--As you see it, what is unique to this newest queer generation?

Well, a lot of things come to mind, but for one I'd say that students are particularly active. At just about every university in Switzerland there is an LGBT association. Most of these groups were only just begun recently.

--True! I also graduated from the University of Geneva, but while I was a student (in 2000) there were no such organizations and nobody talked about such things.

Yes, I sense that's evidence of the growing confidence that young people now have in their queer identity. As a result, university has become quite a pleasant place to be. If you think about it, tolerating and respecting others is pretty much a fundamental rule underlying college life, so it's natural that things develop this way.

Also, LGBT groups are now more likely to work together with other social institutions on collaborative projects rather than see their work in terms of a "fight" against mainstream government associations, as in the past. In particular, there are a rising number of projects arranged together with arts, media and educational institutions.

Also, I get the feeling that the new generation does not divide itself along male-female lines. Recently the number of groups for only gay men, or only gay women, is declining. Gay men and gay women are not putting out two independent messages to the world, but instead are working together.

I think that the new generation also does not differentiate gender and sexuality so much. For example, there are growing numbers of feminine lesbians and a lot of masculine gay men as well. Also, in the past most lesbians were feminists, but now that's not necessarily the case.

Lastly, I think the new generation recognizes and is conscious of the risks involved in having sex without condoms. Nowadays, you can find condoms available for free, not just at a select few places, but pretty much at any club or cafe in Switzerland. Also, research on risks for queer women is being advanced, and more information is now available to us.

--I see. It's really interesting to hear what's going on in other countries! This is a little off-topic, but The L Word DVD sets were released in Japan from February 2008 and I heard that the program is broadcast in Switzerland on the national public broadcasting station. What is your opinion of the program?

To me, The L Word is a very special and important program. I first saw it when I wasn't even out to my close circle of friends. But having the images of Bette and Joyce

The drama is extremely popular among Swiss queers, but also popular among straight people too. Naturally, you'll always hear people asking each other who their favorite character is. And it's clear that most girls would do just about anything to spend a night with Shane (laughs).

--Katherine Moennig came to Japan in June, and Japan was really whipped into a fever (laughs)! Could I ask you for a message for queer folks in Japan?

First of all, thanks for reading all my long answers! I hope that some information on what it's like to be queer in Geneva and Switzerland came through. I'd be really happy if part of what we talked about inspired somebody. I think queer communities from around the world have much to learn from each other, so I'm looking forward to learning more about what Japanese “bians” are up to!

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