Implications of Recent Chinese-language LGBT+ Films for Gender Equality Education

Abstract

As a solution to gender discrimination that remains a serious problem today, gender equality education is receiving increasing attention around the globe. How to teach gender equality more effectively, in this context, becomes a pressing issue. The study takes eight Chinese-language LGBT+ films released in the past five years, including Tracey (2018), Dear Ex (2018), The Two Lives of Li Ermao (2019), All in My Family (2019), Twilight’s Kiss (2019), Your Name Engraved Herein (2020), Dear Tenant (2020), Secrets of 1979 (2021), as the analysis texts, aiming to find the educational implications of the films for gender equality and thus discuss the feasibility of applying them to classroom teaching. The study finds that Chinese-language LGBT+ films generally succeed in reflecting the difficulties faced by LGBT+ groups in corresponding regions. Although they are still not free from gender stereotypes, the negative impact of such can be dissipated through methods such as class discussions. Therefore, the study argues that Chinese-language LGBT+ films are generally meaningful and educational from the perspective of gender equality and can be used as teaching tools as long as they are carefully and critically examined. In this way, they can help eliminate gender discrimination and build respect for diverse sexualities.