Shounen-ai

[Akimichi Choji]

For anyone who does'nt know shounen-ai(like anyone on this site does'nt know) is male homosexuality in anime. So, what does everyone think of it? I believe if an anime can make it an interesting factor, not just a useless theme, then it can truly be a great show. But, I know my opinions, what are yours?

[Shadowmage]

For some reason, I see people ready to start flaming in this thread...

I'm a male so I despise shounen-ai. I dislike homosexuality in general, so this should come as no surprise. (I don't mind a little, but as soon as it gets Yaoi level, I'll abandon ship ASAP... That is unless the story or the other characters can captivate me enough to continue watching the anime.)

[soundchazer]

For anyone who does'nt know shounen-ai(like anyone on this site does'nt know) is homosexuality in anime. So, what does everyone think of it? I believe if an anime can make it an interesting factor, not just a useless theme, then it can truly be a great show. But, I know my opinions, what are yours?

Sir, you are incorrect, or just partially right. Shounen-ai is MALE homosexuality. It is also called yaoi. Shoujo-ai or yuri is female homosexuality.

I do not mind people who are into that, but it just doesn't float my boat.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

For anyone who does'nt know shounen-ai(like anyone on this site does'nt know) is homosexuality in anime. So, what does everyone think of it? I believe if an anime can make it an interesting factor, not just a useless theme, then it can truly be a great show. But, I know my opinions, what are yours?

Like any genre, it's a gimmick that appeals only to a particular fanbase. Shounen-ai is also just about as unrealistic as you can get. If you wanna see actual gay man love, then go get yourself a gay friend and follow him around a while.

What I don't like about shounen-ai or yaoi fandom is pretty much my same beef with fanfiction. People want to pair their favorite couples together for whatever reason. I'll never find the fascination that people... especially women... have with pairing two bishounen together for some fudge packing romp. I like lesbianism as much as the next guy, but I don't get obsessive over it to the degree that I've seen some women and yaoi.

Sheesh.

[Akimichi Choji]

Sir, you are incorrect, or just partially right. Shounen-ai is MALE homosexuality. It is also called yaoi. Shoujo-ai or yuri is female homosexuality.

I do not mind people who are into that, but it just doesn't float my boat.

Thanks, I will edit my first post.

[Lupin the 3rd]

meh its not my cup of tea! 0_o

[Saya-biki]

ShouNEN-ai? ...no thanks
I'm a shouJO-ai fan, just ask Spilled Milk/S&M :D :D :D

[Sorrow-kun]

Shounen-ai? No thanks, internet.

I can't say I've had a huge amount of experience with the genre. In fact, the only thing I've seen that even remotely resembles Shounen-ai is X. I'm certainly not opposed to shoujo-ai, though.

[Illjwamh]

I picked both "don't care for it" and "hate it", and I shall now explain why.

I clicked the former because, as a heterosexual male, that sort of thing just doesn't appeal to me.

The latter I chose because fans of the stuff can never seem to get enough of it from places where it belongs (like Gravitation), and so try to insist that it exists everywhere else, too. There's probably more shounen-ai fanart/fanfiction/doujinshi out there than any other single genre. It's mind-boggling.



And, of course, I have the typical double-standard and think that shoujo-ai is the greatest thing ever.

[Lupin the 3rd]

And, of course, I have the typical double-standard and think that shoujo-ai is the greatest thing ever.


Boo yeah! 2 Thumbs up for Shoujo-ai :thumbup: :thumbup:

[Niner]

I picked both "don't care for it" and "hate it", and I shall now explain why.

I clicked the former because, as a heterosexual male, that sort of thing just doesn't appeal to me.

The latter I chose because fans of the stuff can never seem to get enough of it from places where it belongs (like Gravitation), and so try to insist that it exists everywhere else, too. There's probably more shounen-ai fanart/fanfiction/doujinshi out there than any other single genre. It's mind-boggling.



And, of course, I have the typical double-standard and think that shoujo-ai is the greatest thing ever.
I fully endorse what he said. Shounen-ai is fine, as long as it's not pervasive and you keep it pretty much to yourself. Fanart and fiction are okay, but sometimes it goes a little far. :x

/me goes to dig up his Utena DVDs

[Linuts]

Depends on how far they will go with the subject. If they only use it as a gimmick and completely throw the plot down the toilet, then I'll pass. Shows like Loveless I can watch though. Yeah the shonen-ai scenes make my eyes hurt, but at least they leave that subtle enough to let the characters shine on their own.

As for shoujo-ai...

It's the only reason why I watch crappy shows like this:

http://www.kannaduki.net/

:D

[Ninja Realist]

I like well done Shoujo-ai, but most of the time it is ridiculou, unrealistic, and hard to fathom. I do like some of it though, I liked Gravitation.

[Sorrow-kun]

Depends on how far they will go with the subject. If they only use it as a gimmick and completely throw the plot down the toilet, then I'll pass. Shows like Loveless I can watch though. Yeah the shonen-ai scenes make my eyes hurt, but at least they leave that subtle enough to let the characters shine on their own.

As for shoujo-ai...

It's the only reason why I watch crappy shows like this:

http://www.kannaduki.net/

:D
ARE YOU DISSING KANNADUKI NO MIKO!?!?!?! OMG RAAAAWRRR!!

No, I'll agree. Lesbianism, Kotoko and an amazing soundtrack were the only things that made that show worth watching.

[Admiral Ackbar]

While I personally do not swing that way (a simple prostate examination was enough to convince me) I have nothing against it. In fact I find that many a shounen-ai anime or manga is quite entertaining and if you sit there reading it girls will just randomly start talking to you, and in my books there's nothing wrong with that.

