Discourses of Heteronormativity and Power: The Ethical Position of Confucianism on Same-Sex Behaviour in China

Abstract

This article investigates the beliefs of Confucianism-China's authoritative philosophy-regarding same-sex behavior, by examining Confucian canonical texts-either directly or through the interpretations of other scholars-and the scholarly literature on the relationship between the Confucian ethics and same-sex behavior. Additionally, this article explores the empirical research and media focusing on the lives of Chinese homosexuals to ascertain whether Confucianism has a palpable impact on their daily existence. This article argues that compared to pre-modern China, the Confucian concept of filial piety has a profound influence on the lives of contemporary Chinese homosexuals.