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Sep 24, 9:24 AM
#1
Offline
Feb 2017
22
Amateur writer and artist here. I've been feeling insecure about the way I depict gay couples lately (Both OCs and video game characters I ship). I won't get into detail (Especially since there's a lot of context and it's hard to ask for advice from someone who doesn't know the characters in question), but I'm looking for media containing examples of well-done gay representation to point me in the right direction. Preferably stuff that's not labeled as Yaoi, since it has a lot of tropes that people hate, so I'm trying to avoid them.

-I'm more likely to take your recommendation if you include a brief description of the media and/or the representation it contains. Just putting the title alone tells me nothing about why I should check something out.

-Canon stuff only. Don't recommend something just because you happen to ship characters from it. (Unless you can point me to a really good fanfiction involving said ship) Also, nothing with queerbaiting. It has to involve two dudes actually getting together, or already being together.

-At the moment, I'm only looking for gay male stuff. Lesbian stories are nice and all, but they aren't really relevant to the issue I'm having right now.
SombreStarlingSep 24, 9:48 AM
Sep 24, 9:40 AM
#2

Offline
Sep 2016
9427
@Nurguburu @Memore
No, this isn't my signature.
Sep 24, 9:44 AM
#3

Offline
Feb 2024
863
https://myanimelist.net/anime/39533/Given

The synopsis is written in the link stop being lazy and go read it also lesbian relationships are also considered gay what you are talking about is male gay relationships and making your list private while asking for recs is not a good idea
JoeChipSep 24, 10:53 AM
Sep 24, 10:19 AM
#4

Offline
Feb 2021
7525
Reply to Zarutaku
@Zarutaku, thanks.

https://myanimelist.net/manga/136294/Pearl_Boy

https://myanimelist.net/manga/134517/Under_the_Greenlight

https://myanimelist.net/manga/103942/Ao_no_Flag

https://myanimelist.net/manga/122906/Kieta_Hatsukoi

https://myanimelist.net/manga/149192/Love_Me_Not

https://myanimelist.net/manga/774/Na_mo_Naki_Tori_no_Tobu_Yoake

https://myanimelist.net/manga/1571/Sakura-gari

https://myanimelist.net/manga/2779/Kyoudai_Gentei__Brother_x_Brother

https://myanimelist.net/manga/4011/New_York_New_York

https://myanimelist.net/manga/5327/Lucky-kun

https://myanimelist.net/manga/15818/Yuuutsu_na_Asa

https://myanimelist.net/manga/19594/Hana_wa_Saku_ka

https://myanimelist.net/manga/20380/Kinryouku_no_Mori

https://myanimelist.net/manga/23268/Sky_Link

https://myanimelist.net/manga/25352/Hatsukoi_no_Atosaki

https://myanimelist.net/manga/36603/Deadlock

https://myanimelist.net/manga/52109/Hako_no_Naka

https://myanimelist.net/manga/61119/Utsukushii_Koto

https://myanimelist.net/manga/88314/Sabita_Yoru_demo_Koi_wa_Sasayaku

https://myanimelist.net/manga/90359/Yasashii_Koi_ga_Sodatsu_made

https://myanimelist.net/manga/90822/Color_Recipe

https://myanimelist.net/manga/134696/BJ_Alex

https://myanimelist.net/manga/96678/Mods

https://myanimelist.net/manga/96846/Blue_Lust

https://myanimelist.net/manga/99397/Kowagaranaide_Soba_ni_Ite

https://myanimelist.net/manga/100927/Lonely_to_Organdy

https://myanimelist.net/manga/101041/Koe_wa_Shite_Namida_wa_Mienu_Nure_Karasu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/102539/Inu_to_Kakezuki

https://myanimelist.net/manga/102637/Ginza_Neon_Paradise

https://myanimelist.net/manga/103546/Hong_Kong_Dragnet

https://myanimelist.net/manga/105005/Odoru_Ecstasy

https://myanimelist.net/manga/105835/Sayonara_Game

https://myanimelist.net/manga/105927/Mitsumei

https://myanimelist.net/manga/107539/Life__Senjou_no_Bokura

https://myanimelist.net/manga/108260/Red_Beryl_ni_Sayonara

https://myanimelist.net/manga/108347/Kono_Koi_ni_Mirai_wa_Nai

https://myanimelist.net/manga/108619/Gift

https://myanimelist.net/manga/109141/Change_World

https://myanimelist.net/manga/109975/Kimagure_na_Jaguar

https://myanimelist.net/manga/110097/Baka_ni_Koi_toka_Shoujiki_Muri_ja_ne

https://myanimelist.net/manga/111023/Doronuma

https://myanimelist.net/manga/111407/Detain

https://myanimelist.net/manga/113069/Hinadori_wa_Shiokaze_ni_Madoromu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/84255/Hidamari_ga_Kikoeru (all series)

