Homosexuality in China has a complex history. Unlike homosexuality in the West where religious attitudes prevailed, homosexuality has long existed in Chinese history and culture and there have been art and literary works about it. Nonetheless, disdain and discrimination have often been the rule, understanding and compassion the exception. Largely undercover during the decades of New China, the LGBT community – lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender – is now emerging. What do Chinese people know about the LGBT community and how have they been treated? What is causing attitudes to change? What’s the role of sex education in bringing about more tolerance? What remains to be done?

The changing attitudes in China toward its LGBT Community is a story larger than the increasing social acceptance. It is a story of increasing diversity, social tolerance, and personal freedoms for lifestyle choices. The LGBT community may seem on the margins of Chinese society. In fact, it is a slice of contemporary Chinese life evincing increasing openness and inclusiveness in matters personal and social. The common expectation is that in China's system there would be control of personal and social life. If such is a rule, China’s approach to the LGBT community now breaks it. China has made significant progress in LGBT rights, especially in recent years. This means significant progress in human rights, an area where China is routinely criticized. Yet opinions differ, understandably so, and obstacles and challenges still exist. How much sexuality is proper in public discourse is a more general issue. Proper balance means neither repression nor prurience. For the LGBT community, more support is needed, from government and society. Following the LGBT community in China probes social progress in China.That’s Closer To China.