A gay man in Beijing who married his boyfriend's sister for relocation compensation died in a traffic accident, sparking an estate dispute among his wife, lover, and parents. The couple had been in a 10-year relationship and often posed as father and son in public.
Xu Tian, a 48-year-old Beijing native and senior executive at a state-owned company, had been in a 10-year relationship with his boyfriend, Xue Chong, a doctor two years his junior. Neighbors said the gay couple often posed as father and son in public.
Both families knew about their relationship and quietly accepted it. China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and later removed it from its mental illness register. Acceptance has grown in first-tier cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu.
To secure relocation compensation from a demolition project, Xu Tian married Xue Chong's sister. However, Xu Tian was killed in a road accident while riding a bicycle, struck by a car. This tragedy ignited a bitter legal dispute over his estate, involving his wife, Xue Chong, and his parents, centered on insurance payouts, inheritance, and property rights.
The case highlights tensions between traditional family structures and evolving personal relationships in China. While the law recognizes the marriage, the status of same-sex partnerships in inheritance remains unclear. The lawsuit is ongoing, with no final ruling yet.