A Mid-Year Reflection: Life’s Imprints and the Blooming of Art

As the years gently caress our lives, a profound question often emerges: What will we leave behind for this vast world? It was this very inquiry, like a seed buried deep in the soil, that serendipitously broke through the earth, guiding me onto the wondrous journey of artistic creation.

Welcome to my June and early July Patreon recap. June was undoubtedly a vibrant month, exploring the halls of art, raising my voice for love on the streets of Tokyo, and reflecting on the transgender movement in Taiwan. The busy end of the month led to a slight delay in this update, but I’m deeply grateful for your understanding and support, which allows me to move forward without fear.

Now, let’s dive into the currents of June and July, exploring the sparkling experiences and profound insights they held!

Body in Dialogue and the Spark of Art

On June 1st, I immersed myself in Ku & Dance, Gu Ming-shen Dance Company’s improvisation workshop. It was a truly inspiring experience. Under the teacher’s minimalist yet precise guidance, our bodies seemed to break free from invisible constraints, stretching and expressing themselves freely according to our consciousness, revealing boundless possibilities. That feeling of dialoguing with my own body still resonates deeply within me.

On June 3rd, I headed to the Taoyuan Arts Center to participate in the “Curator Face-to-Face, Deep Dive” course, part of the Taoyuan Iron Rose Festival. Meeting several exceptional artists, we exchanged unique insights on how issues and artistic creation intertwine. Each interaction felt like a clash of ideas, sparking artistic flames.

A Transoceanic Voice: Tokyo Pride and Reflections on Gender Movement

From June 5th to 11th, I flew to Japan for my first overseas Tokyo Pride 2025. On the bustling streets of Tokyo, I marched alongside partners from Taiwan and China, raising our voices for transgender rights. This journey not only allowed me to feel the warm connection of the international community but also introduced me to Chinese queer artists based in Japan. This opens up more imaginative possibilities for collaboration with the future “Taiwan Transgender Museum.”

While in Japan, I made sure to explore the rich local art scene. I visited various exhibition halls, including the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. I also made a special trip to a queer art exhibition specifically organized for Tokyo Pride. Within these art sanctuaries, I saw the stories and voices of many artists. These visual and spiritual nutrients will be carried back to Taiwan, becoming a wellspring of inspiration for future creations.

During this Japan Rainbow Week, scholars and social activists from Taiwan also specifically organized a sharing session on the transgender rights movements in Taiwan and Japan. I deeply felt the challenges Japanese society faces regarding gender equality; the overall social environment makes the progress of gender movements arduous. However, surprisingly, in terms of transgender male rights, Japan’s progress is even more advanced than Taiwan’s, offering us more diverse perspectives for consideration.

More importantly, I also shared in Japan, from a social activist’s perspective, how the “anti-gender movement wave” is quietly permeating Taiwan’s transgender community and causing irreparable spiritual and morale impacts. This sharing event received enthusiastic support from our Chinese and Japanese partners, with discussions flowing like a tide, sparking many profound insights.

Lights, Music, and Celebration: Building a Haven for the Community

On June 15th, at the lesbian nightclub Taboo, we held a vibrant Transgender & Lesbian Party. Diverse DJs gathered, igniting the night with music. Due to its warm reception, this party will become a regular event, alternating with T&N Party (which nurtured me as an event DJ) in the future. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can have a safe and joyful space to party every month.

On June 17th, I stepped into the National Theater to attend a lecture by choreographer Wang Yu-gang and writer Chen De-cheng. They shared their life stories of traversing mountains and seas: how challenges and setbacks, departures and returns, are deeply etched into the body and ultimately transform into a surging force for creation. Every moment in life, whether a peak or a valley, becomes fertile ground for their artistic endeavors. This made me wonder if perhaps an artist’s life itself is a form of practice, where they refine the highs and lows they’ve experienced into the soul of their creations, healing themselves through the brushstrokes of art, and touching the audience in turn.

On June 29th, I attended the annual event of the Taiwan Association for Transgender Medicine. The venue brought together many gender-friendly doctors who shared how Taiwan’s gender policies and transgender-related resources complement each other. Seeing so many familiar faces filled my heart with warmth. I feel fortunate that Taiwan has such a dedicated and compassionate group of doctors contributing their services to this small community.

A New Stage: My Debut as a Theatre Professional

June 21st, 2025, marked a truly special day for me. In the past, whenever I stepped onto a podium or a stage, it was always for gender advocacy or public speaking. But on this day, at the Art Consciousness Theatre x Soul Theatre Exchange Platform event, I officially debuted in a new capacity: that of “Theatre Organizer/Director.” I introduced the burgeoning “OOPS! Theatre” to my fellow theatre professionals, along with our inaugural production—the stage play “The Tribe Without a Name,” co-created with a few good friends. I shared the play’s outline, core concept, and current progress. What was even more thrilling was finding several backstage partners right there who were eager to join and play along.

From being just an event DJ last year, this year I’ve ventured into theatre production, exhibition planning, dance language, and various other forms of creative expression. At a time when gender issues are facing significant regression, I’m striving to forge a new path for advocacy. I’m continuously exploring how to use art to continue telling stories, speaking out, and making us visible to others. We don’t mince words, nor are we afraid of not being able to “perform.” For speaking the truth is, in itself, a powerful performance. The Frank & Fearless Theatre is about to meet you all.

The Serenity of a New Home and the Budding of a Play

Looking back, my former roommate had cast a bit of a shadow over my life. As the lease neared its end, I quickly found a new home in early July and decisively moved out. On the night of July 6th, my first night in the new apartment, I finally enjoyed a long-awaited restful sleep. I never realized how much negative relationships could impact my health. Fortunately, everything has settled, and I’ve embraced a new beginning.

On July 8th, my stage play, “The Tribe Without a Name,” underwent its second script reading rehearsal. This time, we had the privilege of using the National Theater and Concert Hall’s recital hall rehearsal room—a space usually mysterious to the general public, which added a lot of intrigue to the rehearsal. As the director, I also began to finalize the casting and character settings for the main roles among the current actors. I’m especially grateful for the strong support from the “Art Consciousness Theatre” platform, which helped me connect with many like-minded backstage partners during theatre community networking events. Through our collective brainstorming, the script also underwent significant positive developments. This small production, nurtured by everyone’s wisdom, is gradually taking on the shape of a professional production.

On July 10th, we held a special script reading rehearsal, welcoming a new actor. Watching more and more people join, the play’s form on stage became increasingly clear.

I sincerely hope that one day, I can present this work to you on stage, allowing “The Tribe Without a Name” to shine under the spotlights.

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