Alright then. I'll engage with this discussion. First of all, not every BL fan specifically wants to see the characters…
Well I'm glad there are people like you who are willing to talk an angry person like me down and get me to actually think about how I handle my opinions and how I express them. These kind of conversations are important and help build bridges.
Ugh I really feel bad that I imposed myself on this comment section with such negatively. I'm better than this so I need to act like it. That's really kewl! I'm glad you've built up a nice community of fellow BL lovers of this series :P
OH I feel way too lucky, he's a major reason why I'm actually reflecting now. In the past, I would have just gotten angrier (I have clinical and diagnosed anger management problems) but ever since he's entered my life - I just feel like hate is such a waste of time and even though I still have my moments of outburst - they are far less frequent. He just makes me so happy and I feel so much love from him I feel unworthy. This site has some really neat people and although I've gotten on the bad side of some, most of my interactions are very good!
I will, I already updated my watchlist and took it off dropped and back onto currently watching. And thank you! I promise to drop the attitude at the door if I drop in again hehe :)
I've had experiences like that with other BL - yes it really is so much fun experiencing a BL as it airs and then discussing it with fellow fans after. It can be the most fun thing ever to me at times! Ahh I guess I understand even more so why I might have offended others - I didn't think about how dear some people hold this BL to their hearts so I was being insensitive. I feel so much better now! I've kinda discussed this with two other commentors and its also been very constructive. One of them we butted head at first but I think we are now at a level of civility that allows for good discussion. And I accepted your friend request :) thank you for the invite! Love and hugs!!!
Alright then. I'll engage with this discussion. First of all, not every BL fan specifically wants to see the characters…
Yes Mame has written WONDERFUL characters but really dropped the ball on that one, I totally agree. I finished TT2 and I did like it, although I wasn't feeling Fiat and Leo lmao! Love the actors, just wasn't feeling the chemistry. First one is still better but as far as sequels go I thought it was decent. My opinion of course lol, I understand why others might find it lacking or the story being a little too cliche or similar to others.
Actually I hadn't considered that, now that you point that out his reactions make a LOT more sense to me. Yeah gay-panic gets a bit old and I was kinda thinking that what was going on here but you helped me to see it a different way. Yeah no one likes the typical thug "let's mess up your day" characters ftmp haha! Oh and I like the girl who works with them, she's very nice and her voice is soothing.
YES! I love it when the actors have natural and believable chemistry and seem to be really comfortable with each other in what would otherwise be a nerve-wrecking scene for some to do. Sometimes I'm satisfied with just one kiss at the end if the story is good, the characters strong and the ending happy haha! I tend to want more skinship when the BL starts to bore me haha I admit that. It's like, give me SOME reason to continue watching haha! But yes I plan to continue Cherry Magic even though there's no lead kiss because I really do love their chemistry and the story is intriguing. Ahhhh yes, those BL that constantly come close but never quite hit that satisfying mark, I get ya. You are right, the love both leads have for each other is very apparent and I went to hard on the "no kiss" thing because I misread it as homophobic - I tend to be TOO protective over such things. Not only gestures, we literally know what they are thinking haha!!! :P
OH MY the hubby/wife thing!!!! I love Thai BL but they do that WAY too much even in my favorite series'. I guess it was my misconception of a self-imposed hetero-normativity that was being pushed by BL, but didn't know it was a part of their gay culture. Yes that's exactly how I felt! Cross-cultural differences lead to so many misunderstandings at times. Yes because in the west, calling the passive/bottom/receiving partner a wife is typically seen as demeaning as it comes off as heteronormative and a little sexist to some. I'm a little more closed-minded than I'd like to be then, its really difficult learning one way and then trying to learn a way that goes against what one has already learnt lmao!
OH OH I'm so proud of the Philippines! They have made some really good ones recently that REALLY addressed some things in the gay community I recognize and identify with! Yes I totally agree with you on that! Some low-budgets are better than high-budgets haha! Ahhh I need to watch Gameboys, I'll probably watch that one with my BF who is Filipino :D We watched my day the series together. Oh and me and my BF did watch Gaya Sa Pelikula - such a cute series! I need to update my watchlist haha!
Yes I was kinda unloading all my BL frustrations onto one series and that's not fair. I was being too generalistic. Thank you for your reply! I love your approach to a jerk like me haha :P
Your reaction is totally over the top. I understand you might have different preferences, but the absence of intimacy…
Yeah I was writing it and I thought, do I even REALLY agree with all of this or am I just trying to defend a position I don't even really support simply because that's my gut reaction? Thank you for that, I wasn't looking to fight (debate yes) but not fight and I just got emotional over silly things.
1- You are right, I got too emotional and should calm down before posting. I've actually been better at it but every now and then I fall back into bad behavior so I gotta exercise better self-control.
2- Completely agreed here.
3- I understand that, but since words have many meanings and uses I just felt that my use wasn't out of the realm of reality as I used it appropriately albeit clumsily. But yes some people have a more narrowed use of certain words or what they mean. For example, the Q word (for gay people) was used to insult and disparage me so I get offended when LGBT+ use that word to describe themselves BUT I know they don't mean it negatively. Still the word has power to me, so yes I think I understand where you are coming from at least a little bit.
4- Well I withdrew my comment about the actors, I forget actors in other countries have less creative control over the characters they play so that was my misunderstanding. BUT the agencies DO pull a lot of BS, and not just in Japan but everywhere. I read that one of the actors has it in his contract that he CANNOT kiss another male (females are okay), I found that weird and thought it was his own personal choice but I guess it wasn't. So I don't hold that against him.
