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Warning: This is a discussion of SLASH! Although there is nothing explicit in this discussion, I do link to pages with more explicit content. This topic is considered controversial and offensive to some people. If you don't want to (or shouldn't) read it, then leave.
Or go back to my main page.



For those who are mature enough and not offended, scroll down for my opinion on this particular aspect of fanfiction.

I admit it. When I first started reading fan fiction, I was 100% against slash. I was disgusted by it. (And if it isn't well-written, I still am, but I digress.) But several authors have changed my opinion.
Since I believe whole-heartedly in the phrase: "Don't knock it 'til you try it!" I had to at least try some of it before I condemned it. I read one or two that kept me turned off, but then I ran across a few that were tastefully done and written beautifully and I changed my mind. Granted, I'm still not much for girl/girl stuff, but male/male pairings can be quite effective. Especially in a fandom populated by mostly male characters.
I was very surprised to find that I could like such a controversial topic, but in my mind, some of the pairings make great sense. I love Remus Lupin, second only to Snape. (And maybe Lucius.) But I find pairing Remus with Sirius Black strangely fitting. It just works for my image of their relationship.
Of course, unlike some fans, I have known and been friends with several gay men. For the most part, I find stereotypes of gays offensive and false. Homosexuality is not particularly offensive to me, nor do I see it as morally wrong, and I certainly don't feel that God condemns a person based solely on their sexaulity. Perhaps this background makes me more open and accepting of slash fiction.
One of my favorite slash writers has a fabulous page with several helpful tips for the slash reader/writer. She has a page dedicated solely to helping you learn what is believable in an explicit scene and what is not. She also happens to be a talented and well known fanfiction writer. Xandria is one of the first slash writers that gave me a new understanding of this particular aspect of the fandom and I have a great respect for her.
Although I still don't read slash pairings of Harry and his contemporaries, because I can't see them as more than children, I do read and write slash pairings of the Marauders' generation and older. (if indeed Lucius Malfoy is much older, but that is another debate for another time.)
Although I usually hate the idea of my precious potions master "joining the other team," I do find that pairing him with Lucius in the past can be quite effective and helpful in understanding his character and his relation to the Death Eaters.
It all comes down to personal preference when it comes to reading and writing slash, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. What I find offensive is the intolerance of some people. I don't put others down for liking fluff or strictly het, so why do some people feel it is their right to put down those who appreciate slash? There is room for all tastes in a fandom. Most slash writers are considerate enough to clearly label it. I just wish the flamers would be considerate enough to not read it if they know it isn't to their taste. I hate Harry/Hermione or Draco/Ginny or Snape/McGonagall so when I see it marked I don't read it.

My point is this: when it comes to reading fan fiction: know your prefrences and be considerate enough to not read what you can't stand. Don't waste your time or the author's by hurling insults.

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