#who is an SA survivor who participates in their grooming

[fairydust-stuff]

I've heard some fans interpret the Touga x Saionji relationship through the lens of Saionji wanting to be Touga's princess. But I think it's the opposite Saionji pushes back against the idea of being Touga's princess.

He wants to be with Touga as an equals. Touga is the one who wants Saionji in the princess role much like Nanami. He causes and bandages his wounds. Saionji threw himself into competing with Touga because he learned through patriarchy the only equal relationship between guys was competitors. He thinks only a masculine gender role will be the only way they can play together.

Saionji;'s eternal friendship was a last desperate attempt to make them equals because Saionji is terrified of submitting to Touga. Because Touga is an abuser and having no agency is terrifying.

The ending has Saionji enter the bride role with clear goals and agency. He's scared and exhausted but its still his choice. Its a step towards positive growth. Saionji is occupying a feminine role on his own terms and on equal grounds with Touga. Which the ending suggests they find they actually prefer.

#revolutionary girl utena #kyouichi saionji #touga kiryuu #the Utena parallels make me nuts #their both not fans of how the prince/ princess relationship plays out while taking it out on/ using Anthy to fuel their egos #how they both engage with opposite gender roles #how they both say screw the system and fight for the person they love #who is an SA survivor who participates in their grooming #are both supportive of the system but are also its biggest threats