5- In the US, people get censored and deplatformed for silly reasons. A friend of mine got demonetized because he discussed gay rights issues on YT so I'm extra sensitive to ANY perceived censorship. I know now I went too far and that's why I'm walking back my harsher claims. From now on if I use a problematic word I'm going to go into GREAT detail about what exactly I mean lmao! My nation has neighbor hating neighbor, contested election, attempted insurrection, and both sides fighting dirty so I definitely need an escape from that lol, and I do now feel bad that my comments might make some people feel attacked when they just wanted an escape. I know how I feel when my escapism its abruptly interrupted lol. I'm a mean person on the internet sometimes, but in person (as is with most people) I'm much less confrontational. There's just something about the darn internet that makes being inconsiderate easier and I don't like that about myself. I am trying to be better. Thank you for explaining your positions to me and taking the time to work things out. :)
Alright then. I'll engage with this discussion. First of all, not every BL fan specifically wants to see the characters…
Yeah i'm used to getting in the mud in some comment sections too, lol so its got me in fight mode! Lol nah no excuse for my bad behavior but yeah emotions get high sometimes. That's very true. Some of the best BL convos I have are on here. Like with you :) Oh I like watching all the extra stuff I can too, especially when its got subtitles but I'll even watch it even if I can't understand at times haha!
Yeah I understand that now so thank you for pointing that out to me.
He's the sweetest person on Earth! I love him so much and my life is infinitely better with him in it :D LOL I know right? I didn't expect it but it happened. He later told me he made his account just to send me a message haha! I will and thank you! I wish he came on here more often, he could rein me in when I get out of hand! lol I joke because that's not his responsibility.
Its so weird because I take your approach more often now too. I see a post that makes me mad, but then I try to reason with them nicely. BUT when its me posting then I just let the spit fly sometimes lmao! I admit, I was in a bad mood but still no excuse because everyone has bad moods at times. I agree with you and you are far more mature than I can be at times.
Yes I added to my watch queue and I'll be watching it with lunch a little later :) Thanks again for that, I come off as closed-minded or irrational at times but I really do want to understand. I don't like getting upset over little things or upsetting people I didn't intend to offend. I don't wanna be like that. I wanna be approachable lol.
Your reaction is totally over the top. I understand you might have different preferences, but the absence of intimacy…
I'm truly sorry if I offended you, I just don't want to fight anymore. I was angry at the time, now that I've had time to calm down and rethink things after talking with the other commentor - I just don't have a reason to continue to defend a position I'm not even sure I totally agree with anymore. Love and hugs, sorry I made a bad impression.
Alright then. I'll engage with this discussion. First of all, not every BL fan specifically wants to see the characters…
That's why my criticism wasn't targeted at people on here so I probably should have kept that to myself because its on YouTube and other sites I see it most. Emotionally reactionary for me to bring it up, I should have just calmed down before posting.
Ugh I'm really bad at communicating myself clearly sometimes and that's my fault. I'm glad you see where I'm coming from and yes sometimes I use the wrong words or uncharitably attribute them to one's of which they don't apply. I got issues myself and yes I could blame lockdown (I really miss my family and friends) but then everyone else is dealing with the same thing ftmp so I shouldn't feel alone. Thank you, I'll use that term from now on, I wasn't trying to say some BL fans are anti-women or murderers lmao! Definitely NOT trying to say that, I'm sorry if that was the implication.
Yeah he contacted me first :) We've LITERALLY talked everyday for over 2 years since I've met him :D Everyone on here would like him SO MUCH more than me haha! He's such a sweetheart and for some reason loves me haha! And I love him more than anything! :D YES! We watch BL together any chance we get, he's my guiding star in this dark world.
Oh ok I'll check that out. Yeah I'm probably one of the people who get the wrong idea haha! Again I just wanna say thank you for taking the time to chat this out. I feel a lot better and honestly embarrassed and silly which I should. I went too far and started a few fights I really wish hadn't happened. I just don't think ahead sometimes. I REALLY need to be calm before I post, kinda like how I am now lol.
Alright then. I'll engage with this discussion. First of all, not every BL fan specifically wants to see the characters…
No problem, I didn't mean to draw a false equivalence between them because even I know they are very different lmao!
Incel term was referring to people who actively disparage physical intimacy, either because of jealousy or insecurity. I doubt that applies to the vast majority of fans of any show really. And also, to me someone who refrains from physical intimacy isn't an incel (I don't think incel applies to asexuals for example) its only when they get judgmental that I throw out the insults in retaliation, unfortunately some bystanders get caught in the cross fire not intended for them. I've been on here only 3 years or so, I don't come on here enough to get super close to anyone with ONE exception, that being my current BF lol!
I can see how its rebellious, but yeah I don't get it. It treads dangerous ground in my country so I only really have that frame of experience to speak from unfortunately.
I'm not against cuteness, I think they are perfectly cute but at their own age (21+) for me personally. I just think the "child-like" look they go for is what kinda gets to me. Its one thing if its done just to be cute, but there is obviously sexualization of the child-form even if that wasn't their intent. I dunno, lol it treads a rocky road that hurts my feet. So yeah its definitely not for me haha!
Yes, that's my point about the cultural thing. Neither culture is better on the whole that the other, that's a supremacist attitude if I had that. But for LGBT+ it is typically easier and freer, more accepting so that colors my opinion being a gay guy. I like places that are okay with me more than places that aren't, same with people lmao! Not saying one is better than the other for everyone, just maybe in some aspects its better for me. Although I'll say right now, Eastern food is WAY better (imo) that western haha! So there are things I think they do better in someways too. We all have our flaws and qualities :D And you are right, the fact that same-sex relations are popularized at all does help to bring awareness and positive change.
Yeah I'm pretty sure my fears are unfounded. Ethnically Taiwan is closer to China than anyone but they are their OWN people with their own culture and ways of doing things. I probably was only harder on Japan than Taiwan because they are more conservative. Yep China (government) likes BL money, not BL. And its a shame, Chinese has some of the most TALENTED and BEAUTIFUL artists in the world with so much contributions and so many more to make. To see their creativity and expression suppressed by an insecure regime is just... ooooo it grinds my gears lol. I love liberty, and I love people being free. Maybe not all people want to be free, but I have a hard time believing the majority of humans enjoy being under the thumb of someone else.
