BL for LGBT+ community

This is without a doubt #1 on the list. The writers (who are gay, not women like many other BL shows) definitely had the LGBT+ community in mind when watching. This show discusses a lot of LGBT issues, such as coming out, self-acceptance, and the support of family members. This show is leading the way for Filipino BLs to be more LGBT-inclusive while still appealing to fangirls who lust after man-on-man romance. 

This series is more of an LGBT coming of age series than a BL. Its cinematography, music, acting, and artistry put it an another league from its counterparts. This is by far my number one series of all time, but it sits on number 2 on this list since it doesn't really mention the LGBT community explicitly.  I would recommend this series to any human being, not just LGBT people.

This series doesn't explicitly mention the LGBT+ community, but deals with something that I, along with many other queer people, have also personally struggled with: self-confidence.  This show is very light and fluffy, and devoid of the toxicity that many other BL shows contain. Although all the characters in the show are accepting of the gay couples, I feel that Adachi's character growth symbolizes LGBT people learning to accept themselves. 

This show is the most BL-like on the list, and as such contains the most cliche plot. However, I never felt like the plot was too over-the-top, and enjoyed watching the scheming villain Non. But most important, Kao's coming out is an important storyline; he receives some gentle prying from his boyfriend Pete, who is already out to his dad (one of the most supportive and funny BL parents I've seen). You may want to watch the PeteKao cut of Kiss Me Again first to learn how Pete and Kao became a couple.

This show's plot is very unique and not like your typical BL. Without giving too much away, I would definitely recommend this show because one could argue the main character's situation depicts the LGBT experience. It has a very touching coming out scene as well.

Before ITSAY came along, this was my favorite BL show. Although I really hesitated to start it because I doubted the online format of the show, I quickly grew to enjoy the style, especially since it was filmed entirely during the pandemic, and is therefore very relevant. The show deals with coming out, although it is not a major plot point. I think the virtual relationship of CaiReel might resonate with the LGBT community, since many queer people rely on the internet as a safe space to be themselves, meet others, and possibly date.  Queer women may want to check out the spinoff show of the female sidekick, Pearl Next Door.

At first I hesitated to put this on the list, since there's no typical LGBT themes like coming out, bullying, and acceptance. There's really not much discussion of the characters' sexuality or orientation at all, but that's what makes it special. It's really just a crime drama with a same-sex couple at the center. But it's less sappy than History 3: Trapped, another crime BL series which I also considered adding to the list. MoD also has some steamy scenes, which can't be found in the other series on this list.