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Despite the Chinese government’s tight control over LGBTQ+ representation and activism, a new study suggests that public opinion may be far more progressive than current policies reflect.
A survey conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law reveals that more than half (53%) of respondents in mainland China believe that LGBTQ people should be accepted by society. The findings challenge the assumption that Chinese citizens broadly support the government’s restrictive stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
Support for equality extended across multiple areas. About 62% agreed—and 34% somewhat agreed—that LGBTQ individuals should be treated fairly in the workplace. In education, 68% agreed and 30% somewhat agreed that queer students should be protected from bullying and violence in schools.
“Over the past decade, China has experienced government restrictions on LGBTQ rights and advocacy. But little is known about the general Chinese public’s view of LGBTQ people and issues,” explained lead author Ilan Meyer, Distinguished Senior Scholar of Public Policy at the Williams Institute. “This study shows evidence of high approval of LGBTQ rights and protections among an influential segment of the Chinese population, which may impact attitudes towards LGBTQ people overall.”
Familiarity played a major role in acceptance. The study found that 70% of the respondents personally knew at least one LGBTQ person, while 47% knew two or more. Those who knew someone LGBTQ, were younger, female, or had higher education levels were more likely to express favorable views.
When it came to family rights, 52% agreed that same-sex couples should be able to marry, and 48% believed gay couples could be capable parents. Nearly half (46%) said they would personally attend a same-sex wedding. An additional 37% somewhat agreed with these views.
The survey also explored social attitudes. About 46% said they wouldn’t mind having an LGBTQ neighbor, with another 39% somewhat agreeing. Only 6% said they would mind. Meanwhile, 45% said they were comfortable being exposed to LGBTQ content in the media.
Fifty percent agreed that companies should promote LGBTQ acceptance, aligning with traditional Chinese values of justice and equality.
The findings highlight a disconnect between public opinion and current Chinese laws. While homosexuality was decriminalized in 1997, same-sex marriage remains illegal. Same-sex couples cannot adopt children and have limited legal recognition under the “guardianship appointment” system, introduced in 2017. Trans citizens must meet strict requirements to change their legal gender, including gender reassignment surgery and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Further, in June 2025, at least 30 people were arrested for writing LGBTQ+ erotica, underscoring the ongoing state repression of queer expression and content, PinkNews reports.
Still, the survey suggests that many Chinese citizens may be quietly supportive of LGBTQ rights, even if state policy has yet to catch up.
As the Williams Institute study concludes, shifting public opinion—especially among educated and younger demographics—could one day drive broader social and legal change. For more information, read here and here.
Since China has a billion+ population, I would ask from where did this sample of the Chinese public come from? How large was this sample? What were the societal level? What was the economic level? what were the ages of those who participated? What area of mainland China did these respondents live? Over what period of time did this survey extend? A rather, self-serving bit of propaganda conducted by, of course, California! Take this survey’s results with a grain of salt since it is obvious self-serving
Yes, Scratch, what’s the demographics of “Chinese citizens”? Were they within the country? Were they those that are in other countries for studies or on business? How do those who have never left the country feel? The study makes a claim, but it is dubious at best to claim that “Chinese citizens support” (inferring that ALL do when it’s really SOME do) the topic. We should always “question the source” and “question the intent” of claims. Any media publishing. Any poll.
surveys are self-serving. you can create whatever outcome desired by carefully choosing your participants. Surveys are specious, too.
You didn’t even read the report, dude. You have no idea what methodology they used.
The claim in this article is “Majority of Chinese citizens support”; your inferrence that the implication is “all” is false. The study does NOT even make that claim: the study merely claims: “POSITIVE ATTITUDES TOWARD LGBTQ PEOPLE IN MAINLAND CHINA”. From the study: “Respondents were eligible if they were 18 years of age or older and resided in mainland China. People who lived outside mainland China were NOT eligible to participate.” “Most respondents were between the ages of 25 and 44 years old, were college-educated, and had a monthly income of 7,000 Yuan or higher (close to 1,000 USD). About… Read more »
Try a course in reality. It doesn’t matter what the survey respondents say or want. If the Chinese Communist Party doesn’t want to give LGBTQ any recognition or protection there won’t be any.
Say, while we’re on the subject, how is that working out in Indonesia?
There could have been 2,926,000 respondents and it would be irrelevant as there is no popular vote in the country. The Chinese government won’t be changing its stance anytime in the near future.
It is obvious that you did not READ the report. From the text of the report: “Most respondents were between the ages of 25 and 44 years old, were college-educated, and had a monthly income of 7,000 Yuan or higher (close to 1,000 USD). About one-half of respondents lived in a major city (Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangdong), and 65% lived in East and South-Central China”. The sample included 2,926 respondents. A map in the report shows that respondents were from throughout the entire country, though mostly in major cities. I found the report by clicking three links: “A survey conducted“,… Read more »
“Dynata published our attitudes survey between October 31 and November 17, 2023.”
I don’t think they’re real Chinese people. Sounds like Prager University jackoffs.
they could be TikTok aficionados??
they could be Rice with Ketchup?
You didn’t even read the report. That is obvious because all of your questions in your first post here are answered in the report. You have no idea what you are talking about. Your credibility is shot.
as is your attempt to discredit me!
Since PragerU has been cited in the blogs in the last few days, I took a deep dive. “PragerU is a conservative media organization”, according to NPR … and “is funded by conservative donors.” Sounds pretty much like the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Public Radio, and the Public Broadcasting Service with two exceptions: they had become liberal media organizations and were funded by all US taxpayers until recently. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced this week that it is shutting down (with no effort to find funding to remain in business) and the other two have launched vigorous campaigns seeking… Read more »
Not being hateful but Who Care!
true, as Moscow begins to move its troops and Trump moved three of our Nuclear Submarines!
It’s clickbait fantasy for all the bottoms looking for action they aren’t getting at home. If I want strange ass it won’t be in Communist country based on some bullshit survey. Figures don’t lie, but liars figure. The first time some idiot falls for a CCP honeypot they will be the ones crying for Big Bad Trump to get their silly self back to the mean ol’ US of A.
I find this hard to believe…
IT def DOESN’T matter what the PEOPLE believe since the ALL POWERFUL and KNOWING CCP controls every ASPECT of life in that BIG BROTHER COMMIE Society!!!! They are ALL under CONSTANT surveillance and subject to PUNISHMENT for any activities NOT CONDONED by the Party Leaders!!! If those PEOPLE there HAD a BRAIN in their heads they WOULDN’T TOLERATE that REPRESSIVE GOVERNMENT for one more day!!! Sad that such a supposedly ADVANCED Society would TOLERATE such MIND CONTROLS and LACK of personal FREEDOMS!!!!!! 🙁