In my previous post about this year’s Gay Pride Parade in Hong Kong, I wrote that Anthony Wong was HK’s first star to officially come out. I got that from some news sources on the event, but it did not seem right to me, since I thought it was well known that the ultra beloved Leslie Cheung was gay.
Though I admit I know little when it comes to Cantopop, I do know Leslie, who is considered the founding father. His story is both incredible and tragic, as it came to an end when he jumped from the 24th floor of the Mandarin. He was known to be very depressed, mainly due to his struggles with his sexuality. Leslie’s 20-years partner, Daffy Tong, was even accepted by the public and Cheung’s family called Tong Leslie’s surviving spouse in his obituary.
So why is Anthony Wong the “first” openly gay entertainer? Perhaps it is because he is the first one currently alive? Or is it because Leslie proclaimed he was better described as being bisexual (rather gay?). Either way, Leslie’s non-heterosexuality came first, and was a big deal considering his level of stardom. This is not to say that Wong’s big coming out is not to be commended – he is the first to do so in the 9 years since Leslie’s suicide.