LGBTQIA+ Rights and Representation in Today's China
- Balance Learning Resources
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Grade Level: 9-12
Duration of video: 13 minutes
Themes: media representation, workplace inclusion, social media, mental health challenges, community events
Description:
This mini documentary "LGBTQ+ in Today's China" explores the growing visibility and representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Chinese society, focusing on shifting public attitudes, media portrayal, and inclusive marketing campaigns. It highlights the role of social media in community-building despite ongoing censorship and traditional cultural challenges.
🏳️🌈 High School Lesson Plan:
Objective:
Students will understand the evolving landscape of LGBTQIA+ rights and representation in China, analyzing societal attitudes, media portrayals, workplace inclusion, and marketing campaigns.
Materials:
Access to the video: LGBTQ+ in Today's China
Projector and screen for video presentation
Whiteboard and markers
Xerox for all students the article entitled, “It’s Difficult to Survive: China’s LGBTQ+ Advocates Face Jail and Forced Confession” (The Guardian, 1/15/24)
Lesson Outline:
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
Begin with a brief overview of LGBTQIA+ rights globally, highlighting the differences in acceptance and legal recognition across countries.
Introduce the topic of LGBTQIA+ rights in China, emphasizing the unique cultural and political context.
2. Video Viewing (15 minutes)
Show the video LGBTQ+ in Today's China
3. Group Discussion (20 minutes)
Divide students into small groups and provide them with the following discussion questions:
What are the key challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in China today?
How do traditional Chinese values influence societal attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people?
In what ways have social media platforms impacted the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ communities in China?
Discuss the role of the Chinese government in shaping LGBTQIA+ rights and representation.
How do marketing campaigns by brands like Dior and Levi’s contribute to the conversation about LGBTQIA+ rights in China?
What are the implications of the lack of sex and gender education in Chinese schools on LGBTQIA+ awareness?
Compare the representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Chinese media to that in Western media.
4. Class Debrief (15 minutes)
Reconvene as a class and invite each group to share their insights and perspectives on the discussion questions.
Encourage respectful debate and critical thinking, allowing students to explore different viewpoints.
5. Reflection and Homework Assignment (15 minutes)
Hand out the following article to students: “It’s Difficult to Survive: China’s LGBTQ+ Advocates Face Jail and Forced Confession” (The Guardian, 1/15/24)
Based on what students understand from the article, assign them to write a one-page reflection on how cultural, political, and social factors intersect to shape the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in China.
Encourage students to consider what changes they believe could improve the situation for LGBTQIA+ communities in China.
Assessment:
Participation in group discussions
Quality and depth of insights shared during the class debrief
Thoughtfulness and analysis demonstrated in the reflection assignment
Extension Activities:
Invite a guest speaker from an LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization to discuss the situation in China.
Organize a debate on the topic: "Should international brands engage in LGBTQIA+ advocacy in countries with restrictive policies?"
Have students research and present on LGBTQIA+ rights in other countries to compare with China's approach.
This lesson plan aims to provide students with a nuanced understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues in China, encouraging empathy, critical thinking, and global awareness.
