Why China is Banning Boys’ Love (BL) and Why We Should Care

1. What is BL?

Boys’ Love (BL), also known as danmei in the Chinese context, is a genre of male-male romance primarily produced and consumed by women. It gained popularity in China during the early 1990s and proliferated in the online literature market. Over time, BL novels were adapted into dramas and TV series, expanding the BL fandom and bringing it into the mainstream.

2. The Controversy: Bans and Censorship

China’s authorities have imposed several bans on BL and danmei-adapted dramas. They consider the genre and its derivative works to have “deformed tastes,” labeling them as “wrong,” “erotic,” and “violent.” Interestingly, danmei-adapted dramas often replace explicit homosexual relationships with bromance or what fans affectionately term “socialist brotherhood.”

3. Distorted Rationale and Demographic Crisis

The rationale behind banning BL reflects a distorted perspective. The state believes that forbidding such themes will “correct” women’s sexual orientation and save them from the perceived “toxic” influence of Japanese culture. The underlying assumption is that women will be more willing to have children if they avoid BL content. However, this desperate attempt to address China’s demographic crisis misses the mark.

4. Misguided Approach and Declining Birth Rates

Banning BL and its derivative works won’t positively impact women’s willingness to have children. Instead, it may lead to unintended consequences. When avenues for expression are restricted, people often seek alternative ways to voice their discontent. In this case, some women may choose to refuse having children altogether.

5. Nationalism and ‘Little Pink’

BL fandom circles overlap with national/regional boundaries. Rising nationalism and anti-West, anti-Japanese sentiments have given the Chinese circle a particular nationalist undertone. The term “little pink” (referring to those who blindly support the Chinese Communist Party) originated in the Jinjiang Literature City, where the forum background is pink.

China’s repression of BL literature reflects entrenched misogyny and an unwillingness to address the real causes of declining birth rates. Rather than banning BL, a more constructive approach would involve understanding the complexities of individual choices and fostering an inclusive environment.

In summary, the battle over BL reveals not only censorship but also deeper societal issues. As we navigate this landscape, let’s recognize that creative expression and diverse narratives contribute to a richer cultural tapestry.