Tribute to BL: White Wedding

Tribute to BL romantic series.

What is BL?

BL, or Boys' Love, refers to a genre of fiction that focuses on romantic relationships between male characters. These stories can range from lighthearted and sweet to more mature and complex, exploring themes of love, identity, and defying societal expectations.

BL has seen a surge in popularity worldwide for several reasons:

• Fresh Perspective on Love: It offers a unique lens on love and relationships, often showcasing strong emotional connections and overcoming societal expectations and norms.
• Strong Character Bonds: BL stories often depict deep bonds between the characters, creating heartwarming and relatable narratives.
• Representation: BL provides valuable representation for LGBTQ+ audiences, allowing them to see themselves reflected in characters and stories.
• Emotional Connection: BL stories often delve deep into character development and emotional journeys, allowing viewers/readers to connect with the characters on a personal level.
• Escape from Reality: While some tackle real-world issues, many BL stories offer a heartwarming escape from everyday pressures, focusing on the power of love and connection can be appealing to viewers. BL stories can be a form of giving fuel for skepticism that is very different from the normal societal pressures surrounding traditional gender roles and relationships. 

This combination of factors has fueled a global fanbase for BL, with dedicated communities and a thriving industry across Asia and increasingly in other parts of the world. Many can be found on various social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, and many more where fans can exchange ideas and their love for this genre.

Popular BL Novels and Manhua in Asia

China:

• Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu: This epic fantasy follows Wei Wuxian, a powerful cultivator ostracized for his unorthodox methods. After sacrificing himself, he's unexpectedly resurrected years later, encountering his former sworn brother, Lan Wangji, who has never forgotten him. Together, they unravel conspiracies and uncover hidden truths, all while navigating the complexities of their forbidden bond. (Action, dark themes, revenge, forbidden romance)
• Tian Guan Ci Fu (Heaven Official's Blessing) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu: Xie Lian, a banished god with a tarnished reputation, keeps getting exiled to the mortal realm. During his latest descent, he encounters Hua Cheng, a mysterious ghost king who seems strangely devoted to him. Their paths intertwine across lifetimes, revealing a heart-wrenching story of love, loyalty, and overcoming adversity. (Action, comedy, romance, reincarnation)
• The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System (Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu: This novel takes a comedic and satirical approach to the BL genre. Shen Qingqiu is a transmigrated character trapped in a BL novel as a villain who constantly abuses the protagonist. To avoid a gruesome fate, he must adhere to the plot of the novel and "antagonize" the protagonist while secretly protecting him. As complications arise and emotions become tangled, the lines between reality and fiction blur, leading to a hilarious and heartwarming story. (Themes: Comedy, satire, transmigration, self-awareness, unexpected romance)
• Heartstopper (Alice Oseman): (British, but very popular in Asia) A sweet and wholesome story of two British teenagers, Nick and Charlie, navigating friendship, coming-of-age, and blossoming feelings for each other.
• Sa Jun (Priest): (China) A historical BL novel set in ancient China, following the unlikely romance between a brilliant strategist and a cunning prince who clash and cooperate to navigate the treacherous world of court politics.
• The Emperor's Strategy (Zhou Dahong): (China) A historical BL Manhua set in ancient China, depicting the relationship between a young emperor and his loyal but ambitious general.
• This Villain Emperor's Gotta Charm the Male Lead to Survive! (China) by Yi yi yi yi: Yuan Xiao already died once, and now he’s about to do it again. He's been transported from his life as a domineering CEO with a taste for internet novels to the realm of his favorite story. Yuan wakes up as the villainous ruler of the Northern Empire, and he knows exactly who’s going to kill him, the male lead Heqing Yan! This brave prince has already vowed deadly revenge after being conquered. Yuan knows he must change the story’s plot to survive, but damn, did the hero always look that good? Genres: Manhua, Action, Adaptation, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Isekai, Romance.

