3. Mei Ai Hold Your Hand? Homosexuality in Imperial China
/As your hosts return to examine the unexplored corners of history to highlight overlooked queer ladies, gents, and gentle-enbies, they bring a conversation about homosexuality in Imperial China. They will discuss the unique tradition of male homosexuality present for over 2500 years, what made it possible, and how tragic it’s loss is for modern China. And don’t worry, even though female homosexuality doesn’t have the same strong literary tradition, there are plenty of delightful stories, and a new ‘word of the week’ related to queer lady experience!
Outline
0:00 – Introduction
3:55 – Main Topic: Homosexuality in Imperial China
13:38 – Social Context: Confucianism, Daoism, and Conceptions of Sex
22:46 – Social Context: Different Kinds of Sexual Relationships Between Men
23:41-24:36 - CONTENT WARNING: pederasty mention
30:23– Examples!
1:10:30 - CONTENT WARNING: pederasty mention
1:11:50 – Word of the Week: dui shi (“shared eating”)
1:17:33 – Takeaways
1:20:14 – How gay were they?
1:23:06 – Where to find us online
For a full list sources and bonus content for this episode, visit our Notes page!