[Illjwamh]

Unless they assume you're gay.

[Kaikyaku]

There isn't an option for "I just plain don't care" so I went with "I don't know enough to have an opinion". Of course that is also true, considering all I've seen is Gravitation (I actually avoided Gravitation for a long time...). I can't say I would go out of my way to see shounen-ai, but if it's there I don't really care. I wouldn't want to watch some full blown hot yaoi show, but then I wouldn't want to watch hentei either. If the story is worth telling, it doesn't matter to me if they are guys or girls or whatever.

[sohryu]

Ahh! I voted before the doctor corrected the definition of shounen-ai. I've never seen any, but I guess maybe I wouldn't hate it if I saw it. Well...except one time I saw some doujinshi with Shinji & Kaworu...kinda freaked me out...wasn't expecting that.

[Spilled Milk]

WEEE i loooove shounen ai! it's so adorable! it's just super cute and hawt!
i also really enjoy shoujou ai and yuri Yummeh!!

[RainyRainy]

the strange thing is even though I think shonen ai is gross, surprisingly, I do not hate shoJo Ai as much... it's not to say that I love it though. Oh and Gravitation... ugh! regret that I ever watched a few episodes of it.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

WEEE i loooove shounen ai! it's so adorable! it's just super cute and hawt!
i also really enjoy shoujou ai and yuri Yummeh!!

Can I ask why?... More importantly... can I ask why and actually get a decent answer?

I'm not insulting you, SM, I'm just pretty curious as to what the **** the big appeal is and most people I ask can't give me a good answer.

[Illjwamh]

I'd be curious to hear why as well. I have a couple of friends who are the biggest yaoi fangirls you'll ever meet, and they've never been able to describe to me what the appeal is.

I suppose it could be similar to the male reason of "Two women together is just hot," but most girls I've talked to say this isn't the case, and they don't understand why we think that way. Is it just something exclusive to girls who like anime? And if so, why? Would the shounen-ai/yaoi still hold the appeal if it were real people and not animated ones? And if not, why?

[sohryu]

I suppose it could be similar to the male reason of "Two women together is just hot," but most girls I've talked to say this isn't the case, and they don't understand why we think that way.

I can't say I understand why you guys think that 2 chicks together is hot, but I feel the same way. I find that a lot of girls like watching 2 girls together, but would never think of being with another girl. I feel the same, I'll admit to liking to see girls together, but put me in that situation, and I'd tell the other girl to back off. I guess it's just something about the female body being more accepted (to girls) than the male body.

Not that guys are gross, but your stuff hangs...and changes size depending on temperature...that's just weird.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Not that guys are gross, but your stuff hangs...and changes size depending on temperature...that's just weird.

This line right here is the reason this thread was made. A+.

[NeoTsukasa2100]

OH! i guess i'll be the only guy to say, I love shounen-ai! I love it so much I even put it in my sig n_n. I have read allot of shounen-ai manga and I have seen the Gravitation anime (in fact I own the boxset n_n) but I perfer shounen-ai manga. I also like some yaoi, but often times its just plain to dirty for me >_< not that I don't like other types of manga but shounen-ai is deffinitaly a favorite of mine ^-^ erm i sound like a total homo don't I? well i'm not exactly hoisting the rainbow flag over here... but boy on boy is just plain hott n_n! o_o i'm really sorry if this post bothers anyone >_< i just can't talk about any of this stuff in real life so it gets amplified online n_n;

[Niner]

Not that guys are gross, but your stuff hangs...and changes size depending on temperature...that's just weird.
Sohryu for teh winz. You win (http://9.echonetwork.net/Crap/zomgintarnutz.jpg) at the Internet. Congrats.

:moron: :_lol:

[Tremolo]

The mental image of Choji enjoying shounen-ai is just too strange for me to take - I keep picturing him as the Naruto character...hilarity ensues.

I have no problems with shounen-ai, and I tend to enjoy it when it's done well and there's a reason for it.

Depends on how far they will go with the subject. If they only use it as a gimmick and completely throw the plot down the toilet, then I'll pass.

My thoughts exactly. I love it when people say what I was planning to say better so I can just be lazy and quote it.

[Dirty Harry]

I put me some loves it and hates it.

I loves me some homosexual tension or something in an anime when it's story-related and such.

I does not love me some homosexual sex in an anime when it is just there to be lots of homosexual sex.

What I do not do either way, is watch the sex.
IF they do have sex in the anime, and the anime has thusfar had a good story, I will not watch it, because it is gross to me. In fact, I don't watch the heterosexual sex in animes I like either. The only examples I can think of is Ninja Scroll/BioHunters, when I could, I would fast-forward through the ick-scenes.

So there ya go! I stand as a neutral to this shounen-ai!

[tsiki]

I'm ok with it, I can watch, say, Loveless and Gravitation without being freaked out. Basically it just doesn't do anything for me, "boring" would the most accurate depiction of the state of mind that I have when something yaoi comes up in an anime (unless that scene has some particular meaning to the plot/characters of course).

[TypicalIdiotFan]

OH! i guess i'll be the only guy to say, I love shounen-ai! I love it so much I even put it in my sig n_n. I have read allot of shounen-ai manga and I have seen the Gravitation anime (in fact I own the boxset n_n) but I perfer shounen-ai manga. I also like some yaoi, but often times its just plain to dirty for me >_< not that I don't like other types of manga but shounen-ai is deffinitaly a favorite of mine ^-^ erm i sound like a total homo don't I? well i'm not exactly hoisting the rainbow flag over here... but boy on boy is just plain hott n_n! o_o i'm really sorry if this post bothers anyone >_< i just can't talk about any of this stuff in real life so it gets amplified online n_n;

Okay.

