Jin Xing, a 57-year-old transgender icon and celebrated dancer, has captivated China with her extraordinary career in modern dance and television. Known as “China’s Oprah,” Jin has built a legacy as a symbol of resilience and success for a marginalized community. However, recent unexplained cancellations of her performances have raised concerns about a deepening crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in China under President Xi Jinping’s leadership.
For decades, Jin Xing has defied the odds in a nation where transgender individuals often face severe social stigma and institutional discrimination. From being born into a military family to hosting sold-out performances and leading a thriving talk show career, her life story is one of perseverance. Yet, as Chinese authorities tighten control over cultural narratives, her prominence may now be under threat.
A Beacon of Hope for the Marginalized
Jin Xing’s ascent is extraordinary in a society where transgender people struggle with systemic barriers, such as limited access to gender-affirming care, employment discrimination, and public harassment. Her accomplishments have offered hope to many, representing a rare instance of official recognition for a transgender individual.
“Jin Xing’s visibility has been a beacon for the transgender community in China, proving that success is possible even in a restrictive environment,” said Sam Winter, an academic specializing in transgender issues in Asia.
Her dance company, Jin Xing Dance Theatre, founded in 1999, has performed nationwide and introduced modern dance to a broader Chinese audience. State media once described her as one of the “10 legendary figures of Chinese modern dance.” With nearly 14 million followers on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, her influence extends far beyond the stage.
For many transgender people, Jin’s story embodies hope for acceptance and progress in a conservative society. However, her recent clashes with authorities suggest that even icons are not immune to the growing crackdown on LGBTQ+ visibility.
Unexplained Cancellations and Rising Tensions
The cancellations began in October 2023, when the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism abruptly called off Jin’s performance of Sunrise, a play her troupe had been staging successfully for four years. Officials cited incomplete paperwork as the reason. However, subsequent cancellations in Foshan, Suzhou, and Shanghai followed without explanation, sparking fears that Jin’s public standing is being targeted.
Jin took the rare step of publicly criticizing the authorities in a now-deleted Weibo post, saying, “Please don’t abuse your public power!” Her bold statement highlighted her frustration with the opaque bureaucracy surrounding the cancellations.
Some speculate that Jin’s use of a rainbow flag during a prior performance might have triggered backlash. The rainbow flag, a global symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, is viewed with suspicion by Chinese authorities. In a recent interview, Jin acknowledged the political sensitivities surrounding the flag, explaining that she waved it only to comfort a fan.
The Shrinking Space for LGBTQ+ Visibility
China’s LGBTQ+ community has faced increasing repression under Xi Jinping’s rule, marked by the closure of LGBTQ+ organizations, the banning of Pride parades, and censorship of LGBTQ+ content in media. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1997, and it was removed from the list of mental disorders in 2001. Yet, social acceptance has remained elusive, and the government’s recent moves suggest a rollback of earlier progress.
Support groups have disbanded, activists face police harassment, and even discussions on social media are closely monitored and censored. For transgender individuals, the challenges are compounded by strict requirements for gender-affirming procedures, which include parental consent and no criminal record.
A Community in Crisis
For many transgender individuals in China, the hardships are unrelenting. Cyan, a 23-year-old transgender man who left China for Canada, described life in his home country as deeply isolating. “In mainland China, you feel like a street rat. You can never tell anyone you’re transgender wherever you go,” he said.
Cyan underwent top surgery before leaving China but felt he had no future there. Employment discrimination, high medical costs, and limited access to gender-affirming care have driven many in the community to live in secrecy. “During the day, they’re men. At night, they become women after work, without telling their families,” said Barbie Yao, a transgender woman in Beijing.
Jin’s recent struggles have left many in the community feeling even more disheartened. “What happened to Jin Xing shows that the environment for LGBTQ+ people is only going to get worse,” said Yao.
The Risks of Speaking Out
Jin Xing’s willingness to challenge Chinese authorities is a rarity in a country where dissent can have severe consequences. Her critique of the Guangzhou cancellation and her call for transparency reflect both her frustration and her courage.
However, such defiance carries significant risks. The LGBTQ+ community in China is increasingly viewed as a Western import, with nationalist rhetoric framing it as a threat to traditional values. Jin’s prominence makes her an especially visible target in this ideological battle.
Despite the challenges, Jin remains an enduring figure of resilience. Born into a military family, she trained rigorously in ballet and modern dance while enduring military drills. Her early success as a dancer took her to New York, Rome, and Brussels, where she honed her craft before returning to China and undergoing gender-affirming surgery at age 26.
Her ability to balance her identity with her professional achievements has made her a beloved figure in Chinese culture. “I am myself and represent only myself. I will always be Jin Xing, and it has nothing to do with gender,” she wrote on Weibo.
The Bottom Line
The cancellations of Jin’s shows raise questions about the future of LGBTQ+ visibility in China. For a community already grappling with discrimination and repression, the targeting of such a high-profile figure sends a chilling message.
However, Jin’s enduring popularity suggests that her influence is far from over. She continues to be a symbol of hope for many who dream of a more inclusive and accepting society. Her story underscores the importance of resilience and the need for global solidarity with China’s LGBTQ+ community.
As one Weibo user commented, “Jin Xing is not just a dancer. She is a spirit that refuses to be silenced.”
In a world where progress often feels tenuous, Jin Xing’s journey reminds us that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can endure.
