The Path to Thai BL Drama: An Evolution of “LGBTQ Drama” into BL(Y) Drama

Abstract

This paper examines the difference of characteristics between “LGBTQ Drama” and BL Drama in Thailand. Although both are depicting sexual minorities in Thai society, different aspects can be seen. Firstly, we analyze how Katoy (third sex or lady boy) has been depicted in Thai dramas. Katoy had long been depicted like, so to speak, a clown act in comedy, and rarely played an important role, i.e. just no more than a bizarre flavor to the story. After the year of 2000, however, a new trend appeared. Some producers and directors began to make an attempt of shooting films that face social problems of sexual minorities in Thai society. So-called Thai “LGBTQ Drama” has the aspect of challenging the serious issues of society concerned with sexual minorities. Such film makers have the aim of making society to change, fostering viewers to attain better understandings for sexual minorities in real society, while it is often not the case of Thai BL Drama.

As for the BL dramas in Thailand on the other hand, such as famous 2gether for example, viewers enjoy the sweetness of two male protagonists, and also enjoy ways of conversation and action of the favorite actors both inside and outside the drama. Viewers are usually more interested in the charms of their favorite actors than in the drama story itself. However, some of BL dramas are now starting to feature some aspects of the “LGBTQ Drama” previously mentioned, and the BL Drama in Thailand seems to be developing a wider range of looks. In any case, it is notable that the drama depicting sexual minorities in Thailand has ‘evolved’ now into BL drama, which is currently attaining worldwide attention as distinguished new cultural contents.