Veronica8
That's true, and it's sad that genres have to have certain images. The way I see it, novels are expressions that cannot be categorized because so many different emotions and stories are rolled into one novel. Ah well, I'm only a dreamer in this vast universe. Roman Gladiators? That is pretty interesting because I never get that reaction. I do wonder how that is the first thing they think.
Yes, I have read and watched many Yaoi comics and shows. I have an app where I can watch BL shows from Asian countries and although it is nice to see such shows are being welcomed, the reason is not the best. Comments are always "When are they going to kiss?" or "What about sex?" Sadly, this also happens for shows with heterosexual couples but that isn't the topic for today. I think items with those components are in high demand because potential audience would rather see smut than slow burning love. This is fine, but I don't like the pressure I get when people tell me I should write more sex scenes to satisfy the audience.
Oh my, that must've been a struggle. I don't plan to publish any of my works but it must feel so bad to be rejected just because of the protagonist's sexual orientation. I'm glad BL has become popular recently and I'm too young to remember when LGBTQ stories became popular. The last decade has been full of change, but I still wonder what made BL books more acceptable. Is it the messages of the novels...or is it the expectations of what is to be seen? Sometimes, I don't know why readers like reading my BL books. I only hope they aren't expecting hardcore stuff because well, I'll be a huge disappointment.
Old school thinking is fine until someone uses them to attack me or my fictional characters (this has happened before). I can't understand people who do not understand "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything". Like, move on and find another novel, I won't hunt someone for dropping my novels. I would love to hunt that person who called me a 'fag' for writing BL. I wonder why some people think their mean words would affect me because if I'm truthful, I love writing BL as much as I love writing hetero stuff.
Stereotypes are hard to eradicate completely and sometimes, they jump out of the shadows to bite us when we least expect it. I can only keep writing and hopefully, show others that BL is not necessarily the 'evil' or 'sinful' genre. So, I agree with you. Slowly, there will be progress made.
I know, right? When I read that you write about homosexual couples, I just stared at my phone. There are many writers here too so I don't feel alone. Before, I had to hide my works or 'soften' it to cater to my old audience. Keep being awesome!
Wipes tears
Edit: Why do I always write so much....