American lesbians and bisexual women like to complain a fair amount about what we see on the tube here in the States. We chatter about how we are or are not represented in the media. We yammer on about people who see us as something less than regular folk with jobs, house payments and families. But we really have it pretty good, all things considered. It could be much worse — like it is for TV viewers in China.

It seems the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, which mandates what can and cannot be shown on the state-run airwaves, has banned "vulgar" advertisements for breast enhancements and female undergarments, "tantalizing language" and any show whose name contains a reference to sex, drugs or medical institutions. (Wait — medical institutions? I don't get it either.) And since when is women's underwear vulgar? I happen to like women's underwear, especially on the right woman.

SARFT has also banned "sexually provocative sounds" from broadcast television. Not only can they not show someone actually doing anything resembling any type of sexual activity; now they can't even broadcast something that sounds like it might possibly be someone enjoying themselves while in the throes of passion. No ooohs, no ahhhs, no mmmms and definitely no yes right theres allowed. Oh, and no grunting either. Houston, we have a problem. … continue reading

"Outwit. Outplay. Outlast." Sounds like a lesbian dating guide, but no, it's the motto of the CBS reality show Survivor. The 15th installment of the show is being filmed in China and is the first American television show that has been allowed to do so. CBS is thrilled! But no word yet from the Chinese on their feelings about hosting selfish, lying, backstabbing Americans who eat disgusting things and generally smell bad for a month ... all for the chance to win a million dollars.

The 16 new contestants are evenly divided between men and women. I predict the women will not form a lasting girl-power alliance, because women just don’t seem to do that on this show.

Unfortunately, there are no out lesbian or bisexual women among this new batch of female contestants, but if you look hard enough through the pictures and the full bios, your gaydar might give you a false positive reading on a couple of the women. I know mine sure did. Alphabetically: … continue reading