The Black LGBTQI+ Experience in China

It often feels like there is no place for Black and Brown people in the world. Be they African, Caribbean, or African American, it seems the pigmentation of our skin which has been a historical source of strife, discrimination, and even death continues to be a reason for our exclusion and marginalization. Hard as it is to exist in this world as a Black or Brown person, it is far harder to be a minority within these global minorities. LGBTQI+ individuals within Black and Brown communities across the world continue to face marginalization and are routinely ostracised by their respective societies.

Some of the most punitive anti-homosexual laws on the books around the world can be found in Caribbean and African nations. In these places, homophobic and transphobic attacks are routine, and the majority of LGBTQI+ individuals remain in the closet and lurk along society’s fringes, fearing the consequences of discovery.

For a lucky few, the chance to leave their respective countries and largely oppressive systems presents itself. But where Europe and North American countries have been the choice destination for those in the Queer community fleeing persecution in all its forms, Asia, and in particular. China has offered an alternative. Black LGBTQI+ individuals from countries ranked highly by the Human Rights index have also made their way to China and now call this country home, however temporarily.

In this first installation of #CHINOIRE, we seek to hear the voices of these individuals from Africa, the Caribbean, and North America. What were their motivations for coming to China? How has it been since their move to China? And where do they see themselves in the future? Here are their experiences.

When and why did you come to China?

Age 24 – Continent: Africa – Nationality: N/A – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

 I came in 2018 for studies. I wanted to study in English for my masters as I did my whole matriculation in French, as well as also learning Mandarin since I believe it can be an advantage in the word we’re currently living in. I wanted to have a glimpse of Asian culture at the same time. It was the only race I hadn’t experimented with yet.

Age 24 – Continent: The Caribbean (Region of North America)- Nationality: N/A – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

I came to China over a year ago for mainly educational reasons, but I’ve always wanted to live in Asia because the region has always interested me.

Age 25 – Continent: Africa – Nationality: N/A – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

I came in 2019 for my studies.

Age 27 – Continent: North America – Nationality: American – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

I came in August 2019. In short, I don’t like living in the States. The cost of living is too high and jobs want to give $14 an hour for a four-year degree.

Age 33 – Continent: North America – Nationality: American – Race/ Ethnicity – Mixed race.

 I moved to China one year ago from Miami, Florida. I moved here for a better work opportunity. I have a lot of student loans that I need to pay back and while I made good money back home, coming here will afford me the chance to pay my loans back much quicker than if I had stayed.

What were your initial thoughts before arriving?

Age 24 – Continent: Africa – Nationality: N/A – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

I believed that China had so much to teach me professionally since they’re known to be hardworking people. I thought that would be a little bit more with foreigners and open-minded than they currently are.

Age 24 – Continent: The Caribbean (Region of North America)- Nationality: N/A – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

 I thought that it would be so hard to meet people who were just like me – Black and gay. I thought it would be super lonely not only romantically but in terms of friendships.

Age 25 – Continent: Africa – Nationality: N/A – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

Actually, I was a little bit afraid because it’s not like European or American countries because they don’t really speak English, so I was mostly afraid of communication like if I had any issue, how would I be able to solve them?

Age 27 – Continent: North America – Nationality: American – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

It was how I was ready to go travel.

Age 33 – Continent: North America – Nationality: American – Race/ Ethnicity – Mixed race.

I was terrified. I distinctly remember getting in the car to the airport to come here and I was bawling. And my mother said, “You don’t have to go.” And I said, “Yes I do.” Because I needed to get out of my comfort zone. And when I arrived here in China, I was so scared. Because for the first time, I was well and truly on my own with no backup plan or safe space to go to. And I had to learn how to really take care of myself.

Read More:

• What Pride Month Means to Me
• “I’m Queer And Proud To Be Who I Am”
• The Black LGBTQI+ Experience in China – Part 2

What did you feel like after your first 6 months of being in China?

Age 24 – Continent: Africa – Nationality: N/A – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

I understand that basically the Chinese and foreigners barely ever mix with or hang out together. I was a bit confused to realize that there was a language problem as its pretty rare to find a Chinese person with decent English. I noticed that they were very much closed-minded and knew not much about the rest of the world outside of China. They are very discrete and conservative people.

Age 24 – Continent: The Caribbean (Region of North America) – Nationality: N/A – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

 I love my experience here! I met people that I never thought I would and I instantly began to hold my own community because for the majority of us, our families are so far away and our friends are all we have.

Age 25 – Continent: Africa – Nationality: N/A – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

Actually it’s weird because I was afraid before coming, and when I arrived, it was all totally different from what I had expected. A few days after, I began to get accustomed to the language even though I still didn’t understand anything. But what surprised is that I didn’t have homesickness. It was like I had always been in China and trust me, when I still think about it now, I find it weird. So I can say after a few days I felt like I had always been here. I was not feeling lost despite the change.

Age 27 – Continent: North America – Nationality: American – Race/ Ethnicity – Black

For my first six months here, I was truly living the dream: New friends, my job was dope, travelling one or two times a month and so on. Then COVID-19 hit.

Age 33 – Continent: North America – Nationality: American – Race/ Ethnicity – Mixed race.

After 6 months I finally felt like myself. I had settled into my job and my house. I found an amazing group of friends. I feel like I’m back home and I’m comfortable. 

^{Photos: Courtesy of Unsplash}