– PANELS –
What makes a BL Garden panel different?
We go above and beyond to fully research our topic and present engaging panels that are both fun and informative. BL Garden panels fill the room–often standing room only!
We currently offer over 30 hours of content ranging from deep dives in anime to LGBT representation, itabags, and fan culture. Whether you need academic content, karaoke, or interactive games, we’ve got your covered.
Need filler for your schedule? Check out our past panels for a range of options to fit your last minute programming needs.
– FEATURED PANELS –
ALL YAOI CONSIDERED
2 hours | 18+ | lecture/game show
Our flagship sexy-but-serious panel featuring presentations on our BL research as well as exciting games. All Yaoi Considered is an inclusive panel for all fans of global BL media.
BOYS LOVE 101
1 HOUR | 18+ | LECTURE
Are you a boys love virgin? Want to learn more about male x male media? This panel hits the books and schools you on the global phenomenon of BL, covering everything from Japanese manga to Thai dramas. All fans of MM content are welcome!
– FRESH FROM THE GARDEN –
HIROKO UTSUMI & THE FEMALE GAZE
1 hour | 13+ | LECTURE
We discuss acclaimed director Hiroko Utsumi’s stylistic and cinematographic choices as a bold representation of the female gaze in anime, focusing on her three major works: Free!, BANANA FISH, and Sk8 the Infinity.
LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION IN ANIME & MANGA
1 hour | 13+ | lecture
This panel takes a critical look at LGBTQ+ portrayals in anime and manga. We look at both good and bad representation across the genres, including boys love (BL), girls love (GL), and the expanding world of LGBT manga in Japan.
3D BL: THE COMMODIFICATION OF REAL PERSON SLASH
1 HOUR | 13+ | LECTURE
In recent years, Real Person Slash (RPS) has ascended from fandom's "dirty little secret" to a money-making phenomenon in Eastern media fandoms. Learn about the history and practices of RPS and explore the debates spurred by its increased visibility.
YAOI!!! ON ICE: WATCHING SPORTS ANIME AS FUJOSHI
1 HOUR | 13+ | LECTURE
Prepare to take off the rose-colored glasses as we dive deep into the world of sports anime and explore the context of shippy fan favorites, what the genre looks like post-Yuri!!! on ICE, and how to support these shows.
THE QUEER HISTORY OF FANFICTION
1 hour | 13+ | lecture
The top fanfics online might be straight, but the history of fanfiction isn’t! Learn the surprising queer origins of the genre and explore the work of LGBTQ+ authors who got their start through fanfic.
ASK DR. FUJO
1 hour | 18+ | lecture
This panel covers some burning questions BL fans have regarding sexual health in BL—Dr. Fujo will cover protection choices, how to safely prep for your lover, post intimacy clean up concerns, and more!
ITABAGS 201: ALL ABOUT THAT BASE
1 hour | ALL AGES | lecture
Expand your itabag horizons with a deep dive into popular types of base bags and the pros and cons of each. Learn how to troubleshoot insert problems and how to care for your bag.
OF GLOMPS, PADDLES & RANDOM! 2000S OTAKU CULTURE
1 hour | 13+ | lecture
Get ready to relive the best/worst times of the early 2000s! From cringe trends to the zomg random speak, we look at the evolution of otaku and con culture since 2000. Grab your yaoi paddle and prepare to Naruto run to this panel!
– TRIED-AND-TRUE FAN FAVORITES –
GANGSTA’S PARADAISU
1 hour | 13+ | LECTURE
From East to West Coast, trap to boom bap, Compton to Yokohama, explore the slang, style, and music that built the unique world of Hypnosis Microphone.
HEALTH + MEDICINE IN ANIME
1 hour | All ages | lecture
This panel examines just how real the common health and medicine tropes we see in anime are. Learn the impact of these inaccuracies on how we view illnesses. Presented by a scientific professional with years in the field.
SHIP AND LET SHIP
1 hour | 13+ | LECTURE
“Ship and let ship,” the diehard motto of fangirls since the dawn of fandom, is under attack! We examine the anti-shipping movement and its impact on fanworks and fan culture. Don’t like, don’t read. No flames, please.
GOD HELP THE OUTCASTS: A HISTORY OF GAY-CODED VILLAINS
1 HOUR | 13+ | LECTURE
Flashy villains, campy criminals, and limp-wristed wrongdoers, oh my! Take a look at the history behind the queer-coding of some of TV and film’s most infamous evil-doers.
ITABAGS 101
1 hour | all ages | lecture
Are you interested in starting an itabag, but have a lot of questions about where to begin? Learn what itabags are, how they started, styles and merchandise, and all the popular trends in this introductory panel.
ITABAG ECONOMICS
1 hour | all ages | LECTURE
The anime industry wants your money! We explain the economic forces that work to bring you itabag and fandom merchandise as well as covering budgeting tips and tricks for your newest expensive hobby.
THE REAL SKATERS OF YURI!!! ON ICE
1 HOUR | ALL AGES | LECTURE
Ever wondered who inspired the characters in Yuri!!! on ICE? Learn about the real life figure skaters featured in the show and discover the ultimate fanboys and fangirls in the sport. Presented by a seasoned ice otaku.
THE ALCHEMY OF FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST
1 HOUR | ALL AGES | LECTURE
From historical quests for the Philosopher's Stone to modern experiments to change lead into gold, this panel will teach you the basics of alchemy and dives deep into the hidden alchemical symbolism within FMA.
BANANA FISH & THE FEMALE GAZE
1 hour | 13+ | LECTURE
We’ll discuss how the anime’s directorial and cinematographic choices affect how viewers are made to feel about the story, whether this differs from the manga’s intent, and the evolution of the female gaze in anime.
YOU CAN’T PUT THAT ON THE INTERNET! OBSCENITY & FANDOM
1 HOUR | 18+ | LECTURE
“Can I be arrested for loli crimes?” As adult content becomes more regulated, we give creators and consumers of fan content a deep dive into censorship and obscenity laws as it relates to anime, manga, and fanworks.
UKES IN THE MIST: A BL SAFARI
1 hour | 18+ | lecture
Join us for an intimate tour of BL, gei comi, and slash to find the most fascinating and exquisite specimens in the boys love world as we discover the hidden lives of bishounen. Don your safari hats and prepare for a panel like nothing you’ve seen before.
MAKE ANIME GREAT AGAIN
1 HOUR | 13+ | LECTURE
What's up with all these anime girls in MAGA hats? Why does Japan love Nazis? We attempt to provide the answers as we explore the relationship between anime, Nazis, Japan, and the contemporary alt-right.
OTOME’S GUIDE TO JAPAN
1 hour | all ages | lecture
Are you a fangirl? Ever wanted to visit Japan? This panel is a women-oriented guide to sightseeing in Japan and focuses on anime and manga meccas, and is presented by a fangirl who lived there for two years.
BROADWAY KARAOKE
2 hourS | 13+ | KARAOKE
Join us for 2 hours of Broadway karaoke fun! Whether you’re a show tunes vet, a shower songstress, or just want to sing along, all songs, shows, and singers are welcome.
ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE D?
1 hour | 18+ | Q&A
Hear our fujoshi horror stories and other terrifying tales from the rotten world. Bring your pillow, wear your pjs, and join us for a BL slumber party.
FUJOSHI GAME NIGHT
2 hours | 18+ | tabletop gaming
Ever wish your love for yaoi and card games could be combined? We have unique games based off hits like Fluxx, Cards Against Humanity, Sushi Go, Werewolf, and more! Panel is free play: walk-ins welcome.