An air of festivity hangs in the air here in Kuala Lumpur as today marks our 50th year of independence from the British. I had forgotten how fun it was to be in the city on the eve of a celebration and it really is: massive traffic jams in the city as people make their way to fireworks lookout points, restaurants and bars offering special promotions to bring in the revellers and everyone's anticipation -- as if it was the last night of their lives -- palpitating throughout the city in a made joyous rush.
I spent my night on the eve of Merdeka (translation: Independence) at a queer friendly music/ art bar that is just two minutes from my house. I knew that as I sat there watching groups of performers belting out tunes from decades past that I was content. It was a moment of epiphany for me when I realized how exciting it was to be home in a crowd filled with friends, artists, liberals and gays.
Three months have passed since I left DC for home and I'm happy knowing that this community that is full of talent and love is where I will be spending the forseeable future.
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