Comment
More liberal approach needed for gay bars
By Zhang Tianwei (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-03 15:11
The gay bar funded by the Dali health bureau has become a controversial topic in the press, due to reporting by CCTV and Internet media. However, probably nobody in the debate had expected it would close on the eve of the World AIDS Day.
According to news reports, the bureau invested in the bar to build an open, easy and safe entertainment venue. This was intended to encourage gay men to come out of hiding and help the government to understand them better and to provide better services. The government has not backed the bar with any ulterior motives.
However, I believe the government should have adopted a laisser faire approach to gay bars.
First, the government might consider allowing the operation of gay bars and other similar venues in a "grey" situation. The government should encourage the operators and consumers to be cooperative with the assistance from the government or NGOs. This will acknowledge the existence of gay groups while helping reduce the spread of AIDS as much as possible.
Second, if the government had adopted a laisser faire approach to gay bars, those underground or semi-underground venues would be open to the government and NGOs that provide services and guidance. As such, it would not be necessary for the government to build a gay bar.
The risks and disadvantages of the government intervention are shown in the controversy surrounding the gay bar and its subsequent closure.
It seems the Dali government was not well-prepared for the ethical debate that might arise from the government investment in the gay bar. Just because the government has finally faced the issue doesn't mean there is a public consensus on it. The government's move to back a gay bar will certainly be challenged by differing opinions. However, if the government had adopted a relaxed approach, it might have averted the moral risks.
Besides, too much public exposure and controversy have been the main reasons why the gay bar was closed, as stakeholders face too much pressure. Even if the gay bar opened as scheduled, I would doubt it if gay men would feel safe to come.
(Excerpts of a commentary that first appeared in Beijing Youth Daily on Dec 2)
