Before I share some art that’s close to my heart, portraits of George and me imagined through the lens of Bara, I wanted to introduce this unique and often misunderstood genre of illustration.
Bara art, also known as “Men’s Love”, is a genre of Japanese manga and illustration that focuses on muscular, mature men, typically created by and for gay men. Unlike the more widely known yaoi or BL (Boys’ Love), which often portrays idealized, slender male figures for a largely female audience, Bara leans into realism, strength, and a raw kind of sensuality that feels rooted in authenticity.
At its core, Bara is about representation—it celebrates body types that are powerful, thick, hairy, and rugged, often set in emotionally rich or erotically charged scenes. Think lumberjack meets Greek hero, with a dash of vulnerability. While some of the art can be overtly sexual, many Bara works also express deeper themes of identity, love, loneliness, and pride.
Bara art is a great way to honor the strength, softness, and joy I see in George and in our relationship. In a world that often overlooks queer relationships—especially those that don’t fit mainstream body standards—Bara is a reminder that every kind of beauty has a place.
So, with all that said, here’s a glimpse into our love story, reimagined in digital ink. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
The rest are just some I thought were flattering of me… but no original images since they were more risque…
Leave a Reply