by The Economist
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| Being gay in China is still a massive taboo. In fact, only 3% of gay men and 6% of gay women describe themselves as “completely out”, and an estimated 70% of gay Chinese have entered into heterosexual marriages.
Click here to subscribe to The Economist on YouTube: http://econ.trib.al/rWl91R7 Why do so few lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in China come out? Official policy regarding LGBT rights is softening in China. Homosexuality has been legal in mainland China since 1997. It was dropped from a list of mental disorders in 2001, and in 2013 censors permitted websites and newspapers to discuss LGBT issues. Legal rights may be changing but governmental fears and prejudices linger on. Whilst gay pride festivals are permitted, participants are not allowed to parade or march. China’s government fear the LGBT community’s ability to organise itself and mobilize people for a cause across several cities at once. Social prejudices also still remain; half of those who come out to relatives are rejected by them. Pressure to marry in China is high. An estimated 70% of gay Chinese have entered into a heterosexual marriage. But attitudes just across the Taiwan Straight are very different. Although neighbouring Taiwan is culturally Chinese it is more tolerant of homosexuality. In May 2017, Taiwan’s supreme court made it the first Asian country to allow gay marriage. No change in Chinese government policy is expected soon but gay people in China hope Taiwan’s decision could undermine homophobia that lingers in Chinese society. Daily Watch: mind-stretching short films throughout the working week. For more from Economist Films visit: http://films.economist.com/ |
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