For Pride this year, I wanted to share with you the story of Emperor Ai, an openly gay emperor
For Pride this year, I wanted to share with you the story of Emperor Ai, an openly gay emperor during the Han dynasty, and his commander & lover Dong Xian. Known as “断袖之癖” (Passion of the cut sleeve), the tale is now synonymous in Chinese history and culture for homosexual relationships.One afternoon, after having taken a nap together, the Emperor was called to court for business. Gazing upon his peacefully sleeping lover (who was wrapped up in his gown), Emperor Ai decided to cut his sleeve so that he would not rouse Dong Xian from his rest. Though contemporary Chinese views on homosexuality are conservative, historians have found that homosexual relationships in ancient China was largely seen as the norm and was not seen as sinful or abnormal.This is one of my favourite Chinese LGBT+ stories to tell and it just makes my heart melt, so I’m sharing it with you all!Happy Pride everyone! -- source link
#gay pride#dong xian