2 years of blogging essentially taught me one thing-

“BLOGGING IS HEALING”

Here we are- celebrating two years of eternal bliss. When I was started on this journey, we were a three-member team, uncertain about our view counts and readership. Today, two years down the line, we are stronger with a dedicated team of 16 members and a reader’s base that keeps growing. It wasn’t an easy target to reach. But we have always tried our level best to publish articles that are well articulated and thought provoking. We have statistics to prove the same and whilst numbers aren’t always everything, they are surely inspiring. 2022 was one of the best years in terms of blogging. With the strict Covid restrictions being put to rest, there were more shows to review, analyse and dissect. 2022 was undoubtedly more lively than the prior year; with productions that were more quality driven and hinged on providing a nuanced storytelling. It was a truly fantastic year with a great learning curve and we are hoping to keep up with the current trend in the upcoming year. Before I get started on reminiscing about my second year journey, it’s imperative to share our statistics, because you guys made it happen!

Blog Statistics (2022)

Number of Articles published : 374
View count- 747, 612
Visitors- 453, 836
Email Subscribers : 227
Number of comments : 355

Most Popular Posts (2022)

1) Top Ten Chinese BL Dramas

2) Favorite BL Kissing Scenes

3) Top Ten Thai BL Dramas

4) My All Time Favorite BL Movies (Part I)

5) “Heaven Official Blessing” Live-Action Drama “Eternal Faith” First Look

6) Top Ten Taiwanese BL Dramas

7) My Top 5 Japanese BL Dramas

8) IQIYI’s Boy’s Love Line Up for 2022

9) The Romance Behind The Devil Judge

10) My All-Time Favorite BL Dramas (Part I)

My Blogging Experience in 2022 and Favorite Topics

New experiences strummed together with lots of writing, analyzing and collaborating. These three words somehow sum up my second year of blogging. I do love writing reviews but admittedly they are taxing. Although it is fun dissecting the finer details pertaining to a show and commenting on the chemistry between the main leads, reviewing is definitely a hard job. It requires hours of following the same drama, studying their nuances and then writing about the minutes that our audiences might have missed. Our reviews can make or break the ratings of a show, so we aim at being honest. Despite the countless reviews delivered, my favorite part about blogging is- conducting interviews. This year, I was blessed with the opportunity to interview popular actors like Earth Teerapat, Boat Yongyut, Paween Nalieng, Sean Foo and Steven David Lim; new age directors like Hamish Downie, Ark Saroj, Shandii Balacod; and popular authors like Anyta Sunday, GrandPine, Prapt Writer, Jamie Author and Dr. Patrick Rangsimat. I loved picking their brains; it’s intriguing trying to figure out their mindset, because they have stories to tell and we have questions to ask!

Surprisingly, this year my favorites were Japanese BLs- Candy Color Paradox, Eternal Yesterday, Kei×Yaku: Abunai Aibou, Minato Shouji Coin Laundry, More than Words and Old Fashion Cupcake. Japanese BLs successfully offered a palate that was both diversified and out-of-the-box. I was also amazed with the philosophical sojourn “180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us”. It has been long since I was able to appreciate a drama that was oddly metaphorical and equal parts intricately woven. I enjoyed quite a few Korean BLs as well- Individual Circumstances, Blueming, Happy Ending Romance and To My Star 2. The storytelling in recent Korean BLs has improved by spades and I’m glad that they stretching their boundaries. Currently, I’m enjoying the Thai BL “My School President”. Never thought that I would fall in love with a school romance that belongs to the GMMTV rooster. But, I’m ready to accept the fact that Gemini-Fourth are truly entrancing!

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

I guess that’s a difficult question to answer. I’m hoping that 2023 will bring us more mature romances; I’m really bored watching BLs that lack substance and aren’t worthwhile. I’m definitely going to be more choosy about the subjects I choose to review. My blogging goals for 2023 involve-

☆ Writing posts that emphasize quality rather than quantity

☆ Attempt writing “Opinion Pieces” on a wider spectrum, rather being subjective or restrictive

☆ Upcoming interviews with Directors/Actors/Authors

What kind of BL content do you want to watch in the near future?

