International Day Against Homophobia 2018
In my lifetime, the LGBTQ community have made extraordinary gains. In the United States, they have legally been granted the right to marry and became more socially accepted by society. But despite the progress abroad, recognition of same sex relations is not at the top of the agenda for most Asian countries, including China. In order to raise awareness for homosexual rights and safety, May 17 is regarded as The International Day Against Homophobia. Many countries around the world observe this day by releasing balloons, holding parades, or dyeing fountains in city squares festive colors. A group of Wuhan University students in China also organized a simple event to contribute to raising awareness.
May 17th- The International Day Against Homophobia
On May 17th at 11:30am, the Gender Equality Association of Wuhan University planned to raise the rainbow flag in front of several of the main canteens around campus in solidarity with LGBTQ awareness. Leading up to May 17th, many campus stores displayed rainbow flags waving proudly on top of their cash registers. Members of the organization explained the meaning of the flag and claimed the shop owners gladly hung it in their stores. The day before the main event, invitations to the flag raising were widely posted by many followers on Chinese social media. These posts eventually attracted the attention of school officials. Citing that the event would cause a riot, the organizers was told to cancel the flag raising. A few hours later, a new post stated LGBTQ bracelets would be randomly scattered on the desks of classrooms. When asked about the reasons for cancelling the event, the organizer refused to comment.
Living in China, it is well known that any form of public demonstration is frowned upon. It doesn’t matter if it is for LGBTQ awareness or reducing carbon emissions, any type of protest will be swiftly silenced. While it obviously does not show a positive message to gay youth, having their rights hidden in classrooms around campus, no one can blame the community leader for buckling under pressure. After it was clear the demonstration was subdued, campus police swept the grounds, making sure there were no rainbow flags left in any store fronts. All that can be said for the Gender Equality Association of Wuhan University, is that they learned a lot about their rights as a citizen.
Australia’s Fight For Marriage Equality
A few years back in Australia, on the famous Bondi Beach, a similar demonstration was held. Marriage equality activists lined the beach, each person out stretching their arms forming a kilometer-long rainbow flag. Many curious tourists also took part, being given rainbow flags to wear as a kind of super hero cape. As I was making my rounds up and down the beach taking pictures, a middle-aged man approached me. “You seem like a photographer. Can you tell me what is going on here?” I couldn’t help but be tickled by the fact he recognized me as a photographer, I grinned and replied, “It’s a demonstration for marriage equality.” “Marriage equality?” he asked, coking his head. “You know, gay rights.” The man then scoffed. “I don’t care what people do in the bedroom, why do they have to come out and flaunt it.” It is clear that many people are still deep rooted in their beliefs, and there is no changing how they tick. But being out and proud, despite what society may tell you is wrong or shameful, is an act of liberation and empowerment.
Changes in the South
Being from North Carolina, I grew up with homophobia. Whether it was at church or at school, there was a common idea that the idea of same sex relations was unnatural and a sin. As a kid, when talking about the gay community, it would often come out as mockery. Being gay, meant that you were not accepted, and were often ridiculed. While as a child not many people were openly gay, it did however push those struggling with their identity further into self-conflict. Fortunately, times have changed. There was a time where the local gay pride parade was nothing more than a handful of people getting together in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. But a few years ago, I was delighted to see that the parade has grown to the extent that floats were being sponsored by many local and big business in the community. Signifying that we as Southerners and Americans have definitely progressed as a people.
This does not mean, that every person has grown to accept the LGBTQ community. Many are still by the side of the roads, beating their chests and screaming about damnation. While we can not sway their minds, we can only rest easy knowing they are a dying breed who will be whisked away by time.
Recognition in Taiwan?
While the situation globally has changed, the wheels are moving a bit slower in Asia. It was only just announced in December 2017, that Taiwan would be paving the way for marriage equality by being the first in Asia to legalize same sex marriage. Across the strait in the mainland, people are still struggling with their identity and acceptance. Many being forced into marriages with the opposite sex to appease their parents. While it is firmly believed that all of China will eventually follow the suit of other countries adopting progressive policies, it is a mere question of when.
Wuhan University’s Gender Equality Association website has many members faces covered with a LGBTQ banner or flag, still not daring to reveal their identities. It is for this reason, that days like May 17th should be observed internationally: to show people that they are loved and accepted no matter what. It is still unclear as to the exact reasons for shutting down the demonstration, whether it be homophobia, refusing the right to assembly, or truly having concern for public safety. Regardless of current events, just a year ago across the road from Wuhan University at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, two girls unraveled a banner propagating: “Protect Chinese traditional morals, defended core socialist values, resist corrosion from decadent Western ideology, and keep homosexuality far from the university campus”. Fortunately, the Chinese internet was in an uproar over such backwards thinking and even was met by a counter protest by mothers of students of the same school, showing support for their gay children.
Considering that little over year ago similar demonstrations took place at a neighboring university, the actions taking place at Wuhan University can be seen as quite a shock. It just goes to show that there is still much conflict among Chinese about the rights LGBTQ people should be given. But as fast as China is developing, social progress will not be stopped by such a small setback. Even with the event being cancelled, the spark has been lit and the people are having discussions and sharing ideas related to LGBTQ rights.