South Korea:

• Novel: Light on Me by Li Sa-young: A shy student joins a photography club and develops a crush on the club president. This novel is a sweet coming-of-age story with lovable characters.
• Manhua: Killing Stalking by Koogi: A deranged stalker becomes obsessed with a police officer, leading to a dark and twisted story. (Warning: Extreme violence, mature themes) This Manhua explores a darker side of BL, following a deranged stalker who becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect boy.
• Love or Hate (Meeno): (South Korea) A spicy office romance with enemies-to-lovers vibes. Two CEOs, a domineering one and a free-spirited one, find themselves entangled in a web of work, competition, and unexpected attraction.
• BJ Alex (Myungwon): A South Korean manhwa with an office romance theme. Secretary Jiwoo Kang and CEO Alex Kwon navigate their feelings and desires in the workplace. (Spicy with workplace romance)
• Semantic Error (Jeongseo): A South Korean manhwa about a computer science student, Sangwoo, who clashes with his design classmate, Jaekyung. As they work on a project together, their feelings start to change. (Cute and comedic)

Thailand:

• Novel: Love at First Sight by JittiRain: A sweet college romance between Phayu, a senior known for his cold exterior, and Rain, a bright and cheerful freshman. Phayu reluctantly helps Rain with a student activity project, leading to unexpected feelings.
• Manhua: Love or Hate by Daytime (กลางวัน): A spicy office romance between Nubsib, a hot-headed CEO, and Gene, his new assistant. Their constant bickering hides a simmering attraction, leading to a passionate and playful relationship.
• I Told Sunset About You (Thailand) by Bittersweet: This popular novel follows Teh and Oh-aew, two high school students who are forced to be fake boyfriends for a school project. Their feelings for each other become real as they spend more time together. (Note: A popular Thai drama series is based on this novel.)

Japan:

• Given (Japan) by Natsuki Kizu: This coming-of-age story focuses on Mafuyu Sato, a high school student who starts a band with Ritsuka Uenoyama, a talented guitarist. As they work together, their friendship blossoms into something more. (Note: Given has a popular anime adaptation as well.)
• Manga: Sasaki and Miyano by Shinobu Hashimoto: A stoic senior falls in love with a cheerful junior, leading to a comedic and adorable romance filled with misunderstandings and blossoming feelings. This manga also has a popular anime adaptation.

Links to read your favorite BLs free online.

 1. vyvymanga

2. BATO.TO

3. manhuahot

4. bilibilicomics

Other animated series based on BL theme

• Yuri!!! On Ice - Most Famous BL Anime - That changes with Yuri!!! On Ice. This series does what all good sports anime should, which is to tell a story based on Olympic Ice Skating so compelling that it draws viewers in even if they aren't fans of the sport. Yuri!!! on Ice is a brilliant BL anime as well, with a wide and engaging cast of characters, sharp dialogue, and solid twists. Whether one watches for the triple Axels or the hand-holding, this series exceeds expectations.

• Spring 2024: Welcome Home (Tadaima, Okaeri) - A heartwarming story about an Omega and Alpha couple raising their children while navigating societal prejudices. "Welcome Home" is a cute slice-of-life anime portraying the Fujiyoshi family's daily life, blending drama, comedy, and romance seamlessly.

• Hitorijime My Hero (12 episodes) - Hitorijime My Hero explores taboo relationships and includes divisive yaoi tropes. The story revolves around Masahiro, a timid teenager, who finds a hero in his high school teacher, Kousuke.

• Love Stage!! (11 episodes) - Ryoma, two years older than Izumi, fell in love with him, mistaking him for a girl. Despite discovering Izumi's true gender, Ryoma retains his feelings, reigniting the romance. The uncertain future of their relationship is what makes Love Stage captivating for the audience.

• Given - Challenging But Rewarding -The anime "Given" is praised for its unique ability to evoke emotions through music. It follows high school students Mafuyu Sato and Ritsuka Uenoyama. The story revolves around Ritsuka helping Mafuyu with his guitar, which holds sentimental value. Mafuyu later joins Ritsuka's band. "Given" bravely explores intense emotions, enriching the romantic plot between the characters by using dark themes to highlight moments of light.

