Table of Contents:

I.   Open Debate on De-Pathologizing Homosexuality in China (Wu Jin)
II.   Chinese Society for the Study of Sexual Minorities (CSSSM) in 1997 (Eryan Lin)
III.  Chinese Society On Her Way Toward Increased Tolerance For Sexual Minorities  (Wan Yan Hai) 

In China, the first open debate on depathologizing homosexuality took place in the last fall.  Twelve articles were published on Zhejiang Mental Health Information (the publication of Zhejiang Province Mental Health Institute, circulating to the general public) from August through December 1997.  Although more articles opposed depathologizing homosexuality, it was the first time for the voices of Chinese mental health professionals who want to depathologize homosexuality to be heard by the general public directly.  Some of such professionals have been vocal since a few years ago, but for most of the times they could only speak in professional conference, and their opinions were seldom reported by the media.  Homosexuality is still classified as a sexual disorder by the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorder (CCMD).  The current edition of this classification, CCMD-2-R is under revision by the Chinese Psychiatric Association (CPA).  A relatively small number of Chinese psychiatrists have called for removing homosexuality from the list of mental disorder in the CCMD.

The debate was triggered by a paper on a historical perspective on homosexuality as a diagnostic entity by Dr. Douglas Kimmel, of which copies of the Chinese translation were distributed in a medical professional conference in China in the last spring.  After reading it, a very seasoned Chinese psychiatrist and professor Yicheng Jia denounced Kimmel’s assertion that homosexuality is normal and requested the Zhejiang Mental Health Information to launch an open debate on this matter.

Ja’s article, titled "Should Homosexuality Be removed from the Chinese Diagnostic Criteria?" was published on August 1st, 1997, which initiated the debate.  He listed three major "harmful effects" homosexuality had: disturbing societal harmony including increasing sexual crime, damaging families, and spreading STD and AIDS.  He regarded those Americans who believed "AIDS is God’s punishment to gays" as sensible people.  He believed that the majority of Chinese people wouldn’t agree to depathologize homosexuality, no matter according to the Chinese moral code or psychological principles.  He insisted that any population that was less than 5% of the general population could be seen as deviant, and that homosexual composed a very small portion of the population in China, so it was reasonable and lawful to classify homosexuality as a sexual disorder.

He asserted that the depathologizing homosexuality in DSM-3 and 4, and ICD-10, was due to bias caused by social and political needs, and that China should set up a classification with its own characteristics.  He also denounced some of the other changes in DSM-4, like hysteria was broken down into a number of diagnostic entries.  He also gave the date of two surveys he did to some Chinese psychiatrists and other people (one sample was 40, the other was 80) to illustrate that the majority of Chinese psychiatrists and general public would agreed with him.  He even stated that depathologizing homosexuality was not in accord with the principles in modern medicine.

Among other authors rejecting depathologizing homosexuality, one tried to discourse from statistics, biology, psychology, and sociology, to claim that depathologizing homosexuality was not acceptable.  The most surprising part of his argument is that he claimed that the fact that more and more evidence of the biological base of sexual orientation "proved" that homosexuality was pathological.  Two authors emphasized that the matter was not cultural uniqueness but if homosexuality itself was pathology.  They, too, believed that the low percentage of homosexuals in the general population had determined its being abnormal.  Another author insisted that the attraction between male and female was universal and unchangeable, beyond the scope of historical change, social progress, and scientific development., therefore the diagnoses and intervention of homosexuality should not be discarded.

Three authors clearly expressed their support to depathologizing homosexuality.  Zhong Cong counter-attacked pathologizing perspective from various angles like statistics, reproduction purpose, sexual behavior pattern, the mental health of lesbigays, moral code, and the Chinese characteristics of diagnostic criteria.  He concluded that homosexuality was a normal phenomenon occurring relative rear, not a disorder nor moral corruption, and that pathologizing it was not a Chinese characteristic—he commented that wanting to continue to pathologizing homosexuality for his Chinese colleague meant to go back where their Western counter parts were many decades ago.

Eryan Lin refuted the three "perils of homosexuality" listed by Jia in details.  He pointed out that it was the society’s lack of acceptance and  understanding of lesbigays that caused social problems and some family tragedies, and that consensual adults sexual relationships differed from sexual exploitation by nature.  He also used data to illustrate that "homosexuality spread STD and AIDS" was a false belief.

