Guys I need your help-: About super feminine gay characters

This for an academic essay so PLSS HELPP

I love pretty men

I think it would only replicate the power dynamics if they are being placed in the role of a woman and treated like a woman. But if there's none of that, then nah, let the men be pretty

Academic essay is crazy but

I think it depends on the author and the audience. On one side, there's recently been an emphasis on power-bottoms especially when paired with a powerful top. Comparing it with older BLs however, there have been many if not a pattern of the feminine bottoms you speak about. In terms of appearance, there's a spectrum of gays: some who prefer a feminine appearance without identifying as transgender and those who remain masculine.

As for the parallel between power dynamics in hetero and queer stories, historically, I believe Yaoi was created by women for women to challenge the shounen depiction of male characters at the time-- heroes, masculine, heartthrob. That type. Over time thaf challenge of masculinity kind of polarized and became the uke we know and see today. At the same time, it also very much catered to the female depiction of power dynamics in romance-- the hero and damsel turned gay kind of scene. So-- yes! There is a parallel if you look at it from that standpoint.

Conversely, I personally don't see any issues with bottoms created by whoever who fit or don't fit the stereotype. It's difficult to say whether gays are mirroring feminine traits or avoiding it, but all I know is that you can be whoever you wanna be.

I would take my words with a grain of salt and do some more research into the origins of Yaoi which would help with your academic paper. It's a little convoluted in current times because it really depends on the person... but yeah! Good luck with your paper

THE WAY U WROTE THE ESSAY FOR THEM

Might he a weird take but i believe there are women who create or read yaoi due to a dislike of how women appear in shoujo stories and the common dynamics that are attached where the man is dominant and the woman is helpless or reliant on a man. Yaois that have a feminine male replaces the women in shoujo and therefore fulfill the same dynamics without the stereotypical gender roles. Gl on the paper!

I mean there is real men who look really skinny and short and have feminine faces..... But because majority of Bl's are made by women for women I mean you could say that ig

I think it could either just be a representation of fem gay men or a straight woman who’s imagining herself in place of the fem male character honestly it depends on how the story is written

OMG first, wow thanks for such detailed explanation (where can I purchase your brain) There are many interesting points that you made on that paragraph, if you don't mind i might use some of them (I'll credit u ofc <3) to support some of my arguments

And THANK U SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU who are replying. I wish I could personally reply to all of you and yap yap (I'm busy af with this essay), nonetheless I'm carefully considering each of your ideas, you are of great help!!