I’ve been thinking about the cultural ecosystem of top-level Go compared to other sports. Currently, there is zero LGBT visibility among elite male Go professionals. This phenomenon is actually quite similar to top level Chess.
Go has a heavy historical and cultural weight in East Asia, often associated with traditional philosophies and strict etiquette. The player training system is very closed-off, and the professional scene relies heavily on conservative corporate sponsorships.
While international and younger audiences would likely be very supportive, I imagine a top player coming out could face a very complicated situation back home.
I’d love to hear the forum’s thoughts on this:
How do you think national Go associations and major sponsors would react?
Is the lack of openly gay players due to the intense, isolated training environment, or the fear of public backlash?
Do you see this traditional mindset changing anytime
If you are talking about top pros from China/Japan/Korea, I expect the cultures of those countries in general for public figures and their private lives / sexuality are more relevant than the specifics of them being Go players.
Also whilst I can’t name a gay top pro off the top of my head, it doesn’t mean someone who follows the Asian go media couldn’t. Also I expect there are some at least known within closed circles if not openly.
There is a top European player who is LGBTx. You won’t find many L elite male Go players though…
P.S There are currently no openly gay English premier league footballers (there are some past ones).
What does it matter what we think? It is neither our job nor our culture nor our money, therefore most of us here are totally outside the scope of such questions, unless we live in East Asia or we have lived there and know the culture.
Maybe I’m a bit outdated on this topic (hopefully I’m wrong and things are getting better), but my understanding is that there are practically zero openly gay public figures in mainland China, and I believe the reason is mainly due to fear of severe public and government backlash.
What do you mean by this “phenomenon of zero visibility”? Do you suggest there are closeted gays and ask what would happen if they came out? This sounds like a question for WeChat.
Are the player strong and honest? That’s all I care about. Anyone who doesn’t cheat should be allowed to play, and to advance through the ranks the same as anyone else.