https://myanimelist.net/manga/113591/Tadatada_Suki_to_Iu_dake_de

https://myanimelist.net/manga/113597/Escape_Drop

https://myanimelist.net/manga/113603/Ao_ni_Naku

https://myanimelist.net/manga/114206/Maki-chan_wa_Kare_to_Sex_shitai

https://myanimelist.net/manga/114024/Revival_Blue

https://myanimelist.net/manga/109330/Kimi_wa_Natsu_no_Naka (all series)

https://myanimelist.net/manga/115881/Nights_Before_Night

https://myanimelist.net/manga/116053/Afureru_Namida_wo_Nomikonda_nara

https://myanimelist.net/manga/116075/Fuck_Buddy

https://myanimelist.net/manga/116080/Hishakai_Shindo

https://myanimelist.net/manga/116655/Bokura_wa_Nandomo_Koi_wo_Suru

https://myanimelist.net/manga/120577/Adam_no_Rokkotsu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/120601/Makotoshiyaka_ni_Mau_Hana_wa

https://myanimelist.net/manga/121079/Killing_Stalking

https://myanimelist.net/manga/121082/Rumspringa_no_Joukei

https://myanimelist.net/manga/121870/Dousei_Yankee_Akamatsu_Seven

https://myanimelist.net/manga/124885/My_Little_Inferno

https://myanimelist.net/manga/124887/Metro

https://myanimelist.net/manga/124888/Hitori_to_Hitori_no_3650-nichi

https://myanimelist.net/manga/126226/Moritat

https://myanimelist.net/manga/127161/Navigatoria_ni_Koi

https://myanimelist.net/manga/127572/Shinai_naru_Gene_e

https://myanimelist.net/manga/127768/Odai_wa_Kekkou_desu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/128811/Yonin_no_Nibiiro

https://myanimelist.net/manga/131574/Ore_shika_Shiranai_Karada (and a sequel too)

https://myanimelist.net/manga/132962/Boku_ga_Otto_ni_Deau_made

https://myanimelist.net/manga/133472/Bokura_ni_Namae_wo_Tsukeru_nara

https://myanimelist.net/manga/134649/Happy_of_the_End

https://myanimelist.net/manga/136103/Haruka_Tooki_Ie

https://myanimelist.net/manga/136398/Shinigami_wa_Korosenai

https://myanimelist.net/manga/136469/Retsujou_Paradox__Banken_wa_Yoru_Kiba_wo_Muku

https://myanimelist.net/manga/138838/Twilight

https://myanimelist.net/manga/139112/His_Little_Amber

https://myanimelist.net/manga/139444/Risou_no_Koibito_Himemiya-kun

https://myanimelist.net/manga/139549/Utsukushii_Koto

https://myanimelist.net/manga/139626/Meiji_Juuzoku_Tungsten

https://myanimelist.net/manga/139743/Undead

https://myanimelist.net/manga/141531/Two_Sides_of_the_Same_Coin

https://myanimelist.net/manga/141918/Call

https://myanimelist.net/manga/143845/Boku_wa_Kimi_dake_no_Mono

https://myanimelist.net/manga/146517/Toumei_na_Ai_no_Utsuwa

https://myanimelist.net/manga/147090/Kono_Kiss_wa_Kiji_ni_Dekinai

https://myanimelist.net/manga/115365/Kimi_to_Natsu_no_Naka

https://myanimelist.net/manga/151263/Bokura_no_Micro_na_Shuumatsu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/152222/Delivery_Hug_Therapy

https://myanimelist.net/manga/152701/Kimi_wo_Someru_Asayake_ni

https://myanimelist.net/manga/154112/Sayonara_no_Moment

https://myanimelist.net/manga/154904/Sakanai_Hana_ni_Mizuyari

https://myanimelist.net/manga/155962/Hajime_no_Koi

https://myanimelist.net/manga/158152/Kabukichou_After_Game_Sex

https://myanimelist.net/manga/159366/Healing_Paradox

https://myanimelist.net/manga/159896/Kotaete_My_Drifter

https://myanimelist.net/manga/162183/Kami_no_Fune_de_Nemuru

https://myanimelist.net/manga/107960/Bokura_ga_Koi_wo_Ushinau_Riyuu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/128524/Hikyoumono_dato_Waratte_Kure

https://myanimelist.net/manga/160808/Faker

https://myanimelist.net/manga/131614/Hadaka_yori_mo_Okufukaku

There are MUCH MORE works that I can recommend to read. I don't know your preferences, so I chose what are the masterpieces in BL genre for me. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me.

