Chinese transgender man fights for workplace equality

A 28-year-old transgender man who goes by the name "Mr C" has become the public face of the fight for equality in China, where sexual and gender minorities are only beginning to emerge from virtual invisibility.

The man, who keeps his real name secret to protect his parents' privacy, is fighting his dismissal from a medical testing center in court and is seeking a ruling stating that no one should be discriminated against on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.

"On my shoulders. I am carrying the hopes of many, many people," said Mr. C, who's been both praised and insulted since filing the country's first lawsuit against transgender job discrimination earlier this year.

"Many people are working toward employment equality. I cannot let them down. There are many members in our group who are unwilling to, or dare not, step forward, but they are watching."

While still relatively conservative, Chinese society has grown gradually more accepting of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people in recent years, particularly among the younger generation.

Li Yinhe, a prominent Chinese sexologist, said transgender people in particular are more likely to face workplace discrimination because of how they look and dress.

"It's harder for them to disguise themselves," Li said.

Given the prevailing sentiments, Mr C's case has brought important public scrutiny to long-ignored issues, Li said.

As in Western countries, the business community, rather than the government, is leading the way in China in the push for equal opportunity, said Steven Bielinski, who has organized social events in Beijing and Shanghai to connect employers with members of the LGBT community. "Here in China, I think the LGBT business issue has just reached a tipping point," Bielinski said. "More and more companies are thinking about what the LGBT community means for business in terms of talent and market."