China's first gay pageant gives glimpse of new acceptance
Contest aims to boost community's confidence in country where homosexuality was classed as illness until 2001
Eight men competing in Mr Gay China, which organisers say is a striking sign of how far attitudes to homosexuality have changed.
There's a swimwear round and a talent section where contestants can show off their singing and dancing. But organisers insist the contest to be held this Friday is a serious business. It is China's first gay pageant.
The event is a striking sign of how far attitudes in China have changed and of gay people's increasing confidence. Gay sex was illegal until 1997. Homosexuality was classed as a mental illness for four years after that. Now an emerging gay community is busting stereotypes.
Now comes Mr Gay China, reported in approving terms in English-language state media. Eight finalists will take to the stage of a Beijing nightclub to strut their stuff in casual clothes and swimwear, exhibit their talents and answer questions. The winner – picked for his ability to represent gay issues as well as his skills, personality and looks – will head to Norway for next month's finals of Worldwide Mr Gay.
It would be easy to overstate progress since then. Few of the participants are willing to give their full names and several complain about the stereotyping of gay men as weak or HIV-carriers. Strikingly, all are white collar workers and most have studied or worked abroad.
The pressure to marry is one reason why some campaigners see gay marriage as a goal, along with legal protection against discrimination. But few expect such changes soon.
Official tolerance is highly variable. Activists and grassroots organisers complain of harassment by the authorities. Websites and publications have been shut down.
And although Shanghai Pride organisers deliberately kept it low key, with no banners or parade, the authorities forced the cancellation of some events.
Organisers hope to avoid problems by keeping Mr Gay China low-key and did not invite mainstream Chinese-language media.
"Officials could show up and say 'your fire hydrant is in the wrong place," said Zhang. "It is still a sensitive issue."
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