Fudan University.

Many residents of the culturally traditional and politically conservative nation of China are still not ready to accept their gay and lesbian fellow citizens. But some young Chinese are ready to learn about them.

Responding to student demand, the prestigious Fudan University in Shanghai caused a stir in August when it began offering the country's first class on homosexuality and gay culture. "1 used to teach gender study for undergraduates and found they were very interested in the topic of homosexuality," said professor Sun Zhongxin, one of the course's instructors.

Several hundred students quickly applied for the class's 100 openings, and "more students are still applying," Sun said.