Investigating the activist potentials of "gay manga" in Japan and the Philippines

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter explores how queer popular culture texts can operate as a form of artistic activism within heteronormative and homophobic social contexts. Specifically focussing on Japanese manga comics, I reveal the activist potentials of Japanese queer popular culture in both Japan and the Philippines. Situating Tagame within a broader history of gay cultural critics and activists in Japan, I explore how his mainstream work acts as both a pedagogical tool that confronts homophobia in Japan as well as challenges other heteronormative values such as the nuclear family. I then draw upon interviews with Philippine fans of Japanese queer popular culture who identify as activist to elucidate how they view manga comics as tools to educate both broader Filipino society about LGBT concerns as well as address issues of body-shaming in the Philippines’ gay male community. Uniting the two case studies, I argue that Tagame has emerged as an important activist voice concerning LGBT issues globally, charting his rise as a cultural critic in both Japan and abroad.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationActivism and authoritarian governance in Asia
EditorsAmy Barrow, Sara Fuller
Place of PublicationLondon ; New York
PublisherRoutledge, Taylor and Francis Group
Chapter13
Pages198-210
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781003243106
ISBN (Print)9781032152097, 9781032152196
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Publication series

NamePolitics in Asia
PublisherRoutledge

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Investigating the activist potentials of "gay manga" in Japan and the Philippines'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this