China's LGBTQ Scene

Being LGBTQ in China has its challenges - and one of the main ones is a lack of places to meet up. Beijing has Destination and a couple smaller venues like Red Dog that provide places to socialize. Chengdu is considered by many to be a gay (and lesbian) Mecca of China - but even there, queer life is led by the expat community. Every city has some gay bar - or LGBTQ friendly space - but often they get shut down.

Destination one of the biggest LGBTQ space in the country - in central Beijing

One city with more events Pride is Shanghai where many Western businesses are based. Pride events have gone on - always the 3rd weekend of June - for the past 11 years. But in the capital of Beijing, demonstrations are too sensitive - so Pride does not occur there (the government will not allow it). However, they have managed to hold now 6 annual AIDS walks along the Great Wall of China in early September. I had the chance to attend last year, with over 300 people. One daring participant has always done the precarious Wall in heels!

Clealy a super-human if you can walk these 500 year old bricks!

Like in many different places, you need to meet LGBTQ locals where they are in coming out. Chinese LGBTQ people are often in the closet to their family as well as to even their closest friends (or at least in part). In China, gay socialization for many is in a place where it’s challenging to have relationships; sometimes talk goes right to sex. Don’t expect new friends to be comfortable holding hands in public, for example. However, it depends on each individual. Many can be adamant about their sexuality; clearly it’s tough to be openly LGBTQ in China. The government is watching and reading your WeChat – the Facebook Messanger of China!

Great Wall AIDS Walk 2018