Chinese authorities are intensifying a crackdown on young women who write gay erotica (danmei), primarily published on the Taiwan-hosted platform Haitang Literature City. At least 30 writers, mostly women in their 20s, have been arrested since February, accused of 'producing and distributing obscene material.' The crackdown is seen as part of Beijing's efforts to promote traditional family values amidst plummeting birth rates, with gay erotica viewed as subversive. The arrests have sparked debate and pushback online, though discussions are being censored.
China is cracking down on young women who write gay erotica
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Chinese authorities are intensifying a crackdown on young women who write gay erotica (danmei), primarily published on the Taiwan-hosted platform Haitang Literature City. At least 30 writers, mostly women in their 20s, have been arrested since February, accused of 'producing and distributing obscene material.' The crackdown is seen as part of Beijing's efforts to promote traditional family values amidst plummeting birth rates, with gay erotica viewed as subversive. The arrests have sparked debate and pushback online, though discussions are being censored.
Trending- 1 1990s: Danmei emerged as a sub-genre online
- 2 2018: A danmei author jailed for 10 years for selling 7,000 copies of her book
- 3 Late last year (2024): Some 50 Haitang writers prosecuted
- 4 Since February (2025): At least 30 writers arrested in current crackdown
- 5 June 29, 2025: Article published
- At least 30 writers arrested, some still in custody
- Many more contributors summoned for questioning
- Writers face social consequences and humiliation
- Online discussions and legal advice censored
- Writers who earn profit could be jailed for over 10 years
- Concerns about the low bar for criminal 'distribution' (5,000 views)
What: Chinese authorities are cracking down on young women who write gay erotica, leading to arrests and legal proceedings.
When: Since February (2025); late last year (2024) for a previous wave of arrests.
Where: China (specifically Lanzhou, Jixi County for previous arrests); Haitang Literature City (Taiwan-hosted platform).
Why: Writers are accused of breaking China's pornography law for 'producing and distributing obscene material,' specifically targeting 'explicit descriptions of gay sex or other sexual perversions.' The crackdown is also linked to the government's promotion of traditional family values and concerns over plummeting birth rates.
How: Police are arresting writers, summoning contributors for questioning, and censoring online discussions and legal advice related to the crackdown. Writers who earn profit could face over 10 years in jail.