The last place I worked at had many laowai, some of whom hated each other's guts. Next time, I'll work for a Chinese employer who only employs a couple of FT's. For some reason there are FT's who are ultra competitive and self-serving in the mix in China. I can well do without meeting 'em. They are much more devious than the Chinese - at least I can read the latter's thoughts and emotions easily.

Personally, I feel that homophobia, along with any kind of racism/discrimination has no place in the workplace, esp. a school office. Whether one is gay, has no bearing on their ability/due dilligence as a teacher.

What is the classroom or the office is class/work time.

Outside of that, personal time, that is, as long as all marking gets done at home, and lets face it, noone likes lesson prep/marking:)

As for some FT's being cunning, par for the course in China alas. What do you expect when no CRB is carried out?

Reading the Chinese thoughts and emotions easily....hmmmm? Depends what face they are wearing don't you think?