The changing attitudes towards homosexuality
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Regarding a gay man or woman as "ill" may have been the general consensus several decades ago, but in the 21st century equating sexual preferences to being unwell and requiring medical attention is surely taboo and should especially be outlawed from therapy rooms.
The team of researchers that carried out the study have launched a website designed to bring awareness to these "delicate" issues. The survey conducted of mental health workers' attitudes to assisting gay patients, has brought attention to the fact that perceiving homosexuality, as a disease requiring treatment, is a view that many ex-gay ministries today are aggressively trying to promote. Contrary to these opinions being a characteristic of a more naive and bigoted past, these prejudiced values, which are encouraged by the religious right, have actually become a widespread feature of contemporary society in Britain.
Whilst the UK is seemingly regressing in its attitudes towards homosexuality, this year China, with its first ever gay pageant, busted antiquated stereotypes and attitudes that homosexuality is an "illness", marking a stark progression for the gay community. In January this year, eight men competed in Mr Gay China, a competition that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago, as homosexuality was illegal in China until 1997 and was still classed as a mental disorder until 2001. "I don't think people were ready before," said Ben Zhang, one of the competition's organizers, who talked about his "long and painful" process of accepting his sexuality less than a decade ago. Emilio Liu, a contestant in the competition proudly stated, "We are intelligent, we're professionals, we're gorgeous – and we're gay. I want the audience to know there are a whole bunch of people like us living in China. It's a wonderful life and it's not hidden any more."
Another recent mark of progression of similar social issues in China was the country's announcement that it is to lift the ban restricting HIV positive travelers into the country. The announcement was met with praise by UNAIDS, whose Executive Director Michael Sidibe said it was, "yet another example of China's leadership in the AIDS response".
The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/node_7077604.htm
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