Popo Fan, our Beijing gay film master, who was recently featured in Timeout Beijing, just returned from the World Out Games in Copenhagen, Denmark. He is extremely grateful for all those who contributed their time and effort to send him to compete at the Games on behalf of China. Gayographic caught up with Popo to find out about his experience in Copenhagen:
Gayographic: Was that your first time to travel to Europe? Were you happy with the food and accommodations there?
Popo: Yes, That was my first trip to Europe. We all know that Europe is a very expensive place, especially Copenhagen, but the Outgames Committee had a program called “OUT REACH” for people from developing countries. The program took care of us by providing accommodation in university dormitories and meals at the school cafeteria. Before going to Europe, I had always thought western food was greasy and fattening, thus I planned on losing some weight while there by avoiding most of the food. To my surprise, the food was fantastic and, in the end, I actually gained weight.
Gayographic : How was your run?
Popo: I had some serious back problems so, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to run in the marathon that I was looking forward to. So, in the end, I chose the shorter 5km run and finished it.
Gayographic: What was the most impressive part of your trip?
Popo: Our Danish friends from Beijing, Maria and Lene, took us to another event while we were there called the “Queer Festival”. Unlike some of formalities that the Outgames had to follow, Queer Festival was freeer and more fun. It was a big parade. Everyone loved it.
Gayographic: As a filmmaker, did you film something for your fans in Beijing?
Popo: I did show some of my films at the Outgames and did some filming too. I will integrate them in another documentary that I am making. I will finish that in September I think.
