Shounen ai, on the other hand, at least shows believable development and characterization in the context of romance. That is why I avoided reading yuri for some time because I feel that it provides either a somewhat idealized or false concept and depiction of lesbian relationships.Įvery time I read yaoi, I already have a good amount of suspension of belief because know I'm only indulging in some fantasy scenario, and some circumstances in yaoi are not necessarily something I would expect in how gay relationships with men really work.

Shoujo ai/yuri's readership and demographic are mostly men too, as much as the demographic for yaoi is female. That being said, I'm slightly uncomfortable with how pop culture in shows (and porn, but then again, it is porn) tend to 'fetishize' sexual/romantic relationships between women, mostly when it's geared towards the male gaze. For the longest time, I've identified as a lesbian but my sexual preference for partners is not something I consider as a social or political statement.

In fact, it was only two years ago that I came out as bisexual (and it's been grueling to even admit it). I think it stems from the fact that I have been in relationships with women, both romantic and sexual. As enjoyable and exciting as I find shounen ai/yaoi no matter how ridiculous the lack of real character development or plot are just to make way of what I deem 'sexy times' between pretty boys, my views are a lot more critical when it comes to its counterpart, shoujo ai/yuri.

Blue by Kiriko Nananan