The invisible community in contemporary China: a visual narrative framework for Chinese lesbian identity

This research investigates the construction of lesbian identity in contemporary China, a context marked by the interplay between sexual orientation, social norms, and cultural expectations. It examines how Chinese lesbians balance societal structures and personal desires, focusing on the creative strategies they employ to construct their identities. The study utilizes the innovative Photo Elicitation (PE) method, empowering participants to select and interpret images reflecting their experiences. This approach provides a deeper understanding of identity formation than traditional methods. The theoretical framework draws upon Queer theory, particularly Judith Butler's work on the fluidity of gender and sexual orientation, and introduces the "Visual Narratives of Identity" (VNI) framework to analyze the visual elements involved in identity construction. The study challenges simplistic views of lesbian identity, highlighting its diversity and fluidity, and explores the cultural pressures and coping mechanisms employed by participants. It offers a methodologically robust approach to studying Chinese sexual minorities and advances visual cultural studies on gender and sexual orientation, bridging the gap between academic research and lived experiences.

Existing research on lesbian identity globally and in China is reviewed. While Western countries have seen legislative improvements and increased social acceptance, China's progress has been slower due to traditional family values emphasizing lineage and the government's implicit "Triple No Policy" (no approval, no disapproval, no promotion) towards homosexuality. Quantitative studies offer broad perspectives, while qualitative interviews explore living conditions and social acceptance. However, these methods often lack the depth of understanding provided by visual and non-verbal methods. Previous visual research, primarily film analysis, often lacks the direct perspective of lesbians themselves. This study addresses this gap by centering lesbian voices and using visual narrative methods to achieve a deeper and more authentic understanding of their lived experiences.

This study employed a Photo Elicitation (PE) method, aligned with the newly developed Visual Narratives of Identity (VNI) framework. Seven participants from diverse backgrounds and locations in China were recruited using snowball sampling. Data collection involved two stages: photo collection and photo-based interviews. Participants selected or took photos reflecting their lesbian identities and experiences. These photos served as prompts for in-depth interviews (approximately 1.5 hours each), exploring the stories and meanings behind the images and their socio-cultural contexts. Thematic Analysis (TA) was used to analyze the transcribed interviews, focusing on key themes related to visibility/invisibility, global/local influences, and sociocultural contexts. The study adhered to strict ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and data protection.

Three core themes emerged from the data analysis. First, the study highlights the strategies lesbians employ to manage the visibility and invisibility of their sexual orientation. Participants used various methods to balance their public and private identities, adapting their self-presentation depending on the social context. For example, one participant concealed a ring symbolizing her relationship at home to avoid conflict with her traditional family. Another participant sought privacy and freedom of self-expression during a trip to Hong Kong, highlighting the challenges of living openly in a more conservative environment. Another participant working on a construction site created a fictional boyfriend to navigate the expectations of her colleagues. These findings illustrate the complex navigations required to balance personal authenticity with social acceptance. Second, the study shows the interplay between global LGBTQ+ discourses and local cultural contexts. Participants often integrated global symbols, like the rainbow flag, into their identities, but within the constraints of Chinese cultural norms. This is highlighted by the presence of rainbow flags at an LGBT event alongside Chinese slogans and symbols, demonstrating a cultural fusion. However, the “Triple No Policy” of the Chinese government creates challenges. The lack of explicit support or legal protection for the LGBT community, and media representations associating homosexuality with negative stereotypes (AIDS, mental illness), makes it difficult for lesbians to fully express their identity in public spheres. The pressure to conform to traditional family expectations, especially regarding marriage and lineage, leads some to enter into heterosexual marriages despite their sexual orientation. Finally, the study reveals the significant impact of sociocultural contexts on the experiences of Chinese lesbians. Family expectations, social norms, and cultural traditions strongly shape how they construct and express their identities, often necessitating a balance between visibility and concealment. Several participants discussed challenging gender norms through clothing choices, such as preferring suits to traditional feminine attire, as a means of self-expression and resistance. This behavior illustrates the performative nature of gender identity. The study also discusses how family pressure to marry men impacts these individuals and the internal conflicts and challenges they face. These pressures extend beyond the family to the workplace, where lesbians may hide their sexual orientation to avoid discrimination and maintain their careers.

This study's findings significantly contribute to our understanding of lesbian identity construction in contemporary China. The VNI framework, coupled with the PE methodology, offers a nuanced perspective on how individuals negotiate their identities within complex sociocultural contexts. The emphasis on visual narratives unveils the rich and creative strategies employed by Chinese lesbians to manage visibility, integrate global and local influences, and navigate the challenges presented by family and societal expectations. The research highlights the fluidity and dynamic nature of sexual orientation identity, challenging the limitations of traditional stage-based models. The findings underscore the need for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to studying and supporting lesbian communities in China, recognizing the diverse ways individuals construct and express their identities. Future research could explore the role of digital media and online communities in shaping lesbian identity in China.

This study advances our understanding of lesbian identity construction in contemporary China by introducing the VNI framework and employing the PE method. The findings reveal the complex interplay between global LGBTQ+ discourse and local cultural norms, highlighting the strategies used by Chinese lesbians to manage visibility and negotiate their identities within families, workplaces, and society. This study emphasizes the need for inclusive approaches that respect the diverse lived experiences of Chinese lesbians and advocates for increased research into this area, potentially incorporating the impact of digital media and online communities on identity formation.

The study's relatively small sample size (seven participants) may limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader Chinese lesbian population. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is needed to enhance the study's representativeness. The reliance on self-reported data may introduce potential biases. Future studies could incorporate additional data collection methods, such as observational studies, to triangulate findings and increase the validity of the results.