In China’s conservative society, LGBT individuals have long been living under the radar, even after same-sex relationships were decriminalised in the late ‘90s. Yet a wind of change is blowing and social media is helping this community emerge as a consumer group of great interest for brands.

Less than a year since India legalised homosexuality, Bollywood has released its first lesbian romance. The rom-com tells the story of a family coming to terms with its daughter’s sexuality, but the film's marketing highlights its mainstream rather than groundbreaking features.

Though the stand-up scene in India is relatively young, it has been just as male-dominated as in the Western world. But as more female comics take to the stage and gain popularity, they’re using their platform to challenge prevailing stereotypes that resign women to domestic roles.

From stereotyping to sidelined characters, mainstream depictions of LGBTQ issues often miss the mark. Yet with a channel dedicated to LGBTQ creations, CANAL+ is looking to bring authentic LGBTQ issues and experiences into the spotlight for French and French-speaking viewers.