I’m looking forward to watching BL content with a philosophical verge (something refreshing along the lines of 180 Degree The Series). More suspenseful dramas, maybe murder mysteries. 2022 left me spoiled with scripts that were well written and executed. So, I’m counting on the same directors to deliver content that is cutting edge and variant. Not the usual boring flair; I’m hoping future adaptations endeavor to raise the bar while keeping up with the current trend!

Drama_Llama

Most Popular Article in 2022- Favorite BL Kissing Scenes

Current Popular Article- My All Time Favorite BL Movies (Part I)

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favorite topics.

2022 has come and gone, and with it, another year of writing about the dramas and films that left an impression on me. Each year teaches me something new about myself. One would think reviewing and critiquing dramas isn’t precisely a soul-searching experience.

But it is.

Entertainment is art. And with each new year and each new dramatic experience, I find myself drawn to the creators, actors, and staff behind the art and what they hope to convey with it. I learn from it. I’m inspired by it.

And I’m entertained.

2022 was the year of heart for me. I found myself desperately needing stories that touched my soul and deeper, nuanced dramas that didn’t shy away from themselves. Dramas that didn’t need to meet a certain viewer expectation.

And I found it.

I found stories that didn’t promise happy endings and stories that did. But no matter which ending they gave me, they also gave me part of their soul. My favorites from 2022 touched on topics I hope we see more of in the near future, from philosophy to politics to protesting against gender and sexual discrimination. Rather than focusing on ‘coming out,’ 2022 focused on taking on the world as it is. From 180 Degree the series to Not Me to Old Fashioned Cupcake to To My Star 2 and more, 2022 BLs picked up their signs, stepped forward, and protested for change.

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

In 2023, I hope to see more series that do the same. I hope we get more series that accept themselves. More series that ask tough questions. More series that don’t shy away from answering those questions. And I want to write about those.

I found my heart in 2022. I hope to find my soul in 2023.

What kind of BL content do you want to watch in the near future?

And I hope that any upcoming GL romances start doing the same. While I find a lot of promise in the GLs that dropped in the past, I hope we see them get more daring and in-depth in 2023.

My experience writing for the BL Xpress has been positive, from interviews I’ve been a part of to the opinion pieces and reviews. And I’m happy to see that continue.

Another year of blogging is here. Let’s do this.

Gingerjiejie

Most Popular Article in 2022- My Top 5 Japanese BL Dramas

Current Popular Article- My Top 5 Taiwanese BL Dramas

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favorite topics.

My blogging experience in 2022 was not as active as I would have liked, but I had fun proofreading and writing about the BL series I love. Also, it made me happy that one of the features I wrote is still one of the top posts of the blog! That makes me very happy.

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

I wish I could be more active, but I work and study so it’s hard to balance it all. But I do wish to continue to contribute to the site the best way I can.

What kind of BL content do you want to watch in the near future?

I would love to watch a BL with a more mature storyline. I also hope for better scripts and more in-depth characters.

BLBlissAuthor

Most Popular Article in 2021-“Love at the End of the World” Series Review (Ep.1 to 9)

Current Popular Article- “Y Destiny” Series Review (Ep.1 to 15)

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favorite topics?

Peaceful. I did not, at least directly, irritate anyone enough with any of my reviews to write something negative to me. But honestly, I cannot believe everyone who have read any of my reviews completely agreed with them. My favorite topics have always been and will continue to be twofold:

☆ Any BL that breaks the mold of traditionalism

☆ Anything Vietnamese

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

To make an impact somehow on getting more of the public to see Vietnamese BLs as something equal to other countries or greater than they are perceived to be. Some of the finest story telling on earth comes from this one place.

What kind of BL content you want to watch in the near future?

