Gay beijing
Published in:May-June 2003 issue.
GAY MEN AND LESBIANS comprise an estimated three to four percent of China’s 1.2 billion people, which yields a range of 36 million to 48 million people. If the real number lies at the midpoint of that staggering estimate, the total number of homosexuals in China is greater than the total population of Spain.
Historically, some same-sex relationships were accepted in China, at least among the upper classes. Such relationships typically took place between a mature guy and a youth, like those we associate with ancient Greece. A “half-eaten peach”—lovingly offered in an orchard by the young Mizi Xia to his patron, Duke Ling of Wei, in 500 BCE—became a metaphor for homosexuality in ancient China. So, too, did the “cut sleeve” in the title of a novel by Bret Hinsch, Passions of the Cut Sleeve, about homosexuality in imperial China. The reference is to Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Napping one afternoon with his favorite male child resting on his arm, the Emperor wished to earn up without disturbing his still sleeping lover, so he cut off his own imperial sleeve.
Homosexual behavior—as distinct from a “gay” culture, which is a We
Jack Kenworthy( Queer Move Expert )
Queer explore expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ municipality adventures into your guide for protected, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Beijing, the capital of China, is a vast megacity with a conservative customs, yet also house to a flourishing and discreet homosexual scene that keeps growing! When you plan to check in Beijing, you will be glad to know that this city has a range of terrific attractions explicitly catered to gay visitors or locals. So, from the Beijing LGBT Center to the vastly trendy ‘comrade (Chinese slag for gay) bar’ Destination, you won’t get enough of some of the best gay experiences China offers!
However, it isn’t just male lover clubs and bars that will form your stay exceptional, as one of the oldest capitals in the nature provides some unbelievable history. You can visit iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City or the more recent National Stadium, all brilliant examples of the variety of architecture you will interaction in this metropolis.
You’ll also be glad to understand that a range of tours caters to different aspects of Chinese customs, from food to the art scene. But if you need to procure ou
of Service to Asia's
Gay & Lesbian Community!
Gay Beijing City Guide
Beijing 北京
Beijing, also known as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of nearly 20 million.
Located in the north, this world-renowned ancient cultural city is a flourishing metropolis with many historical monuments and scenic spots, precious artefacts and celebrated architectural wonders. Its international airport is one of the busiest in the world.
Gay Rights in China
Private non-commercial and consensual queer conduct between two adults was decriminalised in 1997. In 2001, the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. Same-sex marriage is not permitted.
The issue of gay marriage was discussed during the review of marriage law in 2003 but was rejected. This was the first time that gay rights had been officially discussed in China. The issue was raised and rejected in 2007.
The first Gay Pride in mainland China took place in Shanghai in 2009, although many events were closed down by the authorities. Relatively small-scale 2010 and 2011 Gay Celebration celebrations proceeded without problems.
Gay S
Celebrating 30 YEARS
of Service to Asia's
Gay & Lesbian Community!
of Service to Asia's
Gay & Lesbian Community!