I haven’t really watched GL content that much until recently when I started exploring some series from Thailand (because the actresses look gorgeous lol). I discovered not only is the Thai GL industry thriving, but their dramas are incredibly well-made. One series that stands out to me is Pluto the Series. The actresses are stunning. Their acting and chemistry are top-notch. The main couple’s love is so gentle, tender, soft, and warm. Also, I’m educated about the struggles of the disabled, especially the visually impaired, and how they learn to cope in this world.
I love how this series portrays how each character views the world and the people around them. Take the complex relationship between Ai and Oom for example: Ai’s feelings of rejection and jealousy toward Oom stem from their grandmother’s perceived favoritism, while Oom sees herself living in Ai’s shadow, desperately seeking her sister’s love. But the grandma’s love for both sisters is actually just expressed differently based on how she views each othem, not because she loves one more than the other.
Namtan and Film’s performances are exceptional. Namtain plays both roles and I can tell the differences immediately when she switches. Film plays the blind role so well, especially in scenes where she transitions between sighted and unsighted states.
I love that the series goes beyond romance. I’ve learned about how blind people survive in this world and about universal design that makes it easy for the disabled to navigate the world. It explores the emotional complex of living with blindness — the challenges of navigating a world mainly designed for the abled, dealing with others’ preconceptions, and maintaining self-esteem.
As you probably know already, most things in this world are designed for the abled people, who make up the majority. As a designer myself, I may overlook accessibility from time to time because I’m either unaware of the struggles or I’m prioritizing aesthetics. That’s why I truly admire designers who can incorporate universal design principles into their work, thoughtfully considering the needs of minority groups.
Universal design is all around us, though we might not notice it: wide entrances, level thresholds, curb cuts, bathroom grab bars, automatic faucets, high-contrast text, muted color schemes, text-to-speech capabilities, and information presented across multiple media formats. I never paid much attention to these features until I started learning about them, and they fascinate me. For example, I researched how blind people use smartphones and was amazed to discover their efficiency with text-to-speech, screen readers, and Braille keyboard options.
During my research, I learned how blind people navigate their world by relying on their other senses. They create mental maps using various sensory checkpoints: the aroma from a bakery, shifts in wind patterns, tree shadows, familiar parked vehicles, or even the sound of a neighborhood dog barking from its yard.
But beyond these physical challenges, blind individuals go through emotional and psychological difficulties. They may battle feelings of incompetence and uncertainty about their place in the world. They may be frustrated about people focusing on their disabilities rather than their abilities and potential.
I can go on and on about this topic if I have more time lol.
It’s refreshing to see queer people in queer movies no longer end up in either sadness or death. Thai series really make such a big difference by portraying queer people as… simply people. They show that humans can be happy, love freely, and get married, and be happy, regardless of gender.
And I love that queer marriage is now legal in Thailand, too. It’s such a big step in both social progress and mindset evolution. I don’t think Vietnam will make same-sex marriage legal anytime soon, but at least most queer people aren’t bullied or killed here. Of course, discrimination still exists in various forms. But as a queer living in Saigon, I feel quite safe to be who I am and to express my queerness. Still, I hope for legal recognition of same-sex marriage here so queer people are protected legally and have legal rights living their lives.
That’s a lot of yapping lol! Can’t wait to watch more well-crafted series, especially ones starring Namtan and Film.