Shanghai kicks off China gay pride week

China's first Gay Pride Week kicked off in Shanghai on Sunday, but without the customary street celebrations as organisers sought to maintain a low profile and steer clear of official approval.

Instead, gays and lesbians in Shanghai will hold film screenings, workshops, art exhibitions and charity events, while an all-day party is scheduled for June 13, organiser Tiffany Lemay told AFP.

"We have consulted a lawyer to determine how safe this is, and he suggested that we not apply for approval or consult with the government," Lemay said.

"All of our events will be open to the public, but they will be held at private venues. So there will be no events in public spaces or in parks."

Homosexuality has long been a taboo subject in China with gay sex decriminalised only in 1997, while homosexual behaviour was officially viewed as a mental disorder until 2001.

The event is largely being organised by foreign expatriates in Shanghai in coordination with the domestic Rainbow League, which boasts about 2,000 members, Lemay, 32, an American, said.

The week-long event will raise funds through donations and corporate sponsorship for Hong Kong's Chi Heng Foundation with proceeds going to its China AIDS Orphan Project, she said.

Promoting tolerance and acceptance for gay and lesbian lifestyles will be the theme of the week's events, Lemay added.

Organisers estimate that there are up to 200,000 homosexuals in Shanghai and hope to draw up to 2,000 visitors to the week-long event.

According to China Daily, there are up to 30 million gay men and women in China, just under 3 per cent of the nation's total population.