Dozens of writers of LGBTQ+ erotica have been arrested in China in a bid to crack down on ‘pornographic’ content, media in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan have reported.
Censors have now targeted as many as 50 authors in the eastern province of Anhui as part of a special operation, which will tackle what it sees as “vulgar or illegal content”.
Many were arrested after publishing on the Taiwan-based erotica website Haitang Literature, which allows authors to earn money through tips and subscriptions.
One of the most popular genres on the website is ‘danmei’ — romantic and sexual relationships between men.
‘One of my friends is an author, who was released on bail, called me from a new phone and told us to be prepared,’ one writer posted to the gaming bulletin board NGA.
Another post referred to ‘a nationwide crackdown,’ adding that the Chinese distributor of the website has been targeted.
How the writers are sentenced under Chinese law depends on how much money they make, with some potentially facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Only last week, it was reported that Chinese authorities abruptly cancelled several performances from Jin Xing, a well-known trans dancer and TV host, sparking fears of Beijing’s tightening grip on the ideological and cultural expression of the LGBTQ+ community.
