Pride Month is crucial for raising awareness among diverse communities, but let's remember that this isn't enough. Reading an article with the word LGBTTTQIA+ and listing beloved characters from our favorite manga is one thing; having a genuine interest in learning about the plight of these communities is another.

It is true that Pride Month is not the only time we should remember LGBTTTQIA people, however, it is also important that they have a space and time in which the calamities they have experienced are recognized and strongly remembered.even if they are not erased, forgotten or improved after the end of June.

Obviously, Pride Month, with all its power, tries to ensure that remembrance and denunciation do not fall on deaf ears.but that, little by little, they help raise awareness in society, so that it becomes active and the LGBTTTQIA communities are finally respected. Because what is required is respect, for life!

On dates like these, which seek to celebrate love, we are also reminded that hate is very present in society. The atrocities of current wars and crimes against the LGBTQIA community are part of the long list of terrible moments filled with blood. However, this month, as we eagerly await... raise awareness about respect for life and love, is that we must think that, as human beings living together with other people, we could, in principle, begin to develop empathy, but real empathy.

An attitude that doesn't judge, that doesn't say words without thinking them through, that is open to understanding different contexts simply because it thrives in them. Let's remember that it's not that anyone in the LGBTQIA community needs compassionate treatment—there is no superior society—but rather that respect and kindness are things we all deserve.. No one has the right to marginalize others, much less to attack their ideological, sexual, or any other type of convictions or preferences.

Faced with the suffering of others, perhaps what remains for us as humanity is to see what we can do to prevent it. Pride Month can be an excellent opportunity to open the necessary doors for this, so here is a short and quite interesting manga that will make you (re)think about love and communities.

Now, well, of course the story doesn't represent every letter of the acronym, but I think it's important to have titles that focus on the unity of the community itself; also, asexuals get "little focus" compared to the other colors of the spectrum, so from that perspective, it's interesting that this is presented to us here.

What is I Want To Be The Wall about?

I Want To Be The Wall is a manga that features two characters from the LGBTQ+ community: an asexual fujoshi and a young gay man who is in love with his childhood best friend.

The issue was written and illustrated by Honami Shirono and was published from 2022 to 2023. Without much to say, I think I can firmly say that I want to be the wall it's a story of true love.

The main couple meets on a date arranged by their parents. Both are very uncomfortable because they don't know how to proceed. They talk openly and realize that neither of them is open to a romantic opportunity with the other. Despite this, they continue dating and, after a year, are convinced that marriage is a good idea.

Fearing society's judgment and the thought of a lonely old age—and the certainty that they don't need a romantic opportunity with anyone else—they make sure they do what society "should" do and get married.

*This manga reminded me of Clean marriage, A short story by Sayaka Murata that explores sexuality and marital companionship in an attempt to dismantle the romantic constructs surrounding marriage*.

However, the protagonist tries to be a good husband, takes an interest in his wife's hobbies – that's right, BL – and she tries to help as much as she can at home. The two spend nights together and talk about how their lives have become strange and uncomfortable because of their romantic-sexual preferences.

The protagonist has always been frowned upon for not having a partner. Asexuality is unbelievable to some people and they can't help but see it as something even stranger than any other LGBTTTQIA profile. Furthermorethe girl is fujoshi, so there is also a particular construction.

We know that fujoshi are girls who enjoy BL content; some social studies have revealed that, faced with so much social pressure—when it comes to romantic relationships—women often opt for this type of reading where the protagonists are unable to "reject" them, and this goes beyond fiction. Ultimately, because BL protagonists have a different sexual affinity—they are homosexual—fujoshi women don't feel rejected or insecure when reading this type of material.

However, in theory, our protagonist would not have “the problem” of fujoshi from a general perspective. On the other hand, our protagonist closes himself off from the world after the death of his parents, but his childhood friend helps him through the most difficult times.

From the beginning, he was in love, and, unable to express himself, he saw how his friend enjoyed his romantic life and decided to distance himself, but difficult times brought them back together. However, after a long passion, the protagonist decided that he was fine without dating anyone, because his heart only went to his childhood bond.

Amidst the trauma of their past situations, the care that the protagonist couple shows for each other shows a beautiful ecosystem of love between people in the LGBTTTQIA community. Pride Month can help heteronormative society try to understand the community, but there are issues that are too impossible to even prove, and therefore, one can only appreciate the nuances. However, people who have been violated and marginalized can be understood with a little more attention, and this is something we can see in I Want To Be The Wall.

Furthermore, the main couple raises their concerns, is very affectionate; and even if they regret it, theyThey pray for each other's happiness and know that if things change, they must support each other. -especially if the protagonist wishes to have a partner at some point.

Although it is a distressing thought, It is important to remember that social norms weigh heavily and not everyone can freely exercise their sexuality in such oppressive systems. And, although it is sad, we must remember that there are many people who are still forced to conform to the system, as is the case with our protagonists.

Why should I read I Want To Be The Wall?

In principle, it's a very short book that manages to bring us closer to the community in a sensitive and simple way. I think it's a very good first approach.

Yes, of course, it's quite cliché, but it's also a very human and realistic delivery. Despite all the attempts, it's still complicated and dangerous to take to the streets with the flag of freedom. We must remember this.

On the other hand, love, in many ways, is what permeates the work, which is why it is necessary, during Pride Month, that unity is also emphasized, that the community's support itself is recognized, as it also needs to be encouraged.