A new survey in China shows that the country is increasingly accepting of the homosexual community and of gay rights.

The first annual national research study regarding attitudes towards LGBT people shows that 80 percent of people in China now believe the LGBT community should have equal rights in the workplace, reports Gay Star News.

Like Us on Facebook

The survey was conducted by the Shanghai LGBT Professionals and Work For LGBT and Parents, Families, Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Data was collected between November 21 and 26 via online surveys, which obtained responses from 2,400 people across the country.

"This data shows how being out in life and at work impacts society, changing hearts and minds," Steven Paul Bielinski, founder of WorkForLGBT and Shanghai LGBT Professionals said in a statement.

"Those that know someone who is gay or lesbian in China are 35% more likely than those who don't to say society should accept homosexuality, 70% more likely to say their attitude has become more accepting of gays and lesbians over the past few years, and 74% more likely to say they support same-sex marriage."

Bielinski added, "Of course the data is exciting and encouraging, but it's not at all surprising to us that we are getting data that is consistently more open and honest about traditionally very personal matters.

"People are comfortable communicating and sharing information via digital devices and platforms as they don't feel they are being judged. We know this allows us to get more accurate reads on perceptions and opinions." 

TagsSurvey Finds China Increasingly Accepting of Gay Community, LGBT, Shanghai LGBT Professionals, Work For LGBT, parents, Families, Friends of Lesbians and Gays, PFLAG