china
Grindr’s Chinese owners agree to sell app by June 2020 after privacy fears
The Chinese owners of Grindr have agreed to sell the gay app by next June after demands from the US government over security and privacy concerns. Grindr calls itself “the world’s largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans and queer people” and claims more than 3 million daily users worldwide. The company is based …
Trans people are attempting dangerous self-surgery
A report from Amnesty International states that transgender people in China rely on self-medication for hormone treatment. In some cases, they even attempt dangerous self-surgery. Discrimination and laws classing transgender people as having a mental illness drive them to desperate measures. “China is failing transgender people,” said Amnesty International China researcher, Doriane Lau. “The authorities …
Grindr deemed ‘national security risk’ as staff concerned about user data security
The Chinese gaming company that owns gay hookup app Grindr, Beijing Kunlun Tech Co Ltd, is trying to sell the app after a United States government panel reportedly deemed the company’s ownership to be a “national security risk”. Grindr, which claims more than 3 million daily users around the world, is based in California but …
‘It didn’t make any sense’: What China’s censors cut out of Bohemian Rhapsody
Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody has opened in Chinese cinemas with all mentions of the Queen frontman’s sexuality removed. Between two and four minutes of footage has reportedly been cut from the film, which opened last weekend in a small number of arthouse cinemas in China. Feili Xie, a 28-year-old from Beijing, told ABC News …
‘A long way to go’: What it’s like being LGBTIQ in China
Homosexuality in China has been documented since ancient times. Despite his marriage to Empress Fu, Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty’s closest relationship was with his male companion Dong Xian. He bestowed wealth and position on Dong and a devotion so touching it inspired a much-treasured euphemism. One afternoon a messenger arrived with important news …
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to be released in China ‘with queer content removed’
Oscar-winning biopic Bohemian Rhapsody is set to be released in some Chinese cinemas, but reportedly with queer content and drug use censored. At least one minute of key footage in the film showing Mercury’s bisexuality are set to be cut, according to sources who spoke to the Hollywood Reporter, including kisses Rami Malek’s Mercury shares …
Dua Lipa Horrified: Fans with Rainbow Flags dragged out
Singer Dua Lipa cried after the forcible removal of fans during her concert in Shanghai on Wednesday night. Witnesses alleged people were forcibly dragged from their seats by security for standing up and dancing while others said people were ejected for waving rainbow flags during her show in the city’s Qingpu district. One concertgoer told …
Chinese Broadcaster Banned From Airing Eurovision After Censorship
Chinese broadcaster Mango TV has been banned from televising the Eurovision Song Contest. The broadcaster was dropped by contest bosses the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) after censoring two performances during Tuesday’s semi-final. “On the 9th of May, Chinese broadcaster Mango TV broadcast the first Semi-Final of the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest live but two performances …
Chinese Social Network Weibo Backtracks On Gay Ban After User Revolt
Chinese social media giant Sina Weibo has backed down from a controversial ban on online content “related to homosexuality” after outrage from the country’s internet users. The company, which is the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, said on Friday that for the next three months it would be removing photos, videos, text and comics “with pornographic …
Chinese Unis Are Selling HIV Tests To Students In Vending Machines
Universities in China are offering students affordable HIV tests for sale in soft drink and snack food vending machines. Students at five college campuses in Beijing and the Harbin, Guangxi and Heilongjiang provinces can purchase the self-test kits from the same machines selling food and drink. They pay 30 yuan (just less than $AU6) for …