What is yaoi?

Yaoi, also known as Boys' Love (BL), is a genre of Japanese media that focuses on romantic and sexual relationships between male characters. It is primarily, though not exclusively, targeted towards a female audience.

Key aspects of yaoi often include:

• Relationships: The central theme is always the development and portrayal of male-male romantic and sexual relationships. These relationships can range from innocent and sweet to highly explicit and dramatic. More on relationships here: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Relationships

• Character Archetypes: While not always present, certain character archetypes are common. These include the seme (the more dominant or assertive partner) and the uke (the more submissive or receptive partner). The use of these archetypes can vary and are sometimes subverted. To know more about archetypes: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Character%20Archetypes

• Setting: Yaoi can be set in a wide variety of genres and settings, from high school to historical periods to fantasy worlds. The setting is often secondary to the relationship between the characters. More on settings here: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Setting

• Content: The content of yaoi can range from very mild and romantic to extremely explicit, including depictions of sexual activity and potentially sensitive or controversial themes.

• Target Audience: While yaoi is primarily created by and for women, it is also enjoyed by some men and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Discussions surrounding the male gaze and representation within the genre are common. More on target audience here: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Target%20Audience

It's important to note that yaoi has been subject to criticism for its portrayal of male homosexuality, sometimes relying on harmful stereotypes or fetishization.