Nineteen-year-old contestant Liu Zhu stunned judges when he appeared on stage dressed like a woman and sounded like one when he sang at a singing contest for men.
The video clip has attracted almost four million views and 8,700 comments on Youku, a China-based video hosting service; and over 56,000 views on YouTube since it was uploaded on May 1, 2010.
Despite having expressed her doubts and quizzing the contestant about his hair and asking for his identity card prior to his performance on the "Super Boy" or 快乐男声 singing contest held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, one of the judges, Anni Meigui or Annie Rose, stopped Liu twice in the middle of his performance and asked if he preferred for a male judge or a female judge to verify his gender.
Liu told the Anni Meigui, a guest judge on the show, that he was not lying about his true gender.
The judge then asked Liu, a student of the Sichuan Conservatory of Music, to show his identity card and suggested that Internet users should search for his true sexual identity.
Liu was interrupted a second time with the judge asking for his full name, home address and details of the school he is attending.
During an interview backstage after his performance, Liu was quoted as saying that he has dressed this way since he was young, and his family has already accepted him.
When asked why didn't he try to appear more masculine since he was taking part in a contest for men, he said: “This way is more natural, if I purposely dress like a boy just for this contest, I think it would be very fake.”
When pressed about not appearing more masculine since he is a male, Liu replied: "I am indeed a boy, and I dress like this every day, but I think everyone has their own choice, their own way of life." When asked if he is upset with the questions, he said he is used to them and that being asked questions about his gender and appearance is "normal."
China's Global Times reported that despite cross-dressing, Liu said he has not considered a sex-change operation because he likes his body the way it is.
The report noted that "cross-dressing is gaining acceptance in the country after boyish-looking Li Yuchun, winner of the 2005 'Super Girl' contest, inspired a wave of gender-ambiguous fashion."
Chen Sixuan, a psychologist who writes about gender issues, told the Global Times that it is not much of a problem as long as Liu is not confused by his gender.
"If he is not confused, then I don't think cross-dressing is much of a problem. It won't do harm to other people," she said.
Xie Jinchuan, a sociologist from the Communications University of China, told china.org.cn it is irrational to attack the show as some conservative commentators have accused the show for spreading "unhealthy values."
He added: "Performance is performance. They are simply men playing women's roles on stage. They are following in the footsteps of many famous performers."
Translation provided by China Hush blog:
Judge Annie Rose (安妮玫瑰) first asked if his hair was real then asked to see his ID, and then even asked to examine his gender.
“I am still suspicious about your identity. Can we examine your gender?”
“How do you examine?”
“Do you choose a male judge or a female judge to verify? I still have doubts about your identity. I think you are a girl.”
“I didn’t lie. Thank you.”
“But I feel if you are lying, you are playing tricks on us and the viewers.”
“I didn’t lie or play tricks on you.”
“Then I hope the netizens will human flesh search you! Can you swear on your dignity?”
“I can swear on it on anything…”
Reader's Comments
Liu Zhu is more manly than most guys i know / go out with ;)
you go Girl!
xoxoxox
Yong
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he came to sing, not to be questioned!!
i agree with Rickyboi69.. its national televison dude!!..
As for the vicious female judge, she just embarrassed herself now. Even her co-judges cannot believe she kept attacking pretty Liu Zhu, and they just wanted to hear the talent. Perhaps the bitchy judge was threatened by how even a man is more attractive than her..Lol.
I wonder if any of us are as brave as she is when being confronted.
Or do we deny ourself of our own sexual identity.
also, dont the juges know "super boy" is SUPER GAY??? COMMON!!! I got wood just reading the show title
he's the real star we need to have for future,,, despite Gentlemen Gaga or Lady George
And Liu Zhu was really really nice! I would have just yell at that b on stage and tell her to get a grip! And she is GOOD!!! wow! I take my hat off for you bud!
I think all the fridae and worldwide internet users should blog the show and sign a petition for unfair treatment!
Go Liu Zhu!!!!
It's totally wrong that a judge interrupted him for the stupid questions on his gender rather then the music itself. This is a singing competition after all.
Anyway. many people support him! he's hot!
Obviously, Liu should stick to his guns, as we say, and not let other people drag him down. I know a couple of Trans people, as well as some *extremely* effeminate guys - but they're just my friends. People, with lives, families, hopes, dreams and problems - in other words, some things about them are a little unusual - but they're just unusual because everyone around them is different. Inside, they're just people, and just my friends, and I really, Really hate intolerant, small-minded people who'd stare at him, and maybe be rude to Liu too. (I'd stare too - in awe!)
So, good luck to him, and I wish him well, as well as hoping that similar people have more confidence in who they are... :-)
Bon Courage y muy buena Suerte!!
I think Annie Rose is very RUDE,...!
If the producers of this show want to have true entertainment presented, they should also have judges who are open minded and know the limits of their questions or coments.
I say HURRAH for Liu Zhu for standing up to this judge!
