Alright, lovelies, there's been a -thing- that's been bugging me as of late. See, what sparked this whole gender thing is a series of events; mainly an incident that happened a few months back. And it's a common problem for most artists, of both genders, and I would like to share my qualms with y'all if you don't mind. First of all, let me ask y'all a question:

What makes a series 'girly'?

I asked myself this several times, and various different subject matters and various other things come to mind. To start, when you think of a book or anime or movie that is intended for a female audience the topic of romance/love is brought up. I seriously find this tidbit annoying. Who, I ask you, WHO decided that a romantic relationship between one person and another (I don't care for specifics here-LOVE IS LOVE) is to be considered a topic for the female gender only to discuss and care about. While the stereotype of women is that we are more emotionally attached to the romantics, let's look at some inconvenient truths here that marketing forgets;

Women are allowed to like action/horror/anything that isn't romance- There is no law stating that a woman MUST watch The Notebook or some rubbish(it is to me because I don't care for movies of that nature) like that. So guys-or girls-, if you bitch about your girlfriend (or 'sub' male if otherwise) ALWAYS dragging you to a chick flick, sorry. Not all of us like those movies. This especially goes to male video game players who are in the prepubescent belief that a girl cannot play and appreciate video games/memorabilia/etc. 'like a guy can.' I swear, if any of these asshats get the balls to tell me that a series I love is for boys only, he won't have to worry about being considered a man for too long.

Romance is not just for women- Once again, WHO in the hell said that it was weakness for a man to admit that he enjoys the prospect of a romantic relationship in his movies? Romance is not a one sided science, unlike what the creators of entertainment have us to believe. Not all men only want sex. In order for love, true love, to exist, it must be two sided (once again, I don't care for gender specifics. SO insert 'dom' in relationship here) News flash-THERE IS NO WEAKNESS IN LOVE. I wonder at times if the concept of an action movie where the lead male role actually has someone he cares for a threat to some male viewers. But, I digress.

Love is not an effeminate emotion. Furthermore, EMOTION is not effeminate. While yes, movies that center around love can be rather annoying-as if romance is the center of the universe-books/comics/anime/movies that have love in it are not to be discarded as catering to a female audience. It works both ways.

Another thing that's annoying me about this gender specific crap in fiction: Why is it if there is more than two/three female main characters it suddenly makes male viewers uncomfortable? Alright, so there's the whole 'fanservice' thing. Which, ladies, we're just as guilty of. I mean, come on, when hasn't there been at least ONE movie that the main male character isn't there just because he's hot? While fanservice isn't a completely terrible thing, it is- ON BOTH ACCOUNTS- if it takes precedence over plot and story line. But, before I go off track here, let's return to the problem; the 'no more than 3 girls rule'. If your masculinity is threatened because of the need to not have more than 3 female characters in a group then something must be wrong. I notice this problem in the RWBY series's fanbase. 'Put more boys in' 'Too many women' etc. First of all, just because all four main characters are women doesn't lessen the fact it is an action/fantasy/adventure online series. All four women can fight, and are fully capable of kicking male fighter's asses! This isn't to say that this is the opinion of ALL male fans of series, but it's a predominate problem. I also notice this isn't such a bad problem for women if there is an overflow of males as opposed to female characters; which makes me uncomfortable.

On a side note, I ask another question; WHERE IS MY PLUS SIZED FEMALE SUPERHERO?! Almost every damn woman I see in any kind of movie, once again the genre romantic comedy *coughbaneofmyexistancecough* the only chubby girl is either the comic relief or the smartass. While I appreciate a good smartass, I only have this to say; Scarlet Johanson-while a good actress-is not the hottest woman to every. Damn. One. There are people who believe a chubby woman is more lovely. And a character in any story should not have to suffer to the humiliation of being the token after school special vice just because of weight. A size three waist does not equal talent. Double D breasts does not equal talent. I cannot completely identify with the overwhelming majority of female characters in movies/books/games/anime because-no offense slim girls-they are the PERFECT size considered acceptable by society. Where-accept for one to two movies- is the plus sized woman sought after by a male lead? I want a plus sized woman to kick ass and take names and get the guy, damn it!

To sum up, I'm still a little sore from a comment that was made to me by a person. "Who is this series intended for? It's too GIRLY for me." It was a guy friend, and I can't completely blame him because I told him to be honest. However, I am concerned that this is the common opinion about material whether it is made by a man or woman. Just because an action series has a relationship in it, and that relationship holds significance, does not make it 'too girly' for a male audience.

Lovelies, I really need help. Tell me what you think-or if you have the same problems whether you're a guy or a girl or whatever. I feel alone in this and it's hard to face considering that no matter what I create, it feels like I'm being shoved in a corner because of my gender and my style. Comment and hugs!