Skip to main content

New top story from Time: ‘All Discrimination Comes from Ignorance.’ Meet the Chinese Ex-Cop Creating a Global LGBTQ+ Community

https://ift.tt/3gTRgKH

In the early 2000s, China’s most famous most famous gay lifestyle, health and dating blog was being run by a police officer.

By day, Ma Baoli patrolled China’s windswept northeastern port city of Qinhuangdao. But by night—under the pseudonym Geng Le—he updated the blog, called Danlan (or Light Blue). The double life was exhausting.

By 2011, Danlan had become so popular that Ma could no longer keep his identity a secret, which the softly spoken 43-year-old now calls “a blessing in disguise.” Forced by his bosses to choose between his work and his passion project, Ma abandoned an almost two-decade career in law enforcement and founded the tech company BlueCity. Its flagship dating app, Blued, today has 63 million registered users worldwide.
[time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”]

Last July, BlueCity debuted on Nasdaq with an $85 million IPO as the world’s most popular LGBTQ+ dating community. Although it has yet to turn a profit, losses have narrowed considerably since paid memberships, live streams and ads were introduced.

“At the beginning, I just wanted to do something for myself and my gay friends,” Ma tells TIME in his Beijing office, festooned by rainbow flags and featuring meeting rooms named after gay luminaries like Oscar Wilde. “I never thought things would get this big.”

The success of Blued underscores the strides that the LBGTQ+ community has taken in a nation where homosexuality was illegal until 1997 and classified as a mental illness until 2001. While Ma was in the police force, the common perception was that being gay was “perverted, a mental illness,” he says—it was something to be “treated” by invasive therapies like electric shocks.

Ma’s work has helped break down the stigma and isolation by allowing LGBTQ+ people to share advice and experiences. But it has been a long, often agonizing journey. Even now, Blued is frequently decried as pornography and a forum for sordid hook-ups. At times, it has been blocked by the authorities for content that could only be imaginatively described as risqué. in 2019, after media reports of underage users, Blued paused new user registrations and pledged to tighten age and content controls.

Read more: Homophobia Is Not an Asian Value

“All discrimination comes from ignorance,” says Ma. “My strategy was to keep communicating with people, sharing my story, my confusion, my loss, my setbacks in the early years. And those same people became my friends in the end.”

In recent years, Ma’s work in AIDS awareness has helped polish the image of Blued and spurred official recognition. He has been involved in advocacy since 2008, when some of his friends revealed they were HIV positive. Today, Blued users can access healthcare information and 7,000 testing centers across China. “A lot of people in China, especially in big cities, increasingly know how to protect themselves from HIV/Aids,” says Ma.

Photos of Ma meeting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Michel Sidibé, the former executive director of UNAIDS, now adorn his Beijing office. “That the government recognized the importance of our work in this field is very encouraging,” says Ma. “Being a policeman also helped me as I know how to work within the system.”

In 2013, Blued began overseas expansion. It is already the market leader in many Asian countries and has grown rapidly in markets like Mexico and Brazil. “In the future, we aim to see more growth in North America and also Europe,” says Ma.

The U.S., however, might be a tough nut to crack. Ma emphasizes that BlueCity is certified according to the highest ISO/IEC 27001 data security protocol and abides by all local laws and regulations. But Chinese tech firms remain under special U.S. scrutiny. Last year, Chinese gaming giant Beijing Kunlun sold L.A.-based gay dating app Grindr after the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) warned that Chinese ownership constituted a national security threat. The CFIUS expressed concern that data from Grindr’s 27 million users—including private messages and HIV status—could be accessed by the Chinese government and potentially leveraged for blackmail.

Privacy remains a key issue in China, too. The country is home to an estimated LGBTQ+ population of some 70 million—larger than the entire population of France—but the U.N. believes that less than 5% of LGBTQ+ Chinese come out to friends and family.

CHINA-HOMOSEXUALITY-SOCIETY
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images Participants of the ShanghaiPRIDE run pose for pictures during a break on the Bund in front of the financial district of Pudong in Shanghai on June 13, 2015.