Also, if you are going to criticise someone for gender bending, then it would help not to look like a bad drag act yourself. Maybe the evil old hag was just jealous. Honestly, at 4;47 she look like Jiang Quing/Madame Mao come back from the grave to conduct one final "self critisisim session".
But this guy is really pretty..
They just cannot get over the fact that a man can perform so well?
Well time for some new and open minded judges who have enough intellect and understanding which these do not seem to have.
They should not care a bit if he is dressed in a skirt or sailor suit. performance is performance...
It is always great to stand alone and above the crowd.. Hold your head high and know you performed far better than any of the judges.
I encourage your work and performance! bravo! Or just to annoy the judges "brava"
one very beautiful brave girl. i mean look at her.. gender is not based on whats between your legs... so for me, i'd rather refer liu zhu as her/girl/woman/.. :)
go girl...more power to you, and godbless you always :)
This young man is NOT gender-confused. He's certainly not transsexual, so it's completely incorrect to use the pronouns "she" and "her." He is male through and through. He seems to self-identify as male, apparently likes his boy bits just fine, and states that he has no intention to change that. He just likes to dress up like a girl. He may not even be gay -- wouldn't acknowledge it. He is -- let's be frank -- a drag queen. Nothing more. To go on a MEN'S singing competition dressed as a frilly girl is not heroic, nor is it laudable. It's honestly a bit ridiculous and I'm not even sure why this is a lead story on Fridae, other than gays and drag queens are usually lumped together, although plenty of heterosexual men have dressed in drag.
He looks lovely as a girl, and has a nice voice, and I can't really condone the judge's persistent and insulting line of questioning, but clearly this boy knew what he was getting himself into. If a woman showed up at a female beauty pageant dressed like a total man, she'd probably be disqualified and escorted from the stage. Why is this any different? For all we know, the boy is just seeking attention and fame. There's nothing here to inspire the indignant waving of a gay pride flag.
Anyway, that's my opinion and it's based only on the facts as provided here and in the linked stories. Please don't bash me for swimming against the stream. :)
Liu Zhu is amazing. I have been following his news recently.
He is now in Shenzhen preparing for the next elimination.
Good Luck (though i know he won't need it la).
- I disagree with you, chad, I think it probably made people think a bit about gender and stereotypes and what they take for granted, whatever the nature of the performer may be, plus she handled the outraged judge with poise and dignity.
"If a woman showed up at a female beauty pageant dressed like a total man...".
That would be really great, someone should do that!
See this para in the article:
'The report noted that "cross-dressing is gaining acceptance in the country after boyish-looking Li Yuchun, winner of the 2005 'Super Girl' contest, inspired a wave of gender-ambiguous fashion." '
I'm by NO means bigoted, and if someone self-identifies with the opposite gender or is in fact transsexual, then I'd fully support them (and have done so, back in my home city). But if one of my male subordinates showed up at the office in a mini-skirt tomorrow because he decided he wanted to just dress like a girl, I would ask, "What the hell?" and I'm pretty sure most of us would, too, you included. :)
That said, I appreciate the nice tone of your comment. Nothing wrong with disagreeing with someone and I do thank you for the civility. Wish more were like you!
congrats to him @ her..
As for me putting on a dress and some heels, hey there's quite a tradition in my country for ultra butch heterosexual men like rugby players to get drunk and cross dress, and for boy scouts to put on annual shows were they dress up as girl ballerinas, and not forgetting Shakespeare wrote several entire plays based on gender-bending and cross-dressing. I wouldn't have a problem with it if e.g. it was to raise money for a worthwhile charity. It wouldn't be as pretty as Liu Zhu though!
Someone mentioned a theatrical tradition of cross-dressing in China, and I know they have it in Japan and other cultures as well, as they did in Shakespearean England, so it'd be interesting to find out why this occurred independently across so many different cultures.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yl0iDElexg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRLQpCNXiuY&feature=related
BBC article here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3298707.stm
There's also a serious interview with him here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqoCEWeCIKo
Ah well -- no harm in agreeing to disagree. I still don't find this to be a big act of "taking a stand" or applause-worthy heroics. It's always fun to root for the underdog and nice to see anyone standing up for themselves in the face of adversity and I think that's why people latch onto this. To me, it's not a gay issue at all. I could certainly be wrong. Just seems like a bit of a fame-grab to me. :)
As I understand it, most cross-dressers may be hetero, but the prejudice they face is like homophobia, based on certain rigid and limiting ideas of what a man should be and how he should behave because of his gender. Maybe it actually is homophobia, but the victim happens not to be gay.
On your last point, obviously the performer does want to be famous, that's the whole point of going on a TV talent show, but I don't think it invalidates the other points.
But I'll agree with you that it's ok to disagree! ;)
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I think the dialog (dialogue) between chadm252 and steveuk reached new intellectual heights on Fridae.
It's totally stimulating and I agree with both equally.
