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State media praises Shanghai gays State media praises Shanghai gays
(1 day later)
China's first gay pride festival has been praised in the state media in a significant shift from the previous attitude to such events.China's first gay pride festival has been praised in the state media in a significant shift from the previous attitude to such events.
The festival was described in the China Daily newspaper as an event of "profound significance" and a "showcase of the country's social progress".The festival was described in the China Daily newspaper as an event of "profound significance" and a "showcase of the country's social progress".
Film screenings, discussions and parties are being held as part of the week long festival in Shanghai.Film screenings, discussions and parties are being held as part of the week long festival in Shanghai.
Homosexuality was officially labelled a mental illness in China until 2001.Homosexuality was officially labelled a mental illness in China until 2001.
Before Shanghai's Gay Pride Festival got underway, the organisers were worried it might get shut down.Before Shanghai's Gay Pride Festival got underway, the organisers were worried it might get shut down.
They were warned by a lawyer not to hold a parade, for fear that it might be seen by the authorities as a protest.They were warned by a lawyer not to hold a parade, for fear that it might be seen by the authorities as a protest.
'Open and progressive''Open and progressive'
Instead they decided to organise a week of activities in private venues.Instead they decided to organise a week of activities in private venues.
That low-key approach seems to have worked.That low-key approach seems to have worked.
The China Daily has carried a large front-page article about the event and about homosexuality in the country.The China Daily has carried a large front-page article about the event and about homosexuality in the country.
An editorial inside says the festival shows how Shanghai, what it calls "one of the most open and progressive Chinese cities", has displayed acceptance and tolerance by allowing the festival to take place.An editorial inside says the festival shows how Shanghai, what it calls "one of the most open and progressive Chinese cities", has displayed acceptance and tolerance by allowing the festival to take place.
FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE More from BBC World ServiceFROM BBC WORLD SERVICE More from BBC World Service
In the past the official attitude to homosexuality in China might best be characterised as "don't condemn, don't promote".In the past the official attitude to homosexuality in China might best be characterised as "don't condemn, don't promote".
The fulsome praise the paper lavishes on the festival, its organisers and on the city of Shanghai, has not been seen before in the official media.The fulsome praise the paper lavishes on the festival, its organisers and on the city of Shanghai, has not been seen before in the official media.
The paper acknowledges that in rural areas especially homosexuality is seen as a taboo or an affliction.The paper acknowledges that in rural areas especially homosexuality is seen as a taboo or an affliction.
It says there is still a lot to be done by the government and the country's media to promote acceptance and respect of the China's lesbians and gays.It says there is still a lot to be done by the government and the country's media to promote acceptance and respect of the China's lesbians and gays.