While I love Vietnamese BLs, I want to watch as many as I can, so I can comment on each of their messages. And to point out where that message might have faltered. Striving to fulfill and be better is what this is all about.

Also share your experience of collaborating with the BL Xpress?

As I have entered my ‘Golden Years’, you have given me a platform to reflect on my life like I never thought I would be able to. In reality, every review I have submitted is a part of me in some way and has been a reflection of me. I have been able to share that with the entire world. Thank you. You have given me more than I can ever give you.

SlimFastZombie

Most Popular Article in 2021- “Dangerous Drugs of Sex (Sei No Gekiyaku)” Movie Review

Current Popular Article-“The Shortest Distance is a Round” Movie Review

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favorite topics?

My favorite blogging experience was reviewing a show I didn’t like. Because on the one hand it’s easy to review a show you enjoy, to talk about what you liked. A show you didn’t like is more challenging because you have to outline what you didn’t like objectively. You can’t apply your personal bias onto it or you are leading the viewer to your opinion.

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

Honestly, to watch more shows and review them.

What kind of BL content you want to watch in the near future?

Something interesting, a BL drama with a twist. A show that provides depth to the characters and doesn’t shy away from the reality of their circumstances for the sake of the plot.

PotatoBLChild

Most Popular Article in 2021- My All-time Favorite BL Dramas- Part I

Current Popular Article- “Gap The Series” First Impressions (Ep.1 to 4)

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favorite topics?

I think 2022 was a challenging year for everyone, including me. I had a hard time blogging in general, with my Ph.D. thesis looming over me, as well as other projects related to my research area. Not to mention COVID-19 ruining everything; my physical and mental health took quite a hit. Unfortunately, I’d not been able to review as many shows as I wanted to; I can pretty much count on one hand how many reviews I’ve written in the past year. Nevertheless, blogging on the BL Xpress has always been light and fun, this time with me focusing more on News features for upcoming Korean BLs and Sunday features which are part of a joint effort on this blog.

I loved the joint article for To My Star Season 2. It’s a top-tier series, and I was glad to have contributed to the piece alongside Krishna. My favourite topic was most certainly ‘Favourite BL OSTs’—I put in a whole lot of time and effort because music has always been a passion of mine. Plus, it was so much fun to just ramble about my music choices.

I’m very grateful to be a part of the BL Xpress. It’s been a great two years, and I hope more years will come with wonderful things in store for all of us.

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

I’d like to work on more reviews this year. Hopefully, I’ll have a bit of time to do so, but moving is stressful, and university is going to be taxing because there are a hundred other things I’d have to do on campus. I’m grateful to Krishna for being patient with me. The series she gives for reviewing are usually fun, so I don’t have too much trouble reviewing them. I’d also like to write opinion pieces—especially the one about OnlyOneOf, which has been pending for a while now.

What kind of BL content you want to watch in the near future?

More historical BLs, more idol romances, more enemies-to-lovers series. I know we’re getting all three nowadays, but who can get enough of these?

Yarnball

Most Popular Article in 2022- Safe House Season Two or Frat House (aka the GMMTV Golden Retriever Farm)

Current Popular Article- “Theory of Love” Series Review (Ep.1 to 12)

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favourite topics?

2022 was a slow year for me because work caught up with me and stole all my creativity, but I really loved contributing to some of the features that made me think. ‘BL characters I relate to’ was probably my favourite because it was fun to introspect about why some characters just resonated with me more than others.

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

To write more! I want to challenge myself to write longer pieces or more thoughtful ones. Basically to get back on to the writing that I’d missed out on last year. (The irony of saying this while keeping my answers brief is not lost on me, but that’s why one makes resolutions, isn’t it, with the promise of… hopefully… keeping to them)

What kind of BL content do you want to watch in the near future?

The more variety the better! Bring me my post apocalyptic BLs, my period BLs and my sci-fi/fantasy BLs! Honestly, I think we’re in a period BL era, but my particular love for historical romance in general makes me crave as many as they’re willing to produce.

