Constructing the sexuality convergence model: exploring the intersections of sexuality, nationalism, and globalization in China

Fu, Jian (2023) Constructing the sexuality convergence model: exploring the intersections of sexuality, nationalism, and globalization in China. Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This thesis develops a Sexuality Convergence Model that is applicable across multiple levels of analysis (simultaneously incorporating micro, meso, and macro dynamics) to investigate the intricate intersections of sexuality with nationalism and globalization (SNG). Employing various data sources including interviews, observations, document analysis, and analysis of newspaper articles and social media, this study establishes three components for navigating SNG: the state and public discourse, social movements, and individual navigation. Within the state and public discourse, this thesis investigates how the Chinese state employs nationalism to counter transnational pressure for LGBT rights. I argue that two mechanisms, authenticity and securitization, play significant roles in this process. Additionally, two distinct forms of nationalism coexist within the Chinese public discourse arena: macho nationalism and homonationalism. While these forms of nationalism fundamentally differ in their perception of traditional and authentic Chinese sexuality, they share a common belief that foreign (particularly American) LGBT support interferes with Chinese domestic affairs and disrupts Chinese society. In examining individuals’ navigation of SNG, this thesis presents and explores how ideal types within the Chinese LGBT community (including Pink Gays, LGBT Liberals, and LGBT Avoidant Group) navigate their relationships with Chinese nationalism and globalization. Specifically, Pink Gays adopt a pro-regime and “positive energy” approach, while LGBT Liberals take a critical stance against state-sponsored nationalism and detach themselves from this nationalism. On the other hand, the LGBT Avoidant Group adopts an avoidant, or pragmatic approach as they navigate the pressures and pulls of sexuality, nationalism, and globalization. Each ideal type that I present rationalizes their navigation strategies with their own internal logic. In examining social movements, this thesis delves into the strategies employed by Chinese local LGBT activists in the context of surging nationalism. Despite the significant constraints imposed by Chinese nationalism on local LGBT activism, Chinese local LGBT activists exhibit creativity by utilizing indirect resistance strategies, such as employing Filial Nationalism, to advance their own LGBT advocacy through government official discourse. Moreover, China’s deep integration into the global economic system, relying on foreign talents and multinational corporations’ contributions to its economy, creates a paradoxical situation that grants privileges to foreigners and multinational corporations while nationalism rises. However, this situation also provides political opportunities for local LGBT activists to seek protection and support from foreign individuals, companies, embassies, and UN human rights mechanisms in their domestic LGBT advocacy efforts. By constructing the Sexuality Convergence Model, this thesis makes valuable contributions to the broader understanding of intersectionality, diversity and heterogeneity among individuals within seemingly homogeneous contexts, internal heterogeneity within nationalism, dynamic state-society relations in authoritarian regimes, the issue of marginality, and the globalization of sexuality.

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