LGBT center in appeal for new location

Beijing LGBT Center have appealed for help in finding a new "home for 'comrades' [tongzhi, or homosexual people]," after being evicted twice.

The appeal, released yesterday, said the center is once again facing a challenge that "greatly threatens the future of one of the only LGBT community centers in China."

The center was asked to move from a community near the North Third Ring Road, Chaoyang district, following neighbors' complaints. They had just finished decorating, after being evicted from the previous location in March. They must leave at the end of July.

Local residents claimed that the LGBT individuals in close proximity to their children would impact their children's development, and the landlord was "accused of being a sympathizer with LGBT people," said the announcement.

"We told the landlord we're a culture business, but we overestimated the level of tolerance from the local community," said Fan Popo, from the center.

"Once again, we are stuck without a home," said Fan.

Zhang Xun, with Homelink Real Estate, said the center could claim compensation for termination of contract, but said it would be hard to find a new space.

"If they decide not to hide the center's purpose, I think it will be a big problem for them to find acceptance from locals in the community," said Zhang.

Sun Mingde, a lawyer from Beijing Guolian Law Firm, said that as there are no current anti-discrimination laws, the center itself may fall foul of regulations if they were not open about the purpose of the center.　

"If they claim to be a business or activity center inside a residential community, the law requires the organization to inform the neighborhood committee and residents for approval in advance," said Sun.

Fan said they had been searching for a suitable venue for over a month, but they had no luck so far.　

"We hope there will be a gay community-friendly landlord or groups to help us soon, so that we could keep up our social services which do benefit our society," said Fan.