The role of engagement with BL manga on queer young people’s sense of belonging

There is limited qualitative research about the role of engagement with Boys Love (BL) manga on queer or questioning young people. The present study aimed to explore the motivations for consuming Boys Love (BL) manga and the outcomes of engagement with this type of material on queer young people’s sense of belonging. Semi-structured interviews were held with nine queer young people who consumed BL manga to explore their experiences and perspectives regarding BL manga. Two research questions were posed: (1) What are queer young people’s motives for consuming BL manga? and (2) What are the outcomes of engagement with BL manga on queer young people’s sense of belonging? Using thematic analysis, five main themes were identified in the data: a comforting and safe environment, self-acceptance, connection and relatedness, hopes for the future, and queer liberation. The findings suggest that engagement with BL manga counteracts participants’ loneliness, promotes their sense of belonging and liberates them from heteronormativity as they relate to bisexual, gay and queer characters portrayed in BL manga. The findings thus imply the importance of integrating queer-related content into educational spheres and providing learning grounds for exploring sexuality for young queer individuals.