Your reaction is totally over the top. I understand you might have different preferences, but the absence of intimacy…
Probably should go threw the convo I had with someone else, their approach to their disagreements was more constructive and actually got me to rethink things. If you meet fire with fire, the flame just grows larger. A little water does wonders. *Also not that it matters, anyone can claim anything to win over emotional favor - you don't know what trauma I'VE experienced in my past either. Governments stand as they are because the people allow them, if they truly had issue they would overthrow them or (if they even can) vote them out. Or at the very least, protest. Japan is much better on gay rights than China so I'm not saying they are the same. I'm not gonna call you stupid or say what you said is stupid - a courtesy you didn't extend to me. I've called people stupid in the past but how can that even be quantified? Its all a matter of opinion and we all have slightly to extremely different ones. I doubt two options are ever EXACTLY the same. You assume I have ZERO idea huh? Tell me what else do you assume about me? I'm sorry you were offended, but that doesn't mean you then have to do the same by assuming I'm free of bad experiences. I admit I was harsh and wrong in a couple points but this is the whole point of discourse to hash these things out.
Alright you added that *BTW section later so let me respond to that as well. Machida and Akaso (main leads) are…
I really enjoyed this conversation so thank you! I have a hard outer shell but inside i'm all mush lol!!! Sometimes people don't have the patience to put up with me so I really appreciate you taking the time to reason me out :)
Its my own fault for forgetting how actor agencies work in other countries lol. And I'm also happy to hear it wasn't a personal decision on the actor's part actually, because yes he really is so very wonderful and it work break my heart to learn he had a problem with gay people but I'm glad that doesn't seem to be the case at all, just my misunderstanding.
Thank you, and you make good points too which is why I've had to rethink a few things so I really appreciate you for that! I had a not-so-civil fight with someone else and it put me in a bad mood so I apologize if that bled over into our convo. Its no excuse for my bad attitude. I dropped it but I dunno, knowing what I know now I think I'l power through and finish it because I really do like the actors and I should at least show them support if anything. I do like the concept and story, the whole mind-reading thing is what first drew me to the series.
I admit, my expectations are a bit high because of Thailand and especially HIStory from Taiwan - they spoiled me ROTTEN! lmao :P I just read something about Japan co-signing a gay rights international recognition bill with other countries so I should be more optimistic :D And yes I went too far in hyperbole and criticism based on my already high-expectations. Much love to you too!
Alright then. I'll engage with this discussion. First of all, not every BL fan specifically wants to see the characters…
Oh good I'm glad we are of the same mind there lol! I know that a lot of anime is adapted into live-action which was the only reason I made the connection, I do know the audiences (while there is overlap) are altogether different. And yes I'm not meaning to draw false equivilancies myself so I apologize if I was going in that direction.
No I get that and I really respect the discourse with you. I come off as very abrasive and harsh (my own failing) so I appreciate you seeing threw that and continuing to be civil. And yes we all have different opinions and perhaps I get hung up on optics or implication rather than actual stance at times. And again, I wasn't trying to include ALL fans. I use generalistic language sometimes for simplicity so please excuse my laziness in that regard.
I actually prefer Shouen-ai, yes less intimate (I LOVED Given even though only one kiss so its not always about that but it is with SOME stories, I'm flippant I guess) and Yaoi tends to be really irksome for me most of the time so I don't care for it. Ehhh I still think censorship has a bit to do with it but okay that's just a difference of opinion. I mean, Japan censors porn lol!
Yeah yeah I know that weird kawaii thing I don't get it lol. I just find it strange when people act like children and that's somehow sexually appealing? Ughhhhh I shutter lmao! Yeah I can't dig that cuz it just makes me feel uncomfortable.
Well I guess that's true, maybe its just from my perspective that Japanese gay culture seems way too hetero-normative (or rapey lol) at times. And I'm not western-centric to put that out there, there are SO MANY things I critize in my own culture and country. I kinda go after anything I see as being unequal or tyrannical, unfair. I DO think when it comes to gay rights that the west has it better, so that's probably where my feelings are coming from. Isn't bara really muscular guys though? I like the swimmer bodies similar to my own lol! I have heard of it though. And there are some guys with muscles that look nice to me.
China is only being compared because they also do "BL" and are a MAJOR country in Asia (in the world). Kinda like comparing everything to America/West, China kinda represents the Far East. Japan is no doubt nicer than China to gay people, but China was once a lot nicer too so things can change, and sometimes for the worst. So its more like heeding against rather than comparing. I just don't want Japan going down the same road because of proximity and some cultural similarities - and I doubt they will so its probably an unjustified fear of mine.
OHHHHHH yeah yeah yeah this is the ONE thing about Mame I have an issue with - most of her couples are so very good but the whole KengTec thing was a dark moment I cannot excuse. I have no disagreements there. Since they weren't the main couple or even featured that much, I didn't let that affect my score but in hindsight it probably should have. As for Fai--- I don't think an unwanted kiss rises to the same level as rape. Still harassment but I think contextually is less offensive but that's my own opinion. I've been kissed without concent, and although it made me mad, I didn't consider myself a victim but that's just me.
Because Earth want to live a true life by himself. All things of Sam is not his wanting. That's why some couple,…
And so the coward Rahab75 blocks me - so much for free speech and bravery on your part you intellectually bankrupt triggered little fool. Don't take a bite out of sandwich you aren't willing to finish craven troll. You could have discussed your disagreement with me in a civil way but RIGHT OUT THE GATE you are calling me names and then get upset when I retaliate? I own my flaws, I'm mean and I'm passionate at times but you have zero self-reflection. Block cuz you can't win, or screw winning, you can't even argue it seems. Go hide in your echo-chamber. I'm leaving my comments up, whether or not I'm right - I am not AFRAID to engage.
Because Earth want to live a true life by himself. All things of Sam is not his wanting. That's why some couple,…
Well it was a joke anyways - whatever side you are on, left or right - I don't like either as it is. Unlike others who attempt civil discourse you attacked first, so I bit back. HA call me shallow? Sounds like YOU have a DOG in this FIGHT. How old are you BTW? NM doesn't matter.
