China’s LGBT stronghold Chengdu fears for its relative freedom

Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province in southwest China with its 16 million inhabitants, also bears the somewhat cheeky nickname “Gaydu”, it is regarded as permissive and a kind of stronghold of the Chinese LGBT community.

An oasis, because homosexuality is still not socially accepted in China. Millennials like the teacher Ray in particular are drawn to the metropolis far from Beijing.

“I am gay, live in Chengdu and I am a teacher. All of my students, my boss and the parents of my students know that I am gay. I think it’s freer here, I don’t care if someone doesn’t like me. “

But the supposed freedom is relative. The authorities only closed a gay nightclub last October. Allegedly because of increased AIDS infections. Most of all, it’s about control.

Just don’t fall behind too much

The representatives of LGBT organizations know that they are being watched. One must always be careful not to offend the central government, said Mathew of the NGO “Chengdu Rainbow”, which campaigns for gay rights.

“I don’t expect us to make any great progress, just hope that we don’t fall behind too much. I don’t want our NGO to shut down or not be able to work because of the pressure.”

Although homosexuality is not officially banned in China, members of the LGBT community are still discriminated against. This applies even to one’s own family. Many gays and lesbians therefore only come out with their closest friends.

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