Trans Rights are Humans Rights! You agree, hun?
In a groundbreaking victory for LGBTQ+ rights, Ling’er, a 28-year-old trans woman from Hebei province, has become the first trans person in China to successfully challenge the barbaric practice of conversion therapy. After being subjected to electroshock treatment without her consent, Ling’er took a stand and won a historic case against the hospital responsible, securing 60,000 yuan (almost €8,000) in compensation.
A Harrowing Ordeal
Ling’er’s story is one of resilience and courage. A performance artist saving up for gender reassignment surgery, she had come out to her family in 2022. However, her parents, rejecting her identity, committed her to a psychiatric hospital. Diagnosed with the archaic and harmful label of “discordant sexual orientation,” Ling’er endured seven sessions of electroshock therapy over 97 days.
“It caused serious damage to my body,” Ling’er shared. “Every time I underwent the treatment, I would faint … I didn’t agree to it, but I had no choice.” The therapy left her with lasting physical harm, including ongoing heart issues requiring medication.
A Landmark Ruling
Undeterred, Ling’er filed a lawsuit against the hospital and its use of conversion practices. Her case was heard at Changli County People’s Court in Qinhuangdao, where the verdict ruled in her favour. LGBTQ+ activists have hailed this as a monumental victory, shedding light on the injustices faced by trans individuals in China.
“In China, the situation for transgender people is not very optimistic,” Ling’er said. “There’s a lack of protection for this group.”
The Bigger Picture
Conversion therapy remains a contentious issue in China, operating in a legal grey area. While homosexuality was declassified as a psychiatric disorder in 2001, outdated diagnoses like “distress about one’s sexual orientation” persisted, providing cover for harmful practices.
Recent amendments to China’s medical guidelines have removed this diagnosis, but enforcement is lax. A 2019 study revealed that nearly one in five trans individuals in China reported being forced into conversion therapies. Ling’er’s case brings hope that such practices may face greater scrutiny and eventual eradication.
A Beacon of Hope
Ling’er’s bravery in standing up to a system designed to erase her identity is an inspiration to LGBTQ+ individuals in China and beyond. Her victory sends a powerful message: that no one should endure such inhumane treatment for simply being who they are.
As conversations about trans rights and conversion therapy gain momentum worldwide, Ling’er’s story is a reminder of the strength of the queer community. Her case may be the first of its kind, but let’s hope it sparks a wave of change that will protect others from enduring similar horrors.
What are your thoughts on this landmark case, darlings? Share your tea and let’s keep the conversation going.
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #ConversionTherapyBan #LGBTQVictory
