History of Homosexuality in China

The history of homosexuality in China dates back a long time…

 

Homosexuality in China is not a crime anymore. (Photoxpress)

Many Chinese rulers had male lovers

Ancient Greece, often spoken about and widely praised, was not the only one with recorded documents of homosexuality. China’s evidence dates back to the 16th century. Many rulers had male lovers. Without enthusiasm or critique, China tolerated homosexual behaviour, as long as family duties of homosexuals had been carried out – marriage and offspring.

Chinese only tolerated male homosexuality

Chinese had no problems with homosexuality (male, that is) until the intrusion of the Western civilization in 19th century. Lesbians left few real documents behind. So we can safely assume that this is based on male haughtiness and feeling of boundlessness in their sexuality, and not so much on the actual question of homosexual inclination. It is however true that 'unnatural' behaviour, attributed to homosexuality, is deemed to be a social anomaly – incompatible with current norms.

Homosexuals were treated the same way as hooligans

Everything changed in 1949 when Mao came to power and communism started in China. There was no law, which would directly speak of homosexuality, but this does not mean that it was not perceived as threatening and therefore all those, who did not walk around in the same blue suit as the others, were punished. Uniformity did not end with clothes – it also meant the unity of thought and behaviour. Homosexuality was present in the law on hooliganism, which basically meant that homosexuals were put in prison and were punished like hooligans, enemies of the country. Hooliganism was not specifically defined, so this gave free hands to the authority to punish everyone as they saw fit. Hooliganism was erased as an act of crime in 1997. Many saw this as de facto decriminalisation of homosexuality. This is not necessarily good. The lack of appropriate laws can lead to wide interpretations and measures, against which the people are helpless, as there are no suitable laws. Especially in a police state.

Nowadays, homosexuality is suppressed in China

In April 2001 China erased homosexuality from its list of mental diseases – the same was done ten years before by WHO (World Health Organization). Unacceptability of homosexuality in China does not come from religious belief, nor did it ever happen that a skinhead would attack a homosexual person. It comes from the soulless state, which is afraid of any kind of non-conformity to norms, and from the society, which holds family values high in regard. 

Homosexual portals are on the rise in China

Like elsewhere around the world (with few exceptions), it is hard to be a homosexual in China. Many are still in the closet, and live their lives in self-accusation, shame and solitude. It is easier for those with money and access to places, where they can feel relaxed and good about their sexual orientation. Bigger cities have gay clubs, saunas and similar places. Internet portals for homosexual persons are on the rise also.

 
The problem of unacceptability of homosexuality anywhere in the world is not so much a problem of different sexual orientation, but it is the unacceptability of any kind of different behaviour, outlook, opinion...

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