PizzaIsLove

BLs appeal to me on a deeper level than bromances. They hit different. Watching two men defy societal expectations, break free from the constraints of friendships, and embrace every part of each other, emotionally and physically, is an electrifying experience

Who knows, maybe this "we're-just-friends-no-homo" bromance will surprise me ...

The BL and GL categories allow for easier identification and navigation of content that represents and celebrates gay love. The content wouldn't get lost in the straight-dominated landscape of entertainment

Actions speak louder than words, and the common occurrence of censored adaptations of gay original works speaks volumes

Removing the BL/gay aspect is erasing valuable representation, which is disrespectful in itself

For me, "romance" is not a relatable or interesting aspect of the human experience. It's forced and unnecessary. Disliking or complaining about the genre doesn't make anyone childish

I see. I apologize if I misunderstood your point

That's fair. Thank you for the polite and respectful exchange of opinions

I respect your opinion. I just feel that fictional relationships can use exaggerated or extreme scenarios to make a point or explore a theme, as long as it's done with the understanding that these scenarios are not to be emulated in real life. What's inappropriate in real life relationships doesn't have to be inappropriate in fictional relationships

Relationships between adults and minors are problematic and inappropriate in real life. Love for Love's Sake addressed a different context. The relationship was a plot device to explore the characters' growth and happiness within a game. It was not intended to condone or normalize "podophilic" behavior. As such, I don't agree that it's problematic

I didn't feel that Love for Love's Sake was "pedophilic" or "borderline pedophilic"

A "pedophile" is sexually attracted to prepubescent children. A high schooler is not prepubescent. The adult inhabited his past high schooler body, and was "on the same level" as the other high schooler he dated in terms of physical development

The concept of an adult mind/consciousness being transported into a game and given a second chance was necessary and central to the storyline. Otherwise, it would be like a completely different person inhabited the body. There wouldn't be an opportunity for the character to learn from his past mistakes

Fiction presents us with scenarios that test the limits of what we consider appropriate in relationships. Love for Love's Sake effectively accomplished that

I agree with the second part of your comment. The censorship of gay original works is rooted in homophobia and ignorance

You're fighting the good fight. I commend you for your passionate advocacy against the homophobic censorship of BLs/gay content. Keep up the excellent work in raising awareness on the important issue

"The BLs I've seen, mostly from Thailand, in which everyone is gay or gay-friendly, and no one has a problem with it, are complete, ridiculous fantasies"

Fiction is a product of the imagination. It's not reality or a perfect reflection of reality

Some of us use fiction to experience alternative worlds, or take a break from reality. Imagining or wishing for an "everyone is gay" society that’s different from the society we live in is meant to offer the positive representation and visibility we won't find elsewhere

Fiction can include fantastical elements and supernatural creatures (vampires, werewolves, dragons, zombies, psychics, ghosts, etc). Why can't it include alternative social norms, such as a society where being gay is accepted and the norm? This is an equally valid form of creative expression

Mainstream media excludes gay people/couples. Everyone is "straight" identifying or homophobic. Gay media (BL/GL) should be free to exclude "straight" identifying people until mainstream media representation becomes more equitable

Censoring gay storylines sends the deeply damaging message that gay people's/couples' experiences aren't worthy of being seen or heard

You focus solely on the individual experiences of one person (your gay friend). Please consider the broader societal impact of "censored adaptations of gay storylines"

The struggles of one group don't diminish the struggles of another group. The issues faced by gay people (e.g. homophobic censorship of a gay storyline) are not less important just because there are other conflicts happening in real life

Gay people have been fighting for equality and representation. This is a war that has been ongoing for centuries

"Who cares if they removed the BL element"

I care. Adaptations should honor the source material. Altering a gay story to make it less gay is disrespectful to the gay community

Mainstream adaptations of straight storylines are rarely self-censored. Mainstream adaptations of gay storylines are almost always self-censored. Doesn't the double standard tell you that there's something wrong? The self-censorship is a reflection of society's continuing bias against gay relationships. It’s homophobic, and not okay

The decision to self-censor a gay storyline isn't made lightly. It comes from external pressure or concerns about backlash. The author self-censored the gay elements of their work to avoid potential backlash from mainstream audiences, and increase the likelihood of commercial success. They might deny it, but it's true

"... but if he was charged and given a penalty, why are we still mad at him?"

The actor sexually assaulted a minor. Sexual assault is a serious crime. It's understandable that people would be angry at him. They wouldn't automatically forgive and forget

The original material is a gay web novel

A gay Snow White would be pretty cool

I’m hoping this doesn’t include a "romantic" plot/subplot

It's about understanding the risks. I'm not saying that all age gap relationships are problematic. There are exceptions. I'm saying that we should understand the potential risks that exist in age gap relationships

Large age gaps between consenting adults can still be problematic or immoral. The older partner has more life experience, financial stability, and emotional maturity. They might use their age and experience to manipulate or abuse the younger partner. Consent is one part of the equation. It doesn't necessarily mean that the relationship is healthy or positive

I'm not being hypocritical or picking favorites. I wouldn't watch "older man, younger woman" or "older woman, younger man" dramas

I respect the negative opinions on age gaps. I know some people who have experienced abuse in these types of relationships. Their experiences are valid, and their opinions deserve to be heard

I hope it doesn't air. The subject matter is sensitive and could potentially upset or alienate a large portion of the audience