LGBTQ+ rights in China

China has publicly voiced its support for gay rights at the U.N., and the ruling Chinese Communist Party has no official doctrinal opposition to homosexuality, but the country remains a heteronormative society that stresses cis-gendered, nuclear-family values.

In 2017, China’s legislature, the National People’s Congress, allowed same-sex “legal guardianship,” so that homosexual couples could make important decisions for each other regarding medical care, property rights, and so on. But two years later the same body refused to allow same-sex marriage, despite acknowledging that it was among the most popularly requested legal reforms. Same-sex adoption is also forbidden, while LGBTQ+ culture has been discouraged or even banned on mainstream and social media. Even something as harmless as the Freddie Mercury biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, aired in China with gay scenes excised.

“It’s a mishmash,” says Darius Longarino, a senior fellow at the Paul Tsai China Center of Yale Law School who studies LGBTQ+ issues in China. “The overall political environment is closing and tightening and making it more and more difficult for society to thrive and create change.”

Surrogacy is another issue that has come under the spotlight. Although it is illegal in China for medical providers to offer such services, there are no firm rules against Chinese nationals using them overseas and Blued had been offering advice and contacts to LGBTQ+ couples seeking to have children through these means. But in January, a famous Chinese actress was accused by her estranged boyfriend of abandoning two surrogate babies in the United States. The scandal prompted a public outcry and even condemnation by the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China. Blued quietly dropped its popular “Blue Baby” section.

Read more: China’s LGBTQ+ Citizens Are Coming Out as an Economic Force

It’s a difficult situation for Ma, who had a son—now a “very, very naughty” five-year-old, he jokes—via a surrogate in the U.S. himself. He points out that the shrinking of China’s population could be alleviated if gay and lesbian couples were allowed to have children through surrogacy. Having sons would also allow gay people to placate conservative families, who would be willing to accept their lifestyles as long as they could still provide an heir.

Other setbacks have intensified recently. In 2019, events to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia were banned in some cities and universities. Last year, the organizers of Shanghai Pride announced they were halting operations after a hugely successful, decade-long run in the city. “We had probably grown to a scale that was catching too much attention,” says co-founder Raymond Phang.

In January, meanwhile, an official study by the Shanghai Center for Disease Control claimed that some men had “turned gay” because of factors like an inability to meet women’s high material requirements for marriage. “In the critical period of sexual orientation formation, schools and parents should pay attention to sexual health education and guide the students to a correct view of marriage and values,” it advised.

Nevertheless, for Ma the overall environment for the LGBTQ+ community is undoubtedly better than when he was young. “Today, gay people live in a much better social environment—there’s a dramatic change,” he says. “A lot of the young generation are quite happy with where they are and comfortable with their identity.”

CHINA-INTERNET-SOCIETY-LGBTQ-BLUED-TECHNOLOGY
NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty ImagesThis picture taken on December 10, 2020 shows BlueCity CEO, Ma Baoli (R), talking to an employee at the BlueCity headquarters in Beijing. –

Advancing LGBTQ+ healthcare during the pandemic

These days, Ma is making strides where he can. BlueCity’s business model is increasingly split between dating and healthcare, with the latter’s revenue up eight times year-on-year to $1.75 million in the last quarter of 2020. “I want people to see us as a company which serves the global LGBT community, not only online, but also offline services,” says Ma.

In April, BlueCity obtained a license to offer online diagnosis from expert physicians, and real-world prescriptions, including next generation antivirals and pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, medications that reduce the risk of contracting HIV. It’s especially invaluable for the million or so Chinese who are living with HIV, but who may not have access to the latest drugs and therapies via their regular health services, especially in smaller cities.

Read more: What Asia’s LGBTQ+ Movement Can Learn From Japan

It was a need spotlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdown conditions meant that many people living with HIV couldn’t receive the drugs they needed to stay healthy. “It was really actually killing them,” says Ma. BlueCity organized volunteers to dispatch medicines and share information about where treatment was available. Overseas, the firm worked with NGOs in places like India, Brazil and Mexico to donate gloves, masks, sanitizers and self-testing HIV tool-kits, given that regular services were inaccessible.

It’s work that Ma believes is true to his core mission.