Dermatologist Beichuan Zhang, author of Homosexuality (1994), the first and still only monograph on this topic published in Mainland China after 1949, pointed out that there were no laws in China relevant to homosexuality, so homosexuality was not illegal in China anyway.  Like Enyan, Zhang also wanted to distinguish consensual adult sexual relationships from sexual exploitation.  Using statistic data, he refuted "AIDS is God’s punishment to gays" .  He also comment that the differences of social systems between China and the US should not be the main base to judge DSM-4 and ICD-10.  He claimed that the lesbigay population in China was actually a huge one, at least 30 million people, so stressing relevant research was very meaningful.

Zhang mentioned that many academic matters were treated as political ones in China from the 50s to the 80s, which serious obstruct the progress of academic work, and it seemed that Ja’s was politicizing homosexuality again in his paper.  Zhang remarked that some aspects in the traditional Chinese culture needed to be changed in order for the Chinese people to better their future.  He stated that history had shown that all moral, legal, and medical "interventions" to homosexuality had failed, and that homosexuality illustrated to us the diversity of natural human lives.  He urged people to understand and accept the diverse nature of human life.  At the end of his paper, Zhang claimed passionately, that the glorious task for the Chinese mental health professionals should be, through vigorous research to improve the understanding between different social groups, and then to promote social stability and release the energy and creativity in lesbigays to enable them to contribute more to the whole society.

(Newspaper clips in Chinese language are available from Wu Jin at chijw@aol.com)
 

In the Spring of 1997, a few Chinese gay and lesbian students and scholars in North America formulated a plan to establish a group of gay studies.  After much deliberation and preparation, The Chinese Society for the Study of Sexual Minorities (CSSSM) was established on September 1 and held their first annual meeting in Los Angeles.  Membership includes researchers from various disciplines and activists of various experiences.  The purpose of CSSSM’s work is to reduce prejudice and discrimination against lesbians, gay men and other sexual minorities in the Chinese culture, with a focus on the situation in mainland China.

Although homosexuality is not a criminal act in mainland China, it is still classified as a mental disorder according to The Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (CCMD-2-R) passed in 1994 by The Chinese Psychiatric Association (CPA).  Consequently, gays and lesbians are subject to medical treatment or therapy in an attempt to have their homosexuality “cured.”  Even though removing homosexuality from the list of mental disorders has been discussed and advocated by some mental health professionals in the past decade,  it is still faced with strong opposition and resistance not only from the society and the government, but also from the mental health profession.  After more than a decade of on and off discussions on the issue, the debate on the demedicalization of homosexuality was reopened in China in later 1997.  Since then, the CSSSM has been actively participating in this debate.

An examination of the causes of prejudice against gays and lesbians plays an important role in developing the strategies adopted by CSSSM.  Two distinguished features of the Chinese society need to be highlighted.

Firstly, lack of free expression and of free association suggests that such means as mass demonstration and registration of gay organizations are not only impermissible, but will only be stopped before mobilizing the community. Even though human rights is no longer a taboo in official media, it is being talked about in a somewhat different context.

Secondly, Christianity is not part of the tradition of the Chinese society.  Neither has homosexuality been singled out for condemnation by such eastern religions as Taoism or Buddhism.  The other important relevant feature of the ideology is the atheism and the government has been advocating a policy of “Advocate Science and Eradicate superstition” for decades.  This gives a “niche” for the CSSSM work which focuses on gay studies from such perspectives as psychology, sociology, biology, history, political science, and literature, etc..

CSSSM’s work in the past six months can be summarized by the following:

1)  Although there have been several books on homosexuality published (and then banned) in China and the mass media also looks into the subject occasionally,  the information regarding gay studies still remains scarce and its dissemination still largely restricted by government policy.  Under these circumstances, CSSSM has resorted to the cost-effective internet for information dissemination through the biweekly internet journal Tao Hong Man Tian Xia (http://www.csssm.org).  The first issue was published on September 5, 1997, and since then 13 issues with over 120 articles have been published, in addition to 7 supplementary issues.  Featured in the magazine are articles written by CSSSM members or free-lance articles commissioned by CSSSM:

