The CTSG and the University of Southampton: Research Seminar
The CTSG is delighted to welcome Yawen Chu to the CTSG, to present her research on LGBTQ Content on Xiaohongshu. Yawen is a PhD student in Cultural Studies at the University of Lisbon and a guest PhD researcher at Lund University, Sweden is visiting the University of Southampton as part of her research networking. We are thrilled to be hosting Yawen to talk about her research and to join our CTSG network.
Date: Wednesday 19 March
Time: 12pm – 1pm
Where: Elm House 302, Moulsecomb (in-person and via TEAMS)
Meeting ID: 353 200 596 282
Passcode: 9eW2K7Uz
About Yawen’s Research
Xiaohongshu, also known as Red Note, is one of China’s leading e-commerce platforms and has evolved into a multifunctional social media tool. It serves not only as a hub for sharing information but also as a space for expressing opinions and identities. This thesis combines Digital Ethnography and Content Analysis to explore the multifaceted dynamics of LGBTQ-related content on Xiaohongshu. By applying theories such as media representation theories and compulsory heterosexuality among the non-heterosexual community, this study aims to examine four main areas: 1) identifying the types of LGBTQ-related content; 2) analyzing the online persona strategies adopted by LGBTQ users on Xiaohongshu; 3) exploring how they express and navigate their sexual labels; and 4) assessing the platform’s influence on sexual minorities under media surveillance. In addition to illustrating the online sphere for LGBTQ individuals in mainland China, this study also offers a critical review of the internal issues arising from the effects of heteronormativity on the Chinese LGBTQ community and its culture.
About Yawen Chu
Yawen Chu is a Ph.D. student in Cultural Studies at the University of Lisbon and a guest Ph.D. researcher at Lund University, Sweden. She is also a member of the CITCOM research group at CEComp, University of Lisbon, within the research cluster Citizenship, Media, and Cultural Production. Yawen holds a master’s degree in Media and Communication from Jönköping University in Sweden and a bachelor’s degree in Media and Broadcasting from China. She is fluent in Mandarin, English, and Swedish and has a solid knowledge of Norwegian (Bokmål). Her research interests include LGBTQ+ studies, gender studies, feminism in Chinese media, and Scandinavian languages.
Leave a Reply