Sexuality and Expression of Self Identities in chinese MSM C
Date:2009-01-14 10:48
Source:ghei.org
Writer:bgheiadmin
Abstract
The substantial findings of this report are from the perspective of “tong zhi” (men possessing sexual desire for other men) in mainland China. With the motivation and extensive organization of volunteers from the male homosexual community, close to 400 surveys related to homosexual behaviour and personal sexual histories were collected, along with almost 60 surveys related to sexual behaviour among small homosexual groups. By giving expression to the views of the Chinese homosexual community, an analytical study from a sociological viewpoint was conducted.
As this findings report gives prominence to the views and needs of the homosexual community itself, it becomes “a first,”and a breakthrough in research on homosexuals in China, making up for the previous inadequacies of the communication system of homosexuals.
Looked at from a sociological view on sexuality, the report is a real, comprehensive, profound and detailed reflection of homosexuality in China, the trends of activities in the homosexual community, and the trends of self-acceptance by homosexual individuals. Interviews from a large number of individuals reveal the largely unknown state of the sub-cultural existence of the homosexual community in China.
This report is one that also brings to light the state of numerous aspects of the Chinese homosexual community, such as sexual and aesthetic desire, means of sexual intercourse, along with emotional, sexual and social relationships within society.
Even more so, this report has allowed for self-explanation by the homosexual community. Despite differences in the acceptance of and attitudes toward homosexuality, whether these differences lie within the responses of individuals surveyed or the explanations and analyses given by the researchers, the researchers have respected the basic human right and needs of homosexuals, respecting the right of self-explanation. In this way, the report embodies novel characteristics not present in other similar research done in the field.
This report has furthermore incorporated international principles of modern humanistic social acceptance of homosexuality research. It has taken an objective perspective of both the culture of Chinese society and the culture of the homosexual community. It has initiated the social acceptance of the homosexual condition locally by the Chinese society, self-acceptance by homosexual individuals, and strived to construct a theoretical framework that shows great respect for human rights.
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We believe that the issue of this report will, as will results from other research by sociologists on homosexuality in China, enhance communication on this topic. We hope it will further promote the development of a Chinese society respectful of human rights, a civilization of harmonious relationships and sexual order. We hope it will also have a positive influence, making advances toward and promoting a peaceful society and people.
Foreward
With the financial support of Ford Foundation and commitment of Gender Consulting Centre, the famous scholar and writer, Tong Ge, was employed to lead the study, “Male homosexuality in China: A survey on the state of sexual self-acceptance.”
Through fourteen months of concentrated effort, and the participation and cooperation of tens of volunteers the study was completed. The extensive findings of this report by Tong Ge contribute a successful piece of research to China and the world in the field of sociological research on sexuality. It gives prominence to the local cultural characteristics and existing values while at the same time also embodies self-explanation by homosexuals in Chinese society.
It can be proudly said that this study, having collaborated with homosexuals as the principle method and direction of research, is an unprecedented achievement in homosexuality study in China. This research is a‘first,’ a contribution that is bound to make for a more complete communication system on the subject of homosexuality in China.
However, we have predicted that just as the findings of such research have broken traditional cultural bounds in the history of human civilization, the findings of this research may also meet with contempt or even intense condemnation from those holding traditional moral opinions. Furthermore, Chinese society is currently going through a transitional period of sharp cultural conflict, experiencing opening up, democracy, and advancement in human rights. It is also dealing with great conflicts from a now market economy, causing tremendous upheavals. In the face of the conflicting trends of this generation, great panic has been created in the awareness of traditional culture, and attempts made to maintain and publicise the situation.
This objective and multi-faceted report directly reveals the issue of sexuality and sexual acts and also directly brings to light what Chinese society has previously referred to as the‘low-life’, ‘filthy’, ‘promiscuous’behaviour of homosexuals.
Perhaps it will even serve as a ‘live target’ for the ‘cannons’ of traditional sex morals. We have predicted that this survey will inevitably clash with traditional academic thinking and systems entrenched in sexuality research and is therefore very likely to provoke censure and attack.
We have however neither worried excessively about this, nor been hesitant in our actions. We do not dare claim that this study holds any firm, unshakable scientific observations but we are confident that it gives a glimpse of modern humanistic view on the issue. We also look forward to and believe that a Chinese society that is opening up and advancing can address a differing sex study such as this one, with some tolerance and magnanimity.
