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Relational interaction and embodiment: conceptualizing meanings of LGBTQ+ activism in digital China

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Version 2 2023-06-12, 09:34
Version 1 2023-06-09, 22:02
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 09:34 authored by Sally ChenSally Chen
This article theoretically and empirically explores meanings of recent activism practised by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other non-heterosexual groups (LGBTQ+) in China. Chinese LGBTQ+ individuals, like the majority of Chinese citizens, are generally self-restrained in popular contention because of the political risks involved. They also face widespread discrimination from the public when revealing their LGBTQ+ identities. This article is concerned with the perceived meanings of Chinese LGBTQ+ individuals suppressing engrained self-constraint to promote LGBTQ+ contention and certain level of collective action. Theoretically, I conceptualize Chinese LGBTQ+ protests as relational interactions undertaken by LGBTQ+ individuals with other people of queer identities (ingroup members), authorities and the public based on the logic of connective action. I also explore the concepts of embodiment and online embodiment to understand individuals’ sensual experiences during LGBTQ+ contention. Empirically, I examine university student Qiu Bai’s lawsuits with the Education Ministry and her social media campaign against homophobic textbooks. Drawing on in-depth interviews and textual analysis, the case study provides a dialectical account of individuals’ experience of embodiment and self-constraint.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Communication and the Public

ISSN

2057-0473

Publisher

SAGE

Issue

3-4

Volume

5

Page range

1-15

Department affiliated with

  • Media and Film Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2020-11-03

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2020-11-03

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2020-11-03

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