Latest news with #Boys'Love
HKFP
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- HKFP
China's crackdown on gay erotica stifles rare outlet for LGBTQ expression
Chinese women who publish homoerotica online say they are being threatened with fines and jail time, as increasing enforcement of vague obscenity charges targets a rare space for LGBTQ identity and feminism. In recent months, Chinese police have detained dozens of writers on Haitang Literature City, a Taiwan-based website known for publishing serialised Boys' Love, a genre of erotic fiction mainly written and read by heterosexual women. Originating as a strand of Japanese manga comics in the 1960s known as 'yaoi', the genre has attracted a cult following in Asia and beyond, leading to popular screen adaptations and web series. The stories defy social stereotypes about the roles of men and women, a 22-year-old writer who asked to go by the pseudonym Miu Miu, told AFP. 'It's a kind of resistance… resisting a male-dominated society,' she said. The latest crackdown ensnared mostly amateur writers who earned little to nothing for their work. Under Chinese law, profiting from 'spreading obscene content' can lead to fines and prison. 'Serious' instances can carry jail terms of up to a decade. The obscenity law applies when someone's work gets at least 10,000 clicks or is 'used' to collect fees exceeding 10,000 yuan (nearly $1,400). While the law excludes 'artistic works or works of artistic value', that distinction is usually left to police. Embed from Getty Images 'The rules are outdated,' said a lawyer representing one of the authors and who asked not to be named due to the risk of repercussions. 'The general public's attitude towards sex is no longer the same as it was 30 or 40 years ago,' the lawyer added. One author phoned by police earned 2,000 yuan for two books with a total of 72 chapters that, combined, drew around 100,000 clicks. 'Are there really 100,000 people who have seen my work like they said? Are they really going to sentence me to three to five years?' the author wrote on Weibo. 'Don't they know how precious three to five years of life are?' Censors without borders The investigations have also renewed criticism of a practice known as 'distant water fishing', cross-provincial policing by cash-strapped local governments. The profit-driven enforcement typically involves authorities travelling to another jurisdiction and seizing a suspect's assets. Embed from Getty Images 'Police find this kind of stuff can make them money,' Liang Ge, a lecturer on digital sociology at University College London, said of the targeting of Boys' Love authors. In one case, a policeman from northwestern Lanzhou travelled 2,000 kilometres (more than 1,200 miles) to investigate a writer in her coastal hometown. She was driven to the police station and questioned for hours about her writing. She is currently on bail but could face criminal charges, which would disqualify her from taking China's civil service exam and positions in some hospitals and schools. Another 20-year-old author received a police summons which prompted her to travel hundreds of miles from the city of Chongqing to Lanzhou. On arrival police urged her to 'return the illegal income' she had earned from her writing to reduce her sentence. 'It's a very dirty practice,' said the lawyer, noting the central government in Beijing has issued several directives against it. 'Social awakening' Activists see the crackdown on alleged obscenity as part of a wider push to suppress LGBTQ expression — an effort that has expanded under President Xi Jinping. Embed from Getty Images China classified homosexuality as a crime until 1997 and a mental illness until 2001. Same-sex marriage is not legal and discrimination remains widespread. The Boys' Love genre — often lightly erotic but sometimes overtly explicit — has become increasingly censored as its popularity has boomed. Television adaptations have rewritten male lovers as friends, as same-sex relationships are banned from the screen. In 2018, a writer known by her pseudonym Tianyi was sentenced to over a decade in prison for earning $21,000 from a homoerotic novel about a teacher and his student. Last year, a court in Anhui province heard 12 cases involving spreading obscene content for profit, according to public records which do not give outcomes of the trials. Many in China 'feel less and less space to express themselves freely', said Ge, the lecturer and a longtime reader of Boys' Love. 'It's not just about posting something on social media, it's about reading something in their private life.' As news of the crackdown spread, Haitang users rushed to cancel their accounts. But writer Miu Miu said she has not given up hope she might be able to finish her favourite stories. 'Sexual knowledge has become taboo,' she said. 'This is a social awakening.'