• My View Toward Homosexuality by “Choice”
• Politicization  and Depoliticization of Homosexuality in Mainland China
• Situation regarding Gay and Lesbian Population in the Past two Decades
• On Ethnicity and Sexuality
• On the “Perils” of Homosexuality
• On the “Pathos” of Homosexuality
• Borrowing from the West and Demedicalization of Homosexuality as a Mental Disorder in China

• The Attitude of American Mental Professionals toward Homosexuality
• Children with Aids
• Christianity and Homosexuality
• How to Educate High-School Students on Issues related to Homosexuality
• Homosexuality in the Ancient History of China

3)  In order to push for the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder, CSSSM has also been planning to translate a series of articles by mental health researchers and professionals for publication in China.

4)  CSSSM members have attended various conferences to raise the awareness in the international community regarding the situation of the gay and lesbian population in China.

In 1998 the CSSSM intends to broaden it’s work in China with a continuous focus on the dissemination of gay-affirmative information and to serve as a liaison between mental health professionals inside and outside of China for academic and informational exchanges.  We also intend to establish stronger affiliations with other professional organizations for information sharing and possible coalition.  Members of CSSSM will sponsor a number of mental heath researchers in China for membership in the American Psychological Association.

Recently Tao Hong Man Tian Xia has established a cordial working relationship with the editors of “Friends,” the first gay journal in China.  The cooperation between the two will provide a new impetus toward reducing discrimination against the lesbian and gay population in China.

(For More information, please contact taohong@aol.com.)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I  feel deeply honored to speak here on the life and struggle of gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities in China.

First of all, I want to point out that the nineties has become the “coming-out” time for gays and lesbians in China.  At the same time, the government and the society have also become more tolerant for sexual minorities.  Five years ago, on November 11, 1992, a social event for homosexuals called “Men’s World” was held in Beijing.  Believe it or not, both the government and the media showed their support.  I was in charge of an AIDS hotline which was reported by the state-controlled radio, press and TV and all the reports were very supportive.  As a Chinese saying goes, the future is bright, but the road is long and not always straight.  In the year 1993, with conservatism taking control of the ideology, any work in support of gay rights or public education regarding homosexuality was repressed.

The topic of homosexuality had remained a taboo till the “open-door” policy was adopted around 1980.  Before then, especially during the Great Cultural Revolution, gays and lesbians were subject to public criticism, sentenced to jail or administrative punishment. Even though gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities are still faced with harassment from the police and repression from the government, pressure of this kind is decreasing.  Many gays and lesbians are asking for understanding from their parents and friends, coming out of traditional heterosexual marriages and ultimately, fighting for and defending their rights.

The change in the societal attitude toward gays and lesbians is closely related to the pursuit by many gays and lesbians of a happy life, wider interpersonal and intergroup communications,&nbs>

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But, gays and lesbians are still faced with strong prejudice from the society and sometimes, possible criminal punishment.

1.  Lack of information exchange and education

Even though homosexuality is no longer a taboo in the media and entertainment, homosexual representation is often discouraged or prohibited by the government.  In 1996, the Ministry of Propaganda and other offices more than once decreed that books and articles featuring homosexuality should not be published.

2.  Arrests of homosexuals by the police

Homosexuals (mainly gay men) are still being arrested by the police across the nation, especially during the “strike-hard” period when the government imposes especially stringent punishment.  Although homosexuals will no longer be jailed, the police can always fabricate excuses to arrest homosexuals, not so much to fulfill a quota, but as a means of blackmail for personal financial gains.

3.  No resort for homosexuals being harrassed

Although the law does not explicitly state whether homosexual behavior is legal or illegal, there is no law protecting the rights of gays and lesbians. The government is not very clear to the public.  Under these circumstances, homosexuals have no place to claim their rights even when they are raided by criminals, fired from their workplace, kicked out of their homes and sent to mental institutions, etc..  Many gays do not dare to speak about their situations for fear of the consequent humiliation and possible persecution.

4.  Persistent classification of homosexuality as a mental disease

In 1994 the Chinese Psychiatric Association (CPA) passed the latest Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (CCMD) in which homosexuality is still listed as a type of mental disorder.  Many homosexuals are still forced to receive therapy or medication for “correcting” their sexual orientation.

