most of y’all exposed yourself in the comments today đź¤
You're part of the "equal opportunity fetishizer" homophobic community the noble quest of which is to fetishize TQ+ people. The community patrols the internet and passes judgement on others' gay media preferences. How very progressive of you
We will create a new genre called "FiftyShadesofGender" dedicated to the fetishization of TQ+ people. Wouldn't want you to feel left out
Aurora, You are conflating sex and gender, which are not the same thing. Sex refers to the biological and physiological…
The Two-Spirit identity was a designation that denied the full humanity of non-conforming people. Those failing to conform to conventional gender roles were seen as "neither man nor woman," or a separate entity. The assignment of a third identity was an exercise in homophobia and misogyny. It wasn't a recognition of multiple genders
The studies that arrived at the 1.7% estimate relied on inaccurate definitions of "intersex" conditions. They were conducted in limited populations not representative of the global population. A stringent, accurate definition of conditions with visible atypical characteristics results in lower estimates (0.018%)
The research in the area of "gender identity" isn't conclusive. It would be hasty and imprudent to implement modifications to public policy and legislation at this juncture. The magnitude of the undertaking, the revision of legal documentation, construction of gender-neutral infrastructure, and "education" of personnel, would pose financial obstacles
Expanding gender categories will open loopholes and avenues for manipulation. For example, a person might claim a non-binary gender identity to access the benefits or resources allocated for non-binary identifying people
Binary genders have been the foundation of society for centuries. Altering them will have unintended negative consequences
Do you have any idea how much BL dramas has helped many of us to understand LGBT community .... We had no idea…
Let's grab a box of crayons, bust out the construction paper and glue sticks and turn this non-debate into a kindergarten craft project. Better yet, let's settle this with a game of rock-paper-scissors. Sounds good?
Non-binary people are those who do not identify as exclusively male or female. They may have a gender identity…
Asexuality is defined in relation to the absence of attraction towards genders. There's a gendered component. Bisexuality and pansexuality are defined in relation to attraction towards multiple or all genders. They require a recognition of gender as a factor in determining one's sexuality
The joy of a digital impasse. The art of the block. And the sweet sound of silence, punctuated by the tapping of our keyboards. Why, indeed, would I sully it with the noise of conversation when I can bask in the glow of my own brilliance?
Aurora, You are conflating sex and gender, which are not the same thing. Sex refers to the biological and physiological…
The majority of cultures throughout history had/have a binary understanding of gender. The binary model is more reflective of universal human experience
"... substantial body of research"
Their conclusions aren't unanimous. Scholars and researchers hold divergent opinions on the nature and origin of "gender identity"
The prevalence of "intersex" conditions is lower than estimated (0.018%). A rarity doesn't warrant a reevaluation of the binary gender model. "Intersex" people identify as man or woman, suggesting that they too align with the binary
Expanding the number of gender categories leads to confusion and practical difficulties in areas of public policy, legislation, and social services. A practical solution would be to promote equality within the existing binary model
Anika, you openly ridiculed me for using they/them pronouns. Who is the real homophobe here?
Media is an idealized version of reality. Are you going to say goodbye to Instagram filters? Or blame romcoms for making people believe that they will find their "soulmate" by bumping into them on the street?
BLs are the fairy tales of the community; fun, fantastical, and full of Prince Charming(s). They are a form of escapism for those of us yearning to see a gay-friendly world where love between two impossibly attractive men triumphs over all. This is a gay representation I'm satisfied with
If BLs are appropriating "queer" struggles, mainstream Kdramas are appropriating the struggles of drama school dropouts
Non-binary people are those who do not identify as exclusively male or female. They may have a gender identity…
The relationship between gender and sexuality is undeniable. Sexuality can't exist autonomously, devoid of gendered context
The terms "asexuality," "bisexuality," and "pansexuality" are imbued with references to gender, explicitly or implicitly. Bisexuality connotes an affinity for two genders, pansexuality denotes an attraction transcending gender boundaries, and asexuality signifies a dearth of attraction towards genders
A genderless person and a gay man don't have similar experiences. The severity of BL's impacts on them differ
There's an inextricable connection between a genre's subject matter and its potential ramifications. BL's focus on male-male relationships is not an affront to those who don't identify within that framework. It doesn't concern TQ+ people to be detrimental to them
"How kind of you for blocking me"
You're welcome! I figured you needed quality time with your number one fan—yourself. Do enjoy the echo chamber!