Sarinpai

Most Popular Article in 2021- “Cutie Pie” First Impressions (Ep.1 & 2)

Current Popular Article- Favorite Gay Couple in Non-BL Queer Media- Part II

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favorite topics?

Not only did I start writing for The BL Xpress in 2022, but this was also the first time I started actively posting what I write after years of unfinished reviews and ramblings in my personal folder. So, I have to thank The BL Xpress for providing a platform for the dozens of pieces I have written (and actually finished!) this year.

From a handful of shows that premiered in 2020 when I started actively consuming BL live action, to the hundreds of shows that came out last year, many of them would have gone under my radar had I not gotten the chance to review them. Out of those, some underrated gems became some of my favourites of last year, and it is platforms like The BL Xpress that help people learn about shows that might otherwise not get discussed as much on social media.

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

My goal, other than to watch and review more shows of course, is to try out different genres of shows. I also want to write more op-eds on themes that connect different shows, and on the overall state of the BL industry at present. If possible, I also want to broaden the scope of watching and reviewing to queer media from other countries; not just anglophone queer media, but shows and movies from other parts of the world that many may not know about.

What kind of BL content you want to watch in the near future?

BL has diversified extremely in a short period of time, and I hope I get to see and write about shows that deal with a variety of themes, especially realistic social issues such as marriage, adoption, disability, class, all of which and more intersect with sexual and gender identities.

I would also love BL shows that are not focused on romance, but on more fantastical and adventure-filled plots, like the Xianxia genre but from other countries as well.

MychelleLove

Most Popular Article in 2022-“Gaya Sa Pelikula (Like in the Movies)” Series Review (Ep.1 to 10)

Current Popular Article- “Dark Blue and Moonlight” Series Review (Ep.1 to 12)

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favorite topics.

I mostly love writing the Sunday Bite articles. I learn more about my fellow bloggers and find things in common with them. Some of my favorites last year were “Best Friendships in the BL World”, “Favorite LGBTQ Standout Allies”. These features give us an insight into something other than the main couple, and I really love reading everyone’s answers.

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

To continue exploring the intricate details of BLs, to try and get better at reviewing BLs and making more time for this blog. I love being part of this wonderful family.

What kind of BL content do you want to watch in the near future?

Honestly, I would love to watch some horror BL/ supernatural suspense (like vampires)/Murder Mysteries/Detective BL. Also, I want BLs where we don’t have the dreaded “Cursed Ep. 11”, if that is possible. LOL. Watching some of my favorite actors in a new BL drama would be amazing.

Stayloki94

Most Popular Article in 2022- “Love in the Air” Series Review (Ep.1 to 13)

Current Popular Article-“Oxygen” Series Review (Ep.1 to 13)

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favorite topics?

When I joined “The BL Xpress” for the first time, I was incredibly excited about contributing to the website. One of my goals when I was still in school was to work as a writer in my preferred field. Sincerely, I had trouble finding that genre until I came across Boys Love during the pandemic. As a result of my voyage, which has allowed me to witness various perspectives on love from around the world, I have gained a great deal of knowledge. I was able to publish a variety of articles featuring different boys’ interests before joining The BL Xpress. When I finally joined The BL Xpress, I was able to broaden my horizons and sharpen my writing abilities because this group not only gives you your own time to express yourself but also teaches you how to write persuasive articles and stresses the value of narrating events in the proper order and with the right words. The experience was both educational and beneficial.

I was happiest, when my first piece of writing was published. My first series review, “I TOLD SUNSET ABOUT YOU,” motivated me to write another one. The next article that stands out was a piece from the Not Me series exploring what freedom really means. I have had a lovely time on this journey. I learned a lot about how to construct a strong convincing piece, and after numerous modifications, it turned out to be really intriguing! Even though it was a lot, I was able to do it and the best part was that I was able to express what was on my mind.

I have to admit that creating such content with set guidelines is difficult. You must be able to take ideas into consideration and there must be a certain technique to deliver the article. Above and beyond all of this technical assistance, I’m delighted to add that I also earned friends—or should I say,a family.

