By M.E. Dodge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia
BEIJING, China – One hour before the event was scheduled to begin, police shut down what would have been China’s first gay pageant, Mr. Gay China. Stopping the show illuminates so close to its commencement illuminates the country’s sensitivity surrounding homosexuality, and the struggle by gays to find mainstream acceptance.
The Mr. Gay China pageant attracted a great deal of press attention. Even the normally staid state-run media reported on the event. Tickets, which cost 100 Yuan (US$14.60) and 150 Yuan (US$22.00), sold out three days prior to the event. The popularity and support of the pageant demonstrates a desire to generate knowledge about gay rights and advocate for promoting wide-spread homosexual societal acceptance in China.
Simon Wang, a contest participant, reacted to news that police had canceled what would have been China’s first gay pageant. Image courtesy of The New York Times.
Despite the pageant’s popularity, organizers said they were not surprised when eight police officers turned up at the upscale club in central Beijing where the pageant, featuring a fashion show and a host in drag, was set to take place. According to Ben Zhang, one of the main event organizers, stated, “They said the content, meaning homosexuality, there’s nothing wrong with that, but you did not do things according to procedures.” Police then told him he needed official approval for events that included performances, in this case a stage show.
Police intervention, however, is not uncommon. Chinese police frequently cite procedural reasons for closing down gatherings that are deemed to be politically sensitive. Though the pageant did not have any overt political agenda, similar events in the past, such as a parade during the Shanghai Pride Festival last year, have been blocked by authorities.
Zhang had said he hoped the pageant would raise awareness of homosexuals in a country where gays are frequently discriminated against and ostracized. Eight men were competing for the title, and a spot in the Worldwide Mr. Gay pageant, to be held next month in Oslo, Norway. Shutting down the event, however, prevented them from not only competing, but from bringing a gay rights event into the mainstream spotlight. Zhang’s parting words as he left the site of the pageant were, “I wouldn’t say it’s a huge step backwards for the gay community,” he said, “but I guess it’s not a step forward, either.”
For More Information, please see:
The New York Times – Chinese Gay Pageant Is Shut Down – January 15, 2010
The Guardian – Chinese police shut down country’s first gay pageant – January 15, 2010
MSNBC – Police shut down Mr. Gay China pageant – January 15, 2010