Do you have any idea how much BL dramas has helped many of us to understand LGBT community .... We had no idea…
The infamous "fallacy fallacy" rears its head again. Careful not to get lost in the fallacy forest!
Realism isn't high on the list of priorities for any entertainment medium. People seek an escape from the monotony of everyday life in the form of emotionally charged, implausible fictional relationships
For those seeking authentic representation, I suggest using a pair of high-powered binoculars to snoop on your neighbors
The objectification/fetishization of female characters in "straight" media goes unchallenged. The same courtesy can be extended to (gay) male characters
Aurora, You are conflating sex and gender, which are not the same thing. Sex refers to the biological and physiological…
The idea of multiple genders isn't supported by empirical evidence. It's a cultural phenomenon and not a fact
Evolutionary psychologists maintain that some gender-typical behaviors and preferences are rooted in biology and shaped by natural selection
Gender is not entirely a social construct separate from sex. It's influenced by underlying biological factors (hormones and brain structures) that interact with social and cultural factors to produce gender-typical behaviors
"Intersex" variations are aberrations/anomalies that don't represent a third gender or challenge the fundamental categorization of humans as man or woman
The 1.7% estimate is inflated. It includes conditions that don't result in significant deviations from the typical male or female development trajectory. Their inclusion under the "intersex" umbrella is inappropriate. In particular, the inclusion of people with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and hypospadias contributes to the inflated estimate
"Intersex" people's rights to bodily autonomy, freedom from discrimination, and legal recognition don't imply the conceptualization of gender as a spectrum or the complete disentanglement of sex and gender
The advocacy for the rights of "intersex" people and the endorsement of a binary view on gender are not mutually exclusive positions
The discourse surrounding gender, the claim about the existence of more than two genders, is propelled by subjective beliefs, socially constructed notions, and political motivations. The term "gender ideology" is an impetus for the critical scrutiny of these presuppositions and motivations
That’s not how this works. An actor is playing a part, a fictional character. The fans and everyone else is…
Acting requires a level of immersion and identification with a character. Actors temporarily set aside their identities and beliefs to embody their roles. The act, understood by all to be a performance, is nonetheless a form of self-delusion
Correspondingly, the audience suspends their disbelief to be engrossed in the story unfolding before them. The stage or screen is transformed into a realm of imagination. Reality is temporarily suspended in favor of a shared delusion that blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction
Both actors and shippers operate within a sphere of imaginative play. It's inconsistent and dishonest to only label the engagement of shippers in fanciful projection as "delusional." Similar delusions are socially tolerated or accepted in other contexts (acting, religion, etc)
The practice of shipping real people doesn't disqualify shippers from being fans. Fans engage in different forms of creativity and speculation. Shipping real people is an emotional investment in public personas
Celebrities aren't "victims." Dictating what forms of creative engagement are permissible, telling shippers to cease their shipping and exploration of hypothetical dynamics, is an infringement upon the autonomy of shippers
Celebrities' status as public figures is a choice. By voluntarily entering the public eye, celebrities invite engagement from their fans. Their job is to navigate the complexities of their relationship with their fanbase with understanding and sympathy
NO ONE is stopping you from watching. You can knock yourself out for all we care. Your streaming on pirated site…
"Your Name Engraved Herein" has been praised for its historical accuracy and emotional depth. "Given" has been praised for its sensitive depiction of coming out
"... for its lack of diversity and representation of other LGBTQ+ identities, such as bisexual, transgender, and non-binary people"
Invalid "criticism." The indispensability of disseminating and championing "cis" gay stories can't be overstated. To that end, "cis" gay stories have a distinct genre (BL/GL). BL/GL is an oasis amidst a vast desert of heteronormativity and gender identities, a bastion that should be reserved for "cis" gay romance. The inclusion of "straight" identifying and TQ+ people would cast a shadow over and detract from the beauty of gay stories
Everyone is entitled to write gay stories. Storytelling is an experience not confined to one's personal identity or lived experiences. What matters is the quality and sensitivity of the work
The existence of BL doesn't preclude the creation and consumption of gay media by gay people
The motivations and intentions of "straight" identifying women vary. It could be curiosity, empathy, escapism, or emotional connection. The emotional intensity or intimacy of gay relationships is more authentic and egalitarian. Women are fascinated by the fresh perspective on sexuality and gender roles
