Chinanews, Beijing, November 14 – According to Li Yinhe, a sexologist of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, homosexuals in China are faced with much lighter pressures from the society than their counterparts in other countries.

 

A recent poll by Li shows that 90% of the respondents don't think sexuality matters very much in employment, while the proportion in the US is only 86%.

 

Nowadays, homosexual websites, homosexual hotlines and homosexual bars have become more and more common in China. Some of them even dare to embrace and kiss each other in public places, and their behavior is no longer embarrassing to most Chinese. It is well accepted that homosexuals are equal to heterosexuals, and they are capable of doing all kinds of jobs.

 

Currently, there are more than 30 million homosexuals in China, about 2 or 3 out of every 100 people. They are better accepted by higher social classes, like white collars.

 

Only 20 years ago, homosexuality was a crime in China, and 10 years ago, it was still considered as a mental disease. Nowadays, the biggest pressures on homosexuals are from their parents instead of the society.

 

As a major researcher on homosexuality in China, Li Yinhe has worked hard to promote the legalization of homosexual marriage.

 

“China is improving on this issue, and we don't have extreme conservative forces here against homosexuals, ” said Li optimistically.