CHINA – A famous Chinese dancer claims she was fired as a judge on a TV talent show because she is transgender.
China Daily reported that Jin Xing was contracted to appear on eight episodes of Feitong Fanxiang, a contest for professional singers broadcast on Zhejiang TV. Despite being one of the few transgender women officially recognized by the Chinese government she subsequently received a call from the show’s director, Chao Chi-tai, to say she had been dropped because “her transgender identity could have negative effects on society.”
Jin told China Daily that Chao was citing an official document from the Zhejiang provincial administration of radio, film and television.
“We have been friends for many years, and he is a reputable artist, so I believe in him,” said the 44-year-old retired dancer.
Jin, who underwent a sex-change operation in 1996, insisted she is not interested in compensation or an apology.
“I’m just angry that the officials used such a lame excuse. It’s a personal attack,” she said.
China still has no specific laws to protect transgender people.