5.  Lack of health and social services

Even though the Ministry of Public Health in China considers gay men as the target group for education of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases,  there are virtually no other official or unofficial groups to address the many problems faced by gays and lesbians.  There are medical institutions and professional groups that have done some positive work, but compared to the immense size of the homosexual population, the work done so far is very much like a drop in the sea.

6.  No formal gay and lesbian organizations

Gay and lesbian organizations are essential for reducing prejudice, promoting tolerance,  and being leaders in promoting a healthy development of the gay community.  These organizations are especially important for AIDS-related education.  This demand has been expressed and  some informal gay networks have been established, but they are lacking of the most basic and necessary political protection and economic assistance.  However, advocates and activists are still carrying on the work voluntarily.  We hope that the Chinese government will develop awareness regarding this situation and adopt a more tolerant and supportive attitude to protect the life and rights of gays and lesbians.  Gays and lesbians exist in every walk of life and work.  They are not a burden or a  problem, but are valuable human resources and many are working hard in their fields for the nation.

Given the circumstances described above, we make the following suggestions to the parties that can help improve the lives of gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities in China.

1.  For the Chinese government
a.  Continue the education on AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and take the gay community not only as a target for education, but also as a resource for education.  Make good use of the wisdom and resources possessed by homosexuals and the gay community.
b.  Allow gay and gay-friendly organizations to register officially, and help fund gay-related research and social services.
c.  Delete gays as a target for the yearly “strike-hard” crackdown and at the same time,  policemen should be educated to have a correct attitude towards gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities.
d.  Lift the ban on gay-related publications.  This helps develop the human resources of the gay and lesbian population and reduce the social prejudice against the sexual minorities.
e.  Correct the harsh jail sentences and other disciplinary acts  imposed on gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities.  This helps reduce the deep-rooted mistrust between the government and the gay community.

2.  For the academic community
Encourage scientific research regarding gay and lesbian issues.  Encourage the participation of homosexuals and other sexual minorities in the research as well as, open exchange and communication among professionals from various fields.  Homosexuality is part of human nature in every nation, not a cultural invasion from the West.  Researchers and scholars should cherish a humanitarian mindset and recognize the basic rights of gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities.

3.  For the social services
We hope that institutions and groups will soon appear for gay-related counseling regarding such issues as physical and mental health, legal rights, marriage, etc..  These services are essential for developing tolerance for gays and lesbians in the general public.  As homosexuality still largely remains a non-issue for most Chinese, specific training regarding gay counseling might be needed.

4.  For the mass media
We suggest that the mass media (including television, radio, the film industry, the internet and the press), publish more works regarding or related to homosexuality.  These institutions are to play an important part in disseminating information.

5.  For the gay community
Prejudice and persecution against sexual minorities lies beyond political systems, and this prejudice and persecution can only be reduced with persistent education and social movements.  Patience is necessary in order to see and experience positive changes.  As this change might come very slowly, the gay community needs to have a strong internal unity and contribute to scientific research and social service to push for change.  This is a good way to reach out to the general public and gain more support.  The period when the political atomosphere is experiencing more relaxation is usually a good time for the gay community to expand and to reach out.  We hope to see the gay community organize more social services and voluntary work for their own community.

6.  For the international community
We would like to thank the international community for your concern for the circumstances of gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities in China.  We also hope that this concern will be transformed into such concrete action as to improve the information exchanges with China, support the education regarding reducing prejudice against gays and lesbians and to support the AIDS education in China.  We also hope that the international community will provide assistance for those gays and lesbians who were persecuted or who fear the persecution under the current political system.  Exchanges with the Chinese government regarding gay rights also helps improve the welfare of gays and lesbians in China.  We also hope to see more exchanges between the Chinese mental health professionals and their international counterparts.

Summary:  In the past decade, I have witnessed and personally experienced the changes in the lives of gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities in China.  As a member of the Chinese gay community and at the same time, as a member of the Chinese nation, I believe that our suggestions were not raised for the purpose of hurting the interests of any person or institution and will not cause dramatic social turmoil.  With more tolerance and love, the Chinese society will not only benefit gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities, but also benefit the whole society.

(For more information, please contact wanyanhai@hotmail.com)

E-mail: taohong@aol.com csssm@hotmail.com