What Did You Eat Yesterday? to Where Your Eyes Linger – 6 groundbreaking Asian LGBT dramas challenging gender norms
From creative Chinese costume drama The Romance of Tiger and Rose to breakout Thai ‘BL’ drama 2gether: The Series, a new round of progressive films and series are opening viewers’ eyes to the realities of LGBT lives across East Asia, and beyond
As more of the world becomes increasingly progressive and aware of the importance of diversity, there has been a growing demand for more comprehensive and accurate media representation. Today, there are more LGBTQ+ dramas, offering realistic, nuanced portrayals and seeking to challenge gender norms, than ever before.
Pride Month may be over, but below are six LGBTQ+ dramas and series that challenge gender stereotypes and make for great viewing all year round.
The Romance of Tiger and Rose
A matriarchal society where gender roles are reversed comes to life in this wildly popular Chinese period romantic comedy. In the city of Huayuan, women dominate high-ranking positions while men are relegated to the domestic sphere and are not allowed to pursue their own careers.
This drama satirically pokes fun at problematic gender stereotypes against women that still exist today. For instance, scenes in the show depict victim-blaming, where men are said to be deserving of harassment for dressing scantily, and the preference for boys over girls, where a man was criticised for ruining the bloodline for having yet another boy in the family.
Yet, some critics have pointed out that this series does not go far enough in transcending gender norms and ultimately falls back on patriarchy and the well-worn trope of a damsel in distress.
2gether: The Series
This lighthearted Thai BL (boy's love) drama has recently captured a tonne of attention, amassing millions of views on YouTube and plenty of discussion on social media sites.
Set in a university, 2gether depicts the unravelling love story between Tine and Sarawat: Tine initially approached the cold but popular Sarawat to be his fake boyfriend to get rid of an unwanted male suitor, and after Sarawat begrudgingly agrees, their relationship unfolds from fake dating into something more.
Peppered with comedic and a few clichéd moments, this series appeals with its innocent and nostalgic campus romance plot and, more importantly, portrays queer romance as normal and comfortable, without problematic stereotypes.
What Did You Eat Yesterday?