He gave 178 lectures, plus radio interviews. It was neither an illness nor a sin, and the persecution of homosexuality was unjust. In his lectures, Hirschfeld explained his influential model of homosexuality: It was a character trait that people were born with, a part of their nature. Li then accompanied Hirschfeld on a lecture tour around the world, traveling first class on ships to Indonesia, the Philippines, South Asia, Egypt and beyond. With Li by his side, Hirschfeld spoke all over China. It was the beginning of a relationship that would profoundly shape gay history, as well as the rest of both of their lives. When Hirschfeld finished speaking, Li came up and introduced himself. The lecture that afternoon was hosted by a Chinese feminist club at a fancy, modern apartment building.
Magnus Hirschfeld and Li Shiu Tong appear on a 1933 issue of the French magazine Viola.