Good luck with reading!!
MemoreSep 24, 11:00 AM
Sep 24, 10:44 AM
#5

Offline
Aug 2017
11330
Gay dude here.

OP, writing gay characters is generally not very hard. Just keep in mind we generally have good health and normal physique, so avoid fat or excessively muscular characters -especially the bara ones- since most of us don't look like that.

In relationships, it depends of what you want to show, if you want to show sex scenes, keep in mind, the seme (top) and uke (bottom) relationship in yaoi isn't too far away from most common gay couples. Some versatile (gay man who takes either position, who enjoys both) if you want a twist but generally most gays are bottom or top most of their lives. Another twist you can add is making the bottom being dominant personality and loud and the top with being summisive and shy. For non-sex scenes, we're generally not different from straight couples. Please don't insert politics with our sexuality like gay parades since a lot like me are not into such stuff, talking trash or praising politicians or political parties or straightphobic rethoric.

For examples, Given is the best if you want to write a romantic one. BJ Alex if you want a romantic and sexual one.
All weebs creatures of the galaxy, hear this message. Those of you who listen will not be struck by western animation. You will no longer know hunger, nor pain. Your Anime have come to lead you now. Our strength shall serve as a luminous sun toward which all intelligence may blossom. And the impervious shelter beneath which you will prosper. However, for those who refuse our offer and cling to their western animation ways… For you, there will be great wrath.
Sep 24, 10:52 AM
#6

Offline
Feb 2024
863
Reply to Memore
@Zarutaku, thanks.

https://myanimelist.net/manga/136294/Pearl_Boy

https://myanimelist.net/manga/134517/Under_the_Greenlight

https://myanimelist.net/manga/103942/Ao_no_Flag

https://myanimelist.net/manga/122906/Kieta_Hatsukoi

https://myanimelist.net/manga/149192/Love_Me_Not

https://myanimelist.net/manga/774/Na_mo_Naki_Tori_no_Tobu_Yoake

https://myanimelist.net/manga/1571/Sakura-gari

https://myanimelist.net/manga/2779/Kyoudai_Gentei__Brother_x_Brother

https://myanimelist.net/manga/4011/New_York_New_York

https://myanimelist.net/manga/5327/Lucky-kun

https://myanimelist.net/manga/15818/Yuuutsu_na_Asa

https://myanimelist.net/manga/19594/Hana_wa_Saku_ka

https://myanimelist.net/manga/20380/Kinryouku_no_Mori

https://myanimelist.net/manga/23268/Sky_Link

https://myanimelist.net/manga/25352/Hatsukoi_no_Atosaki

https://myanimelist.net/manga/36603/Deadlock

https://myanimelist.net/manga/52109/Hako_no_Naka

https://myanimelist.net/manga/61119/Utsukushii_Koto

https://myanimelist.net/manga/88314/Sabita_Yoru_demo_Koi_wa_Sasayaku

https://myanimelist.net/manga/90359/Yasashii_Koi_ga_Sodatsu_made

https://myanimelist.net/manga/90822/Color_Recipe

https://myanimelist.net/manga/134696/BJ_Alex

https://myanimelist.net/manga/96678/Mods

https://myanimelist.net/manga/96846/Blue_Lust

https://myanimelist.net/manga/99397/Kowagaranaide_Soba_ni_Ite

https://myanimelist.net/manga/100927/Lonely_to_Organdy

https://myanimelist.net/manga/101041/Koe_wa_Shite_Namida_wa_Mienu_Nure_Karasu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/102539/Inu_to_Kakezuki

https://myanimelist.net/manga/102637/Ginza_Neon_Paradise

https://myanimelist.net/manga/103546/Hong_Kong_Dragnet

https://myanimelist.net/manga/105005/Odoru_Ecstasy

https://myanimelist.net/manga/105835/Sayonara_Game

https://myanimelist.net/manga/105927/Mitsumei

https://myanimelist.net/manga/107539/Life__Senjou_no_Bokura

https://myanimelist.net/manga/108260/Red_Beryl_ni_Sayonara

https://myanimelist.net/manga/108347/Kono_Koi_ni_Mirai_wa_Nai

https://myanimelist.net/manga/108619/Gift

https://myanimelist.net/manga/109141/Change_World

https://myanimelist.net/manga/109975/Kimagure_na_Jaguar

https://myanimelist.net/manga/110097/Baka_ni_Koi_toka_Shoujiki_Muri_ja_ne

https://myanimelist.net/manga/111023/Doronuma

https://myanimelist.net/manga/111407/Detain

https://myanimelist.net/manga/113069/Hinadori_wa_Shiokaze_ni_Madoromu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/84255/Hidamari_ga_Kikoeru (all series)

