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MISSION >> About Tongzhi |
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"Tong" means "same" or "homo-", and "zhi" means "will" or "aspiration." This simple phrase "tongzhi" alludes to those who share the same revolutionary ideal of "Freedom, Equality, Compassion" for all. The study of “tongzhi” communities is an emerging area of academic exploration. The field of "Tongzhi Studies" not only aims to record and describe its community history, identity theory, and social activism unique to Chinese culture, but also aspires to open new grounds and dialogues on issues of gender/sexuality/same-sex desires interpreted locally in a global context. |
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"Tongzhi" literally means “comrade”, or “people who cherish similar
aspirations”. This term was first used in the mordent Chinese
history by Dr. Sun Yen Sen to describe the members of his followers, based
on his three democratic principles of new China: "Freedom, Equality,
Compassion". Later, Chinese communists re-interpreted the term to
label their revolutionary compatriots. The expression “tongzhi” was
adopted by a Hong Kong gay activist in 1989 for the first Lesbian and Gay
Film Festival in Hong Kong, who wanted to capture a positive
interpretation of same-sex desire. The traditional term “tongxing
lian” (homosexuals) was purposely not selected here because of its strong
association as a medical term denoting transgression and pathology. This
newly found usage of “tongzhi” has emerged widely ever since; and
"tongzhi" has become the preferred and empowered homegrown phrase for
self-identifying Chinese gays and lesbians worldwide. In no time,
“tongzhi” was also adopted by an expanded and diverse community who unites
in the quest of challenging the traditional definition of gender and
sexuality: they are Chinese lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, queer
(LGBTQ) and many others. |
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