Today is Valentine’s Day. You might not know how lucky you are in America to celebrate love openly and passionately. I never had that opportunity growing up in Communist China.

During the Cultural Revolution and years beyond that, romantic love was a forbidden subject and sexuality was banned. We were only allowed to show “love” at public when it is about love for Chairman Mao, love for the Communist Party, love for our motherland and communities. Even expressing your love to your family members and friends would be criticized. Holding hands together at public would be totally denounced and humiliated. Mao and Communist Party wanted our undivided affection and loyalty.

Girls were required to wear unisex clothing and have a uniform hair style like in this picture. Feminine clothing and behavior would be criticized. It was strictly forbidden to date during our school years. In middle school and high school, girls were encouraged to turn over any love letters from boys, so the boys could be denounced and embarrassed publically. Even in my college freshman year, we were told by the Communist Party Law School Secretary “to not to think about dating or marriage”, because we need to focus on our studies. Of course, some of us rebelled against party rule in college, at least in secret.

After so many years of repression of sexuality, China today is quietly going through sexual revolution, especially among the younger generations. That is a subject to discuss another day.

I always treasure Valentine’s Day and happy to see people celebrate love in any way they see fit. Love anyone you want is a part of individual freedom, expression and desire that cannot be controlled and exterminated.

Happy Valentine’s Day, I love you all.

If you like my personal stories and freedom messages, please contribute to my campaign for U.S.Senate by going to my web site: www.lily4liberty.com. You generosity is very much appreciated. Trust me to fight for your freedom because I have been fighting for freedom all my life.

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