At least 30 individuals, primarily women in their twenties, have been arrested in China for writing and publishing gay erotica, known as 'danmei', on a Taiwan-based platform. These individuals may face charges of producing and distributing obscene material, with potential jail sentences exceeding 10 years for those who earned profits. The crackdown has led to censorship and the disappearance of social media accounts, although discussions are occurring online. Danmei, inspired by Japanese boys' love manga, is popular among young women as a means to explore alternative relationships. Homosexuality was decriminalised in China in 1997, yet same-sex marriage and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals remain absent.
Chinese authorities have arrested at least 30 writers, mostly women in their 20s, since February for publishing gay erotic fiction known as 'danmei' on the Taiwan-based platform Haitang Literature City.
The crackdown has sparked online debate and offers of legal support from lawyers, though discussions are increasingly being censored and writers' social media accounts are disappearing.
Danmei, inspired by Japanese boys' love manga, has become a hugely popular genre among young Chinese women as a creative outlet to explore relationships outside traditional gender roles.
Homosexuality was decriminalised in China in 1997, but same-sex marriage is not recognised and there are no legal protections to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination.
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