I'm hiding my sexuality from my parents | ZHAN'S STORY

Zhan, born in China, is now an international student in Newcastle. As a member of LGBT he believes same-sex marriage to be a sensitive topic in China.

When asked why he chose to tell his friends but not his parents the truth, he said his family may have a lot of concern about his sexual orientation. He thinks that his parents biggest problem with his sexuality would be that he cannot have children. Therefore, his parents think a same-sex marriage is not a traditional family.

Zhan said young people in China are changing their attitudes towards same-sex relationships because of an increase in current TV programs which increase awareness on the topic and aim to change the surrounding stigmas.

Zhan was hesitant about his sexual orientation in senior school because he didn’t like girls like other boys. After a year of studying in a western country, he feels he is now more confident and braver about his sexuality.

He doesn’t want to pretend. “I am who I am,” Zhan said proudly.

If same-sex marriage was legal in China, Zhan said he would choose to get married. However, he would not adopt a child.

"He doesn’t want to pretend.

“I am who I am,” Zhan said proudly."

What makes Zhan most worried today, is the bias in the workplace. He also wants to tell his parents that he is gay and that being gay is not a mental disorder.

Listen to Zhan tell his story in more detail here: