Accidental Blogger: Homosexuality And The Economic Climate

December 2012

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Homosexuality And The Economic Climate

An article in the Guardian reports on the recent "Mr. Gay China Parade," a beauty / personality contest for gay men, the first of its kind in China.

There's a swimwear round and a talent section where contestants can show off their singing and dancing. But organisers insist the contest to be held this Friday is a serious business. It is China's first gay pageant.

The event is a striking sign of how far attitudes in China have changed and of gay people's increasing confidence. Gay sex was illegal until 1997. Homosexuality was classed as a mental illness for four years after that. Now an emerging gay community is busting stereotypes.

"We are intelligent, we're professionals, we're gorgeous – and we're gay," said contestant Emilio Liu, from Inner Mongolia. "I want the audience to know there are a whole bunch of people like us living in China. It's a wonderful life and it's not hidden any more."

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.

Now comes Mr Gay China, reported in approving terms in English-language state media. Eight finalists will take to the stage of a Beijing nightclub to strut their stuff in casual clothes and swimwear, exhibit their talents and answer questions. The winner – picked for his ability to represent gay issues as well as his skills, personality and looks – will head to Norway for next month's finals of Worldwide Mr Gay.

"I don't think people were ready before," said Ben Zhang, one of the organisers, recalling the "long and painful" process of discovering and accepting his sexuality, less than a decade ago.

There is little doubt in my mind that the liberalization of mindset towards homosexuality is connected to China's economic boom, increasing self confidence and greater visibility on the world stage. I have not seen any data correlating a state's economic ascension with relaxation of cultural attitudes but it seems to make sense. In times of prosperity, people need fewer scapegoats to account for their woes. The devoutly Catholic nation of Brazil recently passed laws to make possible the expression of "homosexual affection" without the fear of persecution or prosecution, going so far as to ban Christian teachings against homosexuality. Over the last two decades, the Brazilian constitution has enacted laws to ensure equal protection for same sex couples. India, a country steeped in ancient traditions and religious practices too took a tiny step recently towards the decriminalization of homosexuality. It may not be a coincidence that both Brazil and India have seen significant rise in their economic fortunes in the last few decades. Totalitarian, paranoid societies on the other hand, find it convenient to stick to prejudices that can deflect attention from failed political and economic systems. Not surprisingly, the unpopular theocratic and repressive Islamic regime in Iran is acutely homophobic and has found ways to deny the existence of homosexuality altogether in words as well as deed, putting a sickening twist to the adage of putting one's money where one's mouth is.