Fact Check: "Boys Love genre, once thriving, now faces severe state censorship in China."
What We Know
The Boys Love (BL) genre, which features romantic relationships between male characters, has seen a significant decline in China due to increasing state censorship. Originally popularized in Japan, the genre gained a substantial following in China during the 2010s, leading to the production of popular television dramas and the rise of many male stars. However, in recent years, the Chinese government has intensified its crackdown on LGBTQ+ content, labeling it as "vulgar" and harmful to societal morals (New York Times).
Reports indicate that dozens of authors, primarily women, have been detained for writing gay erotic novels, with some facing severe penalties such as heavy fines and prison sentences (ABC News). This crackdown is part of a broader trend where the state has increasingly targeted LGBTQ+ content, leading to the cancellation of shows and the prohibition of adaptations of Boys Love stories (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that the Boys Love genre is facing severe state censorship in China is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reports on a significant police operation that has led to the detention of numerous writers who publish gay-themed content online. This operation is described as the largest of its kind, indicating a systematic approach by the authorities to suppress this genre (New York Times).
Additionally, the ABC News article corroborates these findings, detailing how female authors have been specifically targeted and arrested for their contributions to the genre. The article highlights the harsh penalties these authors face, which underscores the severity of the censorship (ABC News).
The reliability of these sources is high, as both are established news organizations known for their investigative journalism. They provide detailed accounts of the situation, including firsthand accounts from affected authors and legal experts, which adds to the credibility of the information presented.
Conclusion
The claim that the Boys Love genre, once thriving, now faces severe state censorship in China is True. The evidence from reputable news sources indicates a significant crackdown on writers of this genre, with many facing legal repercussions for their work. The systematic targeting of LGBTQ+ content reflects a broader trend of censorship in China, particularly against narratives that challenge traditional societal norms.
