China has witnessed significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights over the past few decades. From decriminalizing homosexuality in 1997 to removing it from the list of psychiatric disorders in 2001, the Chinese mainland has shown progress in embracing diversity.
In 2023, Hong Kong co-hosted the Gay Games, a monumental event often dubbed the ‘Gay Olympics.’ This marked a milestone not just for the region but also signified a broader acceptance within Chinese society. These developments highlight a transformative shift towards inclusivity and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community.
However, while legal advancements pave the way, societal attitudes often take longer to evolve. In rural areas and among older generations, traditional mindsets can persist. Films like Correct Me If I Am Wrong, a 23-minute documentary by Hao Zhou, shed light on these challenges. The film portrays a family’s struggle to understand their son’s lack of interest in marriage, leading them to seek out a shaman to ‘cure’ him. Such stories underscore the personal battles many face despite broader societal progress.
Yet, there is hope. In recent years, Chinese courts have made landmark rulings supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2015, a man in central China successfully sued a hospital that had forcibly treated him for being gay, with the court mandating a public apology and compensation. In 2020, a Beijing court ruled in favor of an employee dismissed after requesting leave for gender reassignment surgery, emphasizing respect for ‘diverse ways of living’ and the ‘dignity of transgender people.’
The Chinese dream envisions collective prosperity and national rejuvenation. Efforts are being made to ensure that everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, benefits from progress and modernization. Innovations in technology, infrastructure, and science are at the forefront of this mission, aiming to uplift society as a whole.
As China continues on this path, the hope is that societal attitudes will further align with legal advancements, fostering an environment where individuality is celebrated, and no one is left behind.
