Loading...
The Heart Beat The Heart Beat blog

True love stories: Elderly gay couple marry in China

A same-sex couple in China has shared their wedding with the world.

By Kristin Wong Feb 8, 2013 4:18PM

Marriage equality is a struggle in the U.S., but in China, it's even more challenging. After all, it was just 1997 that the country decriminalized homosexuality. 

So when a gay Chinese couple decided to have a wedding ceremony and share it with the world, their story went viral.

Photo: Elderly gay couple marry in China / weibo.com via shehui.daqi.comMore on MSN Living8 signs you're too bossy in bed

The men, who refer to themselves as "Da Bao" (big treasure) and "Xiao Bao" (small treasure), posted their wedding photos on Weibo, China's version of Twitter.

"There is nothing wrong with two elderly people falling into love," the couple said on their account. "If even two old men are brave enough to love, what are you young people waiting for?"

More on MSN Living: What his sex signals really mean

Da Bao and Xiao Bao gained over 12,000 fans, but they also garnered a lot of harsh criticism.

"Being together has been tough," they admitted. "Few people support us, except a few of our older friends."

Indeed, even the couple's wedding wasn't what they hoped it would be. Da Bao's son came to the ceremony to mock the couple, kick over tables and attack guests.

"It's disappointing that outsiders can bless us but not my own son," Da Bao wrote.

Da Bao, a retired and divorced history teacher, told the South China Morning Post that he met Xiao Bao when he was delivering bottled water to him. The two fell in love, and, despite China not recognizing their union, they decided to vow their lives to each other.

"Like many retired couples, they spend their time together reading, playing board games and doing outdoor activities," the Post reports.

The couple was inspired by China's "Big Love" campaign, which was started by lawmakers and celebrities in Hong Kong to raise awareness about a new law that seeks to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.

"We won't part till we die," the couple said. "We will strive to be together no matter how hard and painful it is."

Bing: Donald Trump speaks out against gay marriage.

More from The Heart Beat:
Bride beats huge brain tumor before wedding
Study: BMW drivers more likely to cheat
Couple marries amid monsoon

Love content like this? Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and find us on Pinterest    

Photo: weibo.com via shehui.daqi.com

love: friendship, dating, sex & marriage

  • (Clockwise from top, left) A Food Court proposal, A NY Rangers game proposal, Hayley Roberts & David Hasselhoff &  'The Footy Show'

    Marriage proposals gone wrong

    What's worse than getting snubbed while proposing? Having your heart broken in front of countless strangers.

  • Bridesmaids/”5 people who might try to ruin your wedding”/ Photo: Vue Photography / The Knot

    5 people who might try to ruin your wedding

    We asked brides on TheKnot.com to tell all -- and they did. Here, five of the most likely culprits and advice for how to deal with your drama-causing guests along the way.

  • Make eye contact to flirt

    The best ways to flirt

    This short course in flirting will not only teach you how to flirt better but also how to tell when someone is flirting with you—and how to respond. Have fun.

  • Engagement Ring/”Great Gatsby-Inspired Wedding Details”/ Photo: Timeless Designs/ The Knot

    10 'Great Gatsby'-inspired wedding details

    Gatsby glamour doesn’t have to just live on the big screen! Embrace the trendy (yet timeless) art deco style with sequins, pearls, feathers and geometric patterns. Check out these art deco ideas and achieve the feel of 1920s decadence. By the way, all of these are affordable, except for the $600 hairpiece which is a splurge, but a knockout. Shop the look!

  • Summer fling signs

    Summer love: Is it a fling or the real thing?

    Wondering if your summer love will last? Here are 15 signs if your seasonal love is fleeting or for real.

  • Rose and Jack

    The most memorable star-crossed movie couples

    Sixteen years after "Titanic’s" release—and 101 years after the historic ship’s notorious sinking—our hearts still go on for star-crossed lovers Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) and Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio). We rounded up some of our favorite ill-fated, but oh-so-romantic affairs on film, from "Gone with the Wind" to "Moulin Rouge!".

  • Keep mystery about your body

    How to flirt with your husband

    Flirting shouldn't be retired once you've got the ring. We asked relationship expert Harlan Cohen, as well as real husbands, the best way to keep the sparks flying.

  • Getty Images // Getty

    Your man questions, manswered

    When we're annoyed by male behavior, we turn to columnist Aaron Traister. His logic may be strange, but we have to admit, it's pretty helpful. Here, he answers our many questions for guys.

  • Keep your own life

    7 ways to jump-start your sex drive

    Author Amanda Robb talks to clinical psychologist David Schnarch, Ph.D., author of Passionate Marriage: Keeping Love and Intimacy Alive in Committed Relationships and Intimacy and Desire: Awaken the Passion in Your Relationship, to discover the ways she can relight the fire in her own relationship. What she learned just might help you wake up your own libido.

  • Prince William and Kate Middleton on their wedding day

    Most expensive weddings of all time

    The average wedding costs $28,000. Think that's pricey? You're in for a surprise. We've rounded up some of the most expensive weddings of all time. See if you can guess how much was dropped on these over-the-top affairs, then click through to Bing to see if you're right.

  • Have constructive arguments with your spouse

    Sorry, we are not breaking up!

    A guide to staying together forever…straight from divorce lawyers! They know what tears couples apart, and they’ll tell you how to avoid it.

  • A woman reading a racy book

    Weirdest reasons people have divorced

    We've come across some odd tales of lost love. Here's our list of the weirdest reasons people have divorced.

about kristin wong
Loading...
buzzing now on msn living
Loading...
The Heart Beat is a Great Dating Blogs Winner The Heart Beat is a Great Dating Blogs Winner
relationship videos
editor's picks
Loading...