If a female wore a man's bikini speedo during a Miss Universe swimsuit competition, she would probably get some extra attention even without a wardrobe malfunction. And yes, somebody should do just that!
I am playing devil's advocate, don't shoot me. Now, some reality shows may intentionally get or hire a colourful character or two as contestants to court publicity. I wouldn't be too surprised if Liu Zhu was planted in the show to jazz up ratings. The show producer must be a happy man now.
Ok, kindly politely get the fcuk outta my way before my high horse trample your 2nd hand tiara. While you're at it, try putting on your Sunday's best dress too. You'd sound more convincing bitching that way. Zzz.
The cyberspace grenades (admittedly quite funny at times and tossed a few myself) and libelous comments seem to have gotten repetitive and boring as have the general "root[ings] for the underdog" (language borrowed from chadm252) so I'm taking a break for now.
Thanks for the emotions my thoughts have elicited but not the incivility.
There is a certain perfection in every person. It is that undeniable perfection in each and everyone that I completely admire.
as much as im "country-ist" i sarpport this liu zhu dude.he's pro enough to not break down with such oppression.but he did let it get in the way of his singing cos when the good blue strip judge asked him to sing again from the chorus he went off mood n was kinda jerky,but pulled it back near the ending tho was interrupted by that biatch again.
and the other guy "wei niang" either i think he's trying to make a mockery out of liu zhu or he's jus some fake disgusting biatch.hope he make it to the top few tho i think he's singing need some improvement on top of his great composing mind....
'nuff said.
2cents.......
Aw...little bo peep, did you break up with your sleazy bf again or did your parents try their feeblest attempt again to kick you outta of their house for not flushing your mouth after every toilet use as told.
Tsk tsk, your profile says u r still staying at your parents' place in your old age???!!! - Amazing-what a Leech & Loser! Must be really hard for them- to constantly try & sweep trashy leechy children like you out.
I can see and understand now how your menopause rage takes out on bitching here at random. Like so many members here who find you obnoxious and offensively irritating, you seriously need to get whatever help that your social security allows, after setting aside some money for masturbation toys of course. Get well soon ok and remember NOT to put unwashed toys in your mouth-you just may climax this time. ;)
Ommm...count to 3 before you rant again ok? You do know how to C(o)UNT dun'cha? LOL.
Yes, yes, I know my comments gets you started but seriously, you need to buy your own batteries sometime soon. Stop that leeching again. Shame on you at your age...LOL...:D.....zzzzzz
Next....
You tried to engage me irrelevantly in one recent topic posting to my non response, then picked a fight with me for no reason and now you pretend to act prudish and victimized. Pathetic. Regular readers here know I only rag offensive losers and hypocrites so please don't create stories about polite folks, nice try. You are truly beyond delusional.
It's clear from your initiating flame-baiting, you KNOW you are a rhetoric old troll on so many levels. So many here have already told you off for your uninvited holier than thou patronizing fart and yet you persist. You persist with your rants because that's the only thing keeping your pace maker working. And I NEVER/WILL NOT reserve any respect nor manners for your likes.
PS:
And yes, skeletons of parents in the closet do count as living with them too. My my, you leeched them to the bones.? What a Loser!
PPS: Get help, STOP being a pest. Go buy some cheaper batteries for your pacemaker loser and slow down, shouldn't cost more than a middle finger bone! Check your closet for loose change.
Wasted enough time already. So, carry on bitchin', the crowd's ain't listening ! Zzzzz
steveuk
Don't dream it, be it.
United Kingdom
Male | 6' 4" / 189lbs | Caucasian
WHAT YOU DON'T SEE
Religion Agnostic
Drinks Social
Smokes No
Drugs No
Safe sex Always
How out are you? Totally
Occupation Arts / Media
Personality Flirty, Funny, Intellectual, Loving, Romantic, Serious
Living With parents - - Yikes-I see fake people! LOL
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This young girl Liu Zhu handled the situation with great maturity and clarity of thinking.
To quote from the Buddha:
"Even if I am wrong, why should you get so irritated? That is not your business. If I am wrong I will go to hell; you will not go with me. If I am wrong I will suffer for it, not you.”
"You wanted to abuse me; you abused me. Feel fulfilled. You have done your work perfectly well. But, as far as I am concerned, I don’t take your insults. Unless I take them, they are meaningless.
...
"When somebody insults you or talks negatively about you, before you can react to that, you have to become a receiver and accept what they say.
"But if you don’t accept, if you simply remain detached, if you keep your distance, If you remain cool… What can they do?
"What you have in your power or will is REACTION. Nothing else is under your control. Your success or failure or happiness is a sum total of the REACTIONS you give to a particular situation.
"Somebody can throw a burning torch into the river. It will remain alight till it reaches the river. The moment it falls into the river – all fire is gone. The river cools it down.
YOU HAVE TO BECOME LIKE THAT RIVER
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