A high-profile dancer has reignited the same-sex marriage debate in China after her lesbian wedding photos were viewed 500 million times despite being banned on Chinese social media.
Shui Yue, one of the few high-profile Chinese figures to come out as gay, shared photos of her wedding to Pu Yurong on Chinese social network Weibo on 1st June.
The photos were first leaked by entertainment influencers, according to reports.
Shui, who is a student of famous choreographer and director Yang Liping also dubbed the ‘goddess of dance’, said: “It’s been 771 days since we first got together. From when we proposed to each other to the wedding, everything has been dreamlike.”
Shui Yue married her partner Pu Yurong on a wedding ceremony in January 
Shui Yue married her partner Pu Yurong on a wedding ceremony in January
The wedding took place in the prefecture of Xishuangbanna in the Chinese province of Yunnan when the couple exchanged personal vows in front of their families.
According to local media, after walking the brides down the aisle, the fathers embraced each other, something which was considered a loving gesture as many Chinese people still hold a conservative view about same-sex relationships.
However, the wedding is not officially recognised in China as same-sex marriage has not been legalised yet and gay couples often stage ceremonies as a gesture of love.
LGBT activists have been pushing for legalised same-sex marriage for years and they regularly lobby officials attending the annual legislative session.
Shui Yue married her partner Pu Yurong on a wedding ceremony in January 
The wedding ceremony of Shui Yue and Pu Yurong 
The couple together
According to local media, images of Shui’s same-sex wedding were censored on Weibo on the Chinese mainland.
However, the wedding stayed on the social network’s ‘Hot Topic’ list in Hong Kong and was reportedly viewed over 500 million times.
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Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report
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