Media has positive and negative impacts on its audience. The impact depends on how the audience engages with and interprets the content
The claim that BL is responsible for fostering ignorance, prejudice, and harmful expectations ignores the agency of the audience in interpreting and contextualizing the media they consume
Examples that illustrate the positive impact of BL:
Promoting empathy
BL exposes its audience to a broader spectrum of human sexuality. The heightened awareness is a catalyst for empathy and acceptance of gay experiences
Self-discovery
BL is a safe space to explore one's sexuality and reconcile one's feelings
Encouraging activism and allyship
BL inspires fans to be active supporters of gay rights. I met fans who participated in pride events
Challenging traditional gender roles
BL challenges conventional notions of masculinity and femininity. The male characters exhibit sensitivity and tenderness, traits associated with femininity, while exhibiting strength and determination, traits associated with masculinity
Increasing gay visibility and representation
BL contributed to increased visibility and representation of gay relationships
Fostering a sense of community
Online and offline BL communities are a space for fans to connect, share their experiences, and offer support to one another
The "romance" genre has historically been marketed towards "straight" identifying women
BL is a subgenre of romance. It shares the core themes, structures, and reader expectations that characterize the "romance" genre
It's not an inferior, problematically stagnant subgenre. There's potential for critical engagement and transformative readings among the audience. Fans of BL can reimagine stories and reinterpret character dynamics to align with their desires. The transformative potential challenges and subverts BL's problematic elements
The "romance" genre isn't without its flaws. It has been rightfully criticized for adhering to traditional gender roles and homophobic conventions
"This is a sexist and heteronormative statement"
The statement doesn't imply fixed differences between genders. It encourages the exploration of traits associated with femininity
"A potato that generates worse arguments?"
My arguments are a fully-loaded baked potato. I'm no small fries. You better ketchup with me
Do you have any idea how much BL dramas has helped many of us to understand LGBT community .... We had no idea…
Bringing up "straight" drama issues isn't necessarily whataboutism. It's a way to point out double standards or show that objectification/fetishization isn't exclusive to BL
You’re gay and you swear you’re not homophobic, but you believe there are only two genders? You must have…
The majority of the people who identify as transgender, non-binary, etc, are not "intersex." Intersex is a medical condition characterized by atypical development of the body that under normal circumstances would result in unambiguously male or female anatomy. I'm sure intersex people wouldn't appreciate their condition being co-opted for the purpose of advancing a gender identity ideology
people who complain about others discussing the stupidity of taking a gay manwha and removing the gay aspect are…
Many adaptations have been highly influential. Examples: the Harry Potter films, the Lord of the Rings films, and the Game of Thrones TV series. They have brought the stories and characters to a larger audience than their original works, introducing them to new generations of fans and breaking viewership records
Adaptations have the power to shape public perception or discourse around a story, and therefore have a responsibility to accurately represent the original work or its (gay) themes. With great power comes great responsibility
Censorship is a tool to silence political, social dissent. Motivated by artistic considerations, it has political and social implications
Art is shaped by the social, cultural and political context in which it's created. Homophobia is pervasive, and the censorship of gay works is a manifestation of this homophobia. It limits the diversity and richness of artistic expression
Artistic freedom isn't exempt from criticism, the creative process thrives on constructive feedback and dialogue. But your subsequent claim that critique doesn't "impose" external expectations on artists is contradictory. Critiquing is an "imposition" of the critic's whims and preferences on an artwork
The "critique" of BL is predicated on the false assumption that the genre should adhere to certain standards of quality, diversity, and morality. It "imposes" a standard of excellence on the art form and limits the boundless discharge of imaginative vision
Art is a subjective medium, and what you perceive as a flaw of BL, I perceive as a strength or an untapped reservoir of potentiality
The act of re-envisioning and re-conceptualizing extant works should be undertaken with discretion and regard for the original work. The erasure of gay representation is a longstanding issue, and to condone the decision in the name of artistic freedom is to marginalize gay voices and experiences
"... in a civil and rational debate"
We were having a rational debate? I thought we were exchanging creative insults
"... you have shown yourself to be ignorant, intolerant, and hypocritical. You have also shown yourself to be cowardly"
