Arts & Entertainment
Chinese writer sentenced to 10 years in prison for writing homoerotica
Liu penned the popular novel ‘Occupy’
(Photo via Bigstock)
A Chinese writer was sentenced to 10 years in prison because her books, which included gay sex scenes, were too popular, CNN reports.
Liu, known by her pen name Tian Yi, penned the novel “Occupy.” She reportedly earned 150,000 yuan ($21,624) from sales of “Occupy” and her other novels. The book has been compared to the boys’ love genre, a group of books, TV shows and movies that display homoerotic stories between characters. The genre originated in Japan and has a mostly heterosexual female fanbase. Most of its authors are also female.
Police in the Anhui province of East China said “Occupy” contains “obscene sexual behavior between males” in the context of “violence, abuse and humiliation” themes. China prohibits the production or sale of pornography.
On Oct. 31, Liu was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Her story made the rounds on social media with many people believing the sentence was too harsh. CNN reports that 1.7 million posts on the social media platform Weibo feature the hashtag #Tianyi. Many of the posts defend the author.
“The author deserves sympathy. She did violate criminal law, but even a one-year sentence is too much, not to mention 10 years,” Li Yinhe, a sexologist and sociologist in China, posted in Liu’s defense.
Sports
‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay
Games to take place next month in Italy
“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.
HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.
The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.
Bars & Parties
Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans
Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance
Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.
Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.
The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.
‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay
Comings & Goings
Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans
‘Queer Eye’ watch party set for Friday
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