Letter from a Grantee: China
In China, lalas (lesbian, bisexual women and trans people) are often invisible and have a difficult time finding one another. The Joint Working Group of Southwest China, made up of three organizations working to increase self-confidence and community acceptance of lalas in their provinces, came together to coordinate such efforts. This June, they organized a historic gathering of lala elders in Southwest China, where they documented lala narratives and provided space for intergenerational dialogue and learning. They shared the following account of the event with Astraea.
Letter from Lala Joint Working Group of Southwest China
 |
| Translation: Those Once Forgotten Voices - 2010 Senior Lala Gathering |
On an afternoon in June, 2010, the beautiful Dian Lake saw a group of young and old women walking hand in hand along the banks. It looked like a large family traveling together, but in fact, we were all participants and staff members in the “Voices Forgotten: Senior LES Reunion 2010” special gathering.
This event had been organized by the Joint Working Group of Southwestern China. As the first event of its kind, this event is quite meaningful. We had written in the open statement: “For a long time, senior lalas have been neglected. We have never listened for their voices or their stories; no activity has been held in their name.”
With this realization, senior lalas gathered in this warm event. They have come from all over China, with ages ranging from the 50s to the 70s. Regrettably, 81-year-old J. was kept in bed due to illness and could not come with her long-term companion 71-year-old F. as had been planned. Their phone call sent along heart-felt congratulations and support, and when their voices were heard through the speaker, all applauded whole-heartedly.
We, the organizers and staff members, range in age from 19 to the 40s which makes this gathering cross-generational. We spent a precious two days together, exploring many profound questions: how to ascertain our love for the same sex, how to manage our existing heterosexual marriages, how to deal with our families and our relations and our identities, how to interact with senior lalas and young lalas. Y. from Taiwan provided a massage lesson for all. D. from Beijing showed her film Mainstream at New Front Gate about same sex marriage. One evening, we held a variety show where everyone performed to their best and touched all hearts.
During the exchange, senior lalas told us about the unforgettable love stories and life experiences that they have lived through, and gave the younger lalas many sincere suggestions and expectations. The younger lalas, on the other hand, reported on the progress of lalas in China and pledged to serve the needs of senior lalas. Their voices shall not be overlooked or forgotten again.
This event pulled the generations together and built toward strong friendships. We found senior lalas lack help and support; they need steady organization to provide more information and exchange. We will work together to produce the first oral history of senior lalas in China and our stories will be a part of human history.
Upon departure, a 72-year-old lala held Y.’s hand and said, “Next time, I will come again.” When the last guest departed, we made up our mind to host many more such meetings. We must devote ourselves to the weak and vulnerable among lalas.
Our thanks go to Astraea that funded this event and to our many partners and volunteers. Our efforts together made the event possible and helped all of us grow and learn.
