‘Hidden identities’: perceptions of sexual identity in Beijing

Abstract

This article draws upon responses given by volunteers who work in the Beijing LGBT Centre regarding perceptions of sexual identity, and how Chinese culture affects hidden or open sexual identities of Chinese lesbian and gay people in this region. The insights gained from those working carefully to create social change offers an important and original contribution to the field of gay and lesbian studies in China. The findings indicate the volunteers at the Beijing LGBT Centre are frustrated by the lack of acceptance of non-heterosexual relationships among Chinese culture and society, and by the disregard of lesbian gay and bisexual (LGB) people by the Chinese government. The findings also illustrate stigmatization of homosexuality in China is enacted in structural terms (such as in the lack of policy, legislation and positive endorsement by governmental and socio-political organizations), public expression (such as negative attitudes, beliefs or reactions towards LGB people) and internalized repression (through fear of stigmatization, and subsequent abuse due to negative societal attitudes and discrimination). Influenced by the Chinese tradition of conforming to group values, the findings from this study show that volunteers at the Beijing LGBT Centre believe LGB people in China are generally hesitant to disclose their sexual identities, and reject the idea that there had been a collective shift in Chinese culture regarding increased acceptance of LGB people. It also finds volunteers at the LGBT Centre in Beijing blame Chinese culture for its lack of acceptance of non-heterosexual relationships, and state stigmatization of homosexuality in China is due to deep-rooted cultural homophobia.

Mental Health Status and Associated Contributing Factors among Gay Men in China

“…Notably, many studies have focused on men who have sex with men (MSM) and sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS. However, in recent years, the research direction towards homosexuality has shifted in Western countries; researchers have increasingly paid more attention to the mental health of MSM, including conducting studies on the effect of social negative attitudes towards the mental health of gay people [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. In China, related studies are very limited since research is still primarily centered on the sexual health of MSM, especially sexual behaviors, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV infections [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

“…In China, related studies are very limited since research is still primarily centered on the sexual health of MSM, especially sexual behaviors, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV infections [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. There are also several studies focused on the stigmatization of homosexuality [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. However, the mental health of Chinese gay men and related influencing factors remains a blank spot for research.…”

“…There are still common misconceptions and rejections of gay men in China’s society; a study conducted in three Asian cities–Hanoi, Shanghai, and Taipei–showed a low percentage of adolescents and young adults who hold a positive view of homosexuality [ 24 ]. Chinese gay men face stigma and discrimination in various domains of social life, such as in the lack of policy, legislation, and positive endorsement by governmental and socio-political organizations [ 22 ]. A study had confirmed that social status and relationships, the value of family, perceptions of immorality and abnormality, and gender stereotypes of masculinity are related to stigmatization of homosexuality in China [ 23 ].…”

Profit Making Disguised as Rehabilitation: The Biopolitics of Homo Sacer in China’s Custody Education Program for Sex Workers

“…This stigmatization is further encouraged and normalized during public raids as well as by exploiting sex workers for cheap labor once they are detained. Moreover, their treatments while detained only secure their marginalized position in society (Johnson & Wang, 2018). The conditions of custody education leave little opportunity for offenders to leave the center and take on new career and social paths.…”

Using Grounded Theory to Understand a Cutting-Edge Issue: Effects of Integrative Tactics on Chinese Gay Men’s and Lesbians’ Social Well-Being

“…Considering that the goal of this study is to uncover the process of gay men's and lesbians' negotiation, a grounded Influenced by different motivations, gay men and lesbians employ different negotiation tactics that lead to distinctive negotiation processes, which then result in different outcomes affecting their social well-being. In terms of motivation, samesex individuals frequently mention factors such as saving the family's reputation, carrying on family kinship, fulfilling filial piety, and alleviating social stigma (Miles-Johnson & Wang, 2018;Neilands et al, 2008;Ren et al, 2019). Contingent to their motives, gay men and lesbians employ different tactics to negotiate their same-sex identity against the Chinese institution of marriage.…”