|
| Pattaya Gay Festival - Second Great Year | |
Thanks for dropping by this unique site. Pattaya for many years has deservedly had the reputation of being something of a gay mecca for tourists from all over the world. Also, events such as street parties, gay sports days and a Mr. Boyz Town contest have long been a popular tradition here. In November 2000, following the initiative of local businessman Jim Lumsden, a committee began the mammoth task of organizing Pattaya's First Gay Festival in which all gay and gay friendly businesses could be as involved as they wished.
In the event, success far outweighed expectation. A rolling program of parties, organized dinners, competitions and sports activities culminated in a parade of floats last December and a grand final party. All together, almost three million baht was raised for the benefit of Heartt 2000, an AIDS related charity, and the Naklua Drug Rehabilitation Centre. One of the most satisfying aspects of the fund raising was how both gay and non-gay people worked together to improve the life chances of many Thai sufferers in the locality.
The Pattaya Gay Festival 2002 is already under way. This year the nominated charities are Heartt 2000 once again and other local charities. Incidentally, Heartt (Help Ensure Aids Rescue In Thailand Together) 2000 is run by French doctor Philippe Seure and has already helped hundreds of AIDS sufferers, principally by purchasing, as cheaply as possible, the life saving drugs which people in the western world would take for granted. Anyone who knows Dr Philippe's work will confirm the tremendous value of Heartt 2000's contribution to the health of the community.
Finally, don't forget that the Pattaya Gay Festival is still looking for sponsors.
You can help by clicking on the Support Festival Button on this page and by attending PGF Events, which are held throughout the year to raise funds for the charities.
| 
