Usually, although sometimes they're canonically bi (Torchwood) or gay (Queer as Folk).... There's been a lot of discussion and research done about why we do what we do, but a lot of it has to do with the lack of strong female characters.
I feel the need to disclaim the "lack of strong female characters". It's *true* in a lot of cases, but not *always* true. Everyone has different reasons for reading different kinds of stories and pairings.
And, well, as far as not previously established as gay... Sometimes establishing them as gay is part of the story you're reading. Sometimes it's based on metatextual reading (Due South and The Sentinel and both known for having outtakes of their two male leads being sexual toward each other, although often played for laughs). Sometimes it's just a "hey, what if?" Once you're telling stories about a world, why not tell any story?
And, ha ha, I find it hard to believe that with those nails those women are choosing other women when they're not being paid. (Some are, yes.) Fantasy is fantasy :)
Oh, and also the idea that all slash is porn. Yes, much of it is. Much fo it is romance, with scenes like in mainstream novels (not romance novels). Much of it is romance with fade to black or no mention of sex. And much of it is just incidental. Some people read it for the porn. Some for other reasons. *shrug* :D
I feel the need to disclaim the "lack of strong female characters".
That's why I said "a lot of it".... I know that's not the only reason, but I don't have the time to get into all the reason, and I am only one fan, so my reasons may be wildly different than the next person's.
I shall try to stop spamming you on this subject. I avoided an argument with a friend a few days ago because I feel ridiculous justifying it, so now you're getting all of that rant. But without ranty feelings :)
"All slash is porn" is about as ridiculous as "all guys like F-F porn", neither of which I believe. I referring more to what motivates someone to *write* slash, not read it, but seems to me the answer may be the same.
I feel like I'm seeing this whole other side of you I didn't know was there! (and here I thought you were just the other half of afuna's brain)
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And, well, as far as not previously established as gay... Sometimes establishing them as gay is part of the story you're reading. Sometimes it's based on metatextual reading (Due South and The Sentinel and both known for having outtakes of their two male leads being sexual toward each other, although often played for laughs). Sometimes it's just a "hey, what if?" Once you're telling stories about a world, why not tell any story?
And, ha ha, I find it hard to believe that with those nails those women are choosing other women when they're not being paid. (Some are, yes.) Fantasy is fantasy :)
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That's why I said "a lot of it".... I know that's not the only reason, but I don't have the time to get into all the reason, and I am only one fan, so my reasons may be wildly different than the next person's.
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I feel like I'm seeing this whole other side of you I didn't know was there! (and here I thought you were just the other half of