There is no better prop for Ricky Sim to pose with than a rainbow urn on his show’s poster. It perfectly sums up his set about his life as a Gay Asian man, and the process of being open about who he is to his family. The only problem is, acceptance isn’t on the horizon, but his mother’s last days on this earth are.
He makes it clear that being Asian or Gay has its challenges individually. The challenges he brings us through in his show were determined by identifying as both. In early life it was about exploring his sexuality behind the guise of studying with a boy in his room so as not to get caught by his parents. About learning the queer lingo, or that Asian gays are one, completely generalised and comprehensive catagory of gay. Later it is about figuring out how to be himself to his family who never met him with acceptance. So when his mum is diagnosed with fatal cancer, Sim has to decide between telling her his truth against his family’s wishes or keeping the peace and never opening up to the mother he loved so dearly.
Though the content is heavy, the show does not let up on the humour. Ricky Sim is immediately easy to like. He’s got a charming lightheartedness to his presence, which makes his fast and quippy remarks pack a hilarious punch. You don’t see them coming, making the laughs brilliantly thought out surprises. It’s a wonderful balance of painful honesty and making light of life. He confronts feelings of duty, guilt and closure with great care. Sim’s story is just as touching as it was full of hilarious moments. We as the audience are left with a small closure of our own, knowing sometimes acceptance comes in ways we never thought it could.
An Asian Queer Story: Coming Out to Dead People
13:55 @ Just the Tonic at The Mash House – Just the Snifter Room
Aug 21-27
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/asian-queer-story-coming-out-to-dead-people
