It's not often that you walk into a doctors' surgery and feel as if you've just entered a spa. Such is the decor at a Central clinic where a Balinese teak effect, silk curtains and double-glazed sliding glass doors have replaced the sterile white walls, stainless steel finishes and fluorescent lights typical of Hong Kong medical practices.
The reasoning behind the unusual furnishings soon becomes clear: for Hong Kong, the subject matter of this clinic is still achingly taboo. It's hard enough to get people to visit in the first place, without scaring them off with daunting test-tubes and stethoscopes.
Since the Hong Kong Sexual Health Centre opened for business in January, it has had a steady stream of clients. Most are expatriates, underscoring an apprehension among the majority of the population about discussing all things sexual.
Organisers of the upcoming Sex Cultural Festival are familiar with the prudish attitude towards sex that prevails in many corners. Last year, the event sought to break down taboos with its display of art, sex toys and with experts on hand to discuss sensitive issues.
However, some officials took issue with the art and attitudes - most notably the Food, Environ-mental Health and Hygiene Department, which demanded that a display of bras be removed from view.
Hong Kong University psychiatry professor Ng Man-lun, also chairman of the Sex Culture Society, isn't deterred. This year's event will go ahead in late May 'just to remind people of the importance of sex and talking about issues other than just sexually transmitted diseases'.