Someone's been studying their logical fallacies! Calling me ignorant, intolerant, hypocritical, and cowardly are ad hominem attacks that don't engage with the substance of the debate
"Ignorant, intolerant, hypocritical, and cowardly." A masterful deduction of someone's psyche from the choice to block you. Truly a groundbreaking psychological breakthrough /sarcasm
Non-binary people are those who do not identify as exclusively male or female. They may have a gender identity…
Sexuality is defined in relation to one's gender and the gender of the people one is attracted to. It's not illogical to ask a genderless person for clarification or further explanation
Personal experiences and identities can influence one's perspective and understanding of an issue. Questioning a genderless person's qualifications or credibility isn't the same as attacking them personally
The experiences of a genderless person would be different from those of a gay man. They aren't directly "affected by the negative impacts of BL" to have an accurate understanding of them
"... and learn to respect and accept people who are different from you"
Do you respect and accept the women who enjoy BL?
Blocking you wasn't personal, I wanted to give you space to talk to yourself. They say self-talk is the best kind of therapy
Non-binary people are those who do not identify as exclusively male or female. They may have a gender identity…
"This is why I oppose BLs, because they create this kind of attitude"
I've always been a "there are two genders" kind of person. BLs are an innocent bystander
Allow me to address the elephant in the room. Or the genderless person in the room. I'm genuinely curious, how can a person who identifies as neither man nor woman speak for gay men or understand the impact of BL? You don't have a gender, how can you be gay or attracted to someone of the same gender?
BL, by definition, revolves around the romantic entanglements of men. "Straight" identifying and TQ+ people don't fit into the equation. It's not within the scope of the gay genre
A genderless person feeling "dehumanized" by a genre not tailored to their lifestyle is as unexpected as a dog owner feeling slighted by a book on cat care. The apples-to-oranges comparison doesn't make sense
NO ONE is stopping you from watching. You can knock yourself out for all we care. Your streaming on pirated site…
"Can you name any BL work"
Certainly! A few examples of wholesome, non-rapey BLs:
Thailand
"I Told Sunset About You" and "A Tale of Thousand Stars." They have garnered critical acclaim for their nuanced depictions of gay relationships
Taiwan
"Your Name Engraved Herein," a touching story of two male students falling in love amidst the backdrop of Taiwan's martial law era, and "About Youth," an uplifting slice-of-life about self-discovery
Japan
"Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!," a comedic series featuring a healthy, consensual relationship, and "Given," an anime series navigating the complex emotion of grief and the path towards recovery
Korea
Most Korean BLs. "Where Your Eyes Linger," "Mr. Heart," "To My Star 1&2," "You Make Me Dance," "Light on Me," "Blueming," etc
BL being created and consumed by "straight" identifying women doesn't negate the value of the genre. All forms of media are subject to market forces and profit. The primary target audience of the "romance" genre is "straight" identifying women. Given the established inclination of women to consume romance, it follows that BL would attract a female audience. Men should learn from women and get in touch with their inner romantic hero
As a member of the community, I attest to the involvement of gay people in the BL fandom/community. Our engagement suggests that the genre has resonance beyond its "straight" identifying female audience. It has a positive* impact on the real world
"You’ve figured out the secret of my chip. It’s actually a potato"
A potato that generates worse arguments. That's a-peeling. Your chip has the rhetorical skills of a tuber and we are in for starchy non-debates. Please consider upgrading to an intellectually stimulating snack
1 
We will create a new genre called "FiftyShadesofGender" dedicated to the fetishization of TQ+ people. Wouldn't want you to feel left out
The studies that arrived at the 1.7% estimate relied on inaccurate definitions of "intersex" conditions. They were conducted in limited populations not representative of the global population. A stringent, accurate definition of conditions with visible atypical characteristics results in lower estimates (0.018%)
The research in the area of "gender identity" isn't conclusive. It would be hasty and imprudent to implement modifications to public policy and legislation at this juncture. The magnitude of the undertaking, the revision of legal documentation, construction of gender-neutral infrastructure, and "education" of personnel, would pose financial obstacles
Expanding gender categories will open loopholes and avenues for manipulation. For example, a person might claim a non-binary gender identity to access the benefits or resources allocated for non-binary identifying people
Binary genders have been the foundation of society for centuries. Altering them will have unintended negative consequences
The joy of a digital impasse. The art of the block. And the sweet sound of silence, punctuated by the tapping of our keyboards. Why, indeed, would I sully it with the noise of conversation when I can bask in the glow of my own brilliance?
