January 14, 2010 | Sex & Society

China's first gay pageant

On Friday China's very first gay beauty pageant will be held, complete with swimwear and talent rounds. This in a country where, just over a decade ago, homosexuality was illegal and considered a mental illness.

"We are intelligent, we're professionals, we're gorgeous – and we're gay," said contestant Emilio Liu, from Inner Mongolia. "I want the audience to know there are a whole bunch of people like us living in China. It's a wonderful life and it's not hidden any more."

With support groups, gay bars in major cities (including the government-funded bar in Kunming, in south-western Yunnan), and Pride marches, China's queer community is easing out of the closet. Mr Gay China continues this trend.

Eight finalists are competing for the title and the chance to compete in next month's finals of Worldwide Mr. Gay, in Norway.

"I don't think people were ready before," said Ben Zhang, one of the organisers. "If this gets seen by some country boy in Ningxia, maybe he will realise 'It's not horrible to be gay and I'm not alone.'"

Still, China has a long way to go.

"[It] is a very traditional society," explained Steve Zhang, 30. "When I finally told my uncle I had a boyfriend he wasn't surprised but said, 'Well, that's not a long term thing' ... They think having fun with boys doesn't mean you love them; you will still get married in the end."

Gay websites have been shut down. Activists have been subject to harassment by local authorities. The Shanghai Pride was celebrated without banners or a parade.

Mr. Gay China will be equally low-key. Mainstream Chinese-language media were deliberately not invited.

"Officials could show up and say 'your fire hydrant is in the wrong place," said Zhang. "It is still a sensitive issue."

China's first gay pageant gives glimpse of new acceptance [The Guardian]