Ĭhinese literature recorded multiple anecdotes of man engaging in homosexual relationships. : 174 It is believed homosexuality was popular in the Song, Ming and Qing dynasties. Still, there are also descriptions of lesbians in some history books. In contrast, the role of women is given little positive emphasis in Chinese history, with records of lesbianism being especially rare. Confucianism, being primarily a social and political philosophy, focused little on sexuality, whether homosexual or heterosexual. Male homosexuality has been acknowledged in China since ancient times and was mentioned in many famous works of Chinese literature.