In mid-2020, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing restrictions on civil society, the LGBTQ movement in China was still making progress. Despite the cancellation of pride events worldwide, Shanghai Pride managed to hold nine days of celebrations, including a “Pride Run” and a “Pride Job Fair.” A transgender woman’s successful lawsuit against her employer for discrimination also garnered widespread attention on social media, indicating a shift in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ issues.
The government’s survey in 2010 showed that 70 percent of youth in Guangzhou did not accept homosexuality, but by 2018, this number had decreased significantly. While overall disapproval rates remained high, there was a sense of momentum towards acceptance. A UNDP report suggested that attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals in China were in transition and could undergo rapid and profound changes.
However, in 2020, the situation took a turn for the worse. Shanghai Pride, after 12 years of operation, announced its closure due to escalating harassment and threats from authorities. This marked a significant setback for the LGBTQ community in China, signaling a shift towards increased state pressure on advocacy groups and individuals. LGBTQ organizations faced closures, censorship, and suppression, limiting their ability to mobilize and advocate for their rights.
Media coverage of LGBTQ issues saw a significant decline, with fewer stories being reported in mainstream outlets. The crackdown on LGBTQ advocacy also led to a reduction in collective action and support for individuals facing discrimination or abuse. Anti-LGBTQ voices, supported by nationalist sentiments, gained prominence, posing a threat to the progress made by the LGBTQ movement.
Despite these challenges, LGBTQ advocates believe that the momentum for change is still present, especially among the youth. Personal connections and everyday stories shared by LGBTQ individuals are seen as powerful tools for building understanding and acceptance within society. While formal advocacy efforts may face obstacles, smaller informal groups and community spaces continue to offer support and solidarity to LGBTQ individuals.
LGBTQ advocates have also found ways to collaborate with other social movements and pursue broader goals that benefit the LGBTQ community indirectly. By building alliances and working towards common objectives, they hope to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals in China. While the future remains uncertain, advocates remain resilient and determined to continue their fight for equality and acceptance.
In a rapidly changing environment like China, where policies and attitudes can shift unexpectedly, LGBTQ advocates are adapting to new challenges and seeking opportunities for positive change. Despite the crackdown on LGBTQ activism, there is hope that progress towards equality and acceptance will continue, driven by the resilience and determination of advocates and community members.
