Chinese gays marry to hide their homosexuality

Homosexuality in China was decriminalized years ago, but pressure from parents and society often means that gay men go to extreme lengths to hide their sexuality.

Xiyadie, a master of the traditional art of paper-cutting, grew up in a village in central China, where he said he felt trapped.

"I was wondering why I different from the others," he said. "I thought I had a problem."

He repressed his feelings for men and agreed to an arranged marriage. He had two children with his wife, but it took him years to tell her who he really was.

Prof. Li Yinhe said the pressure in China to marry and produce children is intense, adding that one of the worst things a Chinese person can do is not produce grandchildren for their parents.

Xiyadie said he will stay with his wife, no matter how complicated the relationship.

CBC's Catherine Mercier has more from Beijing on the social implications of gay men marrying women.