Reconnecting

This afternoon I was invited to attend a small workshop for gay men from all over Indonesia, the follow-up to an Asia-wide meeting held a view months ago in Delhi. It was great - I got to connect with many old friends and participate in brainstorming about building the national network. I even helped with a little translating for some other non-Indonesians present. Here's a picture of me with with 3 old friends. Next to me is Akbar, the head of Gaya Celebes - the organization where I'll be staying in Makassar (it was first formed in my living room in 1993 when I first lived in Makassar). Second is Sigit, who's now very active with Gaya Nusantara, the organization here in Surabaya. Finally is Budhie, who is the current director of Gaya Nusantara and someone I've known since 1992; we've worked together many times over the years. It's great to meet so many good friends with whom I have such a history; it reminds me how Indonesia is, if not quite a second home, a place that's close to my heart.