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
China crackdown on gay erotica stifles rare outlet for LGBTQ expression
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The genre has attracted a cult following in Asia and beyond. BEIJING - Chinese women who publish homo-erotica online say they are being threatened with fines and jail time, as increasing enforcement of vague obscenity charges targets a rare space for LGBTQ identity and feminism. In recent months, Chinese police have detained dozens of writers on Haitang Literature City, a Taiwan-based website known for publishing serialised Boys' Love, a genre of erotic fiction mainly written and read by heterosexual women. Originating as a strand of Japanese manga comics in the 1960s known as 'yaoi', the genre has attracted a cult following in Asia and beyond, leading to popular screen adaptations and web series. The stories defy social stereotypes about the roles of men and women, a 22-year-old writer who asked to go by the pseudonym Miu Miu, told AFP. 'It's a kind of resistance... resisting a male-dominated society,' she said. The latest crackdown ensnared mostly amateur writers who earned little to nothing for their work. Under Chinese law, profiting from 'spreading obscene content' can lead to fines and prison. Serious instances can carry jail terms of up to a decade. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'pore boosts nuclear viability, safety research with new institute and $66m in additional funding Singapore NDP 2025: Leopard tank transmission fault identified, vehicle to resume role in mobile column Singapore Over 12,000 lower-income households to receive $60 in transport vouchers by end-July World Trump nominates 'alpha male' influencer to be ambassador to Malaysia Business CEO pay: At Singapore's top companies, whose pay went up and who saw a drop? Business Popiah king Sam Goi makes $123.5 million offer to buy rest of PSC Singapore Youth who performed lewd act on cat ordered to undergo probation Life Singer Jacky Cheung adds 3 more encore concerts in Singapore, bringing total to 6 shows The obscenity law applies when someone's work gets at least 10,000 clicks or is used to collect fees exceeding 10,000 yuan ( S$1,800) . While the law excludes 'artistic works or works of artistic value', that distinction is usually left to police. 'The rules are outdated,' said a lawyer representing one of the authors and who asked not to be named due to the risk of repercussions. 'The general public's attitude towards sex is no longer the same as it was 30 or 40 years ago,' the lawyer added. One author phoned by police earned 2,000 yuan for two books with a total of 72 chapters that, combined, drew around 100,000 clicks. 'Are there really 100,000 people who have seen my work like they said? Are they really going to sentence me to three to five years?' the author wrote on Weibo. 'Don't they know how precious three to five years of life are?' Censors without borders The investigations have also renewed criticism of a practice known as 'distant water fishing', cross-provincial policing by cash-strapped local governments. The profit-driven enforcement typically involves authorities travelling to another jurisdiction and seizing a suspect's assets. ' The police find this kind of stuff can make them money,' Dr Liang Ge, a lecturer on digital sociology at University College London, said of the targeting of Boys' Love authors. In one case, a policeman from north-western Lanzhou travelled 2,000 kilometres to investigate a writer in her coastal hometown. She was driven to the police station and questioned for hours about her writing. She is currently on bail but could face criminal charges, which would disqualify her from taking China's civil service exam and positions in some hospitals and schools. Another 20-year-old author received a police summons which prompted her to travel hundreds of miles from the city of Chongqing to Lanzhou. On arrival police urged her to 'return the illegal income' she had earned from her writing to reduce her sentence. 'It's a very dirty practice,' said the lawyer, noting the central government in Beijing has issued several directives against it. Social awakening Activists see the crackdown on alleged obscenity as part of a wider push to suppress LGBTQ expression – an effort that has expanded under President Xi Jinping. China classified homosexuality as a crime until 1997 and a mental illness until 2001. Same-sex marriage is not legal and discrimination remains widespread. The Boys' Love genre – often lightly erotic but sometimes overtly explicit – has become increasingly censored as its popularity has boomed. Television adaptations have rewritten male lovers as friends, as same-sex relationships are banned from the screen. In 2018, a writer known by her pseudonym Tianyi was sentenced to over a decade in prison for earning US$21,000 (S$26,900) from a homo-erotic novel about a teacher and his student. In 2024 , a court in Anhui province heard 12 cases involving spreading obscene content for profit, according to public records which do not give outcomes of the trials. Many in China 'feel less and less space to express themselves freely', said Dr Ge, the lecturer and a longtime reader of Boys' Love. 'It's not just about posting something on social media, it's about reading something in their private life.' As news of the crackdown spread, Haitang users rushed to cancel their accounts. But writer Miu Miu said she has not given up hope she might be able to finish her favourite stories. 'Sexual knowledge has become taboo,' she said. 'This is a social awakening.' AFP
Bangkok Post
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
PRIDE IN ACTION
From donning rainbow-coloured outfits to marching in the annual Pride parade or cheering glamorous idols from favourite Boys' Love (BL) series, the Thai LGBTI community has advanced from making themselves seen and heard to making policy changes that foster a more equal and inclusive society. The Marriage Equality Act early this year marks a monumental step towards gender equality for Thailand -- the first country in Southeast Asia to endorse such a law. The legislation, allowing any two individuals 18 or older to register their marriage and receive the same benefits and rights as heterosexual couples, epitomises the collective drive for tangible, more realistic outcomes shaping the LGBTI agenda at present. However, challenges still remain. Not only must more than 50 other laws from the Surrogacy Bill and Gender Recognition Bill to employment and welfare-related bills be amended to ensure equal and inclusive protections for LGBTI communities, but continued effort must also be made to deepen understanding, confront remaining biases and connect diverse voices across generations and interests. This special issue covers panel discussions at the recent Bangkok Post's "2025 Pride in Action: Together Now, Together Always", forum held on June 25 at Lido Connect. The event highlighted change makers from various sectors, including government representatives, corporate leaders, celebrities and creators who are forging legal protection, ensuring equal support in the workplace as well as cultivating authentic cultural representation of the group in the media. Among the issues discussed were "Law Out Loud", featuring the advancement of LGBTI rights in Thailand and "Scene Stealers -- LGBTI Stories In Culture", delving into their cultural representation and influence on society and the massive potential of Thai BL or Series Y drama as Thailand's hottest soft power export. The "Life of Pride" issue is also complemented by an in-depth interview with director Krisda Withayakhajorndet of the well-known KinnPorsche The Series, discussing the need to abandon the toned-down label of Series Y and call the product by its genuine name as a gay series, and conversations with new-generation LGBTI from various professions who share their insights on remaining hurdles that Thailand should overcome when it comes to addressing gender diversity issues. There is also a colourful feature story on the first queer exhibition by Myanmar LGBTI artists which is on view at SAC Gallery until Aug 9, plus infographics developed from Mahidol University and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth)'s new study giving a peek into the increasingly fluid landscape of gender diversity in Thailand.
