Normalizing homosexuality through heterosexuality The subject of homosexuality has always been approached with caution due to its taboo nature derived from its deviation from the heterosexual norm. Traditionally, and in many cultures, homosexuality has been successfully discussed through the normalization of behavior through heterosexual representation. Gender reversal or amplifying the feminine qualities of male characters have often been ways in which authors manage to subtly introduce the foreign idea of ​​homosexuality and assimilate it with its more formal and accepted counterpart, l heterosexuality. The works of Shakespeare and Li Yu helped denounce homosexual relationships while keeping them under the heterosexual norm, whether through direct or metaphorical representations. Mencius' mother, by Li Yu, embodies the normalization of homosexuality through the characters' strict adherence to the Confucian genre. standards. Although initially a condemnation of homosexuality citing rebellion against the divine design of heterosexuality and the complementary nature of man and woman, the story instead romanticizes the self-sacrifice and devotion of the homosexual relationship of two men. The presentation of the homosexual relationship is designed to maximize the acceptance of homosexuality through the application of heterosexual components, such as the definition of a "man" and a "woman" for Jifang and Ruilang respectively. Jifang establishes his dominance as "masculine" by taking a wife and fathering a child, while Ruilang accepts his "feminine" definition through the physical transformation of castration and psychological transformation into a chaste Confucian wife and devoted mother . .. middle of paper ...... on and condemnation of the "southern way". The Renaissance period allowed for a more progressive, if peripheral, discussion through Shakespeare's subtle works, plots, and supporting characters. However, both approached the ideology of homosexuality by applying heterosexual norms to the same-sex relationship, thereby minimizing criticism and legitimizing homoeroticism. References Hanan, Partick and Yu Li. Silent Operas. Hong Kong: Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1990. Shakespeare, William. Twelfth night or whatever you want. Ed. Kenneth Deighton. London: Macmillan, 1889. Shakespeare Online. December 20, 2010. Traub, Valérie. Desire and anxiety: circulation of sexuality in Shakespearean drama. London, Routledge, 1992. Wayne, Valérie, ed. The question of difference: materialist feminist critique of Shakespeare. Ithaca, Cornell University Press, 1991.