"... substantial body of research"
Their conclusions aren't unanimous. Scholars and researchers hold divergent opinions on the nature and origin of "gender identity"
The prevalence of "intersex" conditions is lower than estimated (0.018%). A rarity doesn't warrant a reevaluation of the binary gender model. "Intersex" people identify as man or woman, suggesting that they too align with the binary
Expanding the number of gender categories leads to confusion and practical difficulties in areas of public policy, legislation, and social services. A practical solution would be to promote equality within the existing binary model
I'd give the genre a standing ovation, but I'm too busy binge-watching the latest episode of "Perfect Gay Prince Charmings and their Magical Love"
BLs are the fairy tales of the community; fun, fantastical, and full of Prince Charming(s). They are a form of escapism for those of us yearning to see a gay-friendly world where love between two impossibly attractive men triumphs over all. This is a gay representation I'm satisfied with
If BLs are appropriating "queer" struggles, mainstream Kdramas are appropriating the struggles of drama school dropouts
Homophobic censorship is a travesty, and we have every right to complain about it
The terms "asexuality," "bisexuality," and "pansexuality" are imbued with references to gender, explicitly or implicitly. Bisexuality connotes an affinity for two genders, pansexuality denotes an attraction transcending gender boundaries, and asexuality signifies a dearth of attraction towards genders
A genderless person and a gay man don't have similar experiences. The severity of BL's impacts on them differ
There's an inextricable connection between a genre's subject matter and its potential ramifications. BL's focus on male-male relationships is not an affront to those who don't identify within that framework. It doesn't concern TQ+ people to be detrimental to them
"How kind of you for blocking me"
You're welcome! I figured you needed quality time with your number one fan—yourself. Do enjoy the echo chamber!
Realism isn't high on the list of priorities for any entertainment medium. People seek an escape from the monotony of everyday life in the form of emotionally charged, implausible fictional relationships
For those seeking authentic representation, I suggest using a pair of high-powered binoculars to snoop on your neighbors
The objectification/fetishization of female characters in "straight" media goes unchallenged. The same courtesy can be extended to (gay) male characters
Evolutionary psychologists maintain that some gender-typical behaviors and preferences are rooted in biology and shaped by natural selection
Gender is not entirely a social construct separate from sex. It's influenced by underlying biological factors (hormones and brain structures) that interact with social and cultural factors to produce gender-typical behaviors
"Intersex" variations are aberrations/anomalies that don't represent a third gender or challenge the fundamental categorization of humans as man or woman
The 1.7% estimate is inflated. It includes conditions that don't result in significant deviations from the typical male or female development trajectory. Their inclusion under the "intersex" umbrella is inappropriate. In particular, the inclusion of people with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and hypospadias contributes to the inflated estimate
"Intersex" people's rights to bodily autonomy, freedom from discrimination, and legal recognition don't imply the conceptualization of gender as a spectrum or the complete disentanglement of sex and gender
The advocacy for the rights of "intersex" people and the endorsement of a binary view on gender are not mutually exclusive positions
The discourse surrounding gender, the claim about the existence of more than two genders, is propelled by subjective beliefs, socially constructed notions, and political motivations. The term "gender ideology" is an impetus for the critical scrutiny of these presuppositions and motivations
Correspondingly, the audience suspends their disbelief to be engrossed in the story unfolding before them. The stage or screen is transformed into a realm of imagination. Reality is temporarily suspended in favor of a shared delusion that blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction
