ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

LGBT history in China

Okay kiddo, let me first explain what being LGBT means. It stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender - these are terms that describe people who are attracted to people of the same gender, or multiple genders, or identify differently from the gender they were assigned at birth. It's important to understand that being LGBT is normal and okay, even though some people may not fully understand or accept it.

Now, let's talk about LGBT history in China. In ancient times, China had different attitudes towards homosexuality - some emperors and writers even wrote about same-sex love. However, over time, these attitudes changed, and homosexuality became seen as immoral and criminalized - this means that it was against the law.

It wasn't until 1997 that homosexuality was decriminalized in China, meaning that it was no longer considered a crime to be in a same-sex relationship. However, discrimination against the LGBT community still existed, and it was not until 2001 that homosexuality was officially declassified as a mental illness.

In recent years, there have been some positive changes in China towards the LGBT community. In 2016, a Chinese court ruled in favor of a gay couple in a landmark case, allowing them to register their marriage - although same-sex marriage is still not legally recognized in China.

There are also some LGBT communities in China that have formed organizations to help fight discrimination and advocate for LGBT rights. These communities and organizations provide a safe space for people to express their true selves and feel supported by others who understand them.

Overall, LGBT history in China has seen a lot of changes over time - from ancient times when same-sex love was written about, to criminalization of homosexuality, to decriminalization, and now slowly moving towards more positive attitudes and legal recognition. It's important to remember that everyone deserves respect and acceptance, no matter who they love or how they identify.