Same question as before directed at you too. You've managed to "gush" without actually saying anything. C'mon, gimme some reasons here.

[Zelkiiro]

And, of course, I have the typical double-standard and think that shoujo-ai is the greatest thing ever.


Boo yeah! 2 Thumbs up for Shoujo-ai :thumbup: :thumbup:

I'd like to third that. Shounen-ai = teh sux0rz. Shoujo-ai = teh sex0rz. You get the idea.

[soundchazer]

You know... I was thinking about this thing with double standards and I think I have come up with a plausible explanation against the double standard theory:

1. Looking at the historical and biological roles of males and females, it is usually the females who have the role of attracting a suitable partner, which I think it is partly the reason why they are physically more attractive than men. Men are supposed to be bulky and gruff, not petite and femenine. And yet Yaoi usually plays way too often the Bishie card.

2. When you think about which gender usually carries the stereotype of being reserved, calm, more into foreplay, fragile, etc. it is usally girls. Guys tend to have only two modes: horny and aggresive and super horny/aggresive. The idea of watching two guys behaving like girls is weird and out of place for most of us (guys AND girls). Now when we switch into two girls being affectionate to each other, they are usually depicted as having a delicate and loving relationship, which is not as odd since they are still within parameters of the basic stereotype, therefore making it more acceptable.

Summarizing, Yuri is ok because girls still play a role similar to a "normal" heterosexual relationship. Yaoi is unnatural because it goes against everything that makes a man behave manly.

[Sashi-senpai]

Sir, you are incorrect, or just partially right. Shounen-ai is MALE homosexuality. It is also called yaoi. Shoujo-ai or yuri is female homosexuality.

I do not mind people who are into that, but it just doesn't float my boat.

Okay, to clear up any confusion, shounen-ai and yaoi are two different things. Shounen-ai is non-adult, in other words, not hentai. Yaoi is hentai, guy on guy sex0rz.
Shounen-ai Only shows guys kissing or something, no sex.

[soundchazer]

Okay, to clear up any confusion, shounen-ai and yaoi are two different things. Shounen-ai is non-adult, in other words, not hentai. Yaoi is hentai, guy on guy sex0rz.
Shounen-ai Only shows guys kissing or something, no sex.

You are right. It is the Yuri category where the term is used a bit more losely to depict either graphic or no graphic relationships.

For more info, go here:

http://www.sugoiweb.com/faq.php##11

[Skuldchan]

Okay so I have read every post in here and I want to put my input in.
I personally love Shounen-ai (yaoi is ok but im not into it as much as shounen-ai). The reason being is simply because I think its hot that two hot guys are together. Now I understand what all the guys are talking about, and how guys dont think its all that great, but you say the exact same thing most girls say about shounen-ai to shoujo-ai. And the reason, is most likely because you guys think its hot to see 2 women together.

I dont think there is anything wrong with either. Not all guys fit the "masculine" role. So its pleasnt to see guys who dont, get together, or in the reference of Gravitation, a rather masculine guy with a rather femine guy. Not only does that make for a good romance, but good humor.

And I guess the last big reason I love shounen-ai is becasue its somewhat forebidden. Well i guess not in this day and age, but i know i never get a chance to see 2 hot guys making out in real life. The little forebidden air that runs through shounen-ai is so fascinating that I cant get enough. Just the fact that its so taboo makes it all the better. Which could be a reason for all you shoujo-ai lovers as well.

[sohryu]

You know... I was thinking about this thing with double standards and I think I have come up with a plausible explanation against the double standard theory:

1. Looking at the historical and biological roles of males and females, it is usually the females who have the role of attracting a suitable partner, which I think it is partly the reason why they are physically more attractive than men. Men are supposed to be bulky and gruff, not petite and femenine. And yet Yaoi usually plays way too often the Bishie card.

2. When you think about which gender usually carries the stereotype of being reserved, calm, more into foreplay, fragile, etc. it is usally girls. Guys tend to have only two modes: horny and aggresive and super horny/aggresive. The idea of watching two guys behaving like girls is weird and out of place for most of us (guys AND girls). Now when we switch into two girls being affectionate to each other, they are usually depicted as having a delicate and loving relationship, which is not as odd since they are still within parameters of the basic stereotype, therefore making it more acceptable.

Summarizing, Yuri is ok because girls still play a role similar to a "normal" heterosexual relationship. Yaoi is unnatural because it goes against everything that makes a man behave manly.

Wow, sc, it looks like you pretty much hit the nail on the head (I think that's how that saying goes). While I have never really given it much thought, I have to agree with everything you've said. When I think about it, it makes perfect sense. (Especially the 2 modes guys have, hehe)

Okay everyone, a round of applause for the only person (thus far) who has given this thread some thought and made sense of why seeing girls together isn't as strange as seeing guys together. Uh, at least in anime/manga form.

:thumbup:

[Dennis]

I have not been exposed (poor word choice) to enough Shounen-ai to make a decision. I don't mind it if I see it at a store.

[KiraraKim]

I voted for the "I really don't care for it" option. Which means that I don't really care for it but I am fine with it existing and other people enjoying it. And this goes for Shonen-Ai, Shoujo-Ai, Yaoi and Yuri. And I guess I can even enjoy a Shonn-Ai story if it is actually part of the main plot (such as Gravitation) and not just some subtext that the viewers believe to be there. But in enjoying it I think I am more enjoying the actual story/characters than the Shonen-Ai itself.

