Beijing LGBT Center Celebrates 10 Years of Inclusivity
With the end of January 2019 fast approaching, and with it, Chinese New Year just around the corner, it's time again to look back and remember personal achievements over the past 12 months as well as hopes and expectations for the year ahead. One association that has a lot to celebrate is the Beijing LGBT Center who marked their 10 year anniversary earlier this month at the Embassy of Sweden.
It is without a doubt a huge landmark for the non-profit organization whose mere existence and tireless work with, and on behalf of, the LGBTQ+ community in China since 2008 has seen strides in a number of areas. Some of the group's biggest accomplishments include the building of international “sister-friendly” relationships which have helped bring to light the LGBT situation in China, inroads into the fight for marriage equality between same-sex Chinese couples, the setting up of counseling services for those individuals most at risk, as well as a hotline for transgender people.
Ying Xin, executive director of the Beijing LGBT Center, speaks at the event
At the function, Ying Xin (AKA Iron), the center’s executive director, told the Beijinger that “persistence, community, and research” were the key guiding factors for the center over the last ten years. She added that she is extremely proud of the research that the center has completed on LGBT related issues such as mental health as well as transgender support. Ying attributes the center’s longevity to the efforts of the community as well as those allies who have supported the center’s vision, namely to provide equal rights for all persons in China regardless of their gender and sexual orientation.
READ: LGBT Influence Grows in the Mainstream, Despite Heartbreaking Losses This Year
Looking toward the next ten years, Ying states that there will be an increased focus on how to develop and mobilize the community as well as finding other ways for the LGBT community to better access and utilize resources within China. Additionally, the center will continue their work in the area of marriage equality and their work for the transgender community. One specific aim is to build up a social support system for transgender people in China that will span parents, doctors, psychologists, teachers, and other collaborators.
One of the center's biggest achievements this year was the founding of a hotline for China's transgender community
Having seen the strong attendance at the event, one thing is clear: despite the many challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces in China, the center represents a huge beacon of hope for awareness, support, and inclusivity. Ten years in, the center continues to grow and there's no indication of it letting up anytime soon.
Follow the Beijing LGBT Center via Facebook (@bjlgbtcenter). You can also call them on 5903 3730 or 150 0114 5911 or add the center's official WeChat account by searching 北京同志中心. Additionally, scan the QR code below to register for the center's transgender services (Chinese only).
Photos courtesy of the Beijing LGBT Center
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