Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Commons^™

A Look At Boys Love, Douglas Mejia

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

In an attempt to shed some light on the overlooked genre of graphic novels and, more specifically that of the homoerotic Japanese comic books of the Yaoi and Shounen Ai genre, this presentation examines multiple representations of the young male body ( i.e., the concept of Bishounen or "beautiful boy") in contemporary Japanese popular culture. My presentation demonstrates that Shounen Ai and Yaoi comic books, by women and for women, rely on the well-established concept of the Bishounen body to transcend traditional gender roles that restrict women from exploring their sexualities or experiences outside the domestic sphere. While retracing …