Queer China, ‘Comrade' China

Openly gay filmmaker Cui Zi'en helmed this chronicle of the changes and developments in the LGBT community in China from the 1930s through the early years of the 21st century. China was relatively late in openly acknowledging basic civil rights for its homosexual population; in fact, the Communist government didn't decriminalize “hooliganism,” as it was officially known, until 1997, and the acceptance of non-heterosexuals into mainstream Chinese society has been awkward. Even as late as 2000 the subject was being addressed in TV programs with titles such as “Approaching Gay People.” Today, LGBT bars, publications, telephone hotlines, and social organizations are commonplace in the major cities, and the subject of same-sex marriage has been politely debated in the legislature. Contemporary research also suggests that relatively low levels of homophobia exist, especially among those favoring a more liberal approach to the economy. Yet some discrimination persists, most notably in the abrupt closure of gay film festivals at Beijing University in 2001 and 2005 and ongoing difficulties in obtaining permits for gay pride events. Queer China, ‘Comrade' China includes frank interviews with more than three dozen scholars, activists, filmmakers, and writers, combined with rarely seen footage of the first-ever appearance of gays and lesbians on state television. Despite a sometimes confusing visual style—switching between full, split, and partial screens—this is a genuinely fascinating look at a continually evolving segment of Chinese society. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)