Li Shiu Tong

Chinese physician and writer

Li Shiu Tong (1907 – 1993) was a Chinese physician, writer, and notable figure in the history of sexology. He was a student and later the partner of the German sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld. Li played a significant role in the development of sexology and was involved in the activities of the Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin.

Early Life and Education

Li Shiu Tong was born in 1907 in Hong Kong, which was then a British colony. He was the son of a wealthy Chinese family, which allowed him to pursue education abroad. Li initially studied medicine in Hong Kong and later moved to Germany to further his studies.

Career and Contributions

Involvement with Magnus Hirschfeld

Li Shiu Tong

Li Shiu Tong met Magnus Hirschfeld in the early 1930s while studying in Berlin. Hirschfeld was a pioneering sexologist and the founder of the Institute for Sexual Science. Li became deeply involved with the institute's work, contributing to research and publications on sexology.

Li's relationship with Hirschfeld was both professional and personal. He accompanied Hirschfeld on his world lecture tour from 1931 to 1932, during which they visited several countries to promote the study of sexology and advocate for sexual reform.

Work in Sexology

Li Shiu Tong's work in sexology was influenced by his experiences at the Institute for Sexual Science. He was particularly interested in the cultural aspects of sexuality and how they varied across different societies. His contributions to the field included research on sexual orientation and gender identity, topics that were considered controversial at the time.

Later Life

After the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany, the Institute for Sexual Science was closed, and its archives were destroyed. Li Shiu Tong left Germany and eventually settled in Canada. He continued to write and lecture on topics related to sexology and medicine.

Legacy

Li Shiu Tong is remembered as a significant figure in the history of sexology. His work helped to bridge cultural gaps in the understanding of human sexuality and contributed to the early development of the field. Despite the challenges he faced, including the destruction of the institute's work by the Nazis, Li's contributions have had a lasting impact on the study of sexology.

Related Pages

• Magnus Hirschfeld
• Institute for Sexual Science
• Sexology
• History of sexology