Homosexuality in Ancient China - Essay Example

HMS Homosexual in Ancient China Homosexuality like prostitution has always been a part of history. Not just for one country or ethnic origin, butit encompassess the customs and tradtions of all countries. Effiminate behaviors in relation to homosexuals are present in every society, and for men, homosexuality has two (2) main patterns. The first one is the age-dissonant sexual dominance where one of the men is older than the other. In this pattern the older man assumes the role of the "male" in the relationship. But it is important to note that the assumption of being the male partner in the homosexual relationship does not make him different from the men of the general society. The second pattern is "based on gender -dissonant sexual dominance" - where biological men assumes the role of the female in their entire lives and could serve as partners of "male" men who on the other hand do not lose their status in society (Chinese Cultural Studies pp. 1-6 qtd in Britt Hinsch). The aspects of gender analysis views factors that pertains to sexual behavior that are commonly limited by social ethics. Homosexal behavior is mostly defined by how a particular culture actually perceives it (Chinese Cultural Studies, n.d.). Like in other countries, homosexuality or the relationship between men is common in China. Being a conservative country in many ways, Chinas Communist Party does not openly acknowledge the presence of gays in its population. Men to men relationships are considered a crime and those who engage in such intimate relationships are persecuted by the police under the anti-hooliganism laws (Aids and Homosexuality in China, 1997). Records regarding male homosexuality in China can be traced back as far as the Warring States Period (841BC – 221 BC) where records identify Mo Tzu in writing about how HMS 2 the “lords and rulers of his time uses their relatives and “handsome men” as official,” paving the way for nepotism and favoritism. This practice generally leads to the mismanagement of the states affairs because the emperors, for their love and devotion to the said handsome men, do not listen to their wise counsels (Dr. Tan Chong Kee, 2007). In relation to this is the story of Mizi Xia which tells that if one gains the love of the ruler, his wisdom will be appreciated and the male concubine will enjoy numerous favors. However, if the rulers ardour has cooled, the male lovers wisdom or counsel will be rejected and he will be regarded as a criminal (Chinese Cultural Studies n.d.). Homosexuality in China was likewise prevalent during the Shang Dynasty (16th Century - 11th Century BC), where the term “Luan Feng” was used to portray homosexuality in the Shang Dynasty Historical Records. When the Han Dynasty (206BC – 220AD) came to power, majority of the Han emperors had “lovers of their same sex,” such events were noted down on historical records. There were ten bisexual emperors of the Han Dynasty who openly forged relationships with men and these events were preserved in historical data to wit (Chinese Cultural Studies pp. 1-6 qtd in Brett Hinsch): The Ten Han Emperors [with "favorites"] Emperor Gao r.206-195BCE and Jiru Emperor Hui r.194-188BCE and Hongru Emperor Wen r.179-141BCE and Deng Tong, & Zhao Tan, & Beigong Bozi Emperor Jing r.156-141BCE and Zho Ren Emperor Wu r.140-87BCE and Han Yan, & Han Yue, & Li Yannian Emperor Zhao r.86-74BCE and Jin Shang HMS 3 Emperor Xuan r.73-49BCE and Zhang Pengzu Emperor Yuan r.48-33BCE and Hong Gong, & Shi Xian Emperor Cheng r.32-7BCE and Zhang Fang, & Chunyu Zhang Emperor Ai r.6BCE-1CE and Dong Xian [Hinsch also notes that following emperors from later periods also had open homosexual relationships] Pei Kai 237-291 Yu Xin 513-581 and Wang Shao Zhang Hanbian c.265-420 and Zhou Xiaoshi Emperor Jianwen c.550 Emperor Xizong r.874-889 and Zhang Langgou Emperor Wuzong r.1506-1522 Emperor Shenzong r.1573-1620 Emperor Xizong r.1621-1628 Emperor Pu Yi - the last Qing [Manchu] emperor After the rule of the powerful Han Dynasty, homosexuality was generally tolerated. The attitude towards homosexuality in Ancient China at that time was of unflustered acceptance. No comments or criticisms of any kind were voiced out. Knowledge of homosexual activities were conciously known, but such events was not enough to break the ties that maintained the practice of traditional family ethics where homosexuals are still expected to get married with the opposite sex and produce heirs (History of Homosexuality, 2002). HMS 4 Flourishing developments of trade and industry came during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). This was also the era where male prostitutes were rampantly available to meet the specific sexual requirements of their clientele. But when the Qing Dysnasty came to power, a social order was given where strict obedience was required that husbands and wives must adhere to their true roles in an intimate relationship. As expected, homosexuals rallied against such orders that restricts or inhibits their freedom (History of Homosexuality, 2002). The first anti-homosexual decree in China was promulgated in 1740. Said decree considered intercourse between homosexual adults as illegal. It was the first time that homosexuality was subjected to proscription. But the worst was still to come for the homosexuals in China, for in the beginning of 1966 until 1976 termed as the cultural revolution period, they were continuously apprehended and persecuted by the government. It was also during this period that homosexuality was considered to be a form of pyschological defect and a disgrace to to society (History of Homosexuality, 2002). Homosexuality was thought of to be a threat to society since Chinese tradition mandates the continuation of the family name. Hence, the bearing of children is a must. However, there were no written laws against homosexuality. So the police who caught or rounded up gays and lesbians charged