By Sharon Ng

Nothing is more important than self- assurance. You cannot expect others to regard you as normal if you don't think so yourself," said Mr. Sebastian Lui of City University.

Despite the opposition to homosexuality, Mr. Lui insists that other homosexuals should "come out of the closet" and speak up.

Last year, he held a forum about homosexuality using the campus bulletin board system.

Mr. Aloe Lo also does not mind letting others to know about his "special" sexual orientation.

Said he: "As homosexuality is not an illness, I see no point in being worried. Lots of my friends know that I'm gay, but they don't think it's a big deal at all.

"Of course, I don't tell everybody I'm gay. But if someone asks me, I don't deny it," he added.

In fact, not many homosexuals have the courage to reveal their sexual orientation.

Mr. Edward Lam, a dramatic actor who is also a homosexual, said, "Some homosexuals regard themselves as victims and are not so sure of themselves.

"Because members of the public believe that society should accept different sexual orientations, they have started to fight for their rights," he added.

He also believes that homosexuals on campuses should get organised. He claimed there are more than 30 homosexual communities organized by university students in Taipei, but none are found in Hong Kong.

"As university students enjoy a greater degree of freedom, this is a good chance for homosexuals to speak out," he said.

Mr. Lam also regard the availability of larger amounts of resources as useful.

"For instance, students can exchange information concerning homosexuality through the computer network," he explained.

However, according to Patrick (not his real name), the organizer of a forum, it is difficult to unite homosexuals because there are strong opposing forces.

He regarded restrictions by authorities as the primary obstacle.

"In March, a magazine published by students concerning homosexuality was restricted in its circulation among students of Hua Lien Tang of Chung Chi College at The Chinese University of Hong Kong," he alleged.

"Recently, they again prevented me from distributing handbills for a forum about homosexuals. They took the handbills from students' mailboxes," he added.

However, Miss Yeung Yee-hoi, the warden of Hua Lien Tang, said that she did not know about the case in point.

"If what he said was true, it may be due to improper procedures for distribution."

Mr. Lui encountered the same problem when he applied for the establishment of a bulletin board, called Members of the Same Sex, which aimed at providing a channel for homosexuals to share their experiences and express their feelings.

He was refused initially by the authorities on the basis that "inelegant speeches and messages" might be posted on the bulletin board.

"This is unfair," he said. "I don't think this board should be treated differently from the others."

Although the board eventually was allowed, the response was scarce. There were only 30 messages on the board, half of them written by Mr. Lui himself.

"Most of the responses were concerning how people — heterosexuals I suppose — think about homosexuality, instead of personal experiences and expressions of feelings from homosexuals.

For Mr. Lui, it's tough work trying to unite homosexuals on the campus.

"I don't know the exact number of homosexuals on campus. Neither do I know how to approach them," he said. "Moreover, I don't know whether they really want to have such community, as some may want to retain their own lifestyles."

Mr. Lui thinks the university environment isn't necessarily an open environment.

"Undeniably, university students usually pretend to be liberal and open-minded," he said, "but under the surface, they may be completely different.

"A survey was conducted recently on people's attitudes towards homosexuality. Most respondents thought that they did not discriminate against homosexuals," he said. "But when asked whether they agreed to the idea of having a gay bar near their homes, most of them said no."

Patrick agreed: "Actually, no one expects homosexual campaigns or organizations to be held on campus."

He thinks it is difficult for people to get involved if they do not share the same feelings.

"Up till now, only three people have contacted me. However, all of them were simply asking information for their homework," he said.

Even if all the difficulties were overcome, it wouldn't mean there would be no more cause for worry.

"Sometimes, you have to remind yourself not to go too far, as some homosexuals may dislike such 'successful' campaigns," he said. "They may worry that these campaigns will increase people's awareness towards the issue and increase the possibility of their having to reveal their identities."

Added Mr. Lui: "I know that many homosexuals dare not to expose their sexual orientation, and I respect their choice.

"Everyone has his own difficulties and the right to choose."

For many people, homosexuals are still unacceptable, as homosexuality contravenes social norms.

Tom, who requested that his full name be withheld, is a Year 1 student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He illustrated the social pressures against even expressing interest in the subject.

"When I told my friend I was going to attend a forum about homosexuality," said Tom, "she immediately asked whether I was a homosexual."

Mr. William Ho, a mathematics student at the Chinese University, shares these feelings.

"Basically, I do not oppose homosexuality, nor am I scared of them, provided that they do not disturb me," he said.

A Mr. Yue Yat Sing, apparently a student at City University, expressed his opposition to homosexuality in a note on a bulletin board on his campus.

He wrote, "Nature tells us that there are two sexes in the world: male and female. The continuity of this world totally depends on both sexes. So how can we define such behaviour as natural if this law is broken?

"Surely, I do not discriminate them. However, please correct their sex orientation if possible," he added.

Actually, not all university students are opposed to homosexuality. Some of them hold a neutral standpoint.

Miss Kelly Kan, a student at City University, regards being a gay or lesbian as no big deal at all.

Said she: "It is only another lifestyle."

As for Mr. Lui: "I hope to continue inviting homosexuals on campus to express themselves."