In a concerning crackdown on creativity, Chinese authorities have detained dozens of writers engaged in creating Boys' Love – a genre popular for its romantic tales between male characters, mostly enjoyed by hetero women. The genre gained traction in the 1990s, offering an alternative narrative of love and romance that differed from traditional portrayals. However, the rising popularity has also attracted the attention of state regulators who now deem certain content as “vulgar” and a potential threat to societal norms.
Recent reports indicate that at least 12 authors were charged with obscenity in Anhui Province, a move that demonstrates the intensity of the crackdown. This summer, a graduate student from southern China who self-published her romance novel, which includes steamy scenes, faced potential prison time for her work, having earned less than $400 from it.
The Boys' Love genre, once celebrated in dramas and online content, has seen a sharp decline as more adaptations are canceled, and gay themes become increasingly censored. A notable case from 2018 involved a well-known author receiving a ten-year prison sentence, further instilling fear among creatives. As the chasm between the art world and state ideologies widens, many fear the loss of diverse storytelling within Chinese literature.
Recent reports indicate that at least 12 authors were charged with obscenity in Anhui Province, a move that demonstrates the intensity of the crackdown. This summer, a graduate student from southern China who self-published her romance novel, which includes steamy scenes, faced potential prison time for her work, having earned less than $400 from it.
The Boys' Love genre, once celebrated in dramas and online content, has seen a sharp decline as more adaptations are canceled, and gay themes become increasingly censored. A notable case from 2018 involved a well-known author receiving a ten-year prison sentence, further instilling fear among creatives. As the chasm between the art world and state ideologies widens, many fear the loss of diverse storytelling within Chinese literature.
