Increasing Suppression of Female Danmei Writers in China

The rising crackdown on boys' love fiction in China

China's stepping up its campaign against creators in a beloved genre called "danmei" — stories that explore romantic relationships between male characters. These tales have captivated audiences, spawning TV shows and films. But now, they're squarely in a government crosshair aiming at "purifying" online spaces.

The sweep has been both swift and unforgiving. Since February, authorities have arrested at least 30 writers, mostly young women in their 20s, across various parts. One lawyer defending a detained writer described this as an unprecedented wave.

In Gansu province alone, local media reported about 50 arrests. In just two days, another lawyer shared that more than 150 writers reached out — interrogated, summoned, or simply scared they'd be caught up in this dragnet.

“One phone call shattered my dreams,” an author lamented following a call from authorities. In China, it seems these stories resonate primarily with young women. The male protagonists often embody a challenge against traditional gender roles, offering a sense where women empower themselves in a society that usually places them beneath men.

Legal challenges and gender dynamics

These writers face charges under China's anti-pornography laws, with authorities accusing them merely over themes like producing or distributing “obscene materials.” It seems laws especially target detailed portrayals involving gay sex or non-traditional relationships, unlike their heterosexual counterparts.

As domestic outlets become increasingly restrictive, some Boys' Love writers pivot toward offshore spaces, like Taiwan-based Haitang Literature City. But even this refuge isn't safe; 30 authors there have been detained this year alone under allegations tied back home.

Support groups indicate that even readers face police questioning. Public pushback arose last year, with online protests demanding clarity from officials regarding their crackdown motivations.

Societal impact and online reactions

“Is sex really something we should be ashamed about?” a Weibo member pondered, questioning China' s older obscenity statutes from about thirty years ago. Others noted gender dynamics at play, highlighting women's limited voice in defining obscenity amid male-dominated spheres.

Critics argue that suppressing Boys' Love writers reflects broader attempts at stifling women' s voices and autonomy. Such claims have unsettled officials, ramping up censorship against critical narratives surrounding recent arrests.

Before deletion, #HaitangAuthorsArrested amassed over 30 million views on Weibo. Legal advice posts disappeared too, while a major news outlet article on this topic vanished, and writers' social media accounts quickly went dark.

Financial extortion and sentencing

The crackdown's severity goes beyond mere censorship — it often involves financial exploitation. Families report law enforcement demanding fines proportionate with profits earned from Boys' Love stories. Sometimes, paying these sums can even secure a release ahead prosecution.

Paving such penalties considers both earnings and viewership. Popular works could result in dire consequences, even life imprisonment.

Just recently, it looked promising — about 60 Boys' Love tales were slated as films or TV shows in 2021. But success drew state ire; as popularity rose, Chinese media decried them as “vulgar,” alleging they misled youth. As a consequence, adaptations were scrapped, and regulators banned Boys' Love content onscreen.

A prominent writer was sentenced 10 years, a telling caution against “danmei” authors. Yet, passion persists in this space filled with creativity and audience appetite. The crowding crackdown casts light on gender, censorship, and creative expression complexities in China.

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