This project and its participants have come together from among the people. We have not been unduly humble, but instead worked hard, continually revising and recharging, to ensure this report will have a certain theoretical value in sexology. This value originates in our pursuit of a humanistic and ethical culture and in our persisting belief that we must have a more modern humanistic view. Our view is sure to evoke query and negation from those who have not entered the homosexual (MSM) community but perhaps accepted previously presented materials and concepts. Query may come from experts with views based on purely medical research methods, or from views based on general traditional thoughts and concepts. We believe that relevant academics and experts will take an objective scientific attitude when accessing this report, and surmount the great obstacles of academic and communication systems in China to give the appropriate attention that this sex study deserves.
Tolerance and an all-embracing nature should accompany the broad-mindedness possessed by a democratic, humanistic and peaceful society.
We hope this study shall become a reserve of the first resources on male homosexuality in China enabling well accomplished scholars to expand the discipline.
We hope this study becomes an ‘exhibition window’ for people in China and abroad to understand homosexuality in China, building a branch of cooperation that can enrich and substantiate the academic achievements in homosexual studies both in China and abroad.
We hope that this report serves to be important reference material, improving progressive education and the promotion of health, especially in controlling sexually-related diseases such as the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Whether the theoretical points of this report can be accepted or not needs not be discussed for the time being. One need not necessarily understand the homosexual behaviour revealed in this report, as the real challenge is in the preventative work against AIDS in Chinese society.
We further hope that this study will become a means by which the gay community can better allow for self-explanation. We hope it can rid the associated dangers to health and quality of life and also rid the feudalistic and backward shackles of social acceptance. We hope the study provides a healthier, more civilized, more peaceful, more open structure for choosing one’s lifestyle, and also provide beneficial inspiration. If this kind of encouragement can rid the gay community of the influence of traditional ethical approval, and the consequent deep-seeded self-discrimination to allow for optimistic personal value and acceptance, this may in turn allow for homosexuals to stand more diligently in society, integrate more peacefully into society and serve our society more outstandingly!
An old Chinese saying once said: “Who knows me understands my needs, I’m a mystery to he who know me not.” It is precisely this need to understand, not just interest, or the hope of material gain, that has completed this findings report.
We are aware that our basic principles are vulnerable, that our knowledge and methods have retained many traditional concepts and views that are impossible to completely transform. Our knowledge and performance also retain some cultural and language constraints from society in China. In the close examination and explanation of the principles there is likely many inadequacies, even points of error. We hope to receive frank corrections and criticisms from scholars in China for which we will be grateful. From the guidance of others we can possibly proceed to revise the findings report.
A single ‘thank-you’ in the minds of the Chinese people bears weight much greater than the meaning of the word itself and it is not used lightly. However, here, we do wish to express to our zealous teachers and friends of this project our sincere and earnest appreciation.
Many thanks are extended to Pan Suiming from the Institute of Sexuality and Gender, Remin University of China, for his support and guidance.
We also thank Prof. Pan for his recommendation of two individuals who participated in the research work. Firstly, Renmin University’s master of Sociology, Mao Yanling, and Renmin Univeristy’s PhD student of Law, Wang Hao.
In order to enrich the theoretical examination of the study, and avoid the erroneous knowledge of the presenter on the topic, they increased the academic quality of the theoretical evidence, in every way making for a positive, meticulous contribution.
Our deepest thanks go to every academic advisor for their consideration and guidance.
Our deepest thanks go to the selfless, enthusiastic, sincere trust and support of each volunteer and persons surveyed.
Finally, our sincerest thanks go to Ford Foundation and Dr. Eve Wen-Jing Lee for the trust, support and encouragement. It was in early 2002 that Dr. Eve Wen-Jing Lee provided the encouragement for Tong Ge to undertake the hard work in the direction of sexuality research. In 2004, we expressed our desire to undertake this topic of research, without any evidence of ability for such research. It was Dr. Eve Wen-Jing Lee who warmheartedly supported our application. Now, we have successfully completed the task planned. The completion of this report can act as a gift of appreciation for Dr. Eve Wen-Jing Lee, to thank her the support and trust she placed in us.
Everybody’s trust, support and encouragement have provided us with the motive for continual hard work on homosexuality in China and the broader field of sexuality.