Prominent Chinese Transgender Icon Faces Unexpected Performance Ban

Jin Xing, a renowned transgender dancer and television personality in China, has been unexpectedly sidelined from the stage after several of her planned performances were abruptly canceled by government authorities. Often referred to as the "Oprah of China" for her wide appeal, Jin recently received notification from the Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism in Guangzhou that her December show at the city's opera house was canceled. This news was first reported by major news outlets.

Following the Guangzhou cancelation, Jin faced similar abrupt terminations of her scheduled performances in other major Chinese cities, including Foshan, Suzhou, and Shanghai, where her dance troupe is based. Despite the popularity and anticipated success of these shows, the venues provided no explanation for the cancelations.

Jin Xing's Legacy and Government Relations

Throughout her illustrious career spanning several decades, Jin has consistently sold out performances while amassing a considerable following, including 13.6 million followers on the popular Chinese social media platform Weibo. Known for her candid and humor-filled commentary, Jin has also hosted a number of TV talk shows, further cementing her status as a beloved public figure.

Interestingly, the same government that has now canceled her shows has previously praised her talents. Chinese state media have celebrated her as one of the "10 legendary figures of Chinese modern dance," and she has been featured in numerous flattering profiles.

The authorities in Guangzhou cited "insufficient documentation" as the reason for the sudden cancelation of Jin's performance. However, Jin posted a rare criticism of this decision on her Weibo account, urging officials not to "abuse public power." This post was later deleted, and her subsequent performances were canceled in quick succession.

The Rainbow Flag Incident

In a recent interview, Jin addressed whether an incident involving a rainbow flag might have influenced the government's decision. In early 2024, during a performance, a fan handed Jin a rainbow flag, which she waved to offer comfort and support. Jin mentioned that this occurred in January and that she continued to perform across China without issue until the recent cancelations.

"I am still questioning why," Jin expressed regarding her sudden exclusion from the stage, despite her long-standing career and contributions to Chinese culture.

Changing Attitudes Towards LGBTQ+ Community in China

Over the years, China has experienced shifts in its approach to LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The country decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and removed it from its official list of mental disorders in 2001. During this period, events like Shanghai Pride flourished, and LGBTQ+ communities were active on social media platforms such as WeChat.

However, since 2015, there has been a noticeable change under President Xi Jinping's administration, marked by increasing social controls and a tightening grip on public expression. Jin's cancelation is the latest example of a broader trend of censorship aimed at marginalizing the LGBTQ+ community within China.

In recent years, Shanghai Pride faced significant curtailment in 2021, and many gay chat rooms were shut down across China's heavily monitored internet landscape. Additionally, the government has intensified its crackdown on online gay erotica, known as danmei, resulting in several writers being imprisoned. The closure of the Beijing LGBT Center in 2023 is another indicator of the mounting pressure faced by LGBTQ+ organizations in China.

"The majority have shut down," a Chinese LGBTQ+ activist noted regarding Pride centers across the nation. "The pressure has continuously grown. It’s never stopped."

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