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

Abstract

This article aims at studying the relationship between linguistic devices and the representation of homosexual men in 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 of the plot. Along the discursive clashes challenging earlier beliefs, those who hold the prejudices tend to be judged by the poetic justice. The author thus educates the society and reading public on alternatives views in relation to male homosexuality.