Non-traditional Gender Role Parents on the LGBTQ+ Community in Chengdu, China: A Cultural and Psychosocial Examination

Abstract

The impact of non-traditional gender role parenting on the LGBTQ+ community in the Chengdu area, especially in an urban environment like Chengdu, which is known for its openness and multiculturalism is worthy of academic attention. The study was conducted primarily through both quantitative and qualitative methods: online surveys and census data were used for quantitative analysis, while in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used for qualitative analysis. This study proposes four main hypotheses: 1) there are more parents with non-traditional gender roles relative to traditional gender roles in Chengdu; 2) children from families with non-traditional gender roles are more likely to be open about their sexual minority identities; 3) non-traditional gender role family environments may be more encouraging of children's exploration and acceptance of gender perceptions of their sexual orientations; and 4) Chengdu's social and cultural environments, specifically perceptions related to gender roles, are associated with the flourishing of the LGBTQ+ community in the city. Preliminary results show that the relative activity and openness of the LGBTQ+ community in Chengdu is significantly higher than in other regions, which is related to the higher proportion of non-traditional gender role households in Chengdu. This study emphasizes that although sexual orientation is considered an intrinsic and inherent characteristic, family environment and socio-cultural factors also play an important role, especially in a more diverse and open urban context such as Chengdu. This provides a valuable perspective for further research on the cultural and social acceptance of sexual minorities within China.