Prescott Library: China and the United States of America, 21st Century: LGBTQ, China, United States (Human Rights)

Websites

Being LGBT in Asia: China Country Report
While important progress has been made in recent years, being lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) in China remains difficult. The first national report on LGBT issues in China commends positive steps such as the abolishment of laws used to intimidate LGBT people and the fact that homosexuality has been taken off the list of mental diseases. The report also highlights a positive growth in LGBT civil society, changing societal attitudes and a growing interest from academic institutions on LGBT-related research and policy discussions.

In China, LGBT citizens seek acceptance
n a victory for same-sex marriage supporters, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in a 5-to-4 decision. The law had denied federal recognition to same-sex couples. On the other side of the world, in China, the fight for gay rights is making progress.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Despite this lack of legal protection, individuals and organizations brought cases to court to try to better protect their rights. In February, an activist sued the government after the Hunan Province Civil Affairs Department refused to register his organization focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues, stating that homosexuality had no place in Chinese traditional culture and “the building of spiritual civilization.” The court dismissed the case in March on the ground that the government had not defamed homosexuals.
LGBT Rights
Human Rights Watch works for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people’s rights, with activists representing a multiplicity of identities and issues.
Fact Sheet: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Human Rights Issues
"Defending and promoting the human rights of LGBT persons is at the core of our commitment to advancing human rights globally in the heart and conscience of our diplomacy."-Secretary John Kerry, February 23, 2015
HumanRights.gov
PHOTOS: GLAAD at the Chinese Rainbow Media Awards
On January 17, GLAAD was in Beijing, China to celebrate the Chinese Rainbow Media Awards. GLAAD's Director of Program, Global and US South, Ross Murray, brought greetings and offered support for recognizing media representations that accelerate acceptance for LGBT people in China.
Being gay in China: Does the rainbow flag fly free?
But unlike their counterparts in the West, China's LGBT community does not have to face down strident political opposition or right-wing religious uproar.
LGBT RIGHTS
The ACLU works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people can live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.
For Gay Chinese, Getting Married Means Getting Creative
Experts and members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community say that the fact LGBT people still feel compelled to conform to social norms, marry someone of the opposite sex and bear a child proves that they still have their work cut out for them in trying to change traditional societal attitudes and eliminate discrimination against homosexuality.