https://myanimelist.net/manga/113591/Tadatada_Suki_to_Iu_dake_de

https://myanimelist.net/manga/113597/Escape_Drop

https://myanimelist.net/manga/113603/Ao_ni_Naku

https://myanimelist.net/manga/114206/Maki-chan_wa_Kare_to_Sex_shitai

https://myanimelist.net/manga/114024/Revival_Blue

https://myanimelist.net/manga/109330/Kimi_wa_Natsu_no_Naka (all series)

https://myanimelist.net/manga/115881/Nights_Before_Night

https://myanimelist.net/manga/116053/Afureru_Namida_wo_Nomikonda_nara

https://myanimelist.net/manga/116075/Fuck_Buddy

https://myanimelist.net/manga/116080/Hishakai_Shindo

https://myanimelist.net/manga/116655/Bokura_wa_Nandomo_Koi_wo_Suru

https://myanimelist.net/manga/120577/Adam_no_Rokkotsu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/120601/Makotoshiyaka_ni_Mau_Hana_wa

https://myanimelist.net/manga/121079/Killing_Stalking

https://myanimelist.net/manga/121082/Rumspringa_no_Joukei

https://myanimelist.net/manga/121870/Dousei_Yankee_Akamatsu_Seven

https://myanimelist.net/manga/124885/My_Little_Inferno

https://myanimelist.net/manga/124887/Metro

https://myanimelist.net/manga/124888/Hitori_to_Hitori_no_3650-nichi

https://myanimelist.net/manga/126226/Moritat

https://myanimelist.net/manga/127161/Navigatoria_ni_Koi

https://myanimelist.net/manga/127572/Shinai_naru_Gene_e

https://myanimelist.net/manga/127768/Odai_wa_Kekkou_desu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/128811/Yonin_no_Nibiiro

https://myanimelist.net/manga/131574/Ore_shika_Shiranai_Karada (and a sequel too)

https://myanimelist.net/manga/132962/Boku_ga_Otto_ni_Deau_made

https://myanimelist.net/manga/133472/Bokura_ni_Namae_wo_Tsukeru_nara

https://myanimelist.net/manga/134649/Happy_of_the_End

https://myanimelist.net/manga/136103/Haruka_Tooki_Ie

https://myanimelist.net/manga/136398/Shinigami_wa_Korosenai

https://myanimelist.net/manga/136469/Retsujou_Paradox__Banken_wa_Yoru_Kiba_wo_Muku

https://myanimelist.net/manga/138838/Twilight

https://myanimelist.net/manga/139112/His_Little_Amber

https://myanimelist.net/manga/139444/Risou_no_Koibito_Himemiya-kun

https://myanimelist.net/manga/139549/Utsukushii_Koto

https://myanimelist.net/manga/139626/Meiji_Juuzoku_Tungsten

https://myanimelist.net/manga/139743/Undead

https://myanimelist.net/manga/141531/Two_Sides_of_the_Same_Coin

https://myanimelist.net/manga/141918/Call

https://myanimelist.net/manga/143845/Boku_wa_Kimi_dake_no_Mono

https://myanimelist.net/manga/146517/Toumei_na_Ai_no_Utsuwa

https://myanimelist.net/manga/147090/Kono_Kiss_wa_Kiji_ni_Dekinai

https://myanimelist.net/manga/115365/Kimi_to_Natsu_no_Naka

https://myanimelist.net/manga/151263/Bokura_no_Micro_na_Shuumatsu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/152222/Delivery_Hug_Therapy

https://myanimelist.net/manga/152701/Kimi_wo_Someru_Asayake_ni

https://myanimelist.net/manga/154112/Sayonara_no_Moment

https://myanimelist.net/manga/154904/Sakanai_Hana_ni_Mizuyari

https://myanimelist.net/manga/155962/Hajime_no_Koi

https://myanimelist.net/manga/158152/Kabukichou_After_Game_Sex

https://myanimelist.net/manga/159366/Healing_Paradox

https://myanimelist.net/manga/159896/Kotaete_My_Drifter

https://myanimelist.net/manga/162183/Kami_no_Fune_de_Nemuru

https://myanimelist.net/manga/107960/Bokura_ga_Koi_wo_Ushinau_Riyuu

https://myanimelist.net/manga/128524/Hikyoumono_dato_Waratte_Kure

https://myanimelist.net/manga/160808/Faker

https://myanimelist.net/manga/131614/Hadaka_yori_mo_Okufukaku

There are MUCH MORE works that I can recommend to read. I don't know your preferences, so I chose what are the masterpieces in BL genre for me. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me.

