I was maybe 12 and was beginning to question my identity (sexuality and gender), and it was the first time I related to something and felt like I “belonged”, like something clicked and I realized I was different. Since BL is “common” in Japan I ended up getting to know other fans in real life. Fandom is chill despite petty drama about who tops and who bottoms, and if breaking the main couple is ok or not. I liked the “I’m gay just for you!” parts of BL because I had a lot of internalised homophobia and still wanted to keep appearances/didn’t fully accept myself. That comforted me.
— 23, He/Him, Japan
23, HE/HIM, JAPAN
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