

Gingerbeer (cockney rhyming slang for queer) is a specialised lesbian web-guide for London. It offers comprehensive listings information for all the lesbian bars, clubs, cafes and shops in London, including exterior and interior photographs. The site includes a chat room and message board area which provides an excellent way for women just coming out or who wish to expand their social circle to make friends and find support. Gingerbeer also offers candid reviews where satisfied and dissatisfied punters can post their opinions.

Gingerbeer is a website that aims to offer Londoners and tourists a real opportunity to get the latest information on the womens scene. It differs from other gay websites in that it is intuitive to use, avoids banner advertising and is run entirely by dedicated volunteers.

What prompted you to set up Gingerbeer?

I originally launched Gingerbeer on January 1st 2000 in response to the dire lack of up-to-date scene listings information available in the press and on the Net. Venues in London, open and close on a regular basis and while promoters are quick to leaflet openings, they are not so forthcoming with their closures. Gingerbeer circumvents this ongoing problem with proactive investigations into London's nightlife.

Within a year of the launch, more volunteers joined me to form a management team and together we work on expanding the site and spreading the word. It's amazing just thinking about what we have built up in the last three years just by pooling our resources. We have within the team, experts in marketing, PR, events, fund raising, accounts, web and graphic designers. Gingerbeer would not have grown so successfully if it wasn't for our very talented events manager - Lorna Stucki. Lorna organises all our fund raising events such as 'Lyrical Lounge' (live music evenings onboard a barge) and 'fancy dress' theme parties. All the money we raise goes back into Gingerbeer to pay for webspace, promotional activities and to put on more exciting and unique events on the lesbian social calendar.

Gingerbeer has always been and will continue to be a not for profit website. I believe that as a community, we can achieve so much more than the corporate outfits out there. The way Gingerbeer evolves is driven by the input and loyal support of our visitors.

There is no sponsorship for Gingerbeer and the feedback so far has been positive and encouraging. In 2000, Gingerbeer was receiving approximately 50 hits a week, the number is now reaching 5000 a week, with little paid advertising this has mainly been achieved through word of mouth.

What are its aims?

I'd like Gingerbeer to be the definitive guide to Lesbian London and to be able to expand the current definition of the 'lesbian scene'; it's not all about bars and clubs for the baby dykes. I'd like to think that I'm very approachable and hope that my positive and laid back attitude instills a highly sociable and accepting outlook for our website.

I'm very passionate about this voluntary project and want to see it grow and grow. I think that I bring the ability to think up whacky ideas and persuade very talented women to work with me, to enhance Gingerbeer.

I'm out and about the scene quite a lot, really love meeting new people so it's always a pleasure to do a review. Alcohol intake is minimal (i.e. cheap date) but make up for it in mad dancing and 3am Chinese restaurant binges.

If you'd like to find out more about Gingerbeer, please visit: www.gingerbeer.co.uk

For more information about Gingerbeer, Orientations, the London lesbian scene or being a BBC lesbian email me at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it I'd love to expand my social network of BBC's regardless of whether you're straight or gay.