LGBT Young Adult Literature/History

This section mentions LGBT history and counters the opinion that being gay is a “fairly new fad”. It dates back to the first recorded instances of same-sex love and relationships.

In 1994, the annual observation of LGBT History Month began in the United States.

Asia

Same-sex sexual activity legal:      Marriage performed      Marriage recognized      Other type of partnership      Legal guardianships or unregistered cohabitation      Limited foreign recognition (residency rights)      No recognition of same-sex couples      Restrictions on freedom of expression, not enforced      Severe restrictions of association with arrests or detention Same-sex sexual activity illegal:     Prison, not enforced      Prison      Death penalty on books, not enforced      Enforced death penalty

East Asia

China and Taiwan

Male homosexuality has been regarded in China since ancient times and mentioned in Chinese works of literature. Homosexuality has been banned and unbanned several times; homosexuality has been legal in the People's Republic of China since 1997.

Taiwan has allowed homosexual acts since 1947 and legalised same-sex marriage in 2019, making Taiwan one of the most progressive countries in Asia when it comes to LGBT rights.

Japan and Korea

Records of men having sex with men have been documented in Japan, dating back to ancient times, but became most apparent to scholars during the Edo period. Homosexuality has been officially legalised in Japan since 1881.

Both Koreas have legalised same-sex activity.

Southeast Asia

Thailand will legalise same-sex marriage in January 2025.