“I want to send a signal a message to the gay community that when you are young, you might feel lost and confused sometimes,” says Ma. “But love, partnership and family always give you hope and courage.”

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

FOX NEWS: What is TikTok's 'Check Your Privilege' challenge?

What is TikTok's 'Check Your Privilege' challenge? Activists are calling for awareness and change following the death of George Floyd. via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/3crYd00

New Muni Service Changes Start Saturday, August 19

New Muni Service Changes Start Saturday, August 19 By Clive Tsuma 28R 19th Avenue will run on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. starting Monday, August 21.  Back to School  With SFUSD students returning to school August 16, many families who rely on Muni to get to school will see service increase after school as part of the new schedule. Because Muni vehicles often become crowded during morning peak hours and sometimes pass up stops when there is not enough room for more riders, families are encouraged to plan their trips ahead of time and hop on Muni early to make sure students get to school on time.  With every public school in the San Francisco Unified School District being served by at least one Muni route , students can expect extra Muni service on the first day of the school this fall and continue providing service throughout the school year. While the Muni service changes won’t be implemented until August 19, school tripper service will be offered starting Au...

The Future of Slow Streets

The Future of Slow Streets By Eillie Anzilotti Over the past two years, Slow Streets have shown how simple designs that prioritize people can transform streets. Suddenly, streets across San Francisco filled with the sounds of kids playing and neighbors chatting. They filled with people on bicycles and people rolling in wheelchairs; with joggers and dog-walkers. The streets came to life. Initially, the SFMTA introduced Slow Streets as an emergency response to COVID-19. People needed space for recreating at a safe distance outdoors. And with Muni service reduced or suspended at the time, people needed ways to travel to essential destinations on foot or bike. To quickly meet these early pandemic needs, we implemented Slow Streets with simple signs and barricades. Over time, it became clear that Slow Streets served an even larger purpose. They became places for communities to come together. Neighbors organized events like scavenger hunts and Trick or Treat parties around their local Sl...

Destination San Francisco: Muni Gets You to All the Sights

Destination San Francisco: Muni Gets You to All the Sights By 39 Coit servicing Coit Tower at Telegraph Hill – one of the routes that will be returning in August 2021 as part of Muni’s next service changes. San Francisco is reopening and the  SFMTA is supporting economic recovery by providing Muni access to 98% of the city.  By August 2021, a majority of our pre-COVID routes will be back in service connecting residents and visitors with world-class shopping and dining experiences, off-the-beaten-path local flare, diverse neighborhoods and almost boundless outdoor activities.  Shops, Markets & Dining in Diverse Neighborhoods  Virtually every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own boutique shopping and dining experiences, as well as unique farmers markets showcasing local shops and amenities....

New top story from Time: TWICE Delivers Uplifting Performance of ‘DEPEND ON YOU’ at TIME100 Talks

https://ift.tt/3a8KgF0 TWICE delivered a special performance at the TIME100 Talks Friday. For the first time, the South Korean group performed the track “DEPEND ON YOU” from its latest album, Eyes Wide Open . As the coronavirus pandemic continues, members Jihyo, Nayeon, Momo, Sana, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu offered fans a message of solidarity and gratitude (vocalist Jeongyeon is on hiatus due to health reasons). “ Currently, we are sad to say that we are also aware that all of us are suffering in this situation,” Sana said. “We appreciate all people who are doing their best to return us to our normal lives and to bring back brighter days,” Nayeon continued. “TWICE will diligently keep on carrying out our duty to bring positive energy into the world,” Mina said. In line with these words, the group sang “DEPEND ON YOU”—a breezy, mellow track about steady hands that offer strength and support in the midst of darkness. “DEPEND ON YOU” first appeared on Eyes ...

