The first gay pride week in China is being held in Shanghai this week. The organisers are attempting to avoid too much publicity and have not sought official approval.

The events include workshops, film screenings and an opera performed by transvestites.

The gay pride week was organised by two American women who have lived in Shanghai for several years. They say the fact that the event can be held at all shows that China is a modern and tolerant country. Sex between members of the same sex was illegal until 1997.