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

I anticipate having more possibilities in 2023 to demonstrate and spread my beliefs through writing. I really want to write retrospective articles on the various fantastic shows that are being broadcast this year. Additionally, I want to write more opinion pieces so that I can communicate with all the BL Xpress’s readers and express my ideas with them.

What kind of BL content you want to watch in the near future?

I watched a lot of BL series from other countries, and they all shared various themes as well as plotlines. In the future, I would prefer to watch more thriller or suspenseful series, to the point where it would take on an investigative bent. The reality regarding BL content in modern times is that the way actors portray their characters. However, considering the fact that all creators also took into account the conventional methods of producing BL content, other nations like South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan (for me) excel at developing original thoughts and storylines.

BL Critic

Current Popular Article- The Controversy Surrounding Be On Cloud Actor Build Jakapan and KinnPorsche Author Poi Patchayamon

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favorite topics?

I’m a rookie, the BL Xpress freshman. I haven’t been on these streets long but the limited experience I’ve had has been encouraging. I was lucky enough to have the most viewed article in January 2023. Maybe that’s the universe trying to tell me that writing is my calling, or maybe I just landed the best scoop. But having that validation definitely boosted my ego and it made me feel like watching all these shows is not just a pointless pastime, that I could impart all this information I gain to masses. I’ve also been introduced to a great team, all with a mixed myriad of thoughts and opinions. The best part is when we all watch one series and yet see it from 20 different perspectives. It makes my day. My favorite topics are 100% the Sunday bites, those are the ones I never miss.

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

I want to focus my talents on think pieces and not just upcoming shows and news. I feel like there’s a lot to say about the content we watch that’s not based on the synopsis of the shows. I won’t give too much away but trust you will be seeing articles from me very soon. I would also like to try co-writing articles with one of the other writers on this site, give contrasting views, I think it would be fun.

What kind of BL content do you want to watch in the near future?

This may seem kind of random but in the near future I want to rewind time and go back to the beginning. Back to the early 2000’s when Boys Love was first introduced and work my way down to the present day. I want to understand the genre better, see how it has evolved and how the stories have developed. I think it would be fascinating to the see the growth of the actors and the improvements in production value in all the countries. Another thing I want to do is expand my palette to more territories because believe it or not I only focus on content from 3 countries. This month I’m adding Vietnam to my watch list.

Tanushka

Most Popular Article in 2022- “2gether” Drama Series+ Movie Review

Current Popular Article- Top 10 BL Webtoon Recommendations

How was your blogging experience in 2022? Share your favourite topics?

My blogging experience in 2022 has been a little different. I didn’t just write about what I liked or did not like. I changed my perspective and tried to analyse the dramas that I watched from different angles as well. My favourite was definitely when I was writing about Sasaki to Miyano.

What are your blogging goals in 2023?

To be honest, I want to watch more and write more. Last year, I could not get enough time to watch the things I wanted to. This year my goal is to manage my time and watch BLs and write about them as much as I can.

What kind of BL content you want to watch in the near future?

One word, angsty. Give me as much angst as there can be. I live for it. It kills me but also makes me feel alive? If that makes any sense.

Ideas and Words

Most Popular Article in 2022- “Sha Po Lang” by Priest

Current Popular Article-“Qiang Jin Jiu” by Tang Jiu Qing

Share your experience of collaborating with the BL Xpress?

I found out about The BL Xpress through our dear editor. The BL genre is not new to me. Many years ago, when I started to read this kind of work, there were still a few manga and animes (or animation in general). But cultural products – mainly novels and webtoons – about this theme have been diversified and increased. So, having the opportunity to be part of a website dedicated to the BL world at this moment is a pleasure for me. It is a joyful event to meet people who share the same passion for writing and the BL. For me, we will keep working hard – as we did last year – to divulge this new trend. I hope that more people consume the BL and that the cultural industry will supply us with new and better stories!

