Fact Check: "Yaoi fandom is predominantly composed by cisgender heterosexual women rather than LGBTQ people"
What We Know
The claim that the yaoi fandom is predominantly composed of cisgender heterosexual women is supported by various sources. The Boys' Love fandom Wikipedia page notes that the genre is primarily created for and by women, with a significant portion of its audience being teenage girls or young women. For instance, in Thailand, the female readership is estimated to be around 80%, and at conventions like Yaoi-Con, approximately 85% of attendees are female (source-2).
However, the demographics are not entirely homogenous. While many female fans identify as heterosexual, there is also a notable presence of LGBTQ individuals within the fandom. Research indicates that around 50-60% of female readers of Boys' Love (BL) self-identify as heterosexual, but there is also a diverse range of sexual orientations among fans, including lesbian, bisexual, and questioning individuals (source-2).
Additionally, a study highlighted in the LiquiSearch article reiterates that while most yaoi fans are young women, there is a presence of LGBTQ individuals, particularly in Western contexts, where the fandom may be more diverse in sexual orientation compared to Japan (source-3).
Analysis
The evidence suggests that while cisgender heterosexual women form a substantial part of the yaoi fandom, they are not the only demographic represented. The claim's reliance on statistics from conventions and surveys indicates a strong female presence, but it overlooks the complexity of the fandom's composition.
The Tokyo Weekender article critiques the genre for often failing to authentically represent LGBTQ experiences, which may alienate some queer fans. This critique supports the notion that while many women engage with the genre, the representation of LGBTQ narratives may not resonate with all queer individuals, potentially leading to a disconnect between the creators and some members of the LGBTQ community.
Moreover, the B L as an L G B T Spac e i n E as t As i a paper acknowledges that while heterosexual women are the primary consumers of BL, there is an "authentic queer presence" in the market, suggesting that the fandom is not exclusively heterosexual. This indicates a need for a nuanced understanding of the demographic landscape within the yaoi fandom.
Conclusion
The claim that "yaoi fandom is predominantly composed by cisgender heterosexual women rather than LGBTQ people" is Partially True. While it is accurate that a significant portion of the yaoi fandom consists of cisgender heterosexual women, the presence of LGBTQ individuals and diverse sexual orientations within the fandom is also substantial. This complexity highlights the need for a more inclusive understanding of who engages with yaoi and the various ways they relate to the genre.
Sources
- B L as an L G B T Spac e i n E as t As i a Q ue e r Dre ams ...
- Boys' love fandom - Wikipedia
- Yaoi Fandom - Demographics - LiquiSearch
- Is the Boys’ Love Genre Homophobic? - Tokyo Weekender
- Yuri is for Everyone: An analysis of yuri demographics and ...
- Yuri isn’t Made for Men: An Analysis of the Demographics of ...
- Yaoi fandom - Manga Wiki
