Platinum Bible of the Public Toilet: Ten Queer Stories

The Platinum Bible of the Public Toilet is the first English-language collection of short stories by Cui Zien, a queer filmmaker, writer, scholar, and LGBTQ rights activist from China. It presents ten queer coming-of-age stories of young boys and men exploring their sexuality and desires, focusing on queer sexuality as a core part of human experience. The stories are imaginative, vividly written, and portray the emergence of queer cultures in postsocialist China while highlighting the commitments to one's erotic and passionate attractions, even as they lead to cultural transgressions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: Duke University Press

The Platinum Bible of the Public Toilet, a remarkable English-language collection of short stories by Cui Zien, stands as a testament to the extraordinary talent and provocative vision of China's most renowned and contentious queer filmmaker, writer, scholar, and LGBTQ rights advocate. Drawing upon his own upbringing in socialist and postsocialist China, Cui presents a captivating ten-story anthology that delves into the intricate realms of queer coming-of-age, exploring the sexual awakenings and desires of young boys and men. Spanning a surreal fairytale that depicts a ragtag crew of neighborhood boys embarking on a journey of sexual discovery to a chronicle of the gender-bending and homoerotic entanglements of university students, this collection showcases a diverse range of narratives that revolve around queer sexuality as a fundamental aspect of human experience.

Through his richly imaginative and vividly written prose, Cui intricately portrays the emergence of queer cultures in postsocialist China, while simultaneously highlighting the unwavering commitment to one's erotic and passionate attractions, even as they navigate the boundaries of cultural norms. This volume is graced with a preface penned by the author and an insightful interview that further sheds light on his creative process and the societal implications of his work.

The Platinum Bible of the Public Toilet is a groundbreaking achievement that invites readers to embark on a thought-provoking journey into the complex tapestry of human sexuality. It serves as a testament to Cui Zien's unwavering dedication to challenging societal norms and promoting inclusivity and understanding. Whether you are an avid reader of queer literature or simply seeking to explore the uncharted territories of human experience, this collection is a must-read that will leave a lasting impact on your mind and heart.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478030065