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It's important to note that homosexuality itself is not illegal in China; however, LGBTQ+ content faces heavy censorship. Depictions of gay relationships are often edited out or banned altogether. For example, Freddie Mercury’s portrayal in the film Bohemian Rhapsody was heavily censored to erase his sexuality, illustrating China's strict control over LGBTQ+ representation.
The Cultural and Political Rationale
This crackdown is rooted in the CCP's desire to consolidate ideological control, suppress "degenerate" influences, and promote socialist values. The censorship campaign encompasses not only gender portrayals but also removes content that challenges authority or promotes individualism, which the government views as threats to social harmony.