Dutch photographer Sarah Mei Herman has documented the lives of four lesbian university students in Xiamen, China, through a long-term portrait project [1], [2].
The project highlights the persistent social taboos surrounding homosexuality in China. By capturing the private lives of these women, the work illustrates the gap between urban modernization and the social acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities.
Herman first met the students in 2014 [1]. She has continued to follow the four women [2] from that time up to the present, creating a visual record of their growth and the obstacles they face in a society where lesbian love remains socially forbidden [1].
Located in southeastern China, Xiamen serves as the backdrop for the series. The coastal city provides a contrast between its outward development and the internal pressures felt by the students. Because Chinese society continues to treat homosexuality as taboo, many lesbian couples are forced to hide their relationships from family and peers [1].
The portraits focus on the intimacy and secrecy required to maintain these bonds. The project suggests that while legal frameworks may differ from criminalization, the social cost of visibility remains high for young women in the region [1].
Through this longitudinal study, Herman captures the emotional toll of living a double life. The images serve as a testament to the resilience of the four students as they navigate academic pressures, and societal expectations, while seeking personal authenticity [1], [2].
“Lesbian love remains socially forbidden in China.”
This project provides a rare longitudinal glimpse into the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in China. It underscores that social stigma often persists independently of official legal status, creating a climate of invisibility for lesbian women in regional urban centers like Xiamen.
