Maintaining “mianzi” and “lizi”: Understanding the reasons for formality marriages between gay men and lesbians in China

As a result of societal expectations and to avoid societal homophobia, many lesbians and gay men in China marry heterosexual partners and do not disclose their own sexual orientation. This study used qualitative methods to explore why gay men enter into such marriages of convenience. A total of 17 in-depth interviews were conducted with lesbians and gay men who had entered "formality marriages." All interviews were digitally recorded for...