The Underground Phenomenon of Homoerotic Fan Culture in China

Abstract

Film fandom culture persists alongside audience viewing practices, whether in cinemas or at home. Although the tradition of fans creating art and texts based on source material has a long history, such creations do not merely uncover implicit meanings or double entendres within the work; they also provide imaginative space for the fans themselves. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced within homoerotic fan cultures. While fan culture is a global phenomenon, it holds specific significance in China: state control and censorship have driven it underground. This dissertation analyzes the phenomenon through the dimensions of textual production, textual consumption, and celebrity effect. By examining film fandom culture, it aims to demonstrate how the production and consumption of texts within homoerotic fandoms contribute to enhancing societal understanding of homoerotic culture and IP films, thereby promoting the commercialization of IP films and the development of the homoerotic fan economy.