Becoming lesbian in China

Abstract

Since 2012, Chinese civil society has witnessed the very visible appearance of young women forcefully proclaiming themselves lesbian. This chapter deciphers this new phenomenon from an anthropological perspective, both externally and objectively, and in its internal, collective and subjective aspects. The research was carried out in Guangzhou, the capital of the most developed southern province and the most open to globalized messages because of its proximity to Hong Kong. On the road to their emancipation, these young lesbians are offered a plethora of foreign aid from organizations, NGOs and foundations, particularly American, which invites them to form pressure and advocacy groups and to organize street protests. This multi-dimensional aid, which includes funding, is especially valued by the young women activists in a context of heavy male domination which they seek to escape discovering in feminism a powerful legitimation of their revolt. The political repression in China since Xi Jingping’s government came into power places them in serious danger without dampening their determination.