The thing that does annoy me abut Shonen-Ai Yaoi is some fans constant need to think that their fantasies are reality. Unless the creator of an anime/manga explictly states that two characters are a couple, then they are not a couple in my book. I can't stand how some fans so firmly stick by a couple based on subtext that they will be rude to other fans who deny this couple. I think the worse I've seen have been with Hiei/Kurama fans.

I also don't get the reason why so many female fans like Yaoi/Shonen-Ai. The main reason I heard is they would rather have two guys get together than have a girl get the guys since they don't see another guy as competition. Now I never got this reasoning because how on Earth could a cartoon character be competition to begin with? And if this was real life I wouldn't want a guy or girl stealing the guy I liked.

And finally, I don't see how two girls together is more natural than two guys together. The only reason why guys like to see two girls together is because it is a turn on for them. And for some girls I guess seeing two guys together is a turn on too. I don't get this but it is fine by me. As long as people are not rude about what they like then I really do not care.

[sohryu]

And if this was real life I wouldn't want a guy or girl stealing the guy I liked.

I agree with you, if it were real life, I wouldn't want anyone stealing the guy I like, regardless of their sex. However, it's a lot less harsh if you lose the guy you like to a guy, rather than to a girl. Think about it.

If the guy you like goes for another girl, you're gonna think, "Why is she better than me? What makes her more attractive than me?" etc. But if you lose the guy you like to another guy, you kinda just brush it off, "Oh, he prefers a whole different gender," rather than think and compare yourself to the other guy.

I dunno, that's what goes on in my mind. I've told my BF countless times, "You'd better turn gay if I ever leave you, because I won't let you be with another girl (woman, whatever)." In other words, if I can't have him, I take comfort in the fact that no other woman can have him, either.

[KiraraKim]

I agree with you, if it were real life, I wouldn't want anyone stealing the guy I like, regardless of their sex. However, it's a lot less harsh if you lose the guy you like to a guy, rather than to a girl. Think about it.

If the guy you like goes for another girl, you're gonna think, "Why is she better than me? What makes her more attractive than me?" etc. But if you lose the guy you like to another guy, you kinda just brush it off, "Oh, he prefers a whole different gender," rather than think and compare yourself to the other guy.

I dunno, that's what goes on in my mind. I've told my BF countless times, "You'd better turn gay if I ever leave you, because I won't let you be with another girl (woman, whatever)." In other words, if I can't have him, I take comfort in the fact that no other woman can have him, either.

Personally I think I woiuld feel bad about them both in different ways. As you said if my boyfriend left me for another girl I might start comparing herself to me. But if my boyfriend left me for another guy then I might think that I was the one who turned him away from girls. Even though that might be silly I would think that. Hopefully I will never be put in either of those situations.

[Illjwamh]

The thing that does annoy me abut Shonen-Ai Yaoi is some fans constant need to think that their fantasies are reality. Unless the creator of an anime/manga explictly states that two characters are a couple, then they are not a couple in my book. I can't stand how some fans so firmly stick by a couple based on subtext that they will be rude to other fans who deny this couple. I think the worse I've seen have been with Hiei/Kurama fans.


I totally and completely agree with you here. Though I would say that most Gundam Wing fans are worse than the Hiei/Kurama ones.

The Naruto/Sasuke crowd is really irritating too, especially since there really isn't any subtext to begin with. They make it up.

[Spilled Milk]

WEEE i loooove shounen ai! it's so adorable! it's just super cute and hawt!
i also really enjoy shoujou ai and yuri Yummeh!!

Can I ask why?... More importantly... can I ask why and actually get a decent answer?

I'm not insulting you, SM, I'm just pretty curious as to what the **** the big appeal is and most people I ask can't give me a good answer.



my theory..and be prepared it's a dumb one...is I geuss it's cuz most women are suckers for "forbidden love" and well shounen ai is plenty full of that..so i dunno...Women are also very much emotional and theres alot of angst and shit in yaoi and shounen ai and women like drama :D (most atleast) I dunno just a thought.

You know... I was thinking about this thing with double standards and I think I have come up with a plausible explanation against the double standard theory:

1. Looking at the historical and biological roles of males and females, it is usually the females who have the role of attracting a suitable partner, which I think it is partly the reason why they are physically more attractive than men. Men are supposed to be bulky and gruff, not petite and femenine. And yet Yaoi usually plays way too often the Bishie card.

2. When you think about which gender usually carries the stereotype of being reserved, calm, more into foreplay, fragile, etc. it is usally girls. Guys tend to have only two modes: horny and aggresive and super horny/aggresive. The idea of watching two guys behaving like girls is weird and out of place for most of us (guys AND girls). Now when we switch into two girls being affectionate to each other, they are usually depicted as having a delicate and loving relationship, which is not as odd since they are still within parameters of the basic stereotype, therefore making it more acceptable.

Summarizing, Yuri is ok because girls still play a role similar to a "normal" heterosexual relationship. Yaoi is unnatural because it goes against everything that makes a man behave manly.

some women would like it if men could be more sensitive and romantic instead of horny/agressive so I geuss thats another reason why shounen ai and yaoi apeals to them. plus it's only one of the guys (the Uke) that plays the more feminine role the other male (the seme) is the horny agressive one.

[Elric]

Well sure I did watch one (Gravitation) and im no big fan of the genre, but I accept its existance for the way it is. Its another form of entertainment and it can be enjoyable to watch depending on whats going on in the anime.

Its pretty funny that my mom watched Gravitation with me and enjoys it more than I did. I think the manga is great compared to the anime. Just simply longer and more in depth.

