On Being Queer and Underclass: Mu Cao and His Poetry

Bao, Hongwei; Van Crevel, Maghiel

Abstract

This essay introduces the life and work of the queer, underclass Chinese poet Mu Cao, one of six Prince Claus Impact Award laureates worldwide in 2024. With reference to both his ‘comrade poetry’ and his ‘battler poetry,’ the essay highlights the originality and richness of his writing. Examining how his queer and underclass identities intersect, the essay shows how his identity, his social and economic experience, and his writing are closely intertwined. Inside China, Mu Cao has only ever published unofficially, because both queer sexuality and systemic inequality are politically sensitive topics. In a nutshell, his work offers a critical lens on marginalised and repressed lives, and it has received scant attention to date. The essay urges engagement with Mu Cao’s unique contribution to Chinese literature.

Citation

Bao, H., & Van Crevel, M. (in press). On Being Queer and Underclass: Mu Cao and His Poetry. Made in China Journal,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 22, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Mar 4, 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 9, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 10, 2025
• Electronic ISSN: 2206-9119
• Publisher: Australian Centre on China in the World
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/46457229
• Publisher URL: https://madeinchinajournal.com/2025/03/04/on-being-queer-and-underclass-mu-cao-and-his-poetry/