Report by Yaxuan Wang, class of 2027 & Photo by Ruixiang Hu, Class of 2027
On Friday, November 8, 2024, DKU faculty, staff, and students gathered for our last reading group session in this semester. This time, the focus was on John Wei’s Stretched Kinship: Parental Rejection and Acceptance of Queer Youth in Chinese Families(2023), an insightful exploration of the challenges faced by queer youth and their families in China.
The session began with an overview of the reading’s key themes, led by Dr. Zhenjie Weng and Dr. Yanan Zhao. Participants discussed the concept of “stretched kinship” as Wei defines it, particularly how parental expectations and societal pressures complicate family relationships for queer youth in China. The discussion highlighted the emotional and social challenges both parents and queer youth experience, especially under the pressure of filial duties and cultural norms.
The main highlight of the event was a talk by Guest Speaker Professor Andrew Wortham, Visiting Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology, who shared his experiences conducting research on LGBTQ+ groups in China, with a focus on gender and sexuality. Prof. Wortham also reflected on his time in Chengdu, providing personal insights into the complexities of queer identity and kinship within Chinese society. His experiences resonated with many attendees and brought additional depth to the themes of Wei’s work.
Following Prof. Wortham’s talk, participants were encouraged to ask questions. The Q&A segment saw a high level of engagement, with questions addressing various aspects of LGBTQ+ life in China, the influence of cultural expectations, and the academic challenges of studying sensitive topics in this field.
The event concluded with an open discussion, allowing participants to share their reflections and consider ways to foster greater inclusivity and understanding within their own communities.
The reading group session was organized by DKU’s Humanities Research Center and facilitated by Dr. Zhenjie Weng and Dr. Yanan Zhao, with the support of student worker Yaxuan Wang.