[Demonthenes]

Not a fan really at all. Yuri has always appealed to me on the other hand.

[Junko]

I dont generaly watch or view much hentai anyway but these kinds of things dont bother me. I'm around homosexuals alot so it shouldnt.

[Admiral Ackbar]

I dont generaly watch or view much hentai anyway but these kinds of things dont bother me. I'm around homosexuals alot so it shouldnt.


Not all Shounen-ai is hentai. Gravitation for example is not a hentai.

[Junko]

Yah, see I can handle that. I dont have really any experience in all out hentai though.

I should havwe worded my other post better.

I can handle things like Gravitation or Neptune and Uranus in Sialor moon but as most of you know I wouldnt fair well with hentai.

[Demonthenes]

I dont imagine you would Junko.

[Junko]

It's not like I would freak out about it. I just wouldnt really have much a reason for using it...

[Demonthenes]

It isnt really a tool, simply a sophisticated form of entertainment.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

It's not like I would freak out about it. I just wouldnt really have much a reason for using it...

Yah maybe... I'm not tiny at all... WTF am I saying I'm the only girl in my school that doesnt need to stuff her bra.

/me slaps self in the face.

No... bad TIF... bad... no thoughts like that... bad...

[Junko]

TIF! OK...I'm outta this one...

*goes off to find Annie*

[Demonthenes]

You dont seem like the pedophile type TIF

[JOJO]

I really haven't seen any shonen ai to give a wide oppinion on this subject, but if you don't like a certain type of anime, just don't watch it and leave it alone, is as simple as that.

[Ninja Realist]

I really haven't seen any shonen ai to give a wide oppinion on this subject, but if you don't like a certain type of anime, just don't watch it and leave it alone, is as simple as that.

Nobody attacked Shounen -ai dude.

[Illjwamh]

TIF! OK...I'm outta this one...

*goes off to find Annie*

Okay, did you do this on purpose? If you did, that's brilliant. If you didn't, it's hilarious.

[JOJO]

Nobody attacked Shounen -ai dude.
I know, i just said it to those that find shonen ai to "controversial", i wasn't neither defending it or attacking it.

[Ninja Realist]

I know, i just said it to those that find shonen ai to "controversial".

/me looks around.

I don't see anyone saying that.

[Dennis]

I know, i just said it to those that find shonen ai to "controversial", i wasn't neither defending it or attacking it.
Robert Mapplethorpe's "photographs" were controversial; shounen-ai is a genre of anime.

[Demonthenes]

The thing is JOJO is that alot of the time people dont just wacth anime for a particular genre but for a story or whatever else appeals to you.

[AnimeOutlaw]

OH! i guess i'll be the only guy to say, I love shounen-ai! I love it so much I even put it in my sig n_n. I have read allot of shounen-ai manga and I have seen the Gravitation anime (in fact I own the boxset n_n) but I perfer shounen-ai manga. I also like some yaoi, but often times its just plain to dirty for me >_< not that I don't like other types of manga but shounen-ai is deffinitaly a favorite of mine ^-^ erm i sound like a total homo don't I? well i'm not exactly hoisting the rainbow flag over here... but boy on boy is just plain hott n_n! o_o i'm really sorry if this post bothers anyone >_< i just can't talk about any of this stuff in real life so it gets amplified online n_n;


I love Shounen ai too. I have seen the Gravitation anime and I currently reading the manga. I think the manga is better, though; things get more intimate and the characters are also more realistic.

I wanted to go to Yaoi con back when I was in California, but didn't have any money or transportation back then. I will go this year if I can find one close to wear I am living.

I think the whole shounen ai thing can be very sweet and romantic. Plus, effeminate looking males in anime and manga are almost always the coolest, mysterious or most interesting.

Hell, I have a Bishounen as my avatar. This pic has been my avatar for almost the entire time I have been a student at AA.


Bonus: (Guess correctly and win 5 points!)
Can anyone identify who the avatar is and what show he's from?

[NeoTsukasa2100]

YES! n_n i'm not alone, now i don't feel as much like a total freak ^-^.

[sakurazukamori]

I love shounen-ai probably for the same reason guys like shoujo ai... seeing two gorgeous guys together is hot (same as two girls in shoujo ai). As most men like to see two women make out together, some women are turned on by two guys. I like this kind of thing in real life too, so it obviously appeals to me in anime. Yaoi is a bit too much for me (I really don't want to see what goes where...) , but then again hentai isn't my style either. Anyway, just because I'm attracted to this kind of thing doesn't mean I'll sit through any piece of crap just because I get to see two bishounen kissing. While shounen ai floats me boat, it'd better be backed up by a good plot and convincing characters or I'm not watching it.

As for the theory that girls like this sort of thing because it's kind of forbidden, there's probably some truth behind it. It's a lot more exciting to watch something that you don't get to see too often in real life.

[AnimeOutlaw]

YES! n_n i'm not alone, now i don't feel as much like a total freak ^-^.


None of us are real freaks. We just have tastes and interest that are hard for people to understand or share. Thank goodness there is anime. We anime-freaks get to gather and share our anime knowledge and interests with each other; it's so great.

I love shounen-ai probably for the same reason guys like shoujo ai... seeing two gorgeous guys together is hot (same as two girls in shoujo ai). As most men like to see two women make out together, some women are turned on by two guys. I like this kind of thing in real life too, so it obviously appeals to me in anime. Yaoi is a bit too much for me (I really don't want to see what goes where...) , but then again hentai isn't my style either. Anyway, just because I'm attracted to this kind of thing doesn't mean I'll sit through any piece of crap just because I get to see two bishounen kissing. While shounen ai floats me boat, it'd better be backed up by a good plot and convincing characters or I'm not watching it.

