Welcome to My Queer Bookstore (2009)
Located in Taipei, Taiwan, Gin Gin’s Bookstore is the one and only bookstore dedicated to the LGBT community in the Chinese-speaking world. The director explores the lawsuits and the discussion this iconic space has ignited, as well as its place in gay culture: hosting numerous public forums, book signing and promotional activities for gay films and television shows.
Exhibitions
San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival 06/2009
Vancouver Queer Film Festival 08/2009
Austin Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 09/2009
Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival 9/2009
San Diego Asian Film Festival 10/2009
Milwaukee LGBT Video/Film Festival 10/2009
CMJ Film Festival, 11/2009
Human Rights Film Festival, Vienna, 12/2009
London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, 03/2010
Los Angeles Pacific Asian Film Festival, 04/2010
Vancouver Queer Film Festival 08/2009
Austin Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 09/2009
Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival 9/2009
San Diego Asian Film Festival 10/2009
Milwaukee LGBT Video/Film Festival 10/2009
CMJ Film Festival, 11/2009
Human Rights Film Festival, Vienna, 12/2009
London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, 03/2010
Los Angeles Pacific Asian Film Festival, 04/2010
Reviews
"My favorite short on this program is Larry Tung's Welcome To My Queer Bookstore. Focusing on the 10 years in which Lai Jeng-Jer's small business, Gin Gin's Bookstore, has played a crucial role inTaipei's gay community, the film stresses its importance as a bookstore, coffee house, community center, and communications hub for LGBT people in Taipei. The film also describes the legal hassles faced by the owner of Gin Gin's when censors objected to a gay men's magazine he was importing from Hong Kong.In an era where bookstores are vanishing as more and more people get their information online, Gin Gin's continues to thrive. Many sex toys are imported from Japan and Germany. One of the most popular sections of the store features sports bras for women. The film includes footage of recent gay pride celebrations in Taipei."
From George Heymont, My Cultural Landscpae
"I LOVED this movie! What a divine and fabulous short film. It's a simple idea: Make a short film about the power of the one and only queer bookstore in the Chinese-speaking world, and document its sociological impact in a Taiwanese community where there are few resources for queers. It's a simple idea with a huge payoff. The hero of this film is Gin Gin's Bookstore's owner, "JJ" Lai Jeng-Jer, who was sued by conservatives for distribution of "obscene" material. Taiwanese activists used the lawsuit to their advantage, putting together a fundraiser that raised more than twice the money needed to pay the fines levied against the bookstore. Throughout the film, JJ gleefully walks through his store, telling viewers about the significance of all the various items he carries in his store. I have to say, I was so thrilled when JJ picked up a prostate massager and sung its glories for giving users new ways to experience anal pleasure. He's amazing. But the waterworks really flowed when he stood beside a section of sports bras, eloquently speaking about how important sports bras are for butch lesbians in Taiwan who use them to bind their breasts. These weren't just goods for sale, these were politics for JJ. God bless him. And God bless this film!"
From www.TrevorHoppe.com
From George Heymont, My Cultural Landscpae
"I LOVED this movie! What a divine and fabulous short film. It's a simple idea: Make a short film about the power of the one and only queer bookstore in the Chinese-speaking world, and document its sociological impact in a Taiwanese community where there are few resources for queers. It's a simple idea with a huge payoff. The hero of this film is Gin Gin's Bookstore's owner, "JJ" Lai Jeng-Jer, who was sued by conservatives for distribution of "obscene" material. Taiwanese activists used the lawsuit to their advantage, putting together a fundraiser that raised more than twice the money needed to pay the fines levied against the bookstore. Throughout the film, JJ gleefully walks through his store, telling viewers about the significance of all the various items he carries in his store. I have to say, I was so thrilled when JJ picked up a prostate massager and sung its glories for giving users new ways to experience anal pleasure. He's amazing. But the waterworks really flowed when he stood beside a section of sports bras, eloquently speaking about how important sports bras are for butch lesbians in Taiwan who use them to bind their breasts. These weren't just goods for sale, these were politics for JJ. God bless him. And God bless this film!"
From www.TrevorHoppe.com