Historical Homos
Rabbit F*ggot aka Tu'Er Shen: The God of Gay in Imperial China
Oct 19, 2023
The podcast featuring Rabbit F*ggot aka Tu'Er Shen, The God of Gay in Imperial China explores queer love stories in Chinese literature, the origins and cultural significance of the Rabbit God, changing attitudes towards queer people in China and the US, and the importance of straight allies in supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
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Quick takeaways
- The cult of Tu Ar Shen, the rabbit god, survived persecution in ancient China and has experienced a revival in Taiwan, reflecting changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in the region.
- The acceptance of same-sex relationships in ancient China, the influence of European moral codes, and the suppression and revival of the Tu Ar Shen cult demonstrate the complex relationship between LGBTQ+ individuals and traditional cultural practices in China.
Deep dives
The Cult of Tu Ar Shen: A Revival of Worship
The gay cult of Tu Ar Shen, the rabbit god, had been forced underground in the 19th century due to anti-corruption campaigns. However, in 2005, a gay daoist priest named Lu Weiming opened a shrine in Taiwan for gay believers to worship Tu Ar Shen. The shrine attracts around 9,000 pilgrims each year, seeking blessings for love and the fulfillment of desires. Lu Weiming also performs gay love ceremonies, offering a space for queer Chinese people to celebrate their love and find comfort in the deity. The revived worship of Tu Ar Shen demonstrates the changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in Taiwan and the growing acceptance of same-sex relationships.
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