Transgender dancer: Comfortable appearances in China, take care of measures
Transgender dancer: Comfortable appearances in China, take care of measures
The transgender dancer Jin Xing experienced a remarkable climb in the upper ranks of Chinese show business in Hong Kong. In a country where LGBTQ+people have become increasingly difficult to live openly, her career is exceptional. The 57-year-old has been considered a transgender icon in China for years and is admired by many of the most marginalized people in the country as a rare example of success and acceptance, even within official circles.
The challenges for transgender in China
Jin Xing managed to build up a career for decades that challenges the standard. She fills concerts, moderates TV talk shows and has 13.6 million followers on her Weibo account. It is noteworthy that she has been able to secure the support of officials of the Communist Party over the years. The Chinese state media refer to them as one of the "ten legendary figures of modern dance in China" and regularly publish articles about them.
growing fears and official acceptance
The current events, in particular a number of sudden and inexplicable cancellations of their appearances by local authorities, have triggered concerns that the authoritarian course of the Chinese leader Xi Jinping could also bring the country's most prominent transgender personality into trouble. Transgender people in China are often exposed to social stigmas and institutional discrimination, which results in problems when looking for a job or even when walking on the street. However, Jin is a symbol of hope for many that one day China could be progressive enough to accept her and others.
The influence of ideology under XI Jinping
The Chinese authorities have strengthened their ideological control and consider western values as harmful influence. In late 2022, the performances of the Jin Xing Dance Theater in Guangzhou were canceled, which triggered concern about possible repression in the LGBTQ+community. Sam Winter, an associated professor who specializes in Asian transgender issues, explained that Jin was able to gain support from the authorities through her achievements, especially in a time when China was more liberal. The step backwards in this liberal atmosphere could now be the real problem.
The way from Jin Xing
Jin Xing was born in a military family and received rigorous training in dance and military drill. After going to New York in the 1980s to study modern dance, she finally returned to China, where she underwent a gender operation. Despite the challenges associated with this decision, she founded the Jin Xing Dance Theater in 1999 and became a key figure in modern dance in China.
The reality for transgender people in China
On the occasion of Jins, other transgender people who are often not accepted in society are expressed. The 23-year-old Trans man Cyan said that it was impossible in China to live his identity openly. Many transgender people have to immerse themselves in a “double life” by living as men during the day and at night as women. What happens to Jin increases pessimism and fears about the future development for LGBTQ+people in China.
The reality is that gender operations in China are expensive and difficult to find. Even if the money is not a problem, the conditions for access to these services are strict, which brings many people into a hopeless situation. Jin Xing's fate could lead to further suppression of the LGBTQ+community, and hopes for an accepting society seem in danger.