Navigating gender in censored Chinese A/B/O fiction

Abstract

The "Alpha Beta Omega Dynamics" (Omegaverse or A/B/O) is a kink trope originating from Anglophone fandom that introduces unconventional sexual orientation and behavior. With its two features of explicit erotic content and male homosexuality, this trope must localize when it moves to Chinese society where censorship pervades. Zooming in on self-censorship on Jinjiang Literature City, the largest online literature platform based in mainland China, reveals that while explicit erotic content is strictly forbidden, male homosexuality is allowed. Two types of popular A/B/O fiction are analyzed using gender theory and close reading: those featuring male homosexuality and those featuring heterosexuality, both without explicit erotic content. The conclusion is that Chinese A/B/O fiction embodies the Omegaverse's transgressive potential in addressing gender issues and work as an important site for authors and readers to showcase and debate their visions of gender, challenging and transgressing the current heteronormative gender discourses in China.