Alright you added that *BTW section later so let me respond to that as well. Machida and Akaso (main leads) are…
And sorry for my constant editing, that no doubt makes it more difficult to respond to me so I'll try to rough-draft before finishing my comment again in the future.
Because Earth want to live a true life by himself. All things of Sam is not his wanting. That's why some couple,…
Toxic toxic toxic, that freaking buzzword again. Are you an SJW who thinks sex = rape, white = bad and male = invalid? I'm mixed-raced and gay, impervious to your cancel culture and "progressiveness". Lol I'm joking but seriously, you are more judgmental than I if that's the assumption you make. I don't think your argument is invalid or dumb, but you do me. Are you even a part of the LGBT+ community? Anyways I don't have any ill will to you, just got defensive because I felt attacked.
Alright you added that *BTW section later so let me respond to that as well. Machida and Akaso (main leads) are…
First thank you for being level-headed and nice to me despite my attutude.
Okay okay I admit I jumped the gun attacking the actor so I withdraw that comment, I keep forgetting Asian actor management doesn't WORK FOR the actor like here in the US but rather the actors work for them. And I could go on forever how I despise most networks from ALL countries because they only care about the bottom line like good little capitalists.
I'm not saying I hated it, if I did I wouldn't feel so cheated or upset by it. Nay, the very fact that these two main leads were SO AMAZING together makes it even more bitter for me to swallow. I don't NEED bed scenes, but cuddling and a few lip-locks can really make the "romance" seem more real.
I just don't think being "gay friendly" and open is WESTERN, or rather it shouldn't only be. That seems to suggest other cultures aren't capable of gay-compassion and I know that's not what you are saying but its how it sounds. OH that wife comment I apologize for, that wasn't in reference to Cherry Magic but yes I can see how that might have been confusing. YES that is my main crit of Thai BL so I agree there.
Nah I was too quick to judge them, I was under the impression (because of one of their contacts) that they THEMSELVES requested no M/M kiss but I guess its in the stupid agencies once again.
Well there are a few straight romances I like but after coming out and seeing gay romance for the first time, being like "Hey, this is a story about people like me!!!" I only watch BL ftmp lmao! Love Titanic, Love As Good As It Gets, Love several other straight romances still even if I don't watch them as frequently. BUT I'm gay, so I do prefer gay romance overall and we have so few in comparison to straight romances that maybe sometimes I feel we can't afford to have ones that seem more like bromances on the surface since we don't have many to begin with.
Because Earth want to live a true life by himself. All things of Sam is not his wanting. That's why some couple,…
No counter-argument huh? You tell me why large age-gaps are so wonderful and good for our image then. Optics, in a world that cares so much about them, is important and YES its unfair but that's how the world in general treats LGBT+, we have to be MORE ethical and careful to prove we aren't degenerates like they all say we are. And since these are often written by straights, you can imagine what I think their opinion of gay people is.
Alright then. I'll engage with this discussion. First of all, not every BL fan specifically wants to see the characters…
First point - I know BL isn't made for gay/bi people but its made ABOUT us - supposedly. I know some people are perfectly happy with mere glances it seems but that just isn't brave enough for someone like me who's tired of seeing cowardice in BL. And yes I hate the Japanese anime shota crap because thats predatory. I don't like age-gaps true, BUT I hate rape because that's not romance at all! lol obviously. I only knock the preferences of others when their preferences override my own and I end up with what THEY want, not want I want, all the time.
Secondary couple didn't draw me in, not enough screen time and development, lack of chemistry and they made the actors (who are 22 and 28) look way more age-gapy. But it was the sheer CHEMISTRY of the main couple that I feel so wasted because they really did so good and it disappointed me that it amounted to nothing. I'm tired of the "I don't need kisses" because its people like that who VALIDATE censorship.
Yes I know Japan is weird and had a 13!!!!!! y/o age of consent which is vile and downright close enough to pedophilia for me to just gag in disgust. And yes the age-gap between the secondary couple IS NOT that bad at all, their actual age gap doesn't bother me its that they made one guy purposely look older and the other younger to EXAGGERATE the apparent age-gap. And I don't like age-gaps in straight relationships either. And I'm always against stalking lmao.
Being pro-gay doesn't = western culture, that's homophobic. Japan has more history of gayness than America - we've only existed for a couple hundred years. And I avoid saying I love you too much also because I don't want it to be meaningless. And yes I know it started in Japan but that was with manga novels which aren't as censored. BUT their live-action adaptations are far inferior to Thai or Taiwanese, Vietnamese and Filipino. China was the first human civilization, doesn't mean they are better than all other civilizations. And I still want gay men to write BL for once, not that women CANT but I want gay men to write it also so we actually have a point of view from someone who actually gets us.
Okay then the live-action adaptations are the problem - I admit that I'm not a novel reader. And there we go, the problem is with JAPAN and their laws of "decency", censorship and weak constitutions as well as their close-minded networks and audiences. Censorship is evil. China, which hates gay people, proves this in how they treat us. Lol And why is it when I ask for a lip-locking non-peck kiss I suddenly want making out and sex? That's a false equivalency.
Mame is NOT your typical BL writer, LBC was ground-breaking as it got rid of that stupid "I'm a man who loves a man but no homo" BS BL does WAY too much. I am allowed exceptions to the rule without it impugning in any way my original point. On the WHOLE, I want more BL written by gay men and you obviously don't get OR purposely ignore for the sake of argument the existence of hyperbole. And just because Thailand has it's own gay issues doesn't change the fact that Thai people are more open-minded, progressive and tolerant in comparison. Hey guess what, I think Japan is nicer to gay people than Iran so it depends on who you are comparing to. High-standards = not shying away from story telling because of people's intolerance. I don't tolerate intolerance for to do so allows intolerance to conquer tolerance.
I'm not going after ALL the fans, just the ones who fetishize us in one hand and then ignore the damaging stereotypes and gay-censorship in the other.
Because Earth want to live a true life by himself. All things of Sam is not his wanting. That's why some couple,…
Yep and proud of it, I'm tired of age-gaps being pushed that furthers the stereotype that we gays are predators who constantly go after young guys. Its homophobic and wrong. I could ask you, why are YOU so okay with it hmmmm? Like watching shota-con do we?
