To Kill The Chicken

Same-sex marriage remains unrecognized and even illegal in China, as well as in most Asian countries. The main reason behind this is the traditional belief in China that individuals must marry and continue the family lineage, which is considered of utmost importance. As a result, thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals in China are afraid to come out and either choose to enter into a heterosexual marriage or remain single. Every year during the Spring Festival, which is a time for family reunions, unmarried individuals who have reached a certain age are often criticized and pressured by family members. The Spring Festival has become a nightmare for many in the LGBT community. As a member of the LGBT community myself, I have witnessed too many cases of gay individuals being coerced by their parents into marrying someone of the opposite sex.

In such a social climate, it is not fair to solely blame either the parents or the children. Parents have been raised and influenced by different education and environments compared to modern young people. The topic of same-sex marriage may have never existed in the world of the previous generation. Self-identity is a common challenge we face in our generation. We are trying to find our place amidst the flood of information and the tremendous changes of our time. However, the previous generations faced different challenges related to survival and seizing opportunities to improve their lives or achieve upward social mobility. It is difficult for two generations in such distinct circumstances to reconcile their differences.

In this short film, I aim to focus the camera on the more conservative backdrop of rural China, exploring how a homosexual man navigates a conversation with his parents in a rigid and conservative societal environment, as he seeks understanding and acceptance from within.