Shanghaiist: Eye on Gay Shanghai: China homosexuality survey by Li Yinhe

Fuzi

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:37:41 +0800

I was not commenting upon race relations or ideology, simply tolerance for gay people. At least in China there isn't the religion-fueled hatred and intentional spread of lies and bigotry by those hiding behind their "faith".

nanheyangrouchuan

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:17:12 +0800

"I would wager that there are many times more gay Chinese in heterosexual marriages of convenience than there are in western countries." That is because it is more acceptable to be gay in the US and EU, companies extend benefits to "domestic partners". fuzi "I would wager that the average Chinese person is more tolerant than many here in the USA, especially in the religious-zealot southern states." Really? Towards people with dark skin? Especially blacks who date Chinese girls? Towards not towing the CCP line? Towards questioning the "one china owns everything policy"? So when will the authorities allow gay pride parades? Bad China.

Fuzi

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:55:01 +0800

^exactly. The vast majority of homosexuals are not "noticeable", meaning you'd never know just by looking at them that they are gay. Perhaps you encounter many gay people daily but unless they tell you, you'd not know it. Now, as to those not "coming out", I do think that currently not as many Chinese "come out" due to the still-strong traditional requirement that a son produce an heir, and the feeling that you're not a complete person if you do not have a child. That is nowhere near as prevalent in western societies. I would wager that there are many times more gay Chinese in heterosexual marriages of convenience than there are in western countries.

vladivostok

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:19:01 +0800

The incidence of homosexuality isn't "low". The queens just haven't come out of their closets.

adso

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 11:48:38 +0800

I wonder if other gay expats (or not gay) have noticed that the incidence of homosexuality among Chinese men is really low compared to other ethnicities? Before I moved here I would have scoffed if someone said the same thing to me. But it's undeniable. And the argument that Chinese men get married to cover it up isn't the answer. So do Westerners, but you can still tell they're gay regardless, or I certainly can. You just do not see anything like the same number of gay Chinese men. I can't be the first person to have noticed this. I wonder if there is there any literature about it?

Fuzi

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:22:00 +0800

I see hope in those numbers, hope that things can only get better for gay people everywhere. In some ways, I would wager that the average Chinese person is more tolerant than many here in the USA, especially in the religious-zealot southern states.