Majority of Chinese Citizens Now Support LGBTQ+ Rights, Landmark Poll Reveals

A comprehensive new survey released by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law has found that more than half of China’s population supports LGBTQ+ rights, marking a notable development in one of the world’s most populous countries. The poll, published on August 4, 2025, reveals that 53 percent of respondents believe LGBTQ+ people should be accepted in society, with similar numbers expressing support for same-sex marriage and the rights of same-sex couples to parenthood .

The survey, which sampled thousands of adults across mainland China, found that public attitudes are shifting toward greater acceptance and dignity for LGBTQ+ individuals. A majority—53 percent—said queer people should be accepted in society, and 46 percent reported they would personally attend a same-sex wedding. Notably, 48 percent of participants believed that gay couples would make capable parents .

The study also found that 62 percent of respondents support fair treatment of LGBTQ+ people in the workplace, and 68 percent believe the government should improve protections for LGBTQ+ students in educational settings .

One of the most striking aspects of the findings is the role of personal relationships in fostering acceptance. According to the Williams Institute, at least 70 percent of respondents said they personally know someone who is out as LGBTQ+, and 47 percent reported knowing at least two such individuals . This aligns with additional research from Statista, which found that nearly half of Chinese adults surveyed in late 2023 reported knowing at least two LGBTQ+ friends, family members, colleagues, or classmates . Such personal connections have been shown globally to increase empathy and support for LGBTQ+ rights.

The poll’s results mirror a trend toward increased societal acceptance documented in other recent surveys. In late 2023, research conducted by Statista found that approximately nine in ten Chinese respondents either strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that society should accept members of the LGBTQ+ community, though a small minority still expressed strong disagreement . The survey sample was diverse in gender, education, and income, suggesting the shift in attitudes is widespread across different demographics.

Despite the groundswell of public support, legal protections for LGBTQ+ people in China remain limited. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1997, and in 2013, China accepted United Nations recommendations to introduce anti-discrimination legislation for LGBTQ+ people. However, explicit legal protections—such as those regarding marriage equality, workplace discrimination, and transgender rights—are still absent . In cities like Beijing, there are currently no legal protections against LGBTQ+ discrimination .

The government has also increased restrictions on LGBTQ+ advocacy, with organizations facing tighter controls and scrutiny, particularly those perceived as challenging traditional values or receiving foreign funding . This environment has made it difficult for grassroots activists and community organizations to operate openly or to advocate for policy reforms.

Ilan Meyer, distinguished senior scholar of public policy and lead author of the Williams Institute study, emphasized the significance of the findings. “Little is known about the general Chinese public’s view of LGBTQ+ people and issues,” Meyer stated. “This study shows evidence of high approval of LGBTQ+ rights and protections among an influential segment of the population, which may impact attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people overall” .

Sociologists and human rights observers note that while public opinion is trending toward acceptance, legal and institutional changes have not yet kept pace. Institutional homophobia, rooted in legal, educational, and social systems, continues to create an environment where LGBTQ+ people face discrimination and marginalization . Nonetheless, the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ people and the increasing number of allies may gradually pressure policymakers to introduce more inclusive laws and protections.

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in China and internationally have welcomed the poll’s findings, calling them a hopeful sign for the future. They argue that societal acceptance is a crucial foundation for legal progress and urge the Chinese government to align its policies with the will of the people. “Public support is a powerful force for change,” noted one Beijing-based LGBTQ+ organizer, “and this data shows that more Chinese people than ever want to see their LGBTQ+ friends and family treated fairly and equally.”

As advocates continue to push for recognition and rights, the voices of everyday Chinese citizens—now revealed to be broadly supportive—may prove pivotal in shaping the next chapter for LGBTQ+ equality in China.