TRIGGER WARNING! I retract all negative comments in this rant, I no longer support it because of the wonderful community here who has helped me see the error in my way of wording things and insulting people I either didn't intend to insult or being far too harsh on those I did. Please if you respond, know that I no longer support this BUT I leave it up to remind myself and others that words cannot simply be taken back. I have to own what I said and make amends even if it continues to be a nose-bleed for me in the future lol and I certainly didn't wanna become the most hated person in this thread. I apologize to this wonderful community who has been so open and understanding with me, I feel truly humbled and grateful some of you took the time to help me out. I love you all!
*I RANT a lot, and maybe get a little too harsh but this is after years of frustration with BL in general as a gay man. **Okay further reflection and GOOD conversation has me kinda walking back a few of these points so I may not agree with everything I said here. I was in a mood, and I was a bit narrow-minded so I apologize for my immaturity. Especially the comment about the actor because I always forget that its MANAGEMENT and the AGENCIES that decide these things. Only leaving this up because I have to own my flaws. Embarrassing, perhaps. But I've got no ego to protect and I'd rather be humble upon self-reflection. Or is this now humble-bragging? Lol I don't know.
I just sat through Color Rush that had very little intimacy and now I find out this one doesn't even have a kiss scene? OMG I'm sick of dead-fish BL made for incels by cowards! That's it, no more South Korean or Japanese BL, its always disappointing. Blacklisting like I do Chinese "BL". Only Thai and Taiwanese from now on, they are the only actors who aren't too homophobic (or homo-aversionate) to actually play the role of a gay/bi character. BOOO!!!! Go ahead and have LOW LOW standards people, you are doing "wonders" for the LGBT+ community. Get your cultures into the 21 century with the rest of us, I'm sick of this. What a WASTE of good chemistry. Stop being cowards BL, maybe BL should be written by gay men and not straight women who apparently DONT understand gay/bi men. Intimacy is a BIG part of what makes us gay/bi to begin with and if your people are too sensitive to that then don't even try. Also they made the secondary couple look further in age than they actually are. Oh so promoting weird age-gaps is normal but not gay intimacy okay I see the standard here. Old man go after young boy okay! But no kiss between the leads because "ugh they popular! and can't damage reputation MEHHHHHH!!" Ugh please, what weird standards people have. Okay to stalk and be predatory, no gay stuff beyond that though. *BTW, which one is the homophobe who has it in his contract that he cannot kiss another man? For one, he should be barred from being in a BL couple and two, I want to avoid anything he stars in the future. Go ahead, make cultural equivocations for intolerance I don't care because I'll ignore it - I've heard all those passive-defenses of homophobia before and I don't care what their culture finds acceptable, if they can't do it right they shouldn't do it at all. Its SO insulting and NOT pro-gay and neither are a lot of the audience who likes this apparently - making excuses for homophobia DISGUSTING! MOST of you aren't gay men, you don't know what its like or how it feels when straight people by default get all the support in the world and we have to SETTLE FOR THIS! Even my lesbian sisters get more acceptance because MEN have to be MEN BLAHHHHHHH! Sexist double standards and hetero-normative BS. There is NO wife in a gay male relationship, they are both men. Its homophobic to constantly treat a gay relationship like a straight one, its like white-washing a non-white character. Okay I'm done ranting - I'm just tired of half-assed popularity cash-ins for people that don't actually give a damn about gay rights.
Ugh I really feel bad that I imposed myself on this comment section with such negatively. I'm better than this so I need to act like it. That's really kewl! I'm glad you've built up a nice community of fellow BL lovers of this series :P
OH I feel way too lucky, he's a major reason why I'm actually reflecting now. In the past, I would have just gotten angrier (I have clinical and diagnosed anger management problems) but ever since he's entered my life - I just feel like hate is such a waste of time and even though I still have my moments of outburst - they are far less frequent. He just makes me so happy and I feel so much love from him I feel unworthy. This site has some really neat people and although I've gotten on the bad side of some, most of my interactions are very good!
I will, I already updated my watchlist and took it off dropped and back onto currently watching. And thank you! I promise to drop the attitude at the door if I drop in again hehe :)
I've had experiences like that with other BL - yes it really is so much fun experiencing a BL as it airs and then discussing it with fellow fans after. It can be the most fun thing ever to me at times! Ahh I guess I understand even more so why I might have offended others - I didn't think about how dear some people hold this BL to their hearts so I was being insensitive. I feel so much better now! I've kinda discussed this with two other commentors and its also been very constructive. One of them we butted head at first but I think we are now at a level of civility that allows for good discussion. And I accepted your friend request :) thank you for the invite! Love and hugs!!!
Actually I hadn't considered that, now that you point that out his reactions make a LOT more sense to me. Yeah gay-panic gets a bit old and I was kinda thinking that what was going on here but you helped me to see it a different way. Yeah no one likes the typical thug "let's mess up your day" characters ftmp haha! Oh and I like the girl who works with them, she's very nice and her voice is soothing.
YES! I love it when the actors have natural and believable chemistry and seem to be really comfortable with each other in what would otherwise be a nerve-wrecking scene for some to do. Sometimes I'm satisfied with just one kiss at the end if the story is good, the characters strong and the ending happy haha! I tend to want more skinship when the BL starts to bore me haha I admit that. It's like, give me SOME reason to continue watching haha! But yes I plan to continue Cherry Magic even though there's no lead kiss because I really do love their chemistry and the story is intriguing. Ahhhh yes, those BL that constantly come close but never quite hit that satisfying mark, I get ya. You are right, the love both leads have for each other is very apparent and I went to hard on the "no kiss" thing because I misread it as homophobic - I tend to be TOO protective over such things. Not only gestures, we literally know what they are thinking haha!!! :P
OH MY the hubby/wife thing!!!! I love Thai BL but they do that WAY too much even in my favorite series'. I guess it was my misconception of a self-imposed hetero-normativity that was being pushed by BL, but didn't know it was a part of their gay culture. Yes that's exactly how I felt! Cross-cultural differences lead to so many misunderstandings at times. Yes because in the west, calling the passive/bottom/receiving partner a wife is typically seen as demeaning as it comes off as heteronormative and a little sexist to some. I'm a little more closed-minded than I'd like to be then, its really difficult learning one way and then trying to learn a way that goes against what one has already learnt lmao!