As for the theory that girls like this sort of thing because it's kind of forbidden, there's probably some truth behind it. It's a lot more exciting to watch something that you don't get to see too often in real life.


I was so interested in Gravitation in the very first place because it was said to be a good show with an interesting plot and had shounen-ai. This appealed to me alot so I thought I should check it out and I ended up liking it very much.

Convincing characters and a good plot is what I look for in a show too, sakurazukamori.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

None of us are real freaks. We just have tastes and interest that are hard for people to understand or share. Thank goodness there is anime. We anime-freaks get to gather and share our anime knowledge and interests with each other; it's so great.

/snicker...

Freak...

Nobody really has answered my question yet tho. I'm still unsure why there is such a heavy following amongst women about shounen-ai / yaoi. Especially the people who "create" shounen-ai / yaoi out of non shonen-ai/yaoi situations.

[Akuhei]

in the eyes of fangirls, if a character looks good enough, they can make him into a yaoi pairing, even if there's only one other male character in the series and the main character they want to pair is happily surrounded by vast numbers of beautiful women. Trust me i've seen them and their fangirl powers in action.

[Niner]

Nobody really has answered my question yet tho. I'm still unsure why there is such a heavy following amongst women about shounen-ai / yaoi. Especially the people who "create" shounen-ai / yaoi out of non shonen-ai/yaoi situations.
I asked one of my female friends who's into that whole shounen-ai / yaoi stuff and she said it's mostly about the "tender relationship" and the kissing and the physical intimacy rather than carnal desires. There are still girls out there that would still like the nasty yucky gay stuff, but apparently, for the most part, it's about how cute they look together. I suppose it's akin to why us guys really aren't opposed to lesbians. It works the same way for girls and how they see gay guys, I guess.

:x

[Kiba]

I can tolerate shounen-ai, but I really, really dispise the fandom that comes along with it.

[Lupin the 3rd]

I can tolerate shounen-ai, but I really, really dispise the fandom that comes along with it.

i understand how that feels! It woudnt be that bad if the fan girls would stop obsessing over it!

[Tremolo]

I can tolerate shounen-ai, but I really, really dispise the fandom that comes along with it.

I actually have to agree. The worst part of it are the fangirls who balk at the very thought of canon/hetero pairings in fan fiction.

But then I hate the majority of fangirls.

[Demonthenes]

I always thought that guys prefered lesbian action. Is it just me then? I havent met a woman yet that like yaoi.

[NeoTsukasa2100]

I always thought that guys prefered lesbian action. Is it just me then? I havent met a woman yet that like yaoi.
Yea, almost every guy does perfer shojo-ai over shounen-ai, of course not me though >_<. and trust me there are allot of women out there that like yaoi, they just travel in packs, and apperently you just havent hit a pack yet. I personally love fangirls. I find it halarious at how they flip over cute pairings... but the screaming that comes along with it does grow tiresome >_<

[JOJO]

There isin't a lot of shonen-ai or shojo-ai around here, can someone tell me a few of this titles that are availiable in America?.

[Lupin the 3rd]

There Gravitation and Fake that comes to mind

that all i can name, im sure there more!

[JOJO]

Really?, i didn't knew that FAKE was shonen-ai. Well, now that you already anwsered me, is yaoi the same thing as hentai?, what are some titles you know of this genre?.

[Lupin the 3rd]

there a hentai if i can remember called My Sexual Harrassment!

its the same lines of Shonen-AI or Yaoi!

[RainyRainy]

Yea, almost every guy does perfer shojo-ai over shounen-ai, of course not me though >_<
Yes, everybody can tell you love guy on guy actions by looking at your unusual sig. But tell me, as a guy, why would you get worked up about a guy dating (or behave more aggresively) a person of the same gender? or are you using anime as a channel to express your unconventional well... habit or fantasies of that sort?

[sakurazukamori]

Jojo...if you're interested about yaoi titles, I have 3 that come to mind:

Haru wo Daiteita
Level C
Ai no Kusabi

While the first two are mostly a waste of time, Ai no Kusabi is actually quite good, if you can get past the more explicit scenes.

[oompa loompa]

I really don't like shounen-ai for the sole purpose that its just not something I really care to watch.... usually I have something else to watch and if I don't I would ask myself how this crap got on my tv........ I only say crap because I have never seen a yaoi anime that had a story line that really interested me (maybe it was the gay part of it *shrugs*)

[M.Baka]

Shounen ai and Shoujo ai are all cool, but it all depends on your taste

[Akimichi Choji]

Okay, does anyone have any names of some Shoujo-ai? Would'nt mind checking that out. Not in a perverted way.

[Spilled Milk]

it's really hard to find manga that is specificaly shoujou ai...something I've noticed is that it's either just hinted or straight out yuri....I'm probabley wrong but I haven't been able to find a manga that is specifically shoujou ai.

[Readordie]

Okay, does anyone have any names of some Shoujo-ai? Would'nt mind checking that out. Not in a perverted way.
Noir and Maria-sama Ga Matteru come to mind.

Also, I am a sucker for a good romance, gay or straight. So if it's a well-written, well-thought-out romance that happens to be shonen-ai, I see it as just another romance story.

[Kiba]

I personally love fangirls. I find it halarious at how they flip over cute pairings
I find that to be annoying and repulsive.

[AlterGenesis-X]

Good old Loveless. Has Shounen-ai and Shoujo-ai, it's got something for everyone.