Kenyth

Most Popular Article in 2022- Top 5 Thai BL OST Theme Songs

Current Popular Article-“The Warp Effect” First Impressions (Ep.1 to 3)

Share your experience of collaborating with the BL Xpress?

I have very much enjoyed working with BL Xpress. It’s always great when you have a group of like minded people with varying taste in the same genre. You get to bounce ideas off of one another and are introduced to series and actors you never knew before. It’s been a wonderful experience.

BL Xpress’ Future Goals & Plans

So, I sat down for a conversation with my teammates and asked them for suggestions to improve our website. Admittedly, they had a lot to share which will most probably form the basis of our future goals in the current year. Alongside, I have some plans of my own as well-

Krishna Naidu-

☆ Presumably, this year we are planning to launch a YouTube Channel under our flagship. We are in talks with quite a few content creators for the same. Right now, we are on the lookout for a team manager and video creator who would be ready to take stock of the veritable content that we are planning.

☆ Collaborations with other BL exclusive websites/like-minded individuals to broaden our reader’s base.

MychelleLove-

☆ Online polls to see what the readers want

☆ Behind the scenes of some of the most popular BLs

☆ Actor/Actress of the Week

BLBlissAuthor-

☆ I would like to see deeper, more thoughtful ‘op ed’ articles on the impact that BL has on its audiences and the world. Not just get swept away in its superficiality, or the individual beauty in the story, or the handsomeness of the performers.

☆ BL has a responsibility. Whether the industry (which includes us) is cognizant, it is now not just for entertainment. It is, can be, and will also be a force for change, understanding, and enlightenment. That is some awesome power. Let us use it for a change.

Sarinpai-

☆ If I were to suggest any changes, maybe we could integrate more audio-visual components such as podcasts or videos of reviews? We could also have collaborations with other reviewing platforms.

☆ Also, right now, when members work on queer media that is not BL, it is mostly on famous series like Heartstopper, but maybe we could broaden this to include relatively unpopular movies and shows from different countries? Especially ones that are accessible on platforms like YouTube. We could make it a special section too, like ‘Underrated Queer Media’ or ‘Queer Media Across the World’ or something like that.

Stayloki94-

☆ Maybe we can add more information about each actor who have acted in Boys Love dramas, such as Character Profiling, Birthdays, Fandom Updates, and other whereabouts about the actors.
☆ Through this, we are able to garner more fans for our website, and at the same time it will become a one stop click for all the information about all the Boys Love Actors.

BL Critic-

☆ I would add a little satire to this website. I don’t know if it would be an improvement but it would definitely add a little color. Most of the articles here are so serious and sorry to say negative. You can critique with a little bit of humor. Watch a series without over analyzing it, actually enjoy it and write about it from the mindset of an aunt whose had one too many mimosas. There’s all these flavors in the world, just try to be anything but salty.

Congratulatory Messages from Celebs

We want to extend our gratitude for these heartfelt messages from some of the popular celebrities whom we interviewed last year!

☆ Hamish Downie (Director, Matcha & Latte)

☆ Prapt Writer (Author, The Miracle of Teddy Bear, The Eclipse Series)

☆ Punnasak Sukee (Director, 180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us)

☆ Jamie (Author, My Secret Love The Series & Hot Bamee and Yummy Gyogung)

Collaborations and Readership

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our collaborators, who have added value to our website. We appreciate your well-written articles that have created a niche audience for our website!

☆ Dear Straight People

☆ Life In Cartoon Motion

☆ BL Bliss

☆ Ideas and Words

☆ Psycho Weird

Also, we wanted to thank some of our regular readers who have been following us for the past two years and take the time to communicate with us. Your comments motivate us to write better.

☆ Daring to Dream

☆ James

☆ Dennis Cambly

We would also like to extend our gratitude to the countless readers who have helped improve our statistics and led us to success. We wouldn’t be here without your continued support and encouragement. Please keep following us on this journey of love & inspiration!