Abstract

Interpreting Yuri Culture: New Possibilities for Contemporary LGBTQ+ Identities Yuri culture, traditionally depicting romantic and emotional relationships between women in Japanese media, has evolved beyond its niche origins to influence broader LGBTQ+ discourse. This paper explores how yuri provides alternative frameworks for understanding contemporary queer identities, particularly in challenging rigid definitions of gender and sexuality. By analyzing yuri’s aesthetics, narrative structures, and socio-cultural impact, we assess its role in fostering inclusive and fluid representations of non-heteronormative identities. While yuri’s avoidance of explicit labeling offers a flexible space for self-exploration, concerns about ambiguity and heteronormative interpretations persist. Nevertheless, as LGBTQ+ creators increasingly contribute to yuri media, the genre holds significant potential for reshaping mainstream conceptions of gender and sexuality.