16 August 2001

Why I Like Yaoi

The one thing that I'll try not to do with this site is the Relena/Duo debate. It's been done and fought over so many times that it's sickening, and I'd rather not get into it myself. But something has been brought to my attention–again, and it's making me think. (Isn't THAT a scary thought).

My brother and I are very close, despite our age difference. (We're seven years apart). The other day, I was reading my email and one of my friends sent me a very naughty Duo/Heero picture, which I was absolutely drooling over. My brother walked in and saw it because I was trying to turn it into a wallpaper. (I had no idea what I was doing, as usual >.<). Anyway, he did the usual ‘ewww' and yaddah yaddah yaddah just like every other fourteen year old boy. Then, he caught me off guard.

He asked, "Why do you like yaoi so much?"

I opened my mouth automatically, because I love a verbal spar as much as the next gal, but I didn't say anything back. I really, really didn't have a reason. I was actually stomped on what the reason was. We have a deal, my brother and I do, that we won't give each other bullshit excuses. So when he asked me, my only answer to his question was, "I really don't know."

He punched me in the shoulder and went about his business, but this question has been on my mind for the past few days. When I first saw Gundam Wing, I loved the 1xR pairing. On episode 48 (or around there), I just about had a stroke when Relena and Heero didn't kiss. It drove me insane. Now, I can't watch that episode at all because of the scene. What changed my mind so much?

I have never been exposed to anything like yaoi or the Japanese culture before until I watched GW. Then I began to get more curious about the show, so I went to the website that was posted at the end of every episode. During that time, I stumbled onto Anipike and found out about the shrines and whatnot made to the characters by fans like me! So I read through the site names and saw Batgirl's page The Lovers: Light and Dark. I thought that was an interesting name, so I entered the site, and the first thing I saw was a doujinshi cover of Heero and Duo, in a tight embrace, having an intense game of tonsil hockey.

I've loved yaoi ever since.

It wasn't something that grew on me. I fell in love with it instantly and began devouring yaoi fics and pics ever since then. The thought of a non-yaoi pairing (besides 5xSP) rarely crosses my mind anymore. I don't know why I enjoy it the way I do, not that I'm sorry for it. Heavens no. I'll never be sorry or ashamed, but when I thought about it, I just thought that it was strange that the picture influenced me so much and that it did so without me actually thinking about it. So, when I was questioned, I didn't have an answer. Will the wonders ever cease.

I'm thinking that whoever has the misfortune of reading this might have a reason why they enjoy it, besides the usual "Duo is better than Relena" line. If I get enough responses, if you FEEL like responding, I might put up a page with your answers. It's just an idea that crossed my mind.

Okay, I'm getting back to work now.

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