While no longer illegal in China, homosexuality is still not looked upon favourably by more traditionally-minded individuals. However, while you may not find open approval, most people are tolerant and will keep any negative opinions to themselves. In larger cities, you’ll find quite a few gay bars and events, although sometimes they just happened to be shut down by officials for various reasons. Although it’s common to see same-sex friends holding hands and sitting close to or on the lap of the other, this behaviour is typical of friendships and doesn’t necessarily mean the couple is gay/lesbian.

As long as it is swept under the carpet and kept secret. If one of the partners is local then he/she can be ostricized. It is not a very tolerant or progressive country in that regard. Racism and sexism are still rampant and celebrated sometimes.

These answers apply today. The younger generation in Mainland China is becoming more accepting, much to the distaste of their grandparents and the government.

Yeah, 5 years on, and not a lot of change... but that's to be expected. Something that affects such a large part of society (attitudes in general) tend to take a generation or 2 to change...

BUT... it IS changing!

From my perspective, people are gay and in open relationships but people just tend to mind their own business about it

From my perspective, people are gay and in open relationships but people just tend to mind their own business about it