Human Rights Watch Reports Deterioration of LGBT Rights in China

Human Rights Watch has reported a deterioration in the rights situation for LGBT people in China. According to the human rights organization, June 2026 saw increased censorship on social media, as well as the cancellation of themed film screenings and events related to Pride Month.

The organization’s statement notes that these restrictions are shrinking the space for demonstrating LGBT rights and organizing public events. Some of the affected events were organized in collaboration with foreign embassies and cultural institutions.

Yalkun Uluyol, a China researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated that increased repression and the promotion of normative ideas about gender and sexuality have led to a shrinking space for LGBT people. According to him, almost three decades after the decriminalization of homosexuality in China, the authorities’ actions are undermining the community’s ability to achieve visibility and equality.

In May 2026, the social network WeChat blocked several channels featuring LGBT content. This occurred after they published information about a positive response from China’s Supreme People’s Court to an online petition regarding protection against discrimination. On June 17, the account of the Zhenzhen’s Rainbow channel, which provides support to people affected by gender-based violence, was blocked.

The restrictions also affected cultural events. On June 19, the social network Xiaohongshu (Red Note) blocked the account of an independent bookstore from Paris after it advertised a screening of a transgender-themed film. Earlier, the French Institute in Beijing canceled film screenings following police visits. Restrictions on events by the Goethe-Institut and the Finnish Embassy have also been reported.

Homosexuality in China was decriminalized in 1997 and removed from the list of mental disorders in 2001. However, same-sex couples have no legal recognition, and the law lacks guarantees of protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Human Rights Watch is calling on the Chinese government to end the censorship of LGBT content and events, and on other governments to pressure Chinese authorities to protect the rights of LGBT people.