Following the Beijing Olympics in 2008, three close friends decided that Beijing needed an LGBT community that was worthy of the city’s new Olympic status. In November 2008, Gayographic was founded as an online resource and directory for the gay community by promoting gay and gay-friendly establishments and businesses. Since that time, Gayographic has expanded into a full gay PR and event management company. In January 2010, Gayographic organized China’s first Mr. Gay China pageant as part of the Worldwide Mr. Gay organization. The resulting immense worldwide media attention focused on how far the gay community has grown in China. Despite its cancelation, it has raised global awareness and made a great impact on the Chinese gay community.
Meet the founders of Gayographic:
Inspired by the birthday gift of a friend, Ben came up with the name “Gayographic” a few years ago, hoping that one day he would use this name to go into the pink business. With his past community experience and managerial expertise, Ben is running this hip organization with his personal charm and passion. It is hard not to be influenced by his fun personality.
Ryan is a talented writer who has a gift for making jokes that keep visitors coming back to the website for the latest posts. This 6’4’’ guy actually works as an executive consultant in the IT industry. Who would have guessed that a technology geek has a sense of humor dry as a martini?
Chris is known to the community by his nickname, Niuniu. Having been in the business for almost a decade, Niuniu is giving his best creativity to Gayographic. His participation is far from merely designing. It wouldn’t be a successful event if Niuniu isn’t around entertaining.