Both actors and shippers operate within a sphere of imaginative play. It's inconsistent and dishonest to only label the engagement of shippers in fanciful projection as "delusional." Similar delusions are socially tolerated or accepted in other contexts (acting, religion, etc)
The practice of shipping real people doesn't disqualify shippers from being fans. Fans engage in different forms of creativity and speculation. Shipping real people is an emotional investment in public personas
Celebrities aren't "victims." Dictating what forms of creative engagement are permissible, telling shippers to cease their shipping and exploration of hypothetical dynamics, is an infringement upon the autonomy of shippers
Celebrities' status as public figures is a choice. By voluntarily entering the public eye, celebrities invite engagement from their fans. Their job is to navigate the complexities of their relationship with their fanbase with understanding and sympathy
"... for its lack of diversity and representation of other LGBTQ+ identities, such as bisexual, transgender, and non-binary people"
Invalid "criticism." The indispensability of disseminating and championing "cis" gay stories can't be overstated. To that end, "cis" gay stories have a distinct genre (BL/GL). BL/GL is an oasis amidst a vast desert of heteronormativity and gender identities, a bastion that should be reserved for "cis" gay romance. The inclusion of "straight" identifying and TQ+ people would cast a shadow over and detract from the beauty of gay stories
Everyone is entitled to write gay stories. Storytelling is an experience not confined to one's personal identity or lived experiences. What matters is the quality and sensitivity of the work
The existence of BL doesn't preclude the creation and consumption of gay media by gay people
The motivations and intentions of "straight" identifying women vary. It could be curiosity, empathy, escapism, or emotional connection. The emotional intensity or intimacy of gay relationships is more authentic and egalitarian. Women are fascinated by the fresh perspective on sexuality and gender roles
Media has positive and negative impacts on its audience. The impact depends on how the audience engages with and interprets the content
The claim that BL is responsible for fostering ignorance, prejudice, and harmful expectations ignores the agency of the audience in interpreting and contextualizing the media they consume
Examples that illustrate the positive impact of BL:
Promoting empathy
BL exposes its audience to a broader spectrum of human sexuality. The heightened awareness is a catalyst for empathy and acceptance of gay experiences
Self-discovery
BL is a safe space to explore one's sexuality and reconcile one's feelings
Encouraging activism and allyship
BL inspires fans to be active supporters of gay rights. I met fans who participated in pride events
Challenging traditional gender roles
BL challenges conventional notions of masculinity and femininity. The male characters exhibit sensitivity and tenderness, traits associated with femininity, while exhibiting strength and determination, traits associated with masculinity
Increasing gay visibility and representation
BL contributed to increased visibility and representation of gay relationships
Fostering a sense of community
Online and offline BL communities are a space for fans to connect, share their experiences, and offer support to one another
The "romance" genre has historically been marketed towards "straight" identifying women
BL is a subgenre of romance. It shares the core themes, structures, and reader expectations that characterize the "romance" genre
It's not an inferior, problematically stagnant subgenre. There's potential for critical engagement and transformative readings among the audience. Fans of BL can reimagine stories and reinterpret character dynamics to align with their desires. The transformative potential challenges and subverts BL's problematic elements
The "romance" genre isn't without its flaws. It has been rightfully criticized for adhering to traditional gender roles and homophobic conventions
"This is a sexist and heteronormative statement"
The statement doesn't imply fixed differences between genders. It encourages the exploration of traits associated with femininity
"A potato that generates worse arguments?"
