As the sun sets over the city, a graduate student in southern China reflects on her passion for storytelling. In her free time, she created a romantic novel that captured the hearts of a niche audience, weaving the tale of two male lovers through 75 chapters of adventure and intimacy. Despite earning just under $400 through self-publishing, her literary dream hangs by a thread as Chinese authorities intensify their crackdown on gay erotic fiction.
This crackdown has unfolded across multiple provinces, affecting dozens of authors—mainly young women—who delve into the Boys’ Love genre, which has been popular since the 1990s. Reports indicate that at least 12 writers faced trial in Anhui Province on obscenity charges, with more investigations emerging in places like Gansu. Consequences for these authors have been severe, with some facing substantial fines and sentences extending to several years in prison for producing content deemed obscene.
Rooted in Japan, Boys' Love fiction centers on romantic relationships between men, with a significant following in China that challenges traditional narratives around gender and sexuality. At its height during the 2010s, the genre served as a launching pad for prominent television dramas and propelled several male actors to stardom. However, increasing scrutiny from state media, which labels such stories as "vulgar," has led to canceled shows and stricter regulations on gay-themed content.
The recent wave of censorship reflects a broader trend within the Chinese government as it tightens its grip on cultural expressions that diverge from accepted norms. A standout case in 2018 involved a well-known author receiving a ten-year prison sentence for similar obscenity charges, igniting outrage among fans and casting a shadow over the future of queer literature in the country.
As writers continue to face this existential threat, the intersection of art and authority raises critical questions about freedom of expression and the place of LGBTQ narratives in contemporary Chinese society.
