Documentary, 1st Prize
Being lesbian or bisexual still signifies harsh living conditions in modern China. Since 1997 it is not longer illegal to be homosexual and in 2001 homosexuality has even been removed from the Ministry of Health’s list of mental illnesses. But despite all loosened restrictions and the increasing influence of more open Western values, homosexual life in China still remains mostly hidden. Lesbians and bisexuals have still less support and possibilities to meet than gays. To make things worse, families expectations of marriage towards a generation of single descendants are now stronger than ever.
But there are also more ways to meet and connect with each other as never before. Homosexual online platforms are mushrooming and new conceptions of living are invented in no time. To circumvent the pressure of getting married, fake marriages are celebrated between lesbians and gays and provide certain freedom. On account of the skyrocketed housing prices in the bigger cities, women living together are more and more tolerated and seen as a common household in order to save money. But the downside is obvious: with this pretence at concealment there will be no change of mind in the near future and living such a lie is for most not pleasing at all.
Fabian Weiss
