The spirit of Christmas itself is a theme. The joy, giving, and community aspects of Christmas are often explored. For example, gay characters might be involved in community Christmas events, and through these, they grow as individuals and in their relationships.
Family acceptance is also a big theme. Christmas is a time when family is important, and in these novels, often the gay characters are dealing with how their families will accept their relationships. Some stories show the journey towards family acceptance during Christmas time.
Love is a very common theme. Just like in many Christmas stories, the idea of finding love during the holiday season is central. In gay Christmas novels, it's about two men finding and falling in love.
The theme of finding love in unexpected places is also quite prevalent. During Christmas, there are so many events and gatherings. The main characters in these novels might meet at a Christmas market or a church choir rehearsal and initially not expect to fall in love. But as the Christmas magic unfolds, they discover deep feelings for each other. It's a charming way to explore the start of a relationship.
One common theme is acceptance. For example, a gay character might be worried about being accepted by their family or community during Christmas, but in the end, they are. Another theme is love. Couples in gay Christmas stories often show their love for each other during the holiday season, like going on special dates or giving meaningful gifts.
Another theme could be community. Gay Christmas short stories may focus on the bond between gay friends or the broader gay community. For instance, a story could be about a gay community center hosting a big Christmas event that brings everyone together, providing a sense of belonging and support during the holidays.
Another theme is acceptance. This can be both self - acceptance and acceptance from society. Some novels show the struggle for gay characters to be accepted in their communities, while others focus on how they learn to accept themselves first before seeking external acceptance.
Overcoming obstacles is also a theme. Society's prejudices, family issues, and personal insecurities can all be obstacles for the characters in gay manga novels. In 'Doukyuusei', the two boys have to deal with the fear of being discovered and the potential negative reactions from those around them as they explore their relationship.
Power dynamics is a very common theme. There is often a dominant and a submissive role, and how these two interact forms the core of many stories.
Love and relationships are also prevalent themes. These novels explore different types of relationships, from first loves to more complex, long - term relationships. They may show the challenges that gay couples face in a college environment, such as acceptance from peers or family. For instance, some novels depict how the characters deal with homophobia within the college community while trying to maintain their relationships.
Destiny is another common theme. The supernatural element often implies that there is some sort of pre - ordained path or destiny for the characters. And for the gay characters, their love and relationships can be seen as part of that destiny. In 'The Raven Boys' series, the characters are on a quest that seems to be fated, and within that, the relationships between the characters, including the gay subtext, are developing in a way that seems to be guided by some greater force. And secrecy is also a theme, as the characters may have to hide their supernatural nature or their gay relationship from the outside world for various reasons.
A theme that frequently appears is the feeling of being an outsider. Gay characters in these novels often feel like they don't belong in the society around them. They may be excluded from social groups or not fit into the traditional norms. This sense of not belonging can lead to deep - seated depression. Also, the theme of secrecy is common. Having to keep their sexual orientation a secret can create a heavy burden on the characters. The fear of being discovered and the resulting consequences can cause a great deal of stress and sadness. And finally, the theme of broken dreams is present. Whether it's the dream of a happy relationship or the dream of being fully accepted, when these dreams are shattered, it can plunge the characters into a state of depression.
Social exclusion is also a frequent theme. Adult gay novels often depict the difficulties that gay characters face in a heteronormative society. They may be ostracized, discriminated against, or have limited opportunities, and the novels may show how they navigate through these challenges.