Manusya, Journal of Humanities
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
This article explores how Indonesian Muslim girl fans experience sexual empowerment through watching Thai dramas portraying homoerotic romances, known as Thai Y-series and Thai Boy’s Love. Despite concerns from local Islamic authorities about moral issues and cultural differences, Y-series have gained popularity among Indonesian Muslim girls. This study raises concerns about the diminishing portrayal of women’s gender roles, given that Muslim girls form the majority of the Y-series fanbase in Indonesia. The patriarchal influence in Y-series appears to be gradually replacing traditional women’s roles with male characters, relegating women to supporting roles. This study argues that the repositioning of gender roles in Y-series offers an alternative perspective on empowering equality, which is not commonly found in heterosexual relationships. This television genre fosters a sense of intimate proximity with its fans, contributing to the empowerment of various roles and the repositioning of women within their heterosexual romances.
DOI
10.1163/26659077-20252801
First Page
1
Last Page
28
Recommended Citation
Rastati, Ranny and Md Syed, Md Azalanshah
(2025)
"Empowering Women : Indonesian Muslim Girl Fans, Thailand’s Y-Series, and Gender Equality,"
Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 28:
No.
1, Article 19.
DOI: 10.1163/26659077-20252801
Available at:
https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol28/iss1/19