Decoding Chinese Queerness
Shuli Zheng
Different from the West, queer culture in a Chinese context is subject to suppression from the influences of
Confucianism. This extends to family dynamics, society, policies, censorship and propaganda, which manifests in a
fragmented or aggregated way and through discrimination and abandonment. As a result, queer individuals in China must
put more effort into retaining their freedom than their heterosexual peers, which puts them under tremendous pressure.
Oppression can be a huge hindrance, but it can also stimulate strong emotions that prompt creativity. This thesis
explores how kinship communication patterns could be adjusted to help Chinese queers’ living status, the possibilities
of using creativity in the midst of repression, and the potential of code and metaphors to create new perceptions within
the process.
Chinese Queerness: Metaphors
Thesis Book
Thesis Book
Thesis Book
Spreads from Thesis Book
Spreads from Thesis Book
Queer&Family Chess
In this Queer&Family Chess game, parents and their queer children can engage in games that facilitate conversation exchanges, allowing for the sharing of thoughts, information, and emotions in a congenial atmosphere. The game concept aims to gauge participants’ comfort and willingness to open up and engage in more profound conversations, assessing whether information transmission is natural and progressive.
Queer&Family Chess Board
The chessboard is innovatively divided into emotion and dilemma sections, compelling players to engage with questions that prompt introspection and dialogue.
Chess Notations: A Bridge, rather than a Battlefield
In this Queer & Family Chess, victory is not defined by defeating the opponent. Instead, the emphasis is on fostering open communication and mutual understanding. This game creates a space where parents can empathize with the challenges of their queer child and where queer individuals can express and confide in a supportive environment. The exchange of information and emotions is thus accelerated and deepened.