top of page

Hong Kong LGBTQ+ Life Commentary #2 Soda Sauna

  • Writer: Ryota Grace Nakanishi
    Ryota Grace Nakanishi
  • Jul 1
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 1

Two men hug while holding a rainbow pride sign over their faces against a purple background.

It is imperative to elucidate that the initial two-week period following the administration of the mpox vaccination has not yet elapsed. Consequently, any sexual engagement is meticulously eschewed. Furthermore, recent observations have revealed the presence of mild symptoms of mpox on the left arm, suggesting an immune response to the virus. A particularly salient aspect of the gay culture of this city is the manner in which communication takes place. However, it is noteworthy that certain mainlanders (not all of them; I do not intend to generalize) appear to exhibit a comparatively less sophisticated communication style in comparison to their local counterparts. In the context of analysis, mainlanders demonstrated a tendency to accompany acquaintances to the sauna, while some exhibited a lack of proficiency in the signaling language. Furthermore, the mainlanders encountered in the sauna exhibited a paucity of hostility toward their Communist government, likely due to the fact that the mainland provides gay saunas for them as well.


Note1: Mpox lesions characteristically present as firm, fluid-filled blisters or sores that can manifest on the arms. The presence of a localised rash or swollen glands in the axillary (armpit) region is indicative of the immune system's active response to the virus.


Note2: Vaccination entails the administration of a mildly infected substance to elicit immunity to mpox. The following symptoms were exhibited: lethargy, lymph node swelling, headaches, and other general discomfort.


Note3: According to the prevailing medical consensus concerning the third-generation mpox vaccine administered in Hong Kong (JYNNEOS), the vaccine is characterized as a non-replicating live virus. While it is known to cause local side effects at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, or firm nodules, as well as systemic side effects, including fatigue and headaches, it does not actually cause an mpox viral infection or true mpox lesions. The development of true fluid-filled blisters or progressive sores following vaccination typically indicates that the individual was exposed to the virus prior to the vaccine's full efficacy, rather than attributing the symptoms to the vaccine itself.


Note4:"Following my recent mpox vaccination, I noticed some temporary swelling and redness at the injection site on my left arm. As health authorities note, the non-replicating vaccine cannot cause actual mpox lesions, but standard local side effects like redness or firm nodules are common as the body builds immunity."


I'd definitely recommend this gay sauna on Hong Kong Island. It's super clean and the interior is designed really well. Best of all, the whole place is above and beyond what you'd expect. The gay friends are a mixed bunch, but the young, model-like ones are thought to be from the mainland. Yeah, there are people from the mainland who come to Hong Kong with their partners to enjoy life. For me, the most memorable thing was meeting the bride, and also having kind interactions with the basketball guy with the tattoo who was among the clouds. He had his cup noodles while he helped me figure out how to use the drinking machine. So, there's basically no discrimination against the mainland in the gay community, unlike the politicized discrimination. This is a great find. Don't forget that getting intimate is just part of the sauna experience. You should judge whether the whole experience releases your stress and trauma from real life.

Note4: Gay saunas in mainland China are private businesses, not state-provided public infrastructure, and their existence does not reflect a lack of government suppression of broader LGBTQ+ rights.


Note5: "Because Soda Sauna attracts a diverse crowd, you will encounter varying social dynamics. While local patrons often use established non-verbal cues, visitors unfamiliar with the local venue's subculture might communicate differently, leading to occasional cultural or linguistic misunderstandings."


Hallway directory signs in Chinese and English, including soda, Wine Cellar, MOVE INN, and a yellow floor-slippery caution sign.

When I got there, some white guys were there for a bit and then left the sauna. The main gay friends are young mainlanders. At the same time, a few pushy gays showed up, but they can be dealt with in different ways. Body language? Some uses breath signals. This is another finding for me. If you're looking for a clean, cozy, and spacious gay sauna, I'd suggest Soda. Thanks!


Note5: This post is exclusively shared with readers in this website.



Comments


  • i-love-israel-jewish-star-of-david-suppo
  • WZO: Support World Zionism!

© 2023 by EK. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page