Event organizer Ben Zhang relayed the cause given by the police: “”They said the content, meaning homosexuality, there’s nothing wrong with that, but you did not do things according to procedures.” But the AP report states that “Chinese police frequently cite procedural reasons for closing down gatherings deemed politically sensitive, and authorities have harassed gays in the past.”

Eight men were due to compete with each one hoping to be picked to go forward the Worldwide Mr Gay pageant in Norway next month.  The event was to include a fashion show, swimwear and talent competition, and a host in drag.

The organizers are considering having the judges select one contestant to send to the world competition.

Contestant Jay Jia gave Sky News his own account on the state of gay culture in Beijing:

When I left in 2002 you couldn’t even find a gay bar. That’s all changed now, at least in the big cities. But I still haven’t come out and I definitely haven’t told my employers or my workmates… My parents don’t know and they are always trying to find girls for me to take out.

Organizer Ryan Dutcher maintained an upbeat tone, telling Reuters, “The gay community here in the four years that I’ve been in Beijing — it’s a difference between night and day. It’s much better than it was before. I’m not saying things are going to get worse. Things are only going to get better.”

For more on the history and social issues concerning queer culture in China, check out the documentary Queer China, ‘Comrade China’ by Cui Zi’en.

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Image courtesy of Shanghaist

The Guardian reports on Mr. Gay China, the first gay pageant to ever be held in China:

“We are intelligent, we’re professionals, we’re gorgeous – and we’re gay,” said contestant Emilio Liu, from Inner Mongolia. “I want the audience to know there are a whole bunch of people like us living in China. It’s a wonderful life and it’s not hidden any more.”

These days there are gay support groups and websites helping people to explore their sexuality and meet potential partners. There are gay venues in most major cities; last year, the first government-backed bar opened in Kunming, in south-western Yunnan. Shanghai held the first Gay Pride week and in Beijing, campaigners called for same-sex marriages.

Now comes Mr Gay China, reported in approving terms in English-language state media. Eight finalists will take to the stage of a Beijing nightclub to strut their stuff in casual clothes and swimwear, exhibit their talents and answer questions. The winner – picked for his ability to represent gay issues as well as his skills, personality and looks – will head to Norway for next month’s finals of Worldwide Mr Gay.

It’s yet another striking development for gay culture and rights in China, given that gay sex was illegal in China until 1997, and homosexuality deemed an illness until 2001.  Much of this is covered in Queer China, ‘Comrade China’, the first documentary of its kind, directed by queer activist and scholar Cui Zi’en. The documentary includes rarely seen footage of the first ever appearance of gays and lesbians on State television, including Cui Zi’en himself. Visit the dGenerate Films catalog for more information.

More information on the pageant, including video, can be found at The Guardian, and on the Mr. Gay China website. The winner will be announced January 15.

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Cui Zi’en introduced his film Queer China, ‘Comrade’ China, a pioneering documentary “[bringing] together forty of the most influential people in the movement from the past 30 years.” The film, now available for purchase and rental through dGenerate Films, was the closing documentary of the festival and the opening night film of 2009’s ShanghaiPRIDE, China’s first ever LGBT pride festival.

Video can be accessed after the break.

Talking about the progress of the queer movement since the first festival in 2001, Cui Zi’en observed: “Amongst the populace there has been some greater freedoms for homosexuals, [including] the rise of grassroots associations and freedom of interaction between homosexuals. But at the government levels, in terms of government laws, policies, etc. there hasn’t been any change at all.”

Despite the workplace discrimination and family pressures still confronting the Chinese LGBT community, both organizers expressed optimism looking towards the future. Cui Zi’en predicted that in five years the Chinese queer community would enjoy open Gay Film Festivals, legitimate same-sex marriage, and the right to parade on the streets. Yang Yang focused her prediction on the festival itself, noting “If we go one step at a time, we can hope that there will be a fifth and sixth festival.” This kind of optimism, she said, is the only thing to “give us strength to keep trying.”

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