Crossing the gender divide

"Transgender" is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity, expression or behavior doesn't conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth. In China, discrimination is one of the biggest problems faced by transgender people. CHEN WEI/CHINA DAILY

Misunderstood concepts

Although public understanding of transgender issues is growing, some people can't understand how a woman can love another "woman" while remaining heterosexual.

"I think Li and her partner are a good example that serves to introduce two concepts－sexual orientation and gender identity－that have been misunderstood by many people for decades," said Li Jinzhao, a sociologist from Beijing Foreign Studies University.

She said sexual orientation refers to an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic and/or sexual attraction to another person, while gender identity refers to a psychological sense of being male or female, or something else.

"Gender and sex have always been closely connected with morality in Chinese history. People believe that there are just two gender identities－male and female－and that gender identity only corresponds to a certain type of sexual orientation," she said. "However, both gender identity and sexual orientation are varied, and attraction differs from person to person."

Earlier this month, a group of students from the university launched a research project. It will consist of interviews with LGBT groups in several universities in Beijing who have or are trying to come out of the closet. The researchers will attempt to discover how family members and friends influence LGBT groups during the coming-out process.

Coming out is often an important psychological step for LGBT people, according to the American Psychological Association, whose research suggests that having a positive attitude toward one's sexual orientation and integrating it into one's life fosters greater well-being and mental health.

"Being able to discuss one's sexual orientation with other people also increases the availability of social support," Chen said. "China has witnessed a dramatic change in terms of public acceptance of LGBT groups. Now, you often see transgender people in the media, which is a real step forward. We hope and expect to see greater social tolerance towards the 'T community' in the years to come," she said.

Contact the writer at yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn