Television Programs Address MSM Health Issues, Reduce Stigma

JANUARY 2009 — A scholar and writer dedicated to protecting the rights of men who have sex with men (MSM); a proud and outspoken mother of a young gay man; the Buddhist proprietor of a bar in Suzhou—Chinese television audiences got a glimpse into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of these inspiring community leaders with the December release of three FHI-supported television programs produced by the Chang Ai Media Project (CAMP) with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The programs combine talk show and documentary formats to introduce audiences to China's MSM population in a positive way.

An independent production company in Beijing, CAMP won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short for "The Blood of Yinhzhou District," which chronicled the lives of Chinese children affected by HIV/AIDS. CAMP's messages have reached more than 800 million viewers in China, and the company has partnered with local TV stations to foster more open discussion of a range of important and controversial topics. FHI provided ongoing support to CAMP as it developed and produced three television programs about MSM, ensuring that each program would deliver effective messages and be successful in reaching Chinese audiences.

FHI collaborated with CAMP in producing a documentary for Shaanxi TV that focuses on Long Long, manager of the Suzhou Deep Breathing Bar. Long Long tells his own story, discussing social pressures he has faced as an MSM and talking about his work implementing HIV/AIDS interventions with MSM through the Jiangsu Rainbow Volunteer Group, which he founded. An upasaka (layman) in the Buddhist tradition, Long Long now leads a range of activities including Buddhist MSM groups, sports activities, and parties, as well as peer education and condom distribution programs for MSM. In addition to offering a glimpse into Long Long's work as a leader in his community, the documentary includes interviews with government officials, doctors, leaders of civil society organizations, and volunteers, all of whom provide insight into the health and social challenges that MSM face.

In a combination talk show/documentary on the Shanghai Media Group Channel, Chinese viewers will meet Tong Ge, an independent writer and researcher working to translate theories about MSM into the implementation of activities to improve their lives. Tong Ge left his job as a successful magazine editor to involve himself fully in anti-discrimination and HIV/AIDS response activities organized by Chinese civil society organizations. Recognized both at home and abroad as a pioneer of modern Chinese "MSM literature," Tong Ge actively participates in a range of activities for strengthening the HIV/AIDS response among MSM, and is a popular speaker and lecturer throughout the country. His research on MSM in China has exerted great influence on HIV/AIDS responses for MSM around the world.

A program on Phoenix TV, moderated by popular host Zeng Zimo, will introduce viewers to Wu Youjian, a mother in her 60s who made headlines by openly supporting her son's identity as a gay man. Wu consistently receives coverage in the press as she confronts discrimination against MSM and questions assumptions, despite harsh criticism from those who believe she should keep her son's MSM identity a secret. Many MSM are inspired by her tolerance and bravery, calling her "mom" and leaving her messages on her highly successful blog to show their appreciation. The program's producers hope Wu's story will inspire others to follow her lead in accepting MSM and treating them with respect and understanding.

FHI's involvement in bringing these shows to Chinese television included input on the selection of individuals profiled in the programs, as well as review and approval of all scripts and talk show questions. FHI will also analyze audience rating data when it becomes available. By supporting CAMP in producing this original, compelling programming, FHI is helping to reduce stigma and discrimination against MSM in China by challenging viewers' assumptions and inspiring positive change.

PHOTO: Wu Youjian speaks on camera as part of a Chinese television program to fight stigma against MSM. (FHI/China)