Shanghai-based Fudan University became a pioneer among Chinese colleges in September 2005 when it instituted an undergraduate course in Homosexual Research. Associate Professor Sun Zhongxin, who teaches the course, confirms that ignorance is at the root of discrimination and prejudice against homosexuality. He sees the course as a source of tolerance and intellectual enlightenment for China's young citizens.

    Whether or not substantial changes in attitudes towards homosexuality occur within the Chinese society depends upon the government. So far, its acknowledgement of the issue has been sluggish. It was not until April 2001 that homosexuality was removed from the Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disorders.

    But gay life in China is gradually becoming less repressive. There are now gay bars across the nation as well as in its main cities of Beijing and Shanghai. Gay organizations are also a much-needed source of help for disease control departments' administration of anti-AIDS campaigns, by virtue of the information they seek out and provide.

    Li Yinhe, with the help of many others, has raised proposals on the legalization of same-sex marriage at the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference for several consecutive years. Although the achievement of this aim seems a long way off, Li is content with the knowledge that she has at least helped to draw public attention to the issue. It is to be hoped that the stigma of homosexuality will lessen as China's cultural and economic exchanges increase.