Christopher Lee doesn't just think safe spaces and LGBT friendly businesses are morally right for Beijing, he also insists they can help the capital's standing as a tourist destination. The Canadian student is currently getting his masters in tourism management at the Beijing International Studies University, and as part of that program he is carrying out a survey about the economic impact Beijing's safe spaces can have. Below Lee (who also took part in our recent LGBT roundtable) tells us more about social, economic, and personal benefits of the study.
READ: A Roundtable Discussion With Some of Beijing’s Most Prominent LGBT Voices
What is the survey about?
It focuses on the perception, thoughts and attitudes of people that live in Beijing toward the potential impact of the community should there be development of gay leisure spaces on a more public level.
When we talk about leisure spaces, that encompasses bars, restaurants, clubs and so forth. Essentially safe spaces that are open to accepting people from the LGBTQ community.
How did you decide on this topic, and what is its relevance?
I was looking for something that would not only be personal to me, but also something that I think would be interesting for people. And of course, something that wasn't covered in depth yet, particularly in Beijing. What I really found interesting was that when I first came to China, and specifically to Beijing, I really thought that it would be more conservative, only to find there is a real public presence of the LGBT community. So as a result I thought it would be really relevant to add to the discussion, whereby we understand that the movement is moving forward. We understand that there has been an existence of queer spaces throughout Chinese history, and references to it in Chinese literature. But I want to know how people would feel about those spaces if their development was to be taken a step further, if they were to become more common, and if they were more public about being safe spaces.
Where do you think this survey can add value for helping the LGBQ situation in China?
There's already a number of great organizations that are bringing about awareness of the LGBT community, and making a greater stance for human rights. And I'm hoping to add to that. Through this scholarly information, I can help create a more substantial justification that this community should be better represented, that this community should have safe spaces, not only for locals but also bringing about advantages for China as a whole, specifically Beijing as a tourism destination with safe spaces for visitors.
Are there other surveys that have been conducted elsewhere that have had an impact similar to what you are hoping to achieve with your survey?
I'm not aware of other surveys like this. I'm not aware of surveys in China that deal with the residents' perception of LGBT tourism development and tourism planning. However, there are a number of studies done that have looked at the LGBT situation in China, and attitudes to the homosexual community in China. In Shanghai event tourism, such as Shanghai Pride, has helped to boost the tourism product overall for that city. There's definitely a lot of scholarly information that documents the existence of safe spaces and queer culture in China.
How does it feel, on a personal level, to be doing this work?
This study has been a great experience and is extremely personal to me because of how I identify with the community. It also relates to my personal conviction that everyone in the community should have access to safe spaces. Above all, the survey deals with my conviction that LGBT people should be represented when it comes to looking at tourism, not only on a monetary scale but also on a human social development scale. So I'm hoping to make a positive impact. Whether or not it happens I'm not sure, but I hope it contributes to the discussion and get people to talk more. I'm hoping to bring about greater awareness for the comminity.
To take part in Lee's survey about the potential of LGBT tourism in Beijing, click here.
More stories by this author here.
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Photos: Uni You