Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Content and Expression in China

Authors Face Prosecution for "Obscene" Gay Erotica

Dozens of writers, predominantly young women, have been arrested in China since February, accused of violating pornography laws for publishing "danmei" literature—a genre of boys' love and erotic fiction—primarily hosted on the Taiwan-based platform Haitang Literature City.

A lawyer representing the writers told the BBC that many more authors were questioned, some even facing questioning for merely reading the material.

A Targeted Assault on a Popular Genre

The accusations stem from China's pornography law, which targets "explicit descriptions of gay sex or other sexual perversions." Heterosexual depictions are often treated more leniently, highlighting a potential bias against gay erotica, which is deemed more subversive.

This legal approach has sparked significant debate, with legal scholars expressing concern about the low threshold for criminal "distribution" of "obscene" material—even a few views could qualify.

The Impact of Censorship and Prosecution

The crackdown has led to a chilling effect on online discussion.

Weibo posts related to the arrests and legal aid efforts were censored, with prominent news sites removing stories. Social media accounts and handles associated with the writers have disappeared. Some writers, like Pingping Anan Yongfu, have deleted their accounts after facing public backlash and threats from police.

The Writers' Stories of Persecution

These writers describe confronting authorities who searched their homes and interrogated them.

Their experience includes being pulled out of class by police and public shaming. The arrest of individuals, even for indirect involvement, reflects a broad-reaching attempt to curb online expression. A lawyer reported an overwhelming number of requests for legal consultation, indicating a widespread sense of fear amongst the affected writers.

The Significance of Danmei Literature

Danmei, despite its focus on male protagonists, has flourished as a uniquely female creative outlet in China, offering a space for women to explore female desire and detach from traditional gender roles often associated with marriage and motherhood.

The genre has garnered significant popularity, with many novels adapted into successful films and television shows, showcasing its cultural influence.

Concerns Over Arbitrary Enforcement

The crackdown's methods have drawn concern, with accusations that local police have overstepped their authority.

Some authors reported traveling to Lanzhou to face questioning, despite not residing in that area.

Furthermore, the accusations of "obscenity" are often based on aggregated online views, which many authors deem an inaccurate measure of criminal intent.

Wider Context of LGBTQ+ Repression

This crackdown on danmei authors is part of a broader pattern of suppression against LGBTQ+ expression in China.

Reports of police raids on gay bars in China and elsewhere have mirrored the targeting of writers. These incidents highlight the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms around the world.

Call for Tolerance and Reform

The relentless targeting of danmei writers underscores the importance of defending freedom of expression and artistic creativity, even in the face of cultural and legal restrictions.

The writers and their supporters advocate for a more tolerant and just legal framework that respects the rights of all citizens.