[JOJO]

Jojo...if you're interested about yaoi titles, I have 3 that come to mind:

Haru wo Daiteita
Level C
Ai no Kusabi

While the first two are mostly a waste of time, Ai no Kusabi is actually quite good, if you can get past the more explicit scenes.
I've hears about level C before but it didn't interested me that much, but i'm gona have to check out that Ai no Kusabi title for myself :madhopA: .

Okay, does anyone have any names of some Shoujo-ai? Would'nt mind checking that out. Not in a perverted way.
I guess that The Devil Lady can also be considered shoujo-ai, it has a lot of girl romance in the story.

[Spilled Milk]

I personally love fangirls. I find it halarious at how they flip over cute pairings
I find that to be annoying and repulsive.

see people need to be more like neotsukasa2100 and less like Kiba and all these other guys who whine and bitch about fandom..in stead of thinking about what you hate an loath so much try and have fun with it...I'm sure intially it bugged nt2100 but instead of hating it he chose to have fun with it instead. :p I admit to whining and bitching to much myself..but I try not to.

[Junko]

me either although sometimes I'm a little bit more annoying than any fangirl within a ten mile radius.

[Akimichi Choji]

see people need to be more like neotsukasa2100 and less like Kiba and all these other guys who whine and bitch about fandom..in stead of thinking about what you hate an loath so much try and have fun with it...I'm sure intially it bugged nt2100 but instead of hating it he chose to have fun with it instead. :p I admit to whining and bitching to much myself..but I try not to.

Pardon me but you are a women, that is why Kiba is so defensive, he is not. But I must say Fandom is a touchy subject in our adult cartoony world. I personnaly will be doing a cosplay at AX so fandom is my middle name. But the subject of Shounen-ai is even more difficult to be a fanboy about. Anyway fanboys of it are either artisically attached to it or very, how do you say, flamboyant. I am by no means a fanboy of it, but I do like the artistic value that can be achieved by such an anime. For a girl(no offense), you can be a fan without, again how do you say, compromising your sexuality. Sometimes it as simple, for guys, as trying not to seem gay. Who knows? There might be some shounen-ai-closet-fans out there. If there are, let them stay there if they wish.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Noir and Maria-sama Ga Matteru come to mind.

I don't think I'd count NOIR. I haven't seen Maria-sama Ga Mitteru.

[Readordie]

I don't think I'd count NOIR. I haven't seen Maria-sama Ga Mitteru.

Counterpoint(I hope you've seen the whole series):

Kirika and Chloe get quite a bit hot-and-heavy towards the end. They kiss, and Chloe gets in some gropage. Also, the letter Kirika sent to Mereille may be considered a love note, but that's all up to interpertation.

There might be some shounen-ai-closet-fans out there.

Yes, but also there are some who just like it if it has artistic value. Some shonen-ai is just eye-catching fangirl fodder. Some is actual art.

Note: Sorry, but the spoiler tags were acting weird for some reason.

[Lupin the 3rd]

....um thanks for spoiling it for me Readordie!!!!!!!

[Akimichi Choji]

Counterpoint(I hope you've seen the whole series):

Kirika and Chloe get quite a bit hot-and-heavy towards the end. They kiss, and Chloe gets in some gropage. Also, the letter Kirika sent to Mereille may be considered a love note, but that's all up to interpertation.



Yes, but also there are some who just like it if it has artistic value. Some shonen-ai is just eye-catching fangirl fodder. Some is actual art.

Note: Sorry, but the spoiler tags were acting weird for some reason.

That is why I said some appreciated the artistic value in the same post. I suppose I would be one of them.

[Readordie]

Well, yes. The differences between Arcana (http://arcana.keenspace.com) and Boy Meets Boy (http://boymeetsboy.keenspace.com/) are gigantic. Arcana had a story to tell(and an excellent one at that), and BMB had very, very little actual substance.

[Akimichi Choji]

Boy meets Boy, but that sounds like a perfectly straight name.[insert sarcastic accent]. That little comic is funny. "Your Mom spends too much." That is quite funny.

[NeoTsukasa2100]

Yes, everybody can tell you love guy on guy actions by looking at your unusual sig. But tell me, as a guy, why would you get worked up about a guy dating (or behave more aggresively) a person of the same gender? or are you using anime as a channel to express your unconventional well... habit or fantasies of that sort?
Yea i guess you summed it up. I'm raised in a christian family and if i was to see a guy i would be kicked out >_< so i guess i read and watch shounen-ai as a replacement of what i can't have in real life u_u i know it sounds totally pathetic but its the way i've handled having feelings for my own gender without killing myself o_o so yea, its like a vent for me. Also being raised in a chritian bubble with the the umm "feelings" that i have has left me feeling like a total freakish loser u_u and its nice to read stories that star guys that have the same weird feelings and thoughts that i do. it just makes me feel like less of a freak and that makes me feel good n_n. so thats why i like shounen-ai so much ^-^.
I find that to be annoying and repulsive.
awwww c'mon Kiba, fangirls really aren't as bad as people make them out to be n_n they are just really high strung @_@ and they are passionate about what they love n_n haha now there are some fangirls that take things to far. (like i have seen some fangirls that are planning on getting surgery so they can be more like the MALE anime/manga character they have fandom for) >_< that is to much... but your average fangirls really aren't that bad at all. you just need to get used to the fast talking about how cute "this and that is" and the sudden screaching they let loss when they see a cute picture @_@

[Kiba]

awwww c'mon Kiba, fangirls really aren't as bad as people make them out to be n_n they are just really high strung @_@ and they are passionate about what they love n_n haha now there are some fangirls that take things to far. (like i have seen some fangirls that are planning on getting surgery so they can be more like the MALE anime/manga character they have fandom for) >_< that is to much... but your average fangirls really aren't that bad at all. you just need to get used to the fast talking about how cute "this and that is" and the sudden screaching they let loss when they see a cute picture @_@

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/kiba001/rahimage079.jpg

Thats me when I have to listen to fangirls go on and on about some bishie or whatever, and I hope my head doesn't explode.