Good luck with reading!!
@Memore

way to just randomly list all yaoi animne on mal unlike what the op asked lol
Sep 24, 11:00 AM
#7

Offline
Feb 2021
7525
Reply to JoeChip
@Memore

way to just randomly list all yaoi animne on mal unlike what the op asked lol
@JoeChip, not all, I chose what I like the most.

Also read the Given, it is also the great work!!

https://myanimelist.net/manga/79085/Given
Sep 24, 11:16 AM
#8

Offline
Feb 2016
11825
https://myanimelist.net/manga/1365/Kaze_to_Ki_no_Uta
An old manga that predates controversial yaoi tropes. The anime is great but adapts only the very beginning of the story.

https://myanimelist.net/anime/37426/Sarazanmai
Directed by Ikuhara, a man known for surreal anime with lesbians. Sarazanmai is his first work about gay males. It has an adult couple and also 3 teens who sort of have crushes on each other.

https://myanimelist.net/anime/32995/Yuri_on_Ice
My favorite.
その目だれの目?
Sep 24, 1:01 PM
#9

Offline
Jan 2008
2978
I see Given mentioned.

Umibe no Étranger - The relationship is a slow burn and genuinely sweet. Some may not like it or think the source is superior. But I enjoyed it and didn't get the ick factor a lot of bl use

Tadaima, Okaeri - The first AOB anime (as far as I know) a nice gentle anime with a bit of drama but nothing over the top. And basically an endearing couple at the centre of it. It also has some good side characters as well.

Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! - Learning to love later in life. It actually develops the romance between the two leads.
Sep 24, 9:56 PM
Offline
Feb 2017
22
Reply to JoeChip
https://myanimelist.net/anime/39533/Given

The synopsis is written in the link stop being lazy and go read it also lesbian relationships are also considered gay what you are talking about is male gay relationships and making your list private while asking for recs is not a good idea
@JoeChip
"The synopsis is written in the link stop being lazy and go read it"
I've had a few experiences on other sites where I ask for recommendations and there's always someone who just drops a list of 20 titles with no description whatsoever. Just a title alone tells me literally nothing. At least you put a link.

"also lesbian relationships are also considered gay what you are talking about is male gay relationships"
I know. But it was either "Gay" or "MLM", and the latter isn't as eye catching (Not everyone knows what it means, and googling it brings up results about multi-level marketing)
Since reading your post, I have fixed the last sentence of my post to clarify I mean gay male relationships. Probably should have put "Gay male" in the title too but ehh, too late.

"making your list private while asking for recs is not a good idea"
On one hand, I see your point. On the other, I have personal reasons for keeping my list private.

And lastly, thanks for the recommendation. I see a lot of other people here mentioned Given as well so it's definitely going on the list.
Sep 24, 9:57 PM
Offline
Feb 2017
22
Reply to Lucifrost
https://myanimelist.net/manga/1365/Kaze_to_Ki_no_Uta
An old manga that predates controversial yaoi tropes. The anime is great but adapts only the very beginning of the story.

https://myanimelist.net/anime/37426/Sarazanmai
Directed by Ikuhara, a man known for surreal anime with lesbians. Sarazanmai is his first work about gay males. It has an adult couple and also 3 teens who sort of have crushes on each other.

https://myanimelist.net/anime/32995/Yuri_on_Ice
My favorite.
@Lucifrost Thanks for the recommendations. Adding them to the list.
Sep 24, 9:58 PM
Offline
Feb 2017
22
Reply to UberBat
I see Given mentioned.

Umibe no Étranger - The relationship is a slow burn and genuinely sweet. Some may not like it or think the source is superior. But I enjoyed it and didn't get the ick factor a lot of bl use

Tadaima, Okaeri - The first AOB anime (as far as I know) a nice gentle anime with a bit of drama but nothing over the top. And basically an endearing couple at the centre of it. It also has some good side characters as well.

Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! - Learning to love later in life. It actually develops the romance between the two leads.
@UberBat Thank you for the recommendations. Gonna add them to my list.
Oct 6, 5:30 AM

Offline
Feb 2022
765
https://myanimelist.net/anime/32995/Yuri_on_Ice

https://myanimelist.net/anime/36649/Banana_Fish

https://myanimelist.net/manga/9700/Copernicus_no_Kokyuu
It's a manga about a gay man who is circus joker and a prostitute. It's not a happy manga but worth reading it once.
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