LGBT life in China

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Information 

Homosexuality and Chinese Law

In China, homosexuality is no longer illegal and, in general, homosexuals are not subject to harassment.  Homosexuality in China was decriminalised in 1997.  In 2001 homosexuality was removed from the official list of mental disorders.  However, there are no specific laws in place to protect the rights of LGBT people.

There remain conservative elements in Chinese society for whom homosexuality is 'taboo', but it is becoming more and more accepted, particularly by young people in big cities. 

Civil Partnership Registrations/Ceremonies

The British Embassy/Consulates General in China are unable to perform Civil Partnership Registrations as we have not been authorised by the Chinese Government to do so.  Couples wishing to formally register their relationship should consider travel to the UK or countries whose laws recognise such registrations. 

Adoption

Adoptions by foreign same-sex couples or individuals of Chinese children is currently prohibited by the Chinese authorities. 

Lifestyle magazines/ websites / support groups

There is an LGBT community in Beijing and other big cities in China. Various expat websites and magazines based in China have dedicated LGBT sections which give information about LGBT events in the area, websites and support groups.

The Beijinger; City Weekend; Time Out Beijing; HK Magazine; BC Magazine; HK Catch; Time Out Hong Kong; Dim Sum; BOAevent; Utopia-Asia; and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.

Further information

In  2010 a British barrister published an article "China: The Legal Position and Status of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People in the People's Republic of China" which offers a view of the legal status of LGBT people here in China. 

Please note that opinions are those of the author and not attributable in any way to the UK Government or British Embassy.