Chinese university appears to ask for LGBT students for ‘investigation’
Shanghai University appears to have asked its colleges to make lists of their LGBTQ+ students and report on their ‘state of mind’, according to an internal directive published online on both Chinese and foreign social media platforms. The university has not confirmed the request or responded to queries but it has created concerns among young Chinese people who are worried LGBTQ people may be targeted in the future. Chinese authority’s attitudes towards and tolerance of gender and sexual minority groups have deteriorated in recent years.
2022 Gay Games in Hong Kong under attack
Next year’s Gay Games in Hong Kong are under attack by pro-Beijing authorities. The city won the right to host the event four years ago, when it was regarded as a cosmopolitan and progressive location. Since then, however, China has taken more control over the city and cracked down on diversity and less tolerance around equality and diversity. Now a number of lawmakers in Hong Kong are attacking the idea of staging the games saying the event could undermine the city’s security laws. Chief Executive Carrie Lam said her government does not support the attacks and that her administration will continue to rent out venues to organisers. Taiwan meanwhile has pulled out of the games over fears that authorities would prosecute its athletes if they wave the Taiwanese flag in Hong Kong.
UK Paralympian wins 12th Gold in Tokyo
British athlete Lee Pearson has won his 12th Paralympic gold medal in the Grade II individual test in dressage. The openly gay athlete was born with a condition called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita which causes muscle weakness and contracture of the joints. After winning gold, Pearson put out a heartfelt plea for love and tolerance. He said – “Love has to prevail, really. Whatever shape or form, I think love has to prevail. If you are born with a disability, if you have a child with a disability, if you’re born with same-sex attraction, if your daughter comes out our your son, then just love them. Nobody wants to be different but we have to embrace different people because that’s society, that’s the world.”