My arguments are a fully-loaded baked potato. I'm no small fries. You better ketchup with me
Adaptations have the power to shape public perception or discourse around a story, and therefore have a responsibility to accurately represent the original work or its (gay) themes. With great power comes great responsibility
Censorship is a tool to silence political, social dissent. Motivated by artistic considerations, it has political and social implications
Art is shaped by the social, cultural and political context in which it's created. Homophobia is pervasive, and the censorship of gay works is a manifestation of this homophobia. It limits the diversity and richness of artistic expression
Artistic freedom isn't exempt from criticism, the creative process thrives on constructive feedback and dialogue. But your subsequent claim that critique doesn't "impose" external expectations on artists is contradictory. Critiquing is an "imposition" of the critic's whims and preferences on an artwork
The "critique" of BL is predicated on the false assumption that the genre should adhere to certain standards of quality, diversity, and morality. It "imposes" a standard of excellence on the art form and limits the boundless discharge of imaginative vision
Art is a subjective medium, and what you perceive as a flaw of BL, I perceive as a strength or an untapped reservoir of potentiality
The act of re-envisioning and re-conceptualizing extant works should be undertaken with discretion and regard for the original work. The erasure of gay representation is a longstanding issue, and to condone the decision in the name of artistic freedom is to marginalize gay voices and experiences
"... in a civil and rational debate"
We were having a rational debate? I thought we were exchanging creative insults
"... you have shown yourself to be ignorant, intolerant, and hypocritical. You have also shown yourself to be cowardly"
Someone's been studying their logical fallacies! Calling me ignorant, intolerant, hypocritical, and cowardly are ad hominem attacks that don't engage with the substance of the debate
"Ignorant, intolerant, hypocritical, and cowardly." A masterful deduction of someone's psyche from the choice to block you. Truly a groundbreaking psychological breakthrough /sarcasm
Personal experiences and identities can influence one's perspective and understanding of an issue. Questioning a genderless person's qualifications or credibility isn't the same as attacking them personally
The experiences of a genderless person would be different from those of a gay man. They aren't directly "affected by the negative impacts of BL" to have an accurate understanding of them
"... and learn to respect and accept people who are different from you"
Do you respect and accept the women who enjoy BL?
Blocking you wasn't personal, I wanted to give you space to talk to yourself. They say self-talk is the best kind of therapy
I've always been a "there are two genders" kind of person. BLs are an innocent bystander
Allow me to address the elephant in the room. Or the genderless person in the room. I'm genuinely curious, how can a person who identifies as neither man nor woman speak for gay men or understand the impact of BL? You don't have a gender, how can you be gay or attracted to someone of the same gender?
BL, by definition, revolves around the romantic entanglements of men. "Straight" identifying and TQ+ people don't fit into the equation. It's not within the scope of the gay genre
A genderless person feeling "dehumanized" by a genre not tailored to their lifestyle is as unexpected as a dog owner feeling slighted by a book on cat care. The apples-to-oranges comparison doesn't make sense
Certainly! A few examples of wholesome, non-rapey BLs:
Thailand
"I Told Sunset About You" and "A Tale of Thousand Stars." They have garnered critical acclaim for their nuanced depictions of gay relationships
Taiwan
"Your Name Engraved Herein," a touching story of two male students falling in love amidst the backdrop of Taiwan's martial law era, and "About Youth," an uplifting slice-of-life about self-discovery
Japan
"Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!," a comedic series featuring a healthy, consensual relationship, and "Given," an anime series navigating the complex emotion of grief and the path towards recovery
Korea
Most Korean BLs. "Where Your Eyes Linger," "Mr. Heart," "To My Star 1&2," "You Make Me Dance," "Light on Me," "Blueming," etc
BL being created and consumed by "straight" identifying women doesn't negate the value of the genre. All forms of media are subject to market forces and profit. The primary target audience of the "romance" genre is "straight" identifying women. Given the established inclination of women to consume romance, it follows that BL would attract a female audience. Men should learn from women and get in touch with their inner romantic hero
As a member of the community, I attest to the involvement of gay people in the BL fandom/community. Our engagement suggests that the genre has resonance beyond its "straight" identifying female audience. It has a positive* impact on the real world
"You’ve figured out the secret of my chip. It’s actually a potato"
A potato that generates worse arguments. That's a-peeling. Your chip has the rhetorical skills of a tuber and we are in for starchy non-debates. Please consider upgrading to an intellectually stimulating snack