It seems in the universe of BLs there are four different worlds when it comes to gay relationships:
1. Everyone is fine with it and no one reacts differently to gay vs. straight relationships. Often in these ones all the young people are interested in same sex relationships. Public displays of affection are no big deal. Sometimes couples worry about their parents reactions but the parents are supportive and accepting.
2. All the young people are completely ok with same sex relationships but the parents are upset by them. Usually the parents come around and accept it in the end.
3. Gay relationships are a surprise to friends and parents, but they learn to accept it. Sometimes even the main characters are surprised by their own feelings, but not ashamed.
4. Being attracted to someone of the same sex is a really big deal. Main characters feel ashamed to admit it, friends are often shocked, and parents are super upset. Main characters eventually accept their own feelings in this world but may choose to hide their relationship from most people. Particularly prevalent in Korean BLs.
I’ve been trying to think of an example for each of these. Can you help? Do you think I’m right about these universes?