LGBT Life in China

(LGBT = Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender)

Historically, homosexuality, so long as it didn’t interfere with the Confucian duty to marry and produce offspring, was generally accepted. As a matter of fact, ten emperors in Chinese history were said to be openly bisexual and were even listed with the names of their lovers. However, when the communists came to power in 1949, homosexuality was considered disruptive to a stable society. During the Cultural Revolution, the persecution of gay people was sanctioned by the government.

In 2001, attitudes began to change when the government rescinded a 1989 law that made homosexuality a psychological disorder. However, no civil rights law exists to address discrimination or harassment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The media tends to censor positive depictions of gay couples in films and television shows and households headed by same-sex couples are not permitted to adopt children and do not have the same privileges as heterosexual married couples.

Photo from the recent Shanghai Pride Festival
http://www.shpride.com/?lang=en

In general, homosexuality is ignored by the population. This is made all the easier because open affection between same sex friends, regardless of the sexual orientation, is very common.  Nevertheless, the social stigma of being homosexual is still very much alive, and it will still be quite a while until homosexuality is widely accepted. Chinese/Taiwanese culture is very family oriented and parents expect grandchildren, therefore many people still choose to hide their sexual orientation, and end up marrying and having children.

In the majority of cases, LGBT expats living in China are not met with significant difficulties. It isn’t hard to find other members of the LGBT community, and it doesn’t do any harm to ask around and be inquisitive about the local scene. Conservatism should be the rule, however; China is still a conservative society, and public displays of same-sex affection are best avoided.

Although more prominent in first-tier Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, gay clubs, bars, tea houses, saunas, and support centers are also becoming more widespread in second-tier cities like Xi'an, Dalian, and Kunming. However, it is still forbidden to advertise or list gay or lesbian bar in magazines and newspaper. Instead, they are listed as “alternative lifestyle bars.”

CITY SPECIFIC DIRECTORY:

BEIJING:

The Beijing LGBT Center (The Center):
 A non-profit, community-based organization that empowers the Beijing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community through offering social services, organizing advocacy programs, and providing a safe, fun, and inviting social space. (http://bjlgbtcenter.org/en/index.asp).

Beijing Gay, Lesbian, and Allies Discussion (BGLAD):
An organisation of people who wish to support the local gay, lesbian and bisexual community. The group meets regularly for various activities.

http://www.meetup.com/BeijingLGBT/ :
An online forum to organize social events for the LGBT community in Beijing


Bars and Clubs:

Adams (#40 Sanlitun Road 三里屯酒吧街，40号)
A newly opened but well-reviewed bar offering good food, drinks, and a mellow space for the queer and straight community.

Alfa (6 Xingfu Yi Cun Hutong, 朝阳区幸福一村6号工体北门对面的胡同里 ):
Gay-friendly club that has gay events during weekends. They support the Beijing LGBT center by donating more than 60% of the income from their gay events. Reasonable admission fee includes one free drink (juice, beer or cocktails). Mostly young, trendy, local crowd, but there are also visitors, expats, mid-aged and mature gays, lesbians and straight partiers

Funky  (6/F, 8 Gongti Xilu, 工体西路8号6层):
Above par music and generous cocktails.

Kai  (3/F Tongli Studio, Sanlitun)
Basic, no-frills black box with bar, DJ, small dance floor and booth seating. Very diverse, younger crowd.

Mesh  (The Opposite House, 1 Sanlitun Bei Rd, Sanlitun, 地址　三里屯北街　１号　):
The Thursday night gay crowd (mostly the expat portion as this 5-star bar is expensive) starts their evening here about 10pm. This world-class bar and its spectacular Japanese-designed hotel setting are well worth a visit for fans of contemporary design. From the non-lobby which is more a Chinese modern art museum, to Mesh's Duchamp-inspired collection of resin castings of plastic drinking bottles, The Opposite House is pure eye candy. Ask to see the rooms and the stainless-steel swimming pool.

Chill Café & Bar (2 Andingmen Xidajie, Dongcheng Dist, 安定门西大街2号院，安定门桥西南角)
Gay-managed, LGBT-friendly bar and cafe in a modernized hutong courtyard setting. Manager, Henry, is plugged into the local gay scene and is happy to offer the latest news. Every Wed night LGBT visitors, expats and locals gather at 8pm for their Pink Wednesday social when Y$10 is donated from each cocktail to support local LGBT projects and initiatives.

Two Cities (46 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng Qu, 东城区，方家胡同46 号)
Run by two gay friends from Taiwan. Coffee, teas and desserts in a spacious hutong building with large picture windows ideal for people watching. Indoor and outdoor seating. A good, quiet spot for talking with friends. Open 1-11pm Mon-Thu and Sun; 11am-midnight Fri and Sat.

An Club, at Amnesia (Ground Floor, SOHO, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district. Saturdays only. 朝阳区光华路SOHO一层):

Run by legendary lesbian impresario An Shao and now celebrating its second year of existence in a brand new venue. An represents one of the most diverse, exciting, and best value for money nights in the city.

Destination (7 Gongti Xi Lu,Chaoyang district, 朝阳区工体西路7号):

Despite being Beijing’s longest-established LGBT venue (it was launched around 2004), Des, as it’s affectionately known to locals, has managed to remain top dog. The popular Friday and Saturday spectaculars are among the best-attended and most colourful in town, and the multi-level layout prevents most spaces other than the heaving dance floor from ever being intolerably overcrowded. The confidential and free HIV testing clinic on the top floor, run by golden-hearted volunteers from LGBT NGO Danlan, is also a valuable addition. Drinks are buy-one-get-one-free before 10pm. Entry charges vary and usually include a free drink. Regulars can purchase membership cards (500RMB or 1,000RMB) for discounted entry and drinks deals.

SHANGHAI

ShanghaiLGBT (https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/shanghailgbt/info):
 An online community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight individuals in Shanghai, China. The main organizer of ShanghaiPRIDE which happens in June.

Angel @ ICON (Shanghai Stadium -access by Gate 7 on Lingling Road (near Xietu Road), Xuhui District 上海市 徐汇区 八万人体育场 零陵路7号门进, 近斜土路,):
The most popular weekend gay dance party in Shanghai.  Angel moved to a new home at club ICON in March 2014. ICON is the largest gay dance venue in Asia, with state-of-the-art light and sound system. Special events are held regularly, including the ever-popular Heaven party

Lucca (390 Shanghai) (390 Panyu Road (near Fahuazhen Road), Changning District 中国上海市长宁区番禺路390号, Shanghai):
One of the most popular gay venues in Shanghai.   This award-winning bar & restaurant hosts live music during the week and turns into a fabulous dance club with live DJ and party-goers filling the dance floor at weekends. Weekly themed event usually takes place on Saturday.

Eddy’s Bar (1877 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui DIstrict, Shanghai):
A Shanghai institution.  Eddy’s Bar opened in Weihai Lu in 1995 but moved to Huaihai Lu in 2002. It is the longest-running gay venue in the city and still pulls in crowds of locals and expats on the weekends.  A great place to hang out before heading to Shanghai Studio. Eddy’s has an interesting décor, combining grey slate, Chinese lanterns and Asian art.  Great service and affordable drinks.  Busy after 10pm.

Blend (3 Yongjia Road, Lane 15, Huangpu District, Shanghai) :
Popular LGBT hangout that has re-enforced its gay-friendly credentials by sponsoring the 2013 Shanghai Pride. Blend offers a great selection of smoothies, ice creams, pastas and pizzas, along with a wide selection of coffees, sodas, cocktails, beer and wine and free WiFi. Regular weekday evening happy hours and excellent weekend brunch menu.