-
Browse History
Print
Font
Size: 
Homosexuality in China
The relaxation of social controls in China over recent years has given homosexuals greater freedom to congregate openly in certain bars and parks of major cities. However, many Chinese gays complain they still face harassment by the authorities.
Homosexuality is heavily referenced in ancient Chinese literature, and gay culture in China dates to the beginning of Chinese civilization. Unlike Europe during the Middle Ages, however, high-profile persecution of Chinese homosexuals did not occur.
It wasn't until the 20th century that homosexuals in China became marginalized and regarded as deviant. Since 1949, in an ironic reversal, China, as part of the process of modernization, chose to abandon traditional attitudes for the historical Western view of homosexuality as a perversion. Under the forty-year rule of the Communist government, social acceptance of homosexuality has virtually disappeared.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, gays were subjected to public humiliation and long prison terms. The past 20 years have brought economic reform; a broad trend in Chinese society toward (and government allowance of) more personal freedom; increasingly tolerant public attitudes toward gays, lesbians, and bisexuals; and a realization on the part of the Chinese government that to ignore the gay community does nothing to ameliorate the growing AIDS problem in the country. Homosexuality is still generally taboo in the media, though sources indicate it is changing.
Internal Chinese government documents and academic studies state that currently there are about 15 million homosexuals. The vast majority of them still choose to keep their sexuality a secret, due to societal conservatism, strong pressures to marry and have children, and fear of prejudice, though societal attitudes may also be liberalizing
Although gays were arrested in the name of hooliganism, cases like this drastically decreased since mid 1980s. Nowadays offenders are only those who try to engage in sex in the public area. Gay advocacy should theoretically be allowed by the constitution.
Although homosexuality is not illegal in China, gay rights are not protected by law. In December 2000, a senior Chinese government official announced that "it is not the right time to introduce a law banning discrimination against homosexuals, due to a lack of majority support" and though the public had become more open to homosexuality, it takes time and the Government cannot impose any social values on the public. The government has announced that discrimination can be eradicated through education.
While many homosexuals still choose to remain closeted, the South China Morning Post(南华早报) states that advocacy and awareness groups for homosexuals are becoming more organized and are continuing to push the government to recognize them and work with them toward anti- discrimination legislation.
The few cases we have heard happened in the mid 1980s and does not reflect the current situation. China has changed so much in the past two decades. Although gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities are still subject to strong prejudice, it is not in their best interest to exaggerate the plight or improvement for any possible political gains.
The lesbian wedding in China (unrecognized under Chinese law) also speaks of slow but increasing Chinese recognition of homosexuality in their society. At one time, homosexuals were committed by the state to mental institutions for electric shock treatments. Though families and workplaces largely continue to be intolerant, the state generally does not prosecute people for homosexuality any more.
According to an IGLHRC representative, blanket statements about safety and openness for homosexuals in China can not be relied upon. He says that while there is more tolerance for gays collectively, individual outing can invite persecution because of continuing strong phobias against gays in Chinese society. Homosexuals are gaining ground in Chinese society and are eager to let people know they are there and have rights, yet there is still unofficial oppression in China, and the police can not always be depended upon for protection.
Homosexuality is heavily referenced in ancient Chinese literature, and gay culture in China dates to the beginning of Chinese civilization. Unlike Europe during the Middle Ages, however, high-profile persecution of Chinese homosexuals did not occur. It wasn't until the 20th century that homosexuals in China became marginalized and regarded as deviant. Since 1949, in an ironic reversal, China, as part of the process of modernization, chose to abandon traditional attitudes for the historical Western view of homosexuality as a perversion. Under the forty-year rule of the Communist government, social acceptance of homosexuality has virtually disappeared.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, gays were subjected to public humiliation and long prison terms. The past 20 years have brought economic reform; a broad trend in Chinese society toward (and government allowance of) more personal freedom; increasingly tolerant public attitudes toward gays, lesbians, and bisexuals; and a realization on the part of the Chinese government that to ignore the gay community does nothing to ameliorate the growing AIDS problem in the country. Homosexuality is still generally taboo in the media, though sources indicate it is changing.
Internal Chinese government documents and academic studies state that currently there are about 15 million homosexuals. The vast majority of them still choose to keep their sexuality a secret, due to societal conservatism, strong pressures to marry and have children, and fear of prejudice, though societal attitudes may also be liberalizing
Although gays were arrested in the name of hooliganism, cases like this drastically decreased since mid 1980s. Nowadays offenders are only those who try to engage in sex in the public area. Gay advocacy should theoretically be allowed by the constitution.
Although homosexuality is not illegal in China, gay rights are not protected by law. In December 2000, a senior Chinese government official announced that "it is not the right time to introduce a law banning discrimination against homosexuals, due to a lack of majority support" and though the public had become more open to homosexuality, it takes time and the Government cannot impose any social values on the public. The government has announced that discrimination can be eradicated through education.
While many homosexuals still choose to remain closeted, the South China Morning Post(南华早报) states that advocacy and awareness groups for homosexuals are becoming more organized and are continuing to push the government to recognize them and work with them toward anti- discrimination legislation.
The few cases we have heard happened in the mid 1980s and does not reflect the current situation. China has changed so much in the past two decades. Although gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities are still subject to strong prejudice, it is not in their best interest to exaggerate the plight or improvement for any possible political gains.
The lesbian wedding in China (unrecognized under Chinese law) also speaks of slow but increasing Chinese recognition of homosexuality in their society. At one time, homosexuals were committed by the state to mental institutions for electric shock treatments. Though families and workplaces largely continue to be intolerant, the state generally does not prosecute people for homosexuality any more.
According to an IGLHRC representative, blanket statements about safety and openness for homosexuals in China can not be relied upon. He says that while there is more tolerance for gays collectively, individual outing can invite persecution because of continuing strong phobias against gays in Chinese society. Homosexuals are gaining ground in Chinese society and are eager to let people know they are there and have rights, yet there is still unofficial oppression in China, and the police can not always be depended upon for protection.
To do a quick search, highlighting any word(s) then click
Help!