SP Speaker Session: Understanding Queer Identity in China

Event Overview

• Hosted by: Indian Foreign Policy Project (IFBP) in collaboration with ORCA (Organization for Research on China and Asia)
• Speaker: Miss Aaya Roy, a researcher specializing in gender and politics in China
• Topic: "Expression, Identity, and Politics: Understanding Queerness and Non-conformity in the PRC"

Introduction

• IFBP's mandate: Deepening civic engagement in South Asian affairs and International Relations (IR)
• Aim: Connect young researchers, leaders, and diplomats with student communities

Speaker Background

• Miss Aaya Roy:
  • Master's degree in Political Science with specialization in IR
  • Research areas: Gender, sexuality, society, and culture in China and East Asia
  • Previous roles: Research Associate and COO at ORCA, New Delhi

Session Guidelines

• Interactive session with Q&A
• Respect for diverse perspectives
• Event recording available

Presentation Highlights

Historical Context of Queerness in China

• Largest LGBTQ+ community globally
• Historical Tolerance:
  • Not celebrated but tolerated in ancient texts
  • 1740: First legal prohibition during the Ching Dynasty
• Post-PRC establishment:
  • Cultural Revolution: Targeting queer individuals
  • 1997: Decriminalization of homosexuality

International Influence

• 1990s: Emergence of LGBTQ+ organizations
• 1995: UN World Conference on Women in Beijing pivotal
• Western influence perceived as both supportive and limiting

Current Challenges and Conformity

• Legal Environment:
  • Lack of legal protection and recognition for same-sex couples
  • Discrimination in the workplace
• Social and Cultural Pressures:
  • Confucian values emphasize conformity
  • Pressure leads to sham marriages and concealed identities

Xi Jinping's Policies

• Emphasis on social stability and harmony
• Three No's Policy: No approval, no disapproval, no promotion
• Contradictory handling of LGBTQ+ issues

Economic and Political Incentives

• Potential economic advantages of inclusive policies
• Inclusion aligns with Xi Jinping’s vision of national rejuvenation

Discussion Highlights

• Role of International Community:
  • Support China's queer community through transnational networks
  • Avoid direct confrontation with Chinese policies
• Impact of Taiwan's Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage:
  • Influence on Chinese society's perception
  • Unlikely immediate policy shifts in mainland China

Conclusion

• Incremental progress expected
• Ongoing advocacy for more legal rights and protections
• Next steps involve education, awareness, and building networks

Final Remarks

• Thank you to IFBP, ORCA, and all participants
• Encouragement for further research and discussion on LGBTQ+ rights in China