Summary
Ling’er, a 28-year-old transgender woman in China, won a record 60,000 yuan ($8,200 USD) in compensation after being subjected to involuntary electroshock conversion therapy at a hospital.
Her parents admitted her in 2022, opposing her gender identity, and she endured seven sessions over 97 days, causing lasting health issues.
The court ruled her personal rights were violated, marking the first legal victory for a trans person against such practices in China.
LGBTQ+ advocates hailed the decision, highlighting persistent challenges and legal grey areas surrounding conversion practices in the country.
“Record payout” of 8,000 dollars vs a lifetime of trauma. Tough choice
This is not the right way to put it. She won 60,000 CNY, not 8,000 USD. A “low-wage” worker at a fast food restaurant or a coffee shop in the city earns 20-30 CNY per hour.
This is a pretty substantial payout by Chinese standards. At the same time, China doesn’t recognise “punitive” damages or “emotional damages” as a thing. The response to the notion of “punitive damages” is “don’t you mean a fine?”, and that to “emotional damages” is that “there is no such thing, you can just get over it”.
not just trauma but also heart problems that require medication…
incredibly fucked up but the hospital getting a slap on the wrist is a good first step at least.