The Representation of Homosexual Men in the Yaoi Novel: My Accidental Love Is You

Abstract

This article reports a study of the representation of homosexual men in the Thai yaoi novel— My Accidental Love Is You. The representation can be divided into four categories: 1) male homosexuality unacceptably deviates from the social norms 2) male homosexuality must not be “out” 3) male homosexuality brings disappointment and shame to the family, and 4) male homosexuality cannot earn true love; love must be purchased instead. All four types of representation resonate with the discourse on male homosexuality perpetuated within the Thai society. Significantly, the author employs typical prejudices against male homosexuality to create conflicts within the plot. Along with discursive clashes challenging earlier beliefs, those who hold the prejudices tend to be judged by poetic justice. The author thus educates the society and reading public on alternatives views in relation to male homosexuality.

Keywords

• representation of male homosexuality
• yaoi novel
• critical discourse analysis