"24 Flavours" is a welcomed figure in the gay community--being both optimistic and witty, he is always the one to liven up the atmosphere, the catalyst of merriment within a crowd. He has many good friends in the community. But, those close to him will get to know his serious side as well as his depth of emotions. Therefore, the topic "Flavours In My Heart" served as the prologue of the conversation between the writer and him.

"24 Flavours" is a self assured fellow who knew how to protect himself. Since childhoood, he never had the ordeal of outright discrimination-he was only ridiculed as "being sissy" by friends and classmates when he was small. The remarks were sometimes friendly, sometimess less so. He will not dignify the remarks with much responses, and kept on minding his own businesses. In the bottom of his heart, he was hurt by the vile behavioiurs of those looking down upon him. He used to care much about the criticisms regarding his appearance and manners. Now, he felt quite matter-of-fact about it: "So be it--this is I."

"24 Flavours" is an outspoken person. Towards friends, he will be candid: to deceive others is to deceive oneself. To live is to live merrily, and to respect one's conscience! Therefore, having contemplated for a while, he revealed his sexual orientation towards the pastoral staff in his church. The pastor and the preacher are very liberal about the issue--they do view homosexuality as one of the sins, likening it to greed, deceit, adultury, theft, etc. They do wish "24 Flavours" will "convert" as time goes by; But, they kept it confidential and encourage "24 Flavours" to attend church meetings as usual.

The breathing space alloted by the pastoral staff provided more confidence for "24 Flavours" to come out to other people. Later on, he chose to tell his kid sister. The delicate sister reacted with sorrow and rage. After much arguments, they were in cold wars with each other. After things were sedated somewhat, "24 Flavours" introduced to her his gay friends and have her joined activities in the gay community. Two years later, his sister actually engaged in cultural performances with his group of friends, gay and straight, in a harmonious fashion.

This experience, in retrospect, consisted of a lot of scare, frustration, pain, hope, confrontation, explanation, revelation. All these were shown on "24 Flavours"'s weathered face. The outcome is the ever-closer intimacy between the siblings. To face your destiny with fortitude--and blessings will follow after hardships. There are always opportunities during crisis. It is wished that every homosexual can seek acknowledgement in his/her expereiences, and that one's true self can be discovered. Otherwise, life would be trifling and meaningless.

As for the affairs of the heart--perhaps due to his personality, "24 Flavours" often cast off the impression of willfulness. Perhaps the synonym of willfulness is insecurity, and the antithesis of willfulness is the inability to be in tandem with others. Therefore, his love life seems "so close but o so faraway". There were relationships these years. Who does not crave having a loved one at your side all the time? But, being used to an untrammelled life, attachments are not as easy to bear.

"24 Flavours" will not hide his identity furtively--he sees his colleagues as friends and friends are not to be deceited. Surely, he is not naive enough to tell everyone, "hey, I am a gay". Only in suitable occasions, under mutual respect and frank sharing will he remarked on it offhand. "The identity is not unlike knowing how much there is in your wallet: Only you will keep on calculating; Others will not harp on the answer and there is no need for you to mention it constantly....after all, in interacting with others, what is important is to have others see your character, style and capability in thoughts and judgement."

"24 Flavours" do acknowledge that the gay community is a social minority. Discrimination within society is, more often than not, the majority discriminating against the minority, the rich discriminating against the poor, the outspoken discriminating against the reticent. Therefore, gays have to be strong. The first priority is to seek financial independence, planning for one's own life. Aside from work, "24 Flavours" often volunteered in various organizations: church, youth centers, organizations for the mentally handicapped, and BMCF. This had been his life long habit and his ideals as well. The main reason: "To be able to serve others is a pleasant experience...I was helpless when young; So, I do wish to help others now, and to share these expereiences with others. Moreover, I am liberated through helping others... We should treasure those around us who are special, like the physically or mentally handicapped. It is in their lives and interacting with them that we can see the blessings of God."

Life is full of sunshine. Having known "24 Flavours" for four years, we served together, participated in cultural events together. We bickered a lot and had our own stands, but always reconciled at the end. "24 Flavours" 's biggest wish is not having to work and have dear friends on his side. This is my wish as well. Chatting with "24 Flavours", anyone can feel his ambience of "pains and seperations I shall fear not, as the whole world is of compassion and love"