OH OH I'm so proud of the Philippines! They have made some really good ones recently that REALLY addressed some things in the gay community I recognize and identify with! Yes I totally agree with you on that! Some low-budgets are better than high-budgets haha! Ahhh I need to watch Gameboys, I'll probably watch that one with my BF who is Filipino :D We watched my day the series together. Oh and me and my BF did watch Gaya Sa Pelikula - such a cute series! I need to update my watchlist haha!
Yes I was kinda unloading all my BL frustrations onto one series and that's not fair. I was being too generalistic. Thank you for your reply! I love your approach to a jerk like me haha :P
1- You are right, I got too emotional and should calm down before posting. I've actually been better at it but every now and then I fall back into bad behavior so I gotta exercise better self-control.
2- Completely agreed here.
3- I understand that, but since words have many meanings and uses I just felt that my use wasn't out of the realm of reality as I used it appropriately albeit clumsily. But yes some people have a more narrowed use of certain words or what they mean. For example, the Q word (for gay people) was used to insult and disparage me so I get offended when LGBT+ use that word to describe themselves BUT I know they don't mean it negatively. Still the word has power to me, so yes I think I understand where you are coming from at least a little bit.
4- Well I withdrew my comment about the actors, I forget actors in other countries have less creative control over the characters they play so that was my misunderstanding. BUT the agencies DO pull a lot of BS, and not just in Japan but everywhere. I read that one of the actors has it in his contract that he CANNOT kiss another male (females are okay), I found that weird and thought it was his own personal choice but I guess it wasn't. So I don't hold that against him.
5- In the US, people get censored and deplatformed for silly reasons. A friend of mine got demonetized because he discussed gay rights issues on YT so I'm extra sensitive to ANY perceived censorship. I know now I went too far and that's why I'm walking back my harsher claims. From now on if I use a problematic word I'm going to go into GREAT detail about what exactly I mean lmao! My nation has neighbor hating neighbor, contested election, attempted insurrection, and both sides fighting dirty so I definitely need an escape from that lol, and I do now feel bad that my comments might make some people feel attacked when they just wanted an escape. I know how I feel when my escapism its abruptly interrupted lol. I'm a mean person on the internet sometimes, but in person (as is with most people) I'm much less confrontational. There's just something about the darn internet that makes being inconsiderate easier and I don't like that about myself. I am trying to be better. Thank you for explaining your positions to me and taking the time to work things out. :)
Yeah I understand that now so thank you for pointing that out to me.
He's the sweetest person on Earth! I love him so much and my life is infinitely better with him in it :D LOL I know right? I didn't expect it but it happened. He later told me he made his account just to send me a message haha! I will and thank you! I wish he came on here more often, he could rein me in when I get out of hand! lol I joke because that's not his responsibility.
Its so weird because I take your approach more often now too. I see a post that makes me mad, but then I try to reason with them nicely. BUT when its me posting then I just let the spit fly sometimes lmao! I admit, I was in a bad mood but still no excuse because everyone has bad moods at times. I agree with you and you are far more mature than I can be at times.
Yes I added to my watch queue and I'll be watching it with lunch a little later :) Thanks again for that, I come off as closed-minded or irrational at times but I really do want to understand. I don't like getting upset over little things or upsetting people I didn't intend to offend. I don't wanna be like that. I wanna be approachable lol.
Ugh I'm really bad at communicating myself clearly sometimes and that's my fault. I'm glad you see where I'm coming from and yes sometimes I use the wrong words or uncharitably attribute them to one's of which they don't apply. I got issues myself and yes I could blame lockdown (I really miss my family and friends) but then everyone else is dealing with the same thing ftmp so I shouldn't feel alone. Thank you, I'll use that term from now on, I wasn't trying to say some BL fans are anti-women or murderers lmao! Definitely NOT trying to say that, I'm sorry if that was the implication.
Yeah he contacted me first :) We've LITERALLY talked everyday for over 2 years since I've met him :D Everyone on here would like him SO MUCH more than me haha! He's such a sweetheart and for some reason loves me haha! And I love him more than anything! :D YES! We watch BL together any chance we get, he's my guiding star in this dark world.
Oh ok I'll check that out. Yeah I'm probably one of the people who get the wrong idea haha! Again I just wanna say thank you for taking the time to chat this out. I feel a lot better and honestly embarrassed and silly which I should. I went too far and started a few fights I really wish hadn't happened. I just don't think ahead sometimes. I REALLY need to be calm before I post, kinda like how I am now lol.
Incel term was referring to people who actively disparage physical intimacy, either because of jealousy or insecurity. I doubt that applies to the vast majority of fans of any show really. And also, to me someone who refrains from physical intimacy isn't an incel (I don't think incel applies to asexuals for example) its only when they get judgmental that I throw out the insults in retaliation, unfortunately some bystanders get caught in the cross fire not intended for them. I've been on here only 3 years or so, I don't come on here enough to get super close to anyone with ONE exception, that being my current BF lol!
I can see how its rebellious, but yeah I don't get it. It treads dangerous ground in my country so I only really have that frame of experience to speak from unfortunately.
I'm not against cuteness, I think they are perfectly cute but at their own age (21+) for me personally. I just think the "child-like" look they go for is what kinda gets to me. Its one thing if its done just to be cute, but there is obviously sexualization of the child-form even if that wasn't their intent. I dunno, lol it treads a rocky road that hurts my feet. So yeah its definitely not for me haha!
