DJ Santos hails from one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world: San Francisco. Actually, he was born in the Philippines, but considers northern California’s Bay Area city as his home now. And after meeting his partner there at the same time as receiving his permanent residency he quickly settled in, and fell for the openness of the place – which has a long history of cultural experimentation and acceptance: “I mean where else can you see guys walking naked side-by-side in full leather S&M regalia?”

Ownership of a club in Manila maintains the link to his motherland, but his ambitions in the DJ world have culminated in gigs in Shanghai and Taipei, and now Hong Kong. And he’s happy to admit it. “I’m definitely a work in progress but I love the fact that my star is shining a whole lot faster these days.” As for Hongkongers attitude to homosexuality, DJ Santos knows there’s some way to go, though he’s happy to see that there are more places opening up like Volume and Zoo, as well as the well-established Propaganda. But he admits that despite advances on the outside, the strict family culture in China can still be restrictive to one’s true nature. He explains: “This is deeply ingrained in the culture, society, and religion of the country. So the best thing to do is to just keep putting yourself out there. Come out! Make yourself heard and make yourself visible, because in the end silence equals death. So let’s get loud Hong Kong!”

DJ Santos’ positive message, coupled with his funky, tribal house that has San Francisco and Manila stamped all over it is a must for any party-loving Hongkonger – whatever creed, race, gender, colour or sexual orientation. It’s all love.

OC