them instead of hooliganism or disturbing public order. As this was the case, homosexuals kept their activities under wraps during the aforementioned period and afterwards (History of Homosexuality, 2002). Regarded as a perversion, homosexuality in China was closeted. The fear of being punished due their preferred sexual orientation made gays hide their emotions and act like any ordinary men would (Zheng Guihong, 2001). HMS 5 The Western Science culture has unproportinal impact on the Chinese culture, that is why China considers homosexuality as an abnormal part of ones personality (Chinese Cultural Studies n.d.). That is why in 1994, the Chinese Psychiatry Associationstrongly oppossed the World Health Organizatioins call for the acceptance of the "third gender" or homosexuality. But in 1997 it removed its hooliganism laws from the criminal category. This development and due to the changing times where homosexuality is out in the open and largely acknowledge worldwide, China has somewhat loosen its repressive grip on Chinese homosexuals by removing homosexuality in their list of "Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disorders" (History of Homosexuality, 2002). Although pressure on homosexuals have somewhat eased up, there are still certain limitations that one must adhere to. Having lived in a society that feels being a homosexual is morally unacceptable, Chinas long tradition of values and morals cannot be changed in a day and and the acknowledgement of homosexuality has not yet come full circle (Weiai Xu, page 1). Homosexuals or gays in China are labelled as outcasts. From most of the studies read, the totalitarian rule in China forbade any kind deviation from the norm. In order to twarth any form of civil activist groups from forming, peer pressure, compulsary marriages and fear was instilled within the public to discourage any open expressions of homosexuality. Currently, there is little change in how gays are treated in China. Ordinary homosexuals who openly seek to promote awarenes of their ranks in society are normally fired from work and ostracized by family and friends. These gays commonly live in ignorance, fear and discrimination. And although hooliganism was already lifted and not in effect for the past years, the police still continues to apprehend gays, fining and detaining them for several days HMS 6 (Queer Resources Directory, pp 1-5). Interestingly, there are no written laws that say homosexuality is illegal but there are also no laws that confirms its the legality. In any case Chinese men are strictly required to fulfill their duty in having a family (Queer Resources Directory, pp 1-5). Most Chinese homosexuals also live a pretentious life because they are prevented from having a steady and stable relationship with their own kind. This scenario generally leads to promiscous activities like having unsafe sexual encounters in public toilets. Afterwhich, they would return home to their wives and resume their heterosexual relationships (Queer Resources Directory, pp 1-5). The present generation of homosexuals are more after having the freedom to express their emotions. But since culture is very hard to change most homosexuals suffer pressure from their families than from society in general. Parental dominance is exerted to compel men to have familiesMajority of these Chinese homosexuals who openly admit their sexuality are children and their families tolerate them. And just like in any other western culture, Chinese homosexuals who have the means and with high social status enjoy more freedom and tolerance from society (China Daily 2005). Improving the life and social status of homosexuals is quite difficult especially in a country like China who holds such stringent views regarding the proper conduct of ones sexuality. Because the gay community is not united and no support from the government is forthcoming most gays on the mainland do not reveal their true identities to the public for fear of reprisal and shame (Queer Resources Directory, pp 1-5). In corroboration with all the forgoing, it could be said that the China has a history of HMS 7 male homosexuality especially in the past where rulers, aside from having female concubines also had accomodated male lovers. Although the idea of having homosexuals in China may surprise many, the fact that it existed despite the strict ruling of the Chinese Communist Party proves that being a homosexual is actually a natural occurence. It is quite unfortunate that despite the on-going world wide acceptance and tolerance of homosexuals, most of them still do not have the actual freedom to voice out their concerns regarding their sexual preference. Many are imprisoned and killed because of engaging in homosexual acts. Those who are brave enough to speak up are often harrasssed and discriminated. China, like the other countries has still a long way to come in how they will deal with the problems and presence of homosexuals in their population. But it would be wise to consider that these are also people who should be afforded the courtesy of having human rights (Amnesty International USA, page 1). HMS 8 References Aids and Homosexuality in China Amnesty International USA. Action for Human Rights. Hope for Humanity http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-priorities/lgbt-human-rights/page.do?id=1011002&n1=3&n2=36 China Daily. Lesbians, Gays Gaining Acceptance, pages 1-2. October 10, 2005. Chinese Cultural Studies: The Homosexual Tradition in China: Selections from Chinese Homosexual Literature (pages 1-6) Hinsch, Brett. Passions of the Cut Sleeve: The Male Homosexual Tradition in China, Berkely and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1990. History of Homosexuality. Shanghai Star, October 4, 2002. Kee, Tan Chong. Same Sex Love in ancient and Modern Chinese History, pages 1-2, June 12, 2007. Queer Resources Directory. Four Recent Press Reports, pages 1-6 < http://www.qrd.org/QRD> and Read More