Yes, that's my point about the cultural thing. Neither culture is better on the whole that the other, that's a supremacist attitude if I had that. But for LGBT+ it is typically easier and freer, more accepting so that colors my opinion being a gay guy. I like places that are okay with me more than places that aren't, same with people lmao! Not saying one is better than the other for everyone, just maybe in some aspects its better for me. Although I'll say right now, Eastern food is WAY better (imo) that western haha! So there are things I think they do better in someways too. We all have our flaws and qualities :D And you are right, the fact that same-sex relations are popularized at all does help to bring awareness and positive change.
Yeah I'm pretty sure my fears are unfounded. Ethnically Taiwan is closer to China than anyone but they are their OWN people with their own culture and ways of doing things. I probably was only harder on Japan than Taiwan because they are more conservative. Yep China (government) likes BL money, not BL. And its a shame, Chinese has some of the most TALENTED and BEAUTIFUL artists in the world with so much contributions and so many more to make. To see their creativity and expression suppressed by an insecure regime is just... ooooo it grinds my gears lol. I love liberty, and I love people being free. Maybe not all people want to be free, but I have a hard time believing the majority of humans enjoy being under the thumb of someone else.
*Also not that it matters, anyone can claim anything to win over emotional favor - you don't know what trauma I'VE experienced in my past either. Governments stand as they are because the people allow them, if they truly had issue they would overthrow them or (if they even can) vote them out. Or at the very least, protest. Japan is much better on gay rights than China so I'm not saying they are the same. I'm not gonna call you stupid or say what you said is stupid - a courtesy you didn't extend to me. I've called people stupid in the past but how can that even be quantified? Its all a matter of opinion and we all have slightly to extremely different ones. I doubt two options are ever EXACTLY the same. You assume I have ZERO idea huh? Tell me what else do you assume about me? I'm sorry you were offended, but that doesn't mean you then have to do the same by assuming I'm free of bad experiences. I admit I was harsh and wrong in a couple points but this is the whole point of discourse to hash these things out.
Its my own fault for forgetting how actor agencies work in other countries lol. And I'm also happy to hear it wasn't a personal decision on the actor's part actually, because yes he really is so very wonderful and it work break my heart to learn he had a problem with gay people but I'm glad that doesn't seem to be the case at all, just my misunderstanding.
Thank you, and you make good points too which is why I've had to rethink a few things so I really appreciate you for that! I had a not-so-civil fight with someone else and it put me in a bad mood so I apologize if that bled over into our convo. Its no excuse for my bad attitude. I dropped it but I dunno, knowing what I know now I think I'l power through and finish it because I really do like the actors and I should at least show them support if anything. I do like the concept and story, the whole mind-reading thing is what first drew me to the series.
I admit, my expectations are a bit high because of Thailand and especially HIStory from Taiwan - they spoiled me ROTTEN! lmao :P I just read something about Japan co-signing a gay rights international recognition bill with other countries so I should be more optimistic :D And yes I went too far in hyperbole and criticism based on my already high-expectations. Much love to you too!
Thanks for the list, I'll bookmark it :)
No I get that and I really respect the discourse with you. I come off as very abrasive and harsh (my own failing) so I appreciate you seeing threw that and continuing to be civil. And yes we all have different opinions and perhaps I get hung up on optics or implication rather than actual stance at times. And again, I wasn't trying to include ALL fans. I use generalistic language sometimes for simplicity so please excuse my laziness in that regard.
I actually prefer Shouen-ai, yes less intimate (I LOVED Given even though only one kiss so its not always about that but it is with SOME stories, I'm flippant I guess) and Yaoi tends to be really irksome for me most of the time so I don't care for it. Ehhh I still think censorship has a bit to do with it but okay that's just a difference of opinion. I mean, Japan censors porn lol!
Yeah yeah I know that weird kawaii thing I don't get it lol. I just find it strange when people act like children and that's somehow sexually appealing? Ughhhhh I shutter lmao! Yeah I can't dig that cuz it just makes me feel uncomfortable.
Well I guess that's true, maybe its just from my perspective that Japanese gay culture seems way too hetero-normative (or rapey lol) at times. And I'm not western-centric to put that out there, there are SO MANY things I critize in my own culture and country. I kinda go after anything I see as being unequal or tyrannical, unfair. I DO think when it comes to gay rights that the west has it better, so that's probably where my feelings are coming from. Isn't bara really muscular guys though? I like the swimmer bodies similar to my own lol! I have heard of it though. And there are some guys with muscles that look nice to me.
China is only being compared because they also do "BL" and are a MAJOR country in Asia (in the world). Kinda like comparing everything to America/West, China kinda represents the Far East. Japan is no doubt nicer than China to gay people, but China was once a lot nicer too so things can change, and sometimes for the worst. So its more like heeding against rather than comparing. I just don't want Japan going down the same road because of proximity and some cultural similarities - and I doubt they will so its probably an unjustified fear of mine.
OHHHHHH yeah yeah yeah this is the ONE thing about Mame I have an issue with - most of her couples are so very good but the whole KengTec thing was a dark moment I cannot excuse. I have no disagreements there. Since they weren't the main couple or even featured that much, I didn't let that affect my score but in hindsight it probably should have. As for Fai--- I don't think an unwanted kiss rises to the same level as rape. Still harassment but I think contextually is less offensive but that's my own opinion. I've been kissed without concent, and although it made me mad, I didn't consider myself a victim but that's just me.
Okay okay I admit I jumped the gun attacking the actor so I withdraw that comment, I keep forgetting Asian actor management doesn't WORK FOR the actor like here in the US but rather the actors work for them. And I could go on forever how I despise most networks from ALL countries because they only care about the bottom line like good little capitalists.
I'm not saying I hated it, if I did I wouldn't feel so cheated or upset by it. Nay, the very fact that these two main leads were SO AMAZING together makes it even more bitter for me to swallow. I don't NEED bed scenes, but cuddling and a few lip-locks can really make the "romance" seem more real.
I just don't think being "gay friendly" and open is WESTERN, or rather it shouldn't only be. That seems to suggest other cultures aren't capable of gay-compassion and I know that's not what you are saying but its how it sounds. OH that wife comment I apologize for, that wasn't in reference to Cherry Magic but yes I can see how that might have been confusing. YES that is my main crit of Thai BL so I agree there.
