Feng Leng
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https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/14/asia/shanghai-pride-shutdown-intl-hnk/index.html
Shanghai Pride, China's longest-running and only major annual celebration of sexual minorities, abruptly announced its effective shutdown on Thursday, in the latest sign of the authorities' increasing clampdown on civil society and LGBTQ rights in the country.
In an open letter posted online, titled "the End of the Rainbow," the organizers recalled Shanghai Pride's humble origins as a one-off small community event in 2009, and its steady growth into a monthlong celebration -- featuring not just dance parties but also athletic contests, art exhibitions, film screenings, job fairs and themed talks -- attended by thousands of LGBTQ people and their allies over the years, with other special events scheduled year-round.
Then, with regret, they said they were "canceling all upcoming activities and taking a break from scheduling any future events" without giving a reason.
A person not associated with Shanghai Pride, but with knowledge to the situation, told CNN on Friday that the all-volunteer team had been facing mounting pressure from local authorities, to the point of where it was disrupting their day jobs and normal lives.
The organizers alluded to this in a separate Thursday note to supporters and partners seen by CNN.
"The decision was difficult to make but we have to protect the safety of all involved," they wrote. "It's been a great 12-year ride, and we are honored and proud to have traveled this journey of raising awareness and promoting diversity for the LGBTQ community."
CNN has reached out to the Shanghai government for comment.
Shrinking space
Gay rights advocates say they are stunned and saddened by the news, which came not long after this year's Shanghai Pride, successfully held offline in mid-June despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many activists contacted by CNN on Friday declined to be interviewed or speak on the record, having seen this negative development in China's largest and most cosmopolitan city.
"The public gets to see the visible and impactful aspects of what we do, but they can't imagine the difficulties we face behind the scenes -- I think Shanghai Pride is no exception," said the head of one national LGBTQ rights advocacy group, who requested anonymity for fear of government reprisal.
"With things becoming harder and riskier, laying low may let you survive for now," he added. "But the purpose of our job is to raise visibility and educate the public -- that's the dilemma."
Homosexuality is not illegal in China and, in 2001, the authorities removed it from an official list of mental disorders. But experts and activists say LGBTQ people still face persistent discrimination and prejudices from the Chinese government and public. And despite last year's legalization of same-sex marriage in the self-governing island of Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province, there is little prospect of the mainland following suit in the foreseeable future.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has increasingly stressed the ruling Communist Party's absolute control over every aspect of society, squeezing out the already-limited presence of non-governmental organizations. Some also suspect a more direct link between the crackdown on LGBTQ rights and top officials' worldviews, which for many were shaped during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and '70s, when authorities attempted to purge any "non-socialist" elements -- including homosexuality -- from Chinese society.
Since 2016, Chinese censors have banned portrayals of what they see as "abnormal sexual behaviors," including gay relationships, in TV and online shows. Most media and businesses in China have long stayed away from the subject to avoid running afoul of government restrictions -- but Shanghai Pride was able to attract some commercial sponsors, both local and foreign, during its run.
The Jewish agenda has been nipped in the bud!
Shanghai Pride, China's longest-running and only major annual celebration of sexual minorities, abruptly announced its effective shutdown on Thursday, in the latest sign of the authorities' increasing clampdown on civil society and LGBTQ rights in the country.
In an open letter posted online, titled "the End of the Rainbow," the organizers recalled Shanghai Pride's humble origins as a one-off small community event in 2009, and its steady growth into a monthlong celebration -- featuring not just dance parties but also athletic contests, art exhibitions, film screenings, job fairs and themed talks -- attended by thousands of LGBTQ people and their allies over the years, with other special events scheduled year-round.
Then, with regret, they said they were "canceling all upcoming activities and taking a break from scheduling any future events" without giving a reason.
A person not associated with Shanghai Pride, but with knowledge to the situation, told CNN on Friday that the all-volunteer team had been facing mounting pressure from local authorities, to the point of where it was disrupting their day jobs and normal lives.
The organizers alluded to this in a separate Thursday note to supporters and partners seen by CNN.
"The decision was difficult to make but we have to protect the safety of all involved," they wrote. "It's been a great 12-year ride, and we are honored and proud to have traveled this journey of raising awareness and promoting diversity for the LGBTQ community."
CNN has reached out to the Shanghai government for comment.
Shrinking space
Gay rights advocates say they are stunned and saddened by the news, which came not long after this year's Shanghai Pride, successfully held offline in mid-June despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many activists contacted by CNN on Friday declined to be interviewed or speak on the record, having seen this negative development in China's largest and most cosmopolitan city.
"The public gets to see the visible and impactful aspects of what we do, but they can't imagine the difficulties we face behind the scenes -- I think Shanghai Pride is no exception," said the head of one national LGBTQ rights advocacy group, who requested anonymity for fear of government reprisal.
"With things becoming harder and riskier, laying low may let you survive for now," he added. "But the purpose of our job is to raise visibility and educate the public -- that's the dilemma."
Homosexuality is not illegal in China and, in 2001, the authorities removed it from an official list of mental disorders. But experts and activists say LGBTQ people still face persistent discrimination and prejudices from the Chinese government and public. And despite last year's legalization of same-sex marriage in the self-governing island of Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province, there is little prospect of the mainland following suit in the foreseeable future.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has increasingly stressed the ruling Communist Party's absolute control over every aspect of society, squeezing out the already-limited presence of non-governmental organizations. Some also suspect a more direct link between the crackdown on LGBTQ rights and top officials' worldviews, which for many were shaped during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and '70s, when authorities attempted to purge any "non-socialist" elements -- including homosexuality -- from Chinese society.
Since 2016, Chinese censors have banned portrayals of what they see as "abnormal sexual behaviors," including gay relationships, in TV and online shows. Most media and businesses in China have long stayed away from the subject to avoid running afoul of government restrictions -- but Shanghai Pride was able to attract some commercial sponsors, both local and foreign, during its run.
The Jewish agenda has been nipped in the bud!
