Navigating external support: Strategies for LGBT advocacy in nationalist China


Jian Fu, Memorial University

The international human rights system has played a pivotal role in disseminating LGBT rights norms and empowering local LGBT communities. However, the rise of far-right nationalism worldwide has significantly weakened the efficacy of international pressure on LGBT rights. China, characterized by its authoritarian regime and surging nationalism, has strategically portrayed external human rights pressure as stemming from hostile foreign forces with the aim of undermining and destabilizing the country. In this context, navigating cooperation with the international human rights system while avoiding government repression becomes a challenge for indigenous LGBT activists in China. Drawing from fieldwork comprising 13 observations and 9 interviews, alongside news media research, this study identifies three strategies that have proven effective in facilitating collaboration with external support for local LGBT activism. At the individual level, Chinese local LGBT activists can leverage the privileged status of foreigners to mitigate risks in local activism. At the organizational level, they can engage with transnational corporations operating in China to advocate for workplace equality. Finally, at the national level, Chinese local LGBT activists can utilize embassy support and leverage UN human rights mechanisms to exert pressure on the Chinese government. All these strategies demonstrate that Chinese local LGBT activists remain innovative despite unfavorable conditions.

This paper will be presented at the following session: