I document homophobia.
As soon as I see one, I have this impulse of grabbing my camera or save it in my computer if I see one online.
This week, I saw one in my facebook homepage because a friend and a work colleague was tagged on it. I was fuming with anger when I read these words:
WTF is your problem, Ken? What have we done to surge the level of your hatred, ignorance and intolerance?
KEN CHAN is a DJ. He is a member of the well-loved SYNDICATE group of DJs who play Drum and Bass. I don’t personally know him but we have common friends. And I did go to parties where the SYNDICATE DJs play—in my 5 years in this city. I know one DJ in this group because he’s a colleague at work–though we work in two different branches of the same company. And I can vouch that he’s NOT a homophobic DJ.
It took me 30 minutes before I finally weaved the words to post in a yahoo group where I belong, BGLAD, which stands for Beijing Gays, Lesbian and Allies Discussion. I am in fact one of the very, very few members who started this group some years ago.
Apparently, NOT everyone was happy with Ken’s words. His fellow DJ commented on the said picture by saying, “Bit harsh Ken. “Hi Ladies” I’m fine with. Can’t agree with the rest though.”
Joke or not, those words were not supposed to be said. They fired up someone–whether he / she is a hetero or gay. Did he say that to make it like it’s a cool thing to do or to show that he’s the macho who should be worshiped on the dance floor? Whatever.
Newsflash Ken: It’s not cool. It’s purely a homophobic remark.
While writing the email for the group, I tried VERY HARD not to call him names—though I really, really want to.
I am a tolerant and an open-minded person. I can tolerate your vices but NOT homophobia, racism and hatred. Though I have issues on my own but I try not to spread hatred. It’s a tough job.
But, yes, I do bitch. Especially when I paid something and I didn’t get what I was promised.
And I could be silly, too. 
)
Anyway, the email spread like California’s wildfire. Members in the group forwarded the message to everyone they know. And then, the inevitable happened: various comments were posted and it was uncontrollable.
Those were proof that no one likes homophobia and hatred. In times like this, the community is but ONE.
The email reached to two of the SYNDICATE DJs: one asked for an apology and one made clarifications.
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From Dj Jon
Hi Alain – I saw that post and I’d like to make the following comments:
1) I’d like to distance myself, all other members of the crew and the Syndicate name in general from Ken’s comment. Anyone that knows me, Alex Blackie, Dan, or Yadong will vouch for the fact that we do not share those views.
2) I cannot vouch for Ken and whatever he decides to post on facebook is his choice entirely. I’m sure he’s grown up enough to field any direct feedback you have for him
3) I’ve let him know that he’s caused a serious amount of offence and what he decides to do about it is up to him.
Then, there’s another email from DJ Blackie:
I have received your email about the homophobic comment on Facebook. I just want to take this opportunity to apologise for any of the offense caused. It was a pretty stupid thing to write and we’re in the process of speaking to Ken about it now. From the sounds of it, it was a completely misguided attempt at an ironic joke. It is, however, totally inexcusable and for that reason i’d like to apologise on behalf of the Syndicate.
I’d take issue with C———– comment that we aren’t a loving group of people. We are! And for the record, The Syndicate is completely gay-friendly!! I’m slightly dissappointed it has reached this stage as nearly every person that C———– cc’ed on the email would attest to that fact.
Anyway, sorry again mate, big love for being the small voice in a big crowd.
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Honestly, that was sweet of them to care and write. And I was ok with that. I could be a drama queen but I’m not a complicated person to ask for an apology.
However, I am NOT OK that KEN wasn’t the one apologizing to what he said. He should be responsible of his own venom he unleashed and BE A MAN!
Ken didn’t chose the right time to spread his hatred and homophobia. He posted them days before when THE SYNDICATE will celebrate its 6th Year Anniversary in White Rabbit tomorrow, Saturday, March 13.
I love White Rabbit. It’s a school to me—even before they were still at Haoyun Jie. Not just the music but also because they don’t give a damn thing on my sexuality. That’s why when they were closed for months, it felt like I was a school drop-out with nowhere to go after 2:00 a.m.
But, how would you feel dancing in a gay-friendly bar with a homophobic DJ?
Then the apology…
Ken’s email of apology was released to the “press.” You know… to the people. )
And oh, my sweet old Cher and Elton John, he issued not one but TWO emails.
TWO VERY DIFFERENT APOLOGIES.
Here’s the first one:
“Hello everybody,
I am writing to apologies about my messy writing on my facebook photo caption. I already known that has deep impact on the social activties, communities and usual people living feelings. The way I put this is all about my personal idea and experienced on myself, totally not about other members of our music crew the Syndicate Beijing. I feel sorry to the people who feel not comfortable after they read on my mistake, and the bother on the usual living ways on people.
The caption is already deleted. Sorry once again.
Ken
And the second one:
Hi all,
I would like to publicly apologize for the comments I made on my facebook photo caption in last week. My comments were disrespectful and inappropriate, and there is nothing that I can say to reverse the damage that have been made by my error in judgment.
The comments I made were my own, and are in no way representative of the views and opinions of the Syndicate or any other group that I am a member of.
My comments, which were a misguided, poor attempt at humor, seemed to reflect hate or agression against fellow human beings, and this is inexcusable. I am deeply sorry to those who were offended.
Ken
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And of course, an apology always receives different reactions but they boil down to one conclusion: It doesn’t seem sincere.
WORDS FROM THE SYNDICATE:
Dear all,
Kay C has recently made a number of public apologies for his unacceptable comments. If you have not seen it or you know of another group, forum or community where you think an apology would be appropriate, please let us know and we will make sure it is taken care of.
Despite his apology, The Syndicate and White Rabbit feel it best that Kay C doesn’t play at the forthcoming Syndicate anniversary this Saturday. He has been pulled from the line-up and replaced with a new-comer DJ Skywalker, who we can assure you is a peaceful, loving, accepting kinda dude!
We really hope that this can draw a line under the whole incident, please forward this to whoever you feel would like to read it.
Cheers,
Alex Blackie
Jon Smith
Dan Stephenson
Liu Yadong
POSTSCRIPT
Ken, I am a forgiving person and I don’t spread my own hatred. I worry about and afraid of wrinkles.
Do I forgive you? Should I? I’d say, PARTLY FORGIVEN. As of this writing.
THE BLOG TITLE
Ken, I opted to put a question mark on the title. Are you really?
