Homophobia In China Essay

Throughout human history, homosexuality or otherwise non-heterosexual actions or orientations were a common, albeit often small facet of life. However, when the predominantly homophobic Abrahamic religions of Christianity and Islam swept across the globe, conquering and colonizing lands and cultures far removed from their own, so too did their latent homophobia spread. In China, when parts of it were subjected to colonial British rule (among other powers vying for control in the region), the British’s homophobia became a norm in a move to appease the colonialists’ sympathies (Lau). This gradual change from a culture that was generally accepting of homosexuality to a culture that despised it lasted well into the era of Communist control of China. But, with the death of old Communist leaders like Mao Zedong and the gradual “opening up” of China to …show more content…
In the present day, though sex in general, let alone matters in regards to the LGBT community, are taboo topics of talking at tea tables, there is a steady paradigm shift in regards to attitudes towards homosexuality; one thereof moving the aforementioned topic from a nonverbal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” stance, to one of openness and tolerance of one’s orientation. In lieu of traditional sentiments, governmental policies, as well as colonial homophobia, a heterosexual union to reproduce children has always been a factor for Chinese families, but despite this, homosexuality was usually accepted anyways, often being skirted off into a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” sort of arrangement. As my aunt, whom I interviewed, so often and dutifully noted, the topic of sexuality in general was very taboo in China back in the 70’s and 80’s, and still so today. However, the topic of sexuality itself was only considered taboo then because of the societal implications involved, but the topic of homosexuality was considered