When I first got into BL, I would read practically every story I could get my hands on—quite literally every one. I didn’t care if the art was subpar or if the plot was lackluster. But lately, I find myself much less forgiving. A weak plot or poorly developed characters irritates me to no end. I’ve dropped several popular series, despite their stunning artwork, simply because the storylines were generic, and the characters lacked chemistry or depth.
Looking back, I also realise how indifferent I had become toward serious issues like SA, which is alarmingly common in BL, especially in the yaoi genre. At one point, I didn’t even flinch when such themes were included, no matter how casually or irresponsibly they were portrayed. It’s unsettling to admit, but I had become desensitized—much like the way excessive exposure to explicit content can numb one’s sensitivity to it. I didn’t notice it at the time cause i was so young but now that i am older, i realise how scary it is.
What I find most frustrating now is how these serious topics are often trivialized, reduced to mere plot devices, or brushed aside without proper resolution or reflection. I wish authors would approach issues like SA with the gravity and care they deserve instead of using them as convenient tools to create drama. I wish they would tackle such themes responsibly, fostering greater awareness and sensitivity among readers.
