Chinese parents with gay or lesbian children : reflections, experiences, and family relationships

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine Chinese parents' reactions and attitudes towards their child's same-sex sexual orientation after their child's coming out. It aimed to amplify the voices from a marginalised and socially oppressed group-Chinese parents of a gay or lesbian child. However, due to Chinese parents of a same-sex attracted adult child being a hard-to-reach population, I endeavoured to gain more information about their experiences by also talking with adult same-sex attracted children and seeking their reflections on their parents' reactions and attitudes. This research is the first, to my knowledge, to comprehensively explore Chinese parents' reactions towards their gay or lesbian child's coming out through a feminist post-structuralist lens by interviewing groups of both Chinese parents and adult child participants. Findings from this work point to the connection between increased societal visibility and recognition of sexuality diversity and an increase in parents' uncertainty, fear and disappointment within the parent/same-sex attracted adult child relationship. While some narratives communicated stagnant and negative relationships that seemed as if they could not be repaired, others highlighted the growth and change that were possible with increased exposure to affirming information about sexuality diversity. Accordingly, a number of recommendations emerge from this work. First, exposure to and visibility of sexuality diversity in educational institutions should be increased, such as including knowledge of sexuality diversity in school curriculums and textbooks; this will not only improve individuals' recognition of sexuality diversity, but will also help prevent homophobic language and behaviour. Second, all types of gay "conversion" therapies in the medical and clinical service system should be banned, to clearly address the point that same-sex attraction is neither a disease nor a psychological problem that can be cured. Third, there should be an increase in affirming content related to sexuality diversity in the media. Finally, relevant legislation and policies should be established to acknowledge and protect the social rights of same-sex attracted people within society. Such moves could not only help to normalise same-sex attracted individuals and reduce homophobic discrimination and stigma, but also could improve the well-being and self-esteem of both same-sex attracted individuals and their parents.

Date of Award	2022
Original language	English