A Lost Story: When Did China Depathologize Homosexuality and What Does It Mean Today?

This event is co-hosted with Centre on Contemporary China and the World (CCCW) and Equality Rights project.

A Lost Story: When Did China Depathologize Homosexuality and What Does It Mean Today?

Date & Time: June 2, 2025 (Monday) 10:30-12:00

Venue: Room 901, 9/F Cheng Yu Tung Tower, The University of Hong Kong

Language: English

Abstract:

China’s 2001 decision to “remove” homosexuality from its official classification of mental disorders is often celebrated as a pivotal moment for LGBTQ rights. But what really changed—and what didn’t? Despite this landmark move, the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (CCMD-3) still includes classifications for “homosexuality” and “bisexuality” under “sexual orientation disorders.” This talk delves into the complexities of this decision, exploring the gap between policy and practice, and the persistence of stigma. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the CCMD-3, join us to uncover a lost story of this historic moment and its implications for LGBTQ rights today.

Speaker:

Darius Longarinois a Research Scholar in Law and Senior Fellow at Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center, where he focuses on LGBTQ rights and gender equality in China. He fosters exchanges and research with scholars, lawyers, and civil society advocates from China on topics including anti-sexual harassment law and litigation, legal recognition of queer families, and LGBTQ-affirming mental healthcare. His writing has appeared in both English and Chinese publications, such as the Washington Post, ChinaFile, and Anti-Discrimination Law Review (《反歧视评论》), and he is regularly quoted in outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Economist, and The South China Morning Post.

Moderator:
Weilin Xiao is Assistant Professor of Law at The University of Hong Kong.

Opening Remarks:
Cheng Li is Professor of Political Science and founding director of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World (CCCW) at The University of Hong Kong.

This is an in-person only event for the audience. Prior registration is required. Please visit https://bit.ly/43I6SJi to register.