China’s LGBT community caught up in Xi Jinping’s widening crackdowns on big tech, education and celebrities
- China’s regulatory crackdowns have targeted various sectors, including education and online platforms
- LGBT people have been affected in myriad ways, from the banning of gay themes in film and TV to the specific targeting of individual activists and groups
In a brief statement on its website titled “the end of the rainbow” the organisation said: “ShanghaiPRIDE regrets to announce that we are cancelling all upcoming activities and taking a break from scheduling any future events. We love our community, and we are grateful for the experiences we’ve shared together.”
No explanation was given as to why the event was cancelled. However, sources close to the organisation said that although there had been harassment over the years from the authorities the pressure had suddenly become so intrusive that organisers decided it was no longer safe to continue with the event.
It was a sign of things to come as China’s government began what has since evolved into sweeping crackdowns on a wide swathe of the country’s entertainment, tech, education and business sectors.
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China reportedly slows down online game approvals as crackdown on video game addiction continues
Beijing is increasingly paranoid that big tech platforms are spreading views and ideas that run counter to traditional ideals of masculinity and femininity and are actively encouraging younger people to explore new gender identities and non-traditional forms of sexual expression.
