Why men have it worse than women

In China, Lalas (lesbians) don't attract as much attention as Comrades (gays) as the latter often come under the spotlight in connection with anti-HIV/AIDS movements. Moreover, China's patriarchal society means gays are the targets of the harsher insults.

At a Valentine's Day event aimed at promoting gay rights, Dana (not her real name), 24, got positive feedback as she stood on Beijing's busy Qianmen Street, while Zhang Yi, 35, was met with suspicion and ridicule.

A decade older than Dana, Zhang recalls having limited access to resources when he realized he was gay. At the peak of his frustration, he even tried to slit his wrist.