Nah I was too quick to judge them, I was under the impression (because of one of their contacts) that they THEMSELVES requested no M/M kiss but I guess its in the stupid agencies once again.
Well there are a few straight romances I like but after coming out and seeing gay romance for the first time, being like "Hey, this is a story about people like me!!!" I only watch BL ftmp lmao! Love Titanic, Love As Good As It Gets, Love several other straight romances still even if I don't watch them as frequently. BUT I'm gay, so I do prefer gay romance overall and we have so few in comparison to straight romances that maybe sometimes I feel we can't afford to have ones that seem more like bromances on the surface since we don't have many to begin with.
Secondary couple didn't draw me in, not enough screen time and development, lack of chemistry and they made the actors (who are 22 and 28) look way more age-gapy. But it was the sheer CHEMISTRY of the main couple that I feel so wasted because they really did so good and it disappointed me that it amounted to nothing. I'm tired of the "I don't need kisses" because its people like that who VALIDATE censorship.
Yes I know Japan is weird and had a 13!!!!!! y/o age of consent which is vile and downright close enough to pedophilia for me to just gag in disgust. And yes the age-gap between the secondary couple IS NOT that bad at all, their actual age gap doesn't bother me its that they made one guy purposely look older and the other younger to EXAGGERATE the apparent age-gap. And I don't like age-gaps in straight relationships either. And I'm always against stalking lmao.
Being pro-gay doesn't = western culture, that's homophobic. Japan has more history of gayness than America - we've only existed for a couple hundred years. And I avoid saying I love you too much also because I don't want it to be meaningless. And yes I know it started in Japan but that was with manga novels which aren't as censored. BUT their live-action adaptations are far inferior to Thai or Taiwanese, Vietnamese and Filipino. China was the first human civilization, doesn't mean they are better than all other civilizations. And I still want gay men to write BL for once, not that women CANT but I want gay men to write it also so we actually have a point of view from someone who actually gets us.
Okay then the live-action adaptations are the problem - I admit that I'm not a novel reader. And there we go, the problem is with JAPAN and their laws of "decency", censorship and weak constitutions as well as their close-minded networks and audiences. Censorship is evil. China, which hates gay people, proves this in how they treat us. Lol And why is it when I ask for a lip-locking non-peck kiss I suddenly want making out and sex? That's a false equivalency.
Mame is NOT your typical BL writer, LBC was ground-breaking as it got rid of that stupid "I'm a man who loves a man but no homo" BS BL does WAY too much. I am allowed exceptions to the rule without it impugning in any way my original point. On the WHOLE, I want more BL written by gay men and you obviously don't get OR purposely ignore for the sake of argument the existence of hyperbole. And just because Thailand has it's own gay issues doesn't change the fact that Thai people are more open-minded, progressive and tolerant in comparison. Hey guess what, I think Japan is nicer to gay people than Iran so it depends on who you are comparing to. High-standards = not shying away from story telling because of people's intolerance. I don't tolerate intolerance for to do so allows intolerance to conquer tolerance.
I'm not going after ALL the fans, just the ones who fetishize us in one hand and then ignore the damaging stereotypes and gay-censorship in the other.
*I RANT a lot, and maybe get a little too harsh but this is after years of frustration with BL in general as a gay man.
**Okay further reflection and GOOD conversation has me kinda walking back a few of these points so I may not agree with everything I said here. I was in a mood, and I was a bit narrow-minded so I apologize for my immaturity. Especially the comment about the actor because I always forget that its MANAGEMENT and the AGENCIES that decide these things. Only leaving this up because I have to own my flaws. Embarrassing, perhaps. But I've got no ego to protect and I'd rather be humble upon self-reflection. Or is this now humble-bragging? Lol I don't know.
I just sat through Color Rush that had very little intimacy and now I find out this one doesn't even have a kiss scene? OMG I'm sick of dead-fish BL made for incels by cowards! That's it, no more South Korean or Japanese BL, its always disappointing. Blacklisting like I do Chinese "BL". Only Thai and Taiwanese from now on, they are the only actors who aren't too homophobic (or homo-aversionate) to actually play the role of a gay/bi character. BOOO!!!! Go ahead and have LOW LOW standards people, you are doing "wonders" for the LGBT+ community. Get your cultures into the 21 century with the rest of us, I'm sick of this. What a WASTE of good chemistry. Stop being cowards BL, maybe BL should be written by gay men and not straight women who apparently DONT understand gay/bi men. Intimacy is a BIG part of what makes us gay/bi to begin with and if your people are too sensitive to that then don't even try. Also they made the secondary couple look further in age than they actually are. Oh so promoting weird age-gaps is normal but not gay intimacy okay I see the standard here. Old man go after young boy okay! But no kiss between the leads because "ugh they popular! and can't damage reputation MEHHHHHH!!" Ugh please, what weird standards people have. Okay to stalk and be predatory, no gay stuff beyond that though.
*BTW, which one is the homophobe who has it in his contract that he cannot kiss another man? For one, he should be barred from being in a BL couple and two, I want to avoid anything he stars in the future. Go ahead, make cultural equivocations for intolerance I don't care because I'll ignore it - I've heard all those passive-defenses of homophobia before and I don't care what their culture finds acceptable, if they can't do it right they shouldn't do it at all. Its SO insulting and NOT pro-gay and neither are a lot of the audience who likes this apparently - making excuses for homophobia DISGUSTING! MOST of you aren't gay men, you don't know what its like or how it feels when straight people by default get all the support in the world and we have to SETTLE FOR THIS! Even my lesbian sisters get more acceptance because MEN have to be MEN BLAHHHHHHH! Sexist double standards and hetero-normative BS. There is NO wife in a gay male relationship, they are both men. Its homophobic to constantly treat a gay relationship like a straight one, its like white-washing a non-white character. Okay I'm done ranting - I'm just tired of half-assed popularity cash-ins for people that don't actually give a damn about gay rights.