New Sculptures Light up Van Ness Avenue

New Sculptures Light up Van Ness Avenue By Luis “Loui” Apolonio Light sculpture at Van Ness Avenue and O'Farrell Street Spectators gathered both online and in person to watch new lighting sculptures on Van Ness turned on for the first time on March 31, 2022. The whimsical and brightly colored sculptures located on the new Van Ness BRT boarding platform between Geary and O’Farrell are made of steel with LED lights inside on a timer set to illuminate at night.  The lighting event was kicked off with SFMTA Director Jeff Tumlin and MTAB Chair Gwyneth Borden serving as emcees. Mary Chou, Director of Public Arts and Collections at the San Francisco Arts Commission, spoke about the art installation itself, as well as the process for selecting the artist who would be awarded the project. In addition, Maddy Ruvolo, a member of the SFMTA’s Accessible Services team and a recently appointed member of President Biden’s U.S. Access Board, shared the importance of having accessibility as a ...

Central Subway Update – Projected to be Open for Service by the End of 2021

Central Subway Update – Projected to be Open for Service by the End of 2021 By A worker pauses on one of the massive escalators leading down to Rose Pak Chinatown Station's future lobby and fare gate area. The Central Subway project remains a key priority for the SFMTA, even during the current health crisis. Workers from the contractor and project staff continue to work every day while taking precautions and following best practices for physical distancing. Important progress was made over the last few months, but there were also challenges resulting in revisions to our target dates for the completion of construction. Heavy construction on stations was scheduled to finish this Summer, but now will continue into the Fall and finish by the end of the year. The date for revenue service when we can welcome our first customers is now the end of 2021. The opening of the subway will follow an extensive testing period because our number one goal is to open a service that is reliable ...

Taking Muni to Bike San Francisco’s Iconic Rides

Taking Muni to Bike San Francisco’s Iconic Rides By Kate McCarthy Take your bike on Muni using the racks on the front of buses to access bike rides on the Great Highway, through Golden Gate Park and across the Golden Gate Bridge. Thousands of riders are expected to hop on a bike in May for National Bike Month and Bike to Wherever Day on Friday, May 20 . For people new to bicycling in San Francisco, using Muni buses to avoid our famous hills and reduce overall trip distances is a great way to get to iconic bike rides and scenic parks.   All Muni buses have bike racks on their front that can hold two or three bikes (only folding bicycles are allowed on Muni’s Metro trains and historic streetcars). Using the bike racks on Muni buses to transport your bike is easy! And, if you have questions while you are doing it, you can always ask the operator, who can assist you. Those looking to bicycle in parks, along the Great Highway, through Golden Gate Park or across the Golden Ga...

New T Third Connecting Chinatown to Sunnydale Starts Saturday

New T Third Connecting Chinatown to Sunnydale Starts Saturday By Christopher Ward New Muni Metro map. This Saturday the T Third starts its long-awaited new route connecting Chinatown-Rose Pak Station from 4th & King in Central Subway, Mondays through Fridays, 6 a.m. to midnight every 10 minutes and Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to midnight every 12 minutes.   The K Ingleside will now travel between Balboa Park and Embarcadero Station. Customers using Embarcadero & Folsom, Embarcadero & Brannan and 2nd and King platforms should transfer to the N Judah at Powell Station or 4th & King. Watch the new Muni Metro service  map animations . The following bus service changes also start this Saturday: The T Third Bus will now run along 3rd and 4th Streets in SoMa and on Stockton Street north of Market Street to align with the new T Third rail line and will no longer travel on the Embarcadero and Market Street.   The 6 Haight/Parnassus  will now...

Women Pioneers at Muni: Adeline Svendsen and Muni’s First Newsletter

Women Pioneers at Muni: Adeline Svendsen and Muni’s First Newsletter By Jeremy Menzies To close out Women’s History Month, here’s a look back at one woman whose work to bring Muni staff together in the late 1940s created a legacy that lives on to this day. Adeline “Addy” Svendsen was founding editor of Muni’s first internal newsletter, “ Trolley Topics .” Adeline Svendsen sits at her desk in the Geneva Carhouse office building in this 1949 shot. Trolley Topics was a new venture when it started in February 1946. As Svendsen wrote in the first issue it was created, “to bring a little fun, a little news, and a lot of good will to all our fellow employees in the Railway.” Just two years prior in 1944, Muni merged with the Market Street Railway Company, expanding the small municipal operation into the largest transit provider in the city with hundreds of employees, vehicles of every shape and size, and dozens of facilities scattered across town. The newsletter was meant to help unite ...