As Chinese New Year begins today, we take a look at China’s underground gay world, its LGBT issues and see what is being done to improve their rights in one of the world’s most powerful, yet strict and traditional, countries.
Throughout China’s long and rich history, homosexuality and transgenderism have been regularly depicted in ancient and contemporary literature, arts and also films – many of which have been banned or abolished. However, it remains a touchy subject. Although being LGBT is not illegal, it is still seen as a taboo by many; same-sex marriages are not recognised, and the vast majority of LGBT people are either too scared to come out or are scarcely accepted by others – especially family – let alone tolerated.
Learn the lingo: (L-R) "Tongzhi" literally meaning comrade (now commonly used to mean gay) and "La la", slang term for lesbian.
Controversy over public events
In June 2009, Shanghai hosted the country’s first gay pride, which saw an estimated 3000 people attend this landmark event. This was considered a great success in spite of the risks and a second pride was scheduled for the following year. Unfortunately, in the run upto its expected date, news about it vanished from the media, and it was later revealed that the government had acted to stop the event from happening. Thankfully, the event did eventually take place in October that year, albeit on a much smaller scale.
In January 2010, China’s first gay pageant ‘Mr Gay China’, which was set to take place in Beijing, was abruptly cancelled hours before it was due to start – despite having been given the initial green light by the government which all public events need in the first place. Other incidents include the closing down of bars, clubs and bathhouses in several cities, with prostitution and drugs usually given the official reason for their demise.
Secret lives
'Mr Gay China': China's controversial first gay pageant.
A large number of gays and lesbians in China live a double life, appearing to be happily settled in a heterosexual relationship or marriage – sometimes even with children – while at the same time meeting with others of the same sex. Yet the majority of them decide to stay in that relationship and continue to try covering up the truth, not wanting to lose what they already have.
Most, whether in a relationship or not, are still in the closet. They are often too afraid of what others (mainly family) may say and think – although more and more feel able to come out to friends, classmates and colleagues, who are usually more understanding. Chinese parents with traditional ideals dread two things – never having grandchildren, and ‘losing face’ within society, meaning disowning their children or allowing them to leave home is common.
LGBT rights
Before the turn of the millennium, homosexuals and those engaging in homosexual acts could still be arrested, persecuted, convicted and punished, although this is now very rare. When homosexuality was officially removed from the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders list in 2001, the first major step for LGBT rights was established. Since then, although some problems and run-ins with the government and police have occurred, there is general tolerance, or at least a blind eye is turned; it is believed that the official view towards gay issues remains as the “three no’s”: no approval, no disapproval, and no promotion.
Since 2000, discussion about gay issues and the attempt to push for legalisation of same-sex marriage in China has been repeatedly put forward but rejected. Surveys conducted over the years have shown mixed reactions to LGBT issues and the idea of same-sex marriage, though most have proven that there is a surprisingly high number of people who support them. However, some still believe same-sex marriage is still too new and far ahead, even for the ever-improving China.
A pro-safe sex poster in China reading "do you have one?" – "do you wear one?"
Apart from prides and pageants, other steps forward include homosexuals being included in anti-HIV and AIDs efforts, PFLAG meetings being set up in Shanghai, pro-LGBT campaigns which even drew support from heterosexuals in mainland China and numerous charities, hotlines and centres for LGBT people.
What does the future hold?
While the legalisation of same-sex marriage in China may indeed be far from happening, good progress has been made in other areas over recent years. An increasing number of people are accepting those who are LGBT, activists are striving to work harder for equal rights – with the government being less strict on them and ultimately LGBT people feeling more comfortable to be themselves. These trends are likely to continue in the future but unfortunately it seems China’s official stance will always remain ‘indifferent’ and its society mixed in its opinions.
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