[Spilled Milk]

you know Kiba...Freya can be a fangirl >.>

(ahem lease excuse this :spam: >.<

oh and Neotsukasa that makes alot of sense and is totally understandable :D

[LadySage]

awwww c'mon Kiba, fangirls really aren't as bad as people make them out to be n_n they are just really high strung @_@ and they are passionate about what they love n_n haha now there are some fangirls that take things to far. (like i have seen some fangirls that are planning on getting surgery so they can be more like the MALE anime/manga character they have fandom for) >_< that is to much... but your average fangirls really aren't that bad at all. you just need to get used to the fast talking about how cute "this and that is" and the sudden screaching they let loss when they see a cute picture @_@

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/kiba001/rahimage079.jpg

Thats me when I have to listen to fangirls go on and on about some bishie or whatever, and I hope my head doesn't explode.


WAAAAH! BISHIE!!!
/me fangirls

Just kidding...mostly.

[Kiba]

you know Kiba...Freya can be a fangirl >.>

(ahem lease excuse this :spam: >.<

oh and Neotsukasa that makes alot of sense and is totally understandable :D
And everytime she is I tune out.

[LadyYuina]

I don't really care for it but I don't hate it...

[DragonMistress]

I happen to love shounen-ai! There's nothing wrong with it and the relationships are developed really well. With shounen-ai the fact that they are coming to terms with their sexuality is a lot more interesting than the classic guy/girl set-up. I guess it's kind of like why some guys dig lesbians. I dig gay guys. There's nothing wrong with that.

[HidekiMotosuwa]

I clicked I don't really care for it cuz I don't mind is in small doses where it is hinted, etc. like a current series I'm watching Kyo Kara Maho! so stuff like that I don't mind at all full blown Yaio I steer clear of.

[Darkdreams]

Personally I have no problem with it one way or another. I probably would not watch anything that has that kind of stuff on my own, but if a friend wanted me to, I would. I figure, if that's what people get their jollies off of, then by all means, doesn't mean I will. Shoujo-ai, hmmmm, I'm still a newb in anime, and can't say I've seen much of this. Still, my girlfriend would kill me if she found out I watched anything like shoujo-ai, even if I could find some . . . :bnono: lol.
Yup, there's my two cents.

[Emeraldas]

I clicked I don't really care for it cuz I don't mind is in small doses where it is hinted, etc. like a current series I'm watching Kyo Kara Maho! so stuff like that I don't mind at all full blown Yaio I steer clear of.

Are you effing kidding me? Kyo Kara Maoh! only has hints?
*eyes her unwatched copy of volume one*
I just can't get the hang of this.

[HidekiMotosuwa]

Are you effing kidding me? Kyo Kara Maoh! only has hints?
*eyes her unwatched copy of volume one*
I just can't get the hang of this.

Well so far no kissing, affection, etc. has transpired only the law that got Wolfram and Yuri enganged the only thing I've seen is jealous fits and arm hugging that's about all unless something happens in the later episodes I'll keep my opinion at that. :D

[kyubichan]

I do not like shounen-ai, thus I do my best to steer clear of it (unless, of course, the anime I am watching has scenes of such and I did not read a review first to steer clear).

[Mr. Incognito]

Yaoi is a bit far for me, but Shounen-Ai can be pretty cute, and without it, some anime and manga would fall flat.
*coughGRAVITATIONcough*

[Ghostmaster]

well i guess if your gay or a girl you would like it.

[Tremolo]

well i guess if your gay or a girl you would like it.

Untrue! Gross generalisations! I am both gay and a girl and I don't like it.

[Kitsurai]

...and like a lot of the guys are portrayed quite effeminately both physically and in personality, in the strong, feisty way and the cute, frail way, so it's like I have feelings for them like they were female. And isn't that what anime is all about, losers like me fantasizing about different kinds of girls and such god DAMNIT this thread is so full of gay ><

[LadySage]

...and like a lot of the guys are portrayed quite effeminately both physically and in personality, in the strong, feisty way and the cute, frail way, so it's like I have feelings for them like they were female. And isn't that what anime is all about, losers like me fantasizing about different kinds of girls and such god DAMNIT this thread is so full of gay ><

So you feel right at home here, AMIRITE?

[mmyy]

Oh I absolutely love shounen-ai. Once you're in, you have no way out. ;) I also enjoy BL parody a lot; they are simply HILLARIOUS.

[Pachinko]

I love shounen-ai.<3
Whether it be romantic kisses to further, more lemon-y content, I love it all the same.

=^_^=

[annie14892]

I love shonen-ai..If you people like it,you should watch sukisho..(not enough people watch it..)

Anyways..What's shoujo-ai...?

[Akuhei]

I am both gay and a girl

I KNEW IT!

[Dark Lord]

Well... for me it depends really... It actually depends on how it is used in a story... I like it when it is used merely for comedic purposes... it makes for a good laugh... I also don't really care even if they approach the issue in a serious manner... as long as it doesn't involve anything like kisses and any of that kinky stuff...
So, basically, Shounen-ai, in my opinion, is a tool that can either be used to improve or destroy an anime...