AuroraLights

The uncle emerging victorious from his battle with the nefarious Bale/Babylon (my theory) and limping towards his niece was the narrative equivalent of a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven. It was pure, unadulterated happiness and satisfaction

Kudos to the uncle for being a sly, crafty fox, and kudos to his niece for having faith in him

"Sexual Content"

Between which characters? What's the time stamp? I'll get my finger ready on the fast-forward button

Agreed. It's important for media to represent "safe" sex in a realistic and non-preachy way. You've incorporated these elements in your fanfic, and I respect that

Thank you, Wren, for sharing your thoughts. I wish you all the best in your future BL reviews and discussions

My intention was not to misrepresent your position (strawman) or make a false causal link (slippery slope). It was to illustrate the potential absurd consequences of prioritizing "safety" above all else

Everyone has their comfort level. Not everyone wears a seat belt always, and not everyone has "safe" sex always. The reason I raised this issue is that "safe" sex messaging is expected more from gay media than from "straight" media. It doesn't feel like a genuine health concern

You are right that BLs rarely include "safe" sex messaging. Romance is the central focus of BLs. The actors stick to kissing (if even that! That's an issue we will tackle down the road), and "safe" sex messaging wouldn't fit organically into the narrative

The chainmail analogy was a hyperbolic example. It doesn't literally prevent an allergic reaction, and isn't meant to be taken literally. I apologize for the misunderstanding

"Have you watched the series Bed Friend?"

I'm watching it currently. Finished episode 4 last night

I hope my comment didn't offend you? I checked your profile, and your dedication to the BL genre is impressive. Keep up the great work ❤️

"... promoted safe sex"

Society/media has a curious fascination with transforming gay storylines into a public service announcement about "safe" practices. It reminds gay couples to "wrap it before they tap it," and neglects to mention a word to "straight" identifying people. In most "straight" NSFW stories, condoms are the mythical unicorn and nowhere to be found

This one-sided "sex education" doesn't recognize the intelligence and agency of gay couples to make their informed decisions. It's well-intentioned, but doesn't make for a sexy plot twist

Take the "safety" messaging to its ultimate conclusion, and we'd be donning hard hats to cross the street, wearing chainmail to eat e.g. a bag of peanuts for fear of having an allergic reaction, and refusing to leave the house. "Life" is a risk. I'd try to find a balance between caution and fear. I wouldn't shame a monogamous gay couple that face their fears of STDs, take calculated risks and have condomless sex. That's their decision

Condoms fail due to improper usage or manufacturing defects. Some STDs (herpes, HPV, etc) are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and even with condom use, there's a risk of transmission. Limiting sexual partners, maintaining open communication about sexual health, getting regular testing, and considering PrEP are as effective

Don't be hard on me, it's not like I'm judging every single person's every single action ... okay, maybe I am

"Too much stuff going on in the world" is why we shouldn't add more humans to the mix

Everyone judges everyone. Whether it's judging outfits or life choices. An adult wouldn't pretend that we are floating around in a judgment-free zone. It's okay to judge. You're judging me for judging the celebrities

A celebrity who can't handle judgment isn't cut out for celebrity life

I have plenty of life or happiness. It just doesn't involve marriage and kids

I'm not jealous of celebrities popping out kids. I don't support the idea that marriage and kids are the paths to happiness

My definition of happiness is a comfy bed, a glass of tap water, and a good fanfiction to lose myself in

The shitty world has lost enough great minds. I'm not adding myself to the list (yet)

If I'm going to off myself, I'm taking everyone else with me

I'm not enjoying it at all

If I were Korean, I wouldn't "get busy." Kids are not pawns in a financial game. Governments should make sure existing kids are getting the support they need, instead of bribing their citizens and playing the baby bonus game

Officer Unofficial MDL Police reporting for duty! Back off, civilians. We are watching you

Every drama is a BL if you ship the male leads hard enough

Shipping is a hobby and an expression of creativity. No gay shipper should be banned or shamed for expressing their thoughts and interpretations

Healthy "friendships" can evolve and transform into romantic relationships over time

I'm drawn to a strong same-sex "friendship" that withstands the transformative power of romance and comes out stronger on the other side

Trying to ban gay shippers from everywhere would make us stronger. Adversity fuels a shipper's fire

I'm sick of "straight" identifying people and their agenda

There are all kinds of "friends to lovers" stories where opposite-sex "friends" are a misunderstanding away from something more than a "friendship." I'm applying the same standards to same-sex "friendships." A "bro handshake/hug" is a prelude to a passionate kiss

Romance enriches and strengthens same-sex "friendships." The act of loving and being loved introduces new dimensions of comfort, acceptance, and stability. Same-sex "friends" shouldn't settle for a "friendship." They should start looking at each other with heart eyes

Fictional characters are more complex than the "straight" label you give them. Their sexualities are up to the imagination

Grab some tissues. I won't stop gay shipping anytime soon

You make a valid point. MDL should be a place to discuss and appreciate art form. I didn't join to get caught up in rumors and gossip

Having a kid in this shitty world isn't something I'd celebrate

"Straight" identifying people spent ages forcing their "straight" agenda on everyone. They were intolerant and hateful to begin with

BLs/GLs and rainbow flags will fly high. "Straight" identifying people stewing in their homophobic juices isn't my problem