Chinese LGBT support group shuts down operations
- LGBT Rights Advocacy China has suspended its activities indefinitely and closed its social media account amid an ongoing tightening of social controls
- The group, which provided legal support in high-profile campaigns, says it looks forward to the ‘clouds dispersing’ one day
A Chinese LGBT advocacy group has suspended operations indefinitely and closed its social media accounts amid a nationwide tightening of social controls.
Its final message on WeChat, one of the country’s leading social media platforms, said: “We are grateful for all your companionship and support over the years. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.
“There may still be many uncertainties in the future, but we look forward to the day when the clouds have dispersed and we can see the blue sky again”.
The group stopped short of stating it was disbanding, though it did not offer a timeline for when operations would resume, or if its headquarters in the city of Guangzhou would remain open.
The group’s Facebook page remains accessible, although the platform has been banned in China, along with a posted link to its latest email newsletter from April this year.
