Bleed in Blue

The fact that I've actually managed to get quite a few of my friends interested in Takarazuka over the years makes me rather happy. Fandoms are always more enjoyable when you have people to share them with. And also making me realize that when I do talk about Zuka, perhaps I should try explaining what I'm talking about a bit more so those who don't know much about it can understand what the hell it is I'm saying. Considering I tend to speak of it as if I'm talking to other fans who already know when really I don't have many friends on here who would get it. XD

I've been considering making some posts about Zuka in general, mainly for those who are interested in wanting to know more. I was thinking like just a post about my favorite shows and actresses, with photos and info. Of course it'd be heavily biased towards my own likings but thought it could help in showing what's out there, etc. Could even do some general info but I think Taka-Wiki covers most of that and I know I've linked those interested to that site already. I probably wouldn't be able to make such entries until after Katsucon but just thought I'd see if its worth doing. Though I might do it anyways just as an excuse to pic-spam some of my lovely ladies. XD

Now among the friends I've gotten interested in Zuka, I've actually also gotten two of my local friends into it. I think it started about 2 years ago? Perhaps more, when I introduced my childhood friend Carrie to it. She's basically the closest thing I've ever had to a sister (hell we get mistaken for sisters all the time despite the fact we look nothing alike) and pretty much the only person from my childhood I'm still on good terms with and can talk about pretty much anything with as she's a lot more open-minded than the other girls we grew up with (we all grew up in a baptist setting, not exactly very open-minded in general so basically out of the group of girls I grew up with there, Carrie is the only one that knows I'm gay and is the only one I keep in touch with). She was always into theater and I already got her into Anime years ago and sure enough, she very much liked Seal of Roses and Elisabeth, which were the first two shows I introduced her to. She in turn showed our friend Sam the shows. I was actually rather surprised that Sam also got pretty interested in it as I didn't think she would be as she doesn't have as high of an interest in Anime as Carrie does. But anywho, their extent of knowledge is pretty much just the shows I introduce them to. They have finally ordered their own TI fansub discs but only the shows I showed them first that they liked. XD But both have become a bit addicted to Taka-Wiki and have watched those specific shows like a billion times. To the point where I think they've watched a few more than I have. lol Sam also has a very good ability to memorize faces so whenever I'm throwing a new show at them, Sam has this ability to spot actresses that I totally missed before. XD Granted she only knows a few but seriously very handy to have around since I'm HORRIBLE at recognizing people. Especially when they're doing background characters.

But yeah its been pretty great to have friends who I can have to talk about Zuka in person on a pretty regular basis (and by regular I mean more like once a month or so due to me always being busy with sewing lol and sometimes its hard to figure out our schedules so all 3 of us can meet. Normally its more like I show Carrie something, let her borrow it, and she then passes it on to Sam). But there has been one thing that I've found a bit odd when we talk about Zuka. Both of them have this tendency to refer to the otokoyaku in the masculine form. Saying "he" and "him" when referring to one of them. And I don't mean when they're talking about the characters. I usually refer to the character as a "he" too. But I always make sure to establish the fact that the actresses are female. But they both seem to have fallen into this comfort zone where they want to call them "he"s even when not referring to the character. Like Carrie even tends to refer to the top star otokoyaku as "the top guys". Though interestingly enough, they'll refer to them as females in some specific cases. Like if its an interview, backstage thing, or the Sports Event, etc. Where they're wearing more casual clothing and less make-up. Which I guess I can understand 'cause then the illusion of them playing a male isn't really there and its more obvious they're female.

But yeah, at first their tendency to refer to the actresses this way kinda bothered me and I kept wanting to correct them. I have a big feeling it has to do with them not really knowing how to deal with it. I mean like I'm a lesbian so to me its no big deal at all. Their females and that's part of the big reason I'm into Zuka in the first place. 'Cause I find it insanely hot to see them play such androgynous roles. 'Cause yes they never really actually look like men but that's part of the appeal. But at the same time, I kinda want to pull them aside and tell them, "hey, its ok to be able to appreciate the fact that they are attractive. It doesn't mean anything about your sexuality." 'Cause I really think that's the issue. 'Cause both of them will describe them as sexy or hot but only with a "he" in the sentence. But I don't think either of them is at all confused in their sexuality. I'm pretty solid that both of them are straight. I mean its similar to how like I will admit that some men are attractive but not in a sexual sense. I've found a lot of J-Rockers attractive because they have an androgynous look and tend to lean towards the feminine side. So in a way its kinda the opposite with Zuka I guess for straight girls? Maybe? lol I mean after all, Zuka's prime audience in Japan is middle-aged housewives and the shows are aimed to be enjoyable for females, but really in all honesty, meant for straight women. 'Cause Japan is kinda awkward about lesbianism in general (and I could get into that but that's a whole different discussion right there).

I dunno. I just find it interesting and kinda curious to see if anyone else has an opinion on this especially as most of those I've gotten interested into Zuka are straight. Its just interesting to me 'cause the main reason I am into Zuka is because I am a lesbian (and thus am VERY attracted to them) so its hard for me to see what the other viewpoint is.

~Lyn