BL theme in movies and live action.

• The New Employee, 2023 (South Korea) - Based on the popular web novel and webtoon, The New Employee follows fresh grad Seung-Hyun as he struggles to please his demanding and strict boss Jong-chan. Touched by his dedication, Jong-chan begins to take on a mentor role to Seung-hyun, but will his workaholic personality make him a good boyfriend?
• Semantic Error, 2022 (South Korea) - This streaming series based on a popular web novel of the same name became a bit of a social phenomenon in Korea when it aired. Because it stars Park Seo-ham, a former member of KNK, and Park Jae-chan, a member of DKZ, Semantic Error put the spotlight on the BL genre within mainstream media and audiences.
• Moneyboys, 2021 (Taiwan, Austria) - C.B. Yi's debut film Moneyboys follows a group of sex workers in southern China. Kai Ko delivers a compelling performance as Fei, a gay hustler who grapples with guilt and the inability to form meaningful relationships. The film provides insight into the hidden struggles of gay individuals and sex workers in a modern yet conservative society.

• The Founder of Diabolism Donghua is actually an adaptation of Mo Dao Zu Shi (MDZS), a novel. Moreover, the novel was also adapted into an extremely popular C-drama called The Untamed, as well as an audio drama and a manhua. The C-drama aired in 2019 and consists of 50 episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long.

• Word of Honor -I recently watched a C-drama called "Word of Honor," which is based on the Chinese novel "Faraway Wanderers." The season was shorter with 36 episodes but had amazing acting, a vibrant color scheme, and a subtle yet not-so-subtle romantic relationship between the two male leads, Gong Jun and Zhang Zhehan, who played the characters Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu, respectively. The director skillfully navigated Chinese censorship as the flirtations between the characters were blatant. It was surprising that the show managed to air in China at all. By the end of the season, it was undeniable that the two main characters were in love and in a committed relationship.

Crossdressing is always an exciting thing in romantic novels. it gives a secret, excitement, a turned plot, and a lot of fantasies behind it.

In my styling, I bring you a fantasy on the Wedding theme. Summer is a great time for love bonds and passion to develop something more, and unite beloved hearts.

Conclusion - The Duality of BL: Love and Censorship

This theme resonates deeply with fans who appreciate the fresh take on love, the complex characters, and the positive representation of LGBTQ+ audiences.

However, BL also faces criticism and censorship. Opponents may argue that it undermines traditional masculinity or promotes ideas that don't conform to societal norms. This can lead to censorship, particularly in some Asian countries.

Despite these challenges, the popularity of BL continues to rise globally. Fans are finding ways to access and share content, while creators are pushing boundaries and finding new ways to tell these stories. Ultimately, BL offers a valuable space for exploring love, identity, and defying expectations, making it a genre with a passionate fanbase despite facing ongoing censorship.

The rise of online platforms has made it easier for BL content to reach a wider audience, bypassing traditional censorship methods.

BL stories can be a powerful tool for promoting empathy and understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences.

As societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ relationships evolve, censorship of BL content may become less prevalent.

The future of BL is likely to be one of continued growth and innovation, as creators find new ways to explore this beloved genre.

On these photos: Viktor and Orpheus, my best friends.

I would like to invite my lovely readers to explore more if you also enjoy BL-themed content.

What are your favorite BL series or novels? 

What elements do you enjoy most in BL stories? 

Would you like recommendations for specific genres within BL?

CREDITS

~TARA~ Fusion clutch in black  MAINSTORE

SLAVIA Pearl necklace (as the crown), Meer brooch MAINSTORE

PINK MOON poses MAINSTORE

HYACINTH poses - please send a message directly to creator inworld: Hyaecinte

BELLE EPOQUE Porter male gown MAINSTORE

JADED THREADS Art, White Wedding MAINSTORE

RAMA.SALON hair MAINSTORE