LGBTQ+ culture is something that has been around for centuries, but it is only recently that it has become more widely accepted and celebrated around the world. This article will explore the history of LGBTQ+ culture in Asia, cultural representations, rights, discrimination, and advocacy and activism.
Overview of LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender identities that are not traditionally accepted by society. It is an umbrella term that includes a variety of gender and sexual identities, such as pansexual, genderfluid, and asexual.
What is
LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term that encompasses individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer and those who possess non-traditional gender identities and expressions. It is a diverse community that works to provide support, acceptance, and advocacy for those who identify as LGBTQ+.
History of LGBTQ+ Culture in Asia
LGBTQ+ culture in Asia has a long and complex history. For centuries, there have been different forms of gender and sexual expression in many Asian countries, though these have often been hidden or suppressed. In recent years, however, there has been an increase in acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ people in many Asian countries, though discrimination and intolerance still remain in many areas.
LGBTQ+ Representations in Asia
LGBTQ+ culture in Asia is represented in a variety of ways, both traditional and modern. Traditional representations can be seen in literature, art, and mythology, while modern representations are often found in the media, including movies, television shows, and music.
Traditional Representations
Traditional representations of LGBTQ+ culture in Asia can be found in literature, art, and mythology. For example, in India there are references to transgender and intersex people in ancient Hindu texts. In China, there are stories of same-sex relationships in the classic novel “Dream of the Red Chamber”. In Japan, there is folklore of non-binary gender identities, such as the genderless tengu.
Modern Representations
Modern representations of LGBTQ+ culture in Asia can be found in the media, including movies, television shows, and music. For example, the 2018 film “Call Me By Your Name” tells the story of a young man’s coming of age and his relationship with another man. In South Korea, the television show “My Awesome LGBTQ+” follows the lives of five queer people living in Seoul. In Japan, the band Kinmokusei has become popular for their song “Tsuki no Uta”, which celebrates gender diversity.
Country-by-Country Analysis
The rights of LGBTQ+ people vary from country to country in Asia. Here is a brief overview of the legal situation for LGBTQ+ people in some of the major countries in the region.
India
In India, homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018, though same-sex marriage is still not legally recognized. The Indian Supreme Court has also granted transgender people the right to self-identify their gender and to access government services.
China
In China, homosexuality was decriminalized in 1997 and same-sex marriage is still not legal. However, the Chinese government does recognize same-sex partnerships in certain provinces and cities.
Japan
In Japan, homosexuality is legal and same-sex marriage is not. However, the Japanese government does recognize same-sex partnerships in some cities.
South Korea
In South Korea, homosexuality is legal and same-sex marriage is not. However, there have been some recent steps towards recognizing same-sex partnerships in the country.
Thailand
In Thailand, homosexuality is legal and same-sex marriage is not. However, the Thai government does recognize same-sex partnerships in some cities.
Philippines
In the Philippines, homosexuality is legal and same-sex marriage is not. However, the Filipino government does recognize same-sex partnerships in some cities.
Common Themes
There are some common themes that can be seen in the legal status of LGBTQ+ people in Asia. Homosexuality is generally legal in most countries, but same-sex marriage is not recognized in any country. In some countries, same-sex partnerships are recognized in certain cities or provinces, but not nationwide.
LGBTQ+ people in Asia face discrimination in a variety of areas, including the workplace, education, healthcare, and from family and friends.
Discrimination in the Workplace
LGBTQ+ people in Asia often face discrimination in the workplace. This can include being denied employment, being passed over for promotions, or being subjected to homophobic or transphobic comments from coworkers or employers.
Discrimination in Education
LGBTQ+ people in Asia often face discrimination in the educational system. This can include being denied access to certain classes, being denied admission to certain institutions, or being bullied or harassed by other students.
Discrimination in Healthcare
LGBTQ+ people in Asia often face discrimination when accessing healthcare. This can include being denied medical care, being subjected to homophobic or transphobic comments from healthcare providers, or being denied access to certain treatments.
Discrimination from Family or Friends
LGBTQ+ people in Asia often face discrimination from their family or friends. This can include being disowned or rejected by family members, being subjected to homophobic or transphobic comments from family or friends, or being denied support or acceptance.
Discrimination from Society
LGBTQ+ people in Asia often face discrimination from society. This can include being subjected to homophobic or transphobic comments from strangers, being denied access to certain services or establishments, or being excluded from social activities.
Organizations Working to Protect LGBTQ+ Rights
There are a number of organizations in Asia that are working to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people. These organizations include Amnesty International, the Asia Pacific Transgender Network, and the Coalition for the Freedom of Gender and Sexual Orientation.
LGBTQ+ Activism in Asia
LGBTQ+ activism in Asia is growing. In recent years, there have been a number of protests, marches, and other events that have been organized to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ people. These events include the Queer Pride Parade in India and the annual Hong Kong Pride Parade.
Summary of Findings
This article has explored the history of LGBTQ+ culture in Asia, cultural representations, rights, discrimination, and advocacy and activism. It has shown that LGBTQ+ culture in Asia has a long and complex history, that it is represented in both traditional and modern ways, that rights vary from country to country, and that there is still discrimination and challenges facing LGBTQ+ people in Asia.
Future Outlook for LGBTQ+ Communities in Asia
The future outlook for LGBTQ+ communities in Asia is uncertain, but there is hope. There has been an increase in acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ people in many Asian countries, and a number of organizations and activists are working to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people. With continued advocacy and activism, it is possible that the rights and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in Asia will continue to grow.
1. Amnesty International. (2020). LGBTI Rights in Asia and the Pacific. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2020/02/lgbti-rights-in-asia-and-the-pacific/
2. Kasturi, S. (2018). History of LGBTQ+ in India. Retrieved from https://www.thebetterindia.com/155046/indias-lgbtq-history-gender-sexual-diversity/
3. UNAIDS. (2020). LGBTI Rights in Asia and the Pacific. Retrieved from https://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/regions/asiaandthepacific/lgbti-rights-asia-pacific