Beijing concert-goers attending Taiwanese singer A-Mei’s performance at the Cadillac Arena on Saturday faced limitations on their freedom to display rainbow imagery, a symbol of LGBTQ pride. This incident highlights the increasing tightening on LGBTQ expression in China and raises concerns about the curbing of individual rights. Fans took to social media to share their experiences, shedding light on the growing pressure faced by LGBTQ individuals and advocates in the country.
Multiple participants shared their encounters on social media, reporting being prevented from wearing rainbow-themed shirts inside the venue. A security guard at the Cadillac Arena asked one attendee to turn his shirt inside out as it had a rainbow drawn on the front. In another incident, a person faced scrutiny because their shirt changed colors based on reflective lighting. Such actions by security personnel exemplify the curbing of LGBTQ expression within China’s society.
The lack of clarification regarding the restrictions imposed on rainbow imagery deepens the concern among concert-goers. Kang Kang, who was asked to change into black clothing provided by guards, expressed bewilderment as security personnel failed to provide an explanation for their refusal to allow the T-shirt with a rainbow print. Efforts to seek comments from A-Mei’s management, the concert organizer, and the Cadillac Arena were unsuccessful.
The incident at the concert adds to growing evidence of pressure faced by LGBTQ individuals and advocates in China. Dozens of LGBTQ group accounts on WeChat, associated with leading universities, were shut down in 2021. In May, a prominent LGBTQ center closed after 15 years of operation. Additionally, several Pride-related events scheduled for June were canceled or postponed following an entertainment crackdown. These actions reflect the country’s promotion of conservative gender and sexual identity values under President Xi Jinping.
A-Mei, known for her support of the LGBTQ community, has been a prominent advocate. She became the first ambassador for Taiwan Pride in 2007 and held a free concert in Taipei to rally support for same-sex marriage. However, the song lineup at the Beijing concert on Sunday did not include A-Mei’s song “Rainbow,” which features queer themes. Observations indicate a noticeable absence of rainbow imagery in the crowd during this performance, possibly due to heightened awareness following the previous day’s incidents.
While there is a sense of resignation within China’s LGBTQ community regarding how they are treated, the prohibition on wearing rainbow colors at a concert is viewed as an excessive restriction. As being gay, bisexual, or transgender increasingly faces misconceptions of being a Western import, it is important to note that such biases do not align with the experiences of LGBTQ individuals in China. It is unfair to label LGBTQ identity as foreign based on the actions of foreign embassies’ support for gay rights.
The incident at A-Mei’s concert in Beijing serves as a powerful reminder of the tightening controls on LGBTQ expression in China. Concert-goers being prevented from displaying rainbow imagery raises concerns about the infringement of individual rights and freedoms. As the nation promotes conservative gender and sexual identity values, it is crucial to recognize the importance of fostering inclusivity and understanding. The LGBTQ community deserves respect and equal treatment, free from unnecessary restrictions and biases.
Market Capital Research 