In brief
An aspiring influencer, Ling’er, won a settlement after being held in a hospital and subjected to electroshock therapy, becoming the first transgender person in China to sue for conversion therapy.
Ling’er, a 28-year-old aspiring influencer from eastern China, endured a tough journey after coming out as transgender. Facing family rejection and job discrimination, her situation worsened when her parents sent her to a hospital for "conversion therapy." She was held against her will for three months and subjected to electroshock treatment, despite her protests. Determined to seek justice, Ling’er filed a lawsuit against the hospital for the unwanted treatment. In a historic move, a Chinese court accepted her case, leading to a significant settlement that she hopes to use to rebuild her life and start a business. This landmark case is a beacon of hope for L.G.B.T.Q. advocacy in China, coming at a time when such rights are threatened. Despite the overall decline in support for L.G.B.T.Q. issues in the country, Ling’er’s case garnered sympathetic media coverage, sparking discussions about the rights of transgender individuals. As China continues to crack down on civil society, Ling’er's victory stands out as a powerful testament to resilience within the fight for equality.
