Episode 47: Yaoi 101

This episode of Did You Have To? is sponsored by Yaoi Crate, a BL subscription box offering exclusive items from merch and manga to doujin. Order your November box today at yaoicrate.com

This week, we’re finally tackling one of our host’s favorite genres: Yaoi. In this episode, Kate and Neysha break down what Yaoi is and what it isn’t by diving into all the terms used to discuss the genre. BL series can range from the tamer shonen-ai titles, which focus on a younger demographic of readers and resembles the more traditional shojo romances in the will-they-won’t-they kiss sort of way to the more explicit titles that put sexual intimacy at the forefront. That said, these terms tend to be fluid in fandom, and both yaoi and shonen-ai fall under the BL umbrella.

We also talk about our favorite BL series, webcomics, and offer up some recommendations for newcomers to the genre. Now, this is just the first of multiple episodes we’ll be doing on the topic, so consider this your 101 course. So buckle up and get ready to become proud fujos by the end of the episode.

Content Warning: We talk about sex, the problematic tropes of the genre, and Omegaverse. So, make sure you’re not listening with young children around.

Shownotes

Futekiya break down of definitions 

8 BL titles to get you into the genre

Check out The Yaoi Shelf