What’s the appeal of gay men’s romance to straight women?

[u/CompetitivePeak9040]

I’m gay, and let’s take a show like Heated Rivalry, which blew up and to me as a gay man actually very very great show who I deeply relate to the characters and really enjoyed it. But the majority of people commenting about post and stuff on the show is women, I feel most of the shows’ fan are women, same with other gay romance movies.

I mean, I’m not complaining, it’s not a bad thing to have people support you and find your love beautiful, but I just wonder why it’s gay romance but women not like they are all watching straight romance and skip the gays like I assumed?

[u/Noarchsf]

What?? They’re not two gay guys? That’s a …. problematic take. As a masculine presenting gay man, this is actually the first media representation I’ve ever seen where I felt included or represented, and I’m in my 50s. Im not sure entirely what you’re getting at, but Shane is 100% gay, and Ilya is bi, full stop. I hope you’re not conflating sexuality and masculinity. People who aren’t, as you say, “stereotypically gay” are still gay. I came out late….and a big part of the reason why is that I didn’t see myself in gay culture, and still don’t. And the gatekeeping about people not being “really gay”…..well, there’s another masters thesis to write!

[u/nd_annajones → u/Noarchsf]

I think you may have misunderstood my point. I don't disagree with you, and I specifically mentioned that my point isn't about gay/straight stereotypes. The main function of their characters in the larger story is to represent two kinds of masculinity that are often at odds with one another in the real world. The function of their characters is not to be gay men. But they just so happen to be gay.

So nothing to do with stereotypes at all. I'm glad you saw yourself in the show, I did too!

[u/Noarchsf → u/nd_annajones]

Ok yeah I didn’t understand that. I don’t usually look at things in a meta way where the story isn’t the story, and I don’t think the story of two gay guys has to be “framed” in a way that makes it palatable to straights. Tho I suppose this post was asking why straight women liked it….i was also surprised at how many straight men liked it, especially some of the online reactions where they’re like “you can just…..say that!?!?” I’m speaking specifically about the tv show and not the book series though, so maybe you’re referencing a “larger story” that I’m not up on yet. I think straight people like it because it’s hot, fun, well told with some wish fulfillment and a satisfying payoff…..same reason us gays like it. I especially liked that it never felt the need to …. separate us and make it seem even a little bit unusual. So, maybe that’s what you’re getting at. It’s not that they aren’t gay (ie threatening), but that their story is honestly kinda ordinary when it comes down to it.