Battling Homophobia in Asia

Growing up in a traditional and religious environment, I was raised with the expectation that I was straight. My conservative father’s views made me suppress my feelings for the same sex, convincing myself they were just a phase. Only recently have I come to accept my true identity, and this realisation has highlighted the difficulties of coming out in a society that often rejects LGBTQ+ individuals.

I used to think their traditional and religious views were the root of the issue, but now I see that’s not the case. Confucianism, the guiding philosophy of most Asian civilisations, holds that in order to achieve social harmony in one’s daily life, one must strive to become a decent person and be able to form positive relationships with others. In social life, harmony refers to a mutual understanding among all members of society, but it is also a state of circumstances in which things exist and progress in an orderly manner. A harmonious community is characterised by tolerance and diversity.

In Asian countries, homophobia manifests itself differently. Unlike in many Western nations, where homophobia is prevalent and violent, Asian gays face a pervasive environment of heterosexism as they navigate their identities, lifestyles, and freedoms. In Asia, one’s position within the community, rather than their sexual orientation, largely shapes the cultural creation of their identity. When it comes to homosexuality, most Asian societies are considered “tolerant” as long as it stays out of the spotlight.

The acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals varies significantly across Asia. Taiwan stands out as the most progressive, having legalised same-sex marriage in 2019. Japan and Thailand also show relatively accepting attitudes; Japan offers partnership certificates in some areas, and Thailand is considering legalising same-sex unions. In contrast, countries like Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia present more significant challenges. Brunei’s Sharia law theoretically punishes homosexuality with death, Malaysia criminalises same-sex relations, and Indonesia has seen increasing hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals, despite the legality of homosexuality in most regions.

Cultural and religious values in Asia often lead to a unique approach to LGBTQ+ issues. Western models of gay identity and coming out may not align well with Asian values, which prioritise family and social harmony. Research by scholars such as Chou Wah-Shan (2001) and Martin F. Manalansan IV (2003) highlights how Western concepts of LGBTQ+ identity can clash with Asian family-centred values. Audrey Yue’s work (2017) emphasises the need for a localised understanding of LGBTQ+ issues.  For instance, a 2020 report by OutRight Action International shows that LGBTQ+ organisations in China focus more on family acceptance and social harmony than on individual rights. Asian values typically prioritise maintaining family relationships and preserving social harmony. This often means LGBTQ+ identities are suppressed to avoid public embarrassment. While respecting cultural differences is important, it’s crucial to recognise that hiding one’s sexuality often indicates underlying discrimination. This perspective, while not necessarily indicative of higher homophobia, reflects a different approach.

The legislative recognition and protection of LGBTQ+ rights in Asia provides an intricate landscape, reflecting the region’s cultural, religious, and political diversity. For example, consider my friend Dorothy, a young lesbian lady from a traditional Chinese province. Despite her country’s decriminalisation of homosexuality, Dorothy continues to face daily challenges due to a lack of legal protection against discrimination. Her employer fired her after discovering her sexual orientation, leaving her with no legal recourse. In contrast, her cousin in Taiwan just celebrated his same-sex marriage, showing stark differences in LGBTQ+ rights even among culturally similar nations.

I grew up in a traditional family in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese-Viet neighborhood. I’ve always felt different but didn’t have the words to describe my feelings. When I relocated for university, I was surprised to discover LGBTQ+ support groups and even went to my first Pride event. For the first time, I felt like I could be myself.

However, during visits home, I often find myself retreating back into the closet because my parents and neighbours had fairly traditional attitudes about marriage and family. While I could be open with my friends in other parts of the city, I felt compelled to conceal this aspect of myself at home in order to maintain family peace. Moving away to study has taught me a few things:

• Urban regions are generally more accepting.
• Traditional values and religious views are frequently linked to homophobia in more conservative areas
• LGBTQ+ populations are becoming more visible in many Asian countries, thanks in large part to social media and activism.

Even with a variety of obstacles, such as instances of sham marriages or transgender discrimination in workplaces and competitions, progress varies from country to country, and societal attitudes can be slow to change. Many Asian countries still lack comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals:

• Discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare.
• Family rejection and societal pressure to conform to gender roles.
• Limited representation in media and politics, leading to violence and hate crimes in certain locations.

Despite the hurdles, LGBTQ+ rights movements are gaining momentum across Asia, with increasing visibility and advocacy for equal rights. Activists and allies are working tirelessly to raise awareness, challenge discriminatory laws, and promote acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals:

• Anti-discrimination legislation being considered or implemented in several countries.
• Growing acceptance from younger generations and urban areas
• More Pride events and LGBTQ+ organisations in Asia

Some of my old friends and family members harbour deep homophobic views. Their prejudices and misconceptions made me afraid to be genuine around them, so I hid myself. I’ve only ever witnessed hints of discrimination and denial whenever I attempt to casually slip a come-out into our conversations. This makes me feel terrible and is something I would like to see changed, not just for myself but for other young people in the community itself.

So how can we make things better? Here are ten points that can help:

Promote Education and Awareness:

Implement comprehensive sex education programmes in schools that address LGBTQ+ issues. This can help to prevent misconceptions and increase understanding from an early age.

Support LGBTQ+ Organisations:

Encourage and participate in local LGBTQ+ organisations and events, such as Pride marches, to raise awareness and build community support.

Advocate for Legal Reforms:

Call for anti-discrimination and equal rights legislation. Taiwan’s legalisation of same-sex marriage can set a good precedent for other Asian countries.

Use Social Media and Technology:

Take use of the increased exposure of LGBTQ+ communities on social media platforms to share stories, educate others, and develop support groups.

Engage Religious and Community Leaders:

Collaborate with significant persons to promote acceptance while challenging conventional ideas that lead to homophobia.

Provide Safe Spaces:

Establish and promote LGBTQ+-friendly spaces in metropolitan areas, which are more accepting, and eventually spread to more conservative areas.

Promote LGBTQ+ Representation in Media:

Encourage positive and diverse depictions of LGBTQ+ people in local media to help normalise and humanise the group by collaborating with LGBTQ+ creators, featuring diverse stories, avoiding stereotypes, including LGBTQ+ characters in everyday roles, educating media professionals, and supporting inclusive advertising.

Support Family Acceptance Programmes:

Create or support programmes such as FAP to assist families in understanding and accepting their LGBTQ+ family members.

Collaborate with International Organisations:

Partner with international LGBTQ+ organisations to share best practices and gain support for local efforts.

Foster Workplace Inclusion:

Advocate for inclusive policies in the workplace to combat employment discrimination and build accepting professional environments.

Battling homophobia in Asia is a complex challenge due to diverse cultural, religious, and societal norms. However, through persistent efforts, education, and advocacy, progress is achievable. Change often comes gradually through grassroots movements and individual actions. By addressing biases, supporting LGBTQ+ rights, and working towards greater acceptance, we can contribute to creating a more inclusive society. In my own journey, I’ve faced challenges with my family’s acceptance. While progress has been slow, with my father becoming more tolerant yet still reluctant to accept my identity, there is hope for a more accepting future. The ongoing efforts by activists and allies give me faith that with continued work, positive change is possible.