Deccan Herald
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
Chinese police detain dozens of writers over gay erotic online novels
At the center of the crackdown is Boys' Love, a genre of romance between men that is mostly written and read online, and mostly by heterosexual women.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
My Stubborn Thai BL drama episode 1 reactions: Jun and Sorb's romance is messy from get-go; fans call it 'wildest' premiere ever
My Stubborn Thai BL drama episode 1: The Boys' Love (BL) drama scene is no stranger to heartfelt moments, slow-burn romances, and plenty of lingering glances, but My Stubborn is kicking things up a notch. This freshly released Thai BL series isn't the typical schoolyard crush story; instead, it arrives with a bold 18+ rating. Starring Boat Yongyut Termtuo and Oat Pasakorn Sanrattana, My Stubborn premiered on April 20 and already has the BL drama community gasping for breath with the 'wildest' ever premiere episode. My Stubborn Synopsis Adapted from the novel Nai Hia Bok Mai Chop Dek by Nang Sao Phop,My Stubborn is the story of Jun and Sorn and their unlikely romance. Jun, a cheeky high schooler with way too much energy and a talent for getting on people's nerves, especially Sorn's. Sorn's the type who maintains a serious demeanour and wants to stay away from messy or unpredictable situations. Naturally, Jun takes that as a personal challenge. Whether it's slipping salt into Sorn's toothpaste or 'accidentally' hiding his stuff, Jun lives to push his buttons—and Sorn absolutely cannot deal. However, they soon lose touch. But fate had different plans for them. After a two-year period of no contact, the duo cross paths again, this time at a professional setup. Jun has now come to terms with his sexuality and has a boyfriend. Sorn, meanwhile, is dating a female colleague, but behind the scenes, he still harbors feelings for Jun. As they navigate professional boundaries, their past connections come in their way as they steal moments of steamy romance. My Stubborn BL drama episode 1 fan reactions The r/BoysLove subreddit didn't hold back—fans were floored by the debut of this steamy new romance. Some couldn't get over the sizzling tension between Jun and Sorn, while others were just wrapping their heads around the 'wild' opening scene. One user wrote, "I love, love, love the messssss. Everybody's just macking on everyone else any time, any place—perfection. The push/pull with the two leads is great so far. They're doing their best making some outrageous dialogue/situations work because what do you mean you're interrogating your company's intern about his sexual preferences, getting him to feel your abs, and forcefully kissing him in the bathroom in the middle of the dang workday????" Another said, "Oh dear, that was something... I expected cringe, bad acting, a nonsensical story, and a budget Payou. And' I'm pleasantly surprised. Crazy and messy, but not nonsense (yet, famous last words...). Actual chemistry and a handsome red flag, not a budget version. Let's see where this goes." "I really didn't have any expectations starting this drama, and I am agreeably surprised by this first episode! As all of you said, the first 8 minutes were wild XD, and I think the way the characters' past interactions are shown via flashbacks is well done. With this nice start, I'll expect more, but it is going to be extra messy, and Stubborn is really a good name since clearly those main leads are so stubborn and tears will flow, leaving us viewers flustered, frustrated, and wanting more. XD I can't wait!" a third user wrote. "Woahhh, I knew this was going to be a wild ride, but I wasn't quite anticipating this wild. I'm ready for the next episode though, ngl, let's go," added another Redditor. Check out more comments in the Reddit thread below:
