China Finally Shows Acceptance Of Gay Men With Mr. Gay China Pagent

In a country where gay sex was illegal until 1997 and homosexuality was considered a disease until 2001 there is finally some showing of acceptance with the first ever Mr. Gay China being held in a Beijing night club.

The winner will go on to compete in Worldwide Mr. Gay.

The winner will be picked for not only how he looks in a swimsuit and a talent show, but his “ability to represent gay issues”.

However, gay people are far from being accepted in Chinese culture. Many think that it is a phase and people will eventually marry and many gay programs are shut down (such as, part of the Shanghai Pride events).

These days there are gay support groups and websites helping people to explore their sexuality and meet potential partners. There are gay venues in most major cities; last year, the first government-backed bar opened in Kunming, in south-western Yunnan. Shanghai held the first Gay Pride week and in Beijing, campaigners called for same-sex marriages.

I hope this event, no matter how low-key they make it for fear of discrimination, manages to change a few minds about who gay men are and how they should live their lives.