10 same-sex couples travelled this week from China, where the government does not recognize marriage equality, to claim their prizes in a West Hollywood, a hub for LA's LGBT community: destination weddings for each couple. The winners were selected through an online video contest hosted by one of the world's largest e-commerce companies, Alibaba, which is based in China. More than 400 entries explaining why each couple should be chosen were submitted.
Being gay was decriminalized in China in 1997, but marriage for same-sex couples is not legal. Though their marriages will not be legally recognized in China, the city of West Hollywood welcomes these ceremonies as a symbol of marriage equality to raise awareness and foster acceptance for same-sex couples' marriages in China.
Mayor Lindsey Horvath will officiate at the ceremony tomorrow. This endorsement keeps with the city's history of support for LGBT acceptance; city officials also presided over special wedding ceremonies following the repeal of California's Proposition 8 in 2008.
The Beijing LGBT Center, PFLAG China, China Luxury Advisors, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Taobao (a Chinese online shopping venue), and Blued (a Chinese app for gay, bisexual, and questioning men) come together to support this event. GLAAD has also provided support by helping the couples garner media attention as they celebrate their relationships this week.
