LGBT Influence Grows in the Mainstream, Despite Losses This Year
At first glance, this year could be viewed in many ways as unexceptional, yet the first thing that struck us from conducting these interviews for The Year From Every Angle is that, by and large, 2018 was a year of progress.
The positivity and hope displayed among these seemingly disparate endeavors, including art, activism, mental health, and even the leisure pursuits, have arisen from communities quietly coalescing around a number of shared and strengthening goals and beliefs. Though some of those objectives fell afoul of the authorities, advancements over the last 12 months have laid a solid groundwork for what looks to be a fine year ahead.
Before we gaze forward, however, it’s time to read back on Beijing’s 2018 from (nearly) every angle.
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Name: Martin Yang
Title: Director, China AIDS Walk
2018 in 5 words: Survival, Powershift, Outcry, Intersectional Solidarity
As an activist in Beijing’s LGBTQ+ arena, Martin Yang’s year was marked by a number of small victories and one great loss. “Choosing the biggest developments in 2018 is pretty difficult,” reflects the director of the Beijing-based China AIDS Walk, citing his desire to mention the reversal of Sina Weibo’s ban on LGBT content, but also his doubt in the difference the outcome made, adding that “trans groups picked up the pace,” referring to the growing number of activists in the capital. China AIDS Walk, along with two other LGBT organizations, also successfully gained ‘special fund’ status under larger registered foundations, giving them previously denied legal recognition. “For me that was a big breakthrough … it means we can influence mainstream organizations to make space for LGBT issues,” Yang says.
Other highlights include major events like the Rainbow Media Awards, the 10th anniversary of Shanghai Pride, and a new project, the LookOut Festival – “China’s first arts festival on gender, engaging artists and mainstream society” – all launching successfully. Other notable outreach involved Yang speaking on national TV about LGBT issues a handful of times and a segment in CGTN senior reporter Han Bin’s short film, Rainbow Rights, marking significant forays into high-profile state-backed LGBT coverage. However, this year's progress has been overshadowed by the sudden death of Yang’s colleague and long-time activist Sun Bin (AKA Sam/Liangma) in June. A man of many talents, Sun organized theatrical performances, training, and outreach events for the HIV/AIDS cause before joining Beijing Gender to manage the Rainbow Media Awards. “He was loved by the community,” says Yang, noting how this widely felt loss triggered conversations about ongoing stress-related health problems that arise from stigmatization. However, he in turn believes that this has encouraged further self-organization among his peers.
And what of the year to come? Martin warns us to brace for “cold weather” (the alt-right), and to “Stick together to make it to 2019!”
This article originally appeared on the November/December 2018 print issue of the Beijinger magazine. Tap on the image above to access the full issue.
Photos: Uni You
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