In addition, sexual behavior among members of the same sex has been observed in animals. Same Sex Love is Being Discriminated Against Regardless of the number of homosexuals and bisexuals in the world, the issue is whether this group of people is being discriminated against by the mainstream society. The contemporary society remains heterosexist. The mainstream sexual discourses in mass media, the educational system and legal structure is predicated upon a reproductive, monogamous social structure. This causes many tongzhi to feel ashamed and guilty.
Many people mistakenly criticize Chinese culture as sexually repressive and conservative.
Some even think that homosexuality is a corrupt import from the West. In fact, traditional Chinese culture was tolerant towards same sex love. Buddhism, a religion which has been well assimilated into the Chinese culture for 2,000 years, neither advocates heterosexuality nor denounces homosexuality, and emphasizes the notion of bodichitta , which means that all beings have the potential to become Buddha. Historical documentation also reveals the high level of social tolerance towards same sex love in pre-modern China. Hostility and Violence Against Homosexuality is not Found in Traditional Chinese Culture Hostility and violence, such as harsh legal punishment, bashing or lynching of same sex lovers cannot be found in historical records of pre-modern China.