Spotlight (Part II): A Son Sees His Story Through His Father's Eyes
Being live translated his father's story at our 2018 Pride Show, under the theme “This is Me.” If you missed Yan's Spotlight last week, we encourage you to read that first! Both Yan and Being (father and son) joined the show as representatives from PFLAG China, an organization which supports LGBTQ+ people, their friends, and family.
This interview was originally answered in Chinese.
UNRAVEL: We were introduced to you by our friends at PFLAG China. What did you and your father think about sharing a story at Unravel when you first heard about the show?
BEING: I am willing to try new things, so I immediately agreed, there was no concern. But my dad is still a little embarrassed, he has never attended such an occasion, and he is worried that he will not speak well. My opinion is that on the one hand, sharing this story is based on the consideration of public welfare, on the other hand, it can make your own story full of positive energy infect more people who need courage. So, why not?
UNRAVEL: What did the experience of sharing your story in front of an audience mean to you?
BEING: I think this is a good opportunity to show the open and inclusive qualities of the new generation of Chinese to friends from different cultures. After all, the feelings of the Chinese people to the outside world are always conservative. But now the information is very open. Many Chinese families have the opportunity to come into contact with different concepts and concepts of life. They have been in line with the current era on many issues that have been cautious. It is a good opportunity to eliminate prejudice. And we did have some positive impact on the audience, which is the most valuable outcome.
UNRAVEL: What was it like to translate your Dad’s story in front of this audience?
BEING: I feel that my English is finally coming in handy! After graduating from college, I rarely use it, and it was a translation for my father. It was never anticipated, so I felt very special. I really felt that the traditional concept of "the son is the continuation of the father" played its own value. It is a great feeling that dad can convey his thoughts to the wider world with a simple expression and without any scruples.
UNRAVEL: What has being involved with PFLAG China done for you and your family?
BEING: PFLAG has helped my parents let go of their burdens and now they are very happy. They don't have the negative feelings of regret like before, so I really appreciate PFLAG’s enlightenment to my parents.
UNRAVEL: Your story is so accessible and inspiring. What message do you hope your story can share with other parents and families of LGBTQ+ individuals in China? In the wider world?
BEING: I hope that through our sharing, more LGBTQ children will have the courage (depending on the family situation, not all children are as lucky as I am) to try and show their truest side to their closest people and gradually gain their understanding. I believe that parents who love children will not be stubborn. Many LGBTQ children can show their own orientation to their friends, even classmates and colleagues, but they are reluctant to talk to their parents. Of course, this is also to avoid the sadness of parents, but this is really the sad thing: If you don’t come out of the closet for a lifetime, your family cannot know the truest you for the rest of their lives. The times are improving. I believe that more and more people will dare to be their true selves and more and more parents will accept it.
If you want to learn more about or keep up with the work of PFLAG China,
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