China’s first Gay Pride event

Posted on June 11, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized

China’s first Gay Pride event, organised by Shanghai’s English-speaking expatriates, has been quietly celebrating homosexuality this week with no hint of a parade or advertising hype.

In a country where acceptance of homosexuality is still low, organisers — foreigners living in China — have been reluctant to draw official attention.

So “Shanghai Pride” does not include the colourful parade that typifies Gay Pride events in Europe and the US, but is centred around events held in private venues to avoid the need for government permission.

As a result, few Chinese appear to be taking part — or even to know about the events — and attendees have been mostly expatriate.

“Even though we have talked about (Shanghai Pride) for a long time, the news published in Chinese about this is only very recent,” said Xing Zhao, a gay man in his thirties.

Homosexuality has long been a taboo subject in China with gay sex decriminalised only in 1997, while homosexual behaviour was officially viewed as a mental disorder until 2001.

Those behind Shanghai Pride hope it will help change prevailing attitudes, no matter how incrementally.

See China’s first Gay Pride event AFP
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