An unruly death: queer media in Hong Kong

Abstract

This essay aims to give an overview of Hong Kong queer media productions by presenting specific media representations that speak to local queer sensibilities and sexual politics. I investigate the nature of a localized queer nonchalance that cultivates an environment readable as both tolerant and limiting of queer desires, as well as resistant of the rumors of a broader cultural death. One of the case studies includes, to use Helen Hok-Sze Leung's term, “do-it-yourself” queer cultural projects that focus on reaching out to LGBT communities rather than to a wider mainstream public reception. Another example involves gender-crossing performances and cultural productions from mainstream media icons in popular culture. Finally, I discuss gossip magazine coverage of queer celebrity rumors. I locate my concerns in questioning whether mass-media practices can perversely normalize same-sex sexuality in our everyday lives.