MEDIA USE OF BL SERIES AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH GENDER DIVERSITY ACCEPTANCE: A STUDY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF SDG 5 (GENDER EQUALITY)

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between Boys’ Love (BL) media consumption and the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5: Gender Equality). The sample comprised 400 participants from Eastern Thailand, selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire covering BL media usage and gender diversity acceptance. Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics—Pearson’s correlation, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression—were employed for data analysis. The results indicated that most respondents were female (54%), aged 19-21 years (47%). BL media consumption was at a moderate to high level, particularly in audience engagement (M = 3.72, SD = 0.68). Acceptance of sexual and gender diversity was high overall (M = 4.10, SD = 0.55). Pearson’s correlation revealed a significant positive relationship between BL media consumption and diversity acceptance, especially engagement (r = .41, p < .001). ANOVA results showed significant differences in acceptance across viewing platforms (F = 4.87, p < .01), while multiple regression identified engagement (β = .35) and having LGBTQ+ friends (β = .22) as key predictors (R² = .30). These findings suggest that BL media functions not only as entertainment but also as a cultural medium fostering social learning and promoting openness toward gender diversity, contributing meaningfully to SDG 5.