FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LONG YANG CLUB

Q: What is the Long Yang club?

A: It is an organization catering to gay Asians and interested non-Asians. It aims to provide a friendly and supportive environment in the areas where it operates, chiefly through a program of social events and other activities.

Q: How did the organization get its name?

A: It is named after "Lord Long Yang" who was a gay character in the Chinese book of legends, "Dream of Red Mansions".

Q: When was the organization founded and how is it structured?

A: The first Long Yang Club was founded in London in 1983 and is now the world's largest gay "East-West" group. From this beginning, the Long Yang Club now encompasses no less than 35 local groups or 'Chapters' located in cities in 9 different countries spanning 4 continents. It is truly a "global village". All Chapters are members of the umbrella body Long Yang Club International ("LYCI"), (as to which see the next Q. and A). Membership of any Chapter is honored by all the other Chapters around the world. Each Chapter is independently managed, but all share the same "family" name and the same logo. This logo is a "two hands friendship" design. It is actually a stylized but distinctive version of the "Yin Yang" concept .

Q: What is LYCI and how is it managed?

A: LYCI is the coordinating body for all of the LYC Chapters throughout the world and every Chapter is a member. Other non-LYC groups may be permitted to become members at the discretion of the LYCI executive committee, but usually only where the group in question accepts the principles and objects of the Long Yang Club and fully supports the LYC network.

LYCI is governed by a written constitution (click here for text of LYCI Constitution) and by-laws. It is managed by a board of executive officers (click for more info) who are elected annually by the individual Chapters at the LYCI AGM which is held at the annual convention ("iCON" - see more information below).

The executive officers appoint an International Coordinator, who in turn appoints a network of Regional Coordinators. The Regional Coordinators liaise with the entire network of LYC chapters worldwide. For example, in Australia New Zealand and Asia, the Regional Coordinator for ANZ/Asia provides support for LYC chapters in that region. In Europe, we have the Regional Coordinator for Europe, and so on.

The executive officers of LYCI and the International Coordinator confer regularly, usually by means of a monthly internet meeting on the second Sunday of each month at 2200 hours GMT. Organizers or nominated office bearers of local LYC Chapters are entitled to attend these meetings as observers.

Q: What are the main functions of LYCI and the benefits and services provided for its members?

A: These may be summarized as follows:

1. To protect the good name of the Long Yang Club throughout the world. LYC is after all the world's largest network of gay Asian/non-Asian groups and our reputation matters.

2. To coordinate the activities of the individual Chapters. To facilitate this, LYCI has appointed Regional Coordinators for each main geographical region. The task of these Regional Coordinators is to provide advice and support to Chapters in their respective regions and to liaise with the executive committee of LYCI.

3. To provide a central hub for the dissemination of information throughout the network of Chapters, and in this connection to maintain regular contact with individual Chapters. Such information is likely to include news about developments in other Chapters, updates for news letters and magazines, and so forth.

4. To provide detailed advice and support to any individual or group of individuals wishing to start a new LYC Chapter.

5. To provide free advice and support on almost all issues regarding management of individual Chapters, including marketing, finance, membership recruitment, social activities, website design, etc. Where possible, free guides and workshops may be arranged to enhance the management skills of those involved in running individual Chapters.

6. To maintain and regularly update the LYC Global Village website (www.longyangclub.org) containing news and information and direct links to the separate websites of all local Chapters. Almost every Chapter has its own website. In addition there is an important and very popular facility for placing and responding to personal advertisements. Free web space and alias e-mail addresses are provided to every Chapter.

7. To oversee arrangements for an annual international convention known as "iCON". Each year, iCON is held in a different city, hosted by the local LYC Chapter which takes direct responsibility for the program of events. These events are mainly social but they also include workshops and the AGM of LYCI. In 2002, iCON was held in Montreal and Ottawa, and in 2003 the iCON venue is Paris.

Q: Is there a fee for a group to be a member of LYCI?

A: Yes, but it is only US $25 a year. This is mainly used to fund the cost of the internet domain and website space to be provided free to LYC Chapters.

Q: How does a group become a member of LYCI?

A: Send an e-mail to the LYCI Secretary (secretary@longyangclub.org) and he will send you a registration form. All LYC Chapters are expected to be members.

Q: How do you start up a new LYC Chapter?

A: Send an e-mail to Billy Wong, the International Coordinator (silklink@longyangclub.org).  Click here for more information.

If there is a Regional Coordinator in your region, Billy Wong will appoint him to work with you. Otherwise, he will work with you himself. These guys have experience in assisting new LYC chapters to start up, and they will liaise with you via e-mail and/or phone. You will also be sent an LYC Step-by-Step Start-up Guide You will be guided and given personal advice and support until the Chapter is established. If possible, you be introduced to other persons in your city who may also be interested in starting a new group, so that you will be able to form a pilot team to get things going - and hopefully enjoy doing it at the same time!

Q: As every LYC Chapter is a member of LYCI, does it mean that every Chapter is controlled by LYCI?

A: No, it does not mean that. Each Chapter is managed independently by its own committee. LYCI only provides advice if required. On the other hand, as each Chapter is a member of LYCI, it has a say in how LYCI is managed and who is elected to the executive committee.

Q: How are the local LYC Chapters managed?

A: Each Chapter has a set of bye-laws and is run by a committee elected by its members. There may be some variation between the bye-laws of one Chapter and another, reflecting local needs and preferences.

Q: What sort of events do LYC Chapters host?

A: It varies with individual Chapters. Possibilities include potluck parties, theme parties (maybe with an Asian Festival theme), BBQs, dinner outings, trips, karaokes, picnics, discos, sports and outdoor events, Mr. and Miss LYC competitions, talent shows, language classes, participation in gay pride marches and floats, etc., etc. If you want more ideas, we can give you more or suggest other LYC organizers around the world to discuss them with you!