China's recent campaign against young female writers of gay erotica, known as "danmei," has spurred significant concern and debate across social media. At least 30 women, primarily in their 20s, have faced arrest for allegedly breaching obscenity laws relating to their work on platforms like Haitang Literature City. Many writers recount humiliating experiences, including arrests and forced examinations, while a supportive community of lawyers has stepped in to assist in their defense.
The danmei genre, reminiscent of a gay Fifty Shades of Grey, has gained immense popularity among young Chinese women, often providing a creative outlet for discussing taboo subjects like sexuality and desire. Contrarily, these authors are facing harsher scrutiny compared to heterosexual erotic content, underscoring a systemic bias against gay narratives.
Online discussions opposing the censorship have erupted, with many questioning the appropriateness of existing laws and societal shame surrounding sexuality. Despite backlash, some women remain adamant about their writing's significance, striving to maintain their voices even in the face of legal risks. As tensions around gender and expression persist in China, the future of danmei writers hangs in the balance amidst ongoing state control and societal stigma.
