Towards the development of LGBT movement in Yunnan China : the role of LGBT activists' identities and actions | |
| Author | Yifu, Liu |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.GD-24-01 |
| Subject(s) | LGBT activism--China Sexual minorities--China |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Gender and Development Studies |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Civil society and LGBT movements depend on the support of loyal and exceptional activists (Martin, 2007). Scholars argue that the relationship between self, identity, and social movement is multidirectional, implying that the study of identity can expand the knowledge of social movement (Stryker et al, 2000). China has been inconsistent in its treatment of the LGBT community, exhibiting both inclusive and discriminatory attitudes and polices (Lixian, 2014). While there has been progress towards the promotion and realisation of LGBT rights in contemporary China (Kong et al. 2021), social stigma, discrimination and violence persist for the community (Song et al. 2023). Within China, different provinces have distinctive localised histories and engagement with LGBT issues, which has contributed to the growth and diversity of the movement. Yunnan in particular has a long history of civil society activism and was one of the first provinces to initiate LGBT work (Wortham 2021). Research in this region and elsewhere in China has often focused on issues of health and policy advocacy – such as in relation to the HIV epidemic and same-sex marriage (Hildebrandt 2011; Chua and Hildebrandt 2014). Less attention has been paid to activists who work for the LGBT community and movement. Using dramaturgical and resource mobilization theories present study offers an in-depth analysis of activists’ identity formation within the LGBT movement in Yunan China focusing on three dimensions of activism: the identity of LGBT movement activists, their actions and the related impact on the persistence and sustainability of the movement.The qualitative study draws on data from life history interviews conducted with 20 long-time with frontline LGBT movement activists from both the provincial capital and other prefectures and regions, alongside field observations in Yunnan, China. The findings reveal individuals adopt the label of activist identity, gradually internalizing this identity through their own imagination and attempts to meet the expectations of others (audience) in their actions. This process is profoundly influenced by the activist’s own sexual orientation and gender identity and subjective self, constructing self-adaptive activist identity termed as the compromised activist identity. Further, the rich empirical data adds to the understanding of how everyday actions contribute to the construction and enactment of activist identities. LGBT movement activists' everyday actions are shaped by others' expectations and their own vision of an "ideal activist," influencing their activist identity and creating a dynamic loop between action and identity. The findings underscore that self-identity and audience expectations collectively guide actions. Further, the analysis demonstrates that actions rooted in these identities enhance the movement's effectiveness in public advocacy, community building, and disease prevention. Finally, intrinsic motivation and emotions play both direct and indirect roles in maintaining activists' dedication. This intrinsic motivation fosters creativity and personal growth, reinforcing long-term involvement. The key reason for activists’ long-term commitment emerges as the emotional connection with the broader LGBT movement, created through ongoing actions including feelings of responsibility, belief, and belonging. Thus, it is the combination of identity, action, and emotion which cultivates committed activists who embrace the LGBT movement and social change.This study, from the perspective of gender and development, focuses on the LGBT movement, and highlights the importance of gender and sexuality in social movements but also underscores complexity in ways that activists might strategically use or disavow these identities in their work. While gender identities and sexual orientation may be particularly of salience in the context of the LGBT movement, the study underscores the need to consider whether and how gender identities and roles might have direct or indirect influences in other social movements as well. This study also provides further insight on the ongoing debates on the significance of the ideal activist identity as well as the profound influence of the subjective self on activists. Strategic recommendations for LGBT movement stakeholders, based on the findings, highlight the that an inclusive environment that accommodates and supports individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations participating in the LGBT movement is crucial towards attracting and developing dedicated activists, creating solidarities and strengthening the movement. Further to foster persistence and sustainability, it is crucial to emphasize not only activists' personal development and creativity but also their emotional connections with the community and the LGBT movement. For encouraging long-term commitment, the more crucial factor is the intrinsic motivation stemming from activists' emotional connections with various aspects of the LGBT movement. Given the relatively nascent literature on China’s LGBT movement and activists, the systematic focus on activists and the study of activists from the perspective of identity theory in this study helps expands the discourse and provides valuable insights into the lived experiences and historical growth of the LGBT movement in particular regions of China (Yunan). |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Chatterjee, Joyee S. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Doneys, Philippe;Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | China Scholarship Council (CSC) |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph. D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |