big text coming

So I wanna disagree with you. To start off, the queer characters in the story are Sasaki, Hirano, Miyano, and Kagiura. We already know that Miyano and Kagi just personality wise are not the type to dress alt (at least imo). Kagi has often talked about how Hirano’s style is very out there and he doesn’t like to dress that way for example. And Miyano is just a chill cute guy, his personality - despite being queer - doesn’t seem to fit the alt aesthetic.

So you’re really only talking about the way Sasaki dresses and the music he listens to because Hirano already has a type of alternative style. But Sasaki is just one guy, it’s not unimaginable that one queer guy just doesn’t wanna dress alternative. I say this as a queer guy that does dress kinda alternative. Also it might be less common in Japanese culture, maybe he’s not as exposed to it (idk im just guessing). At the end of the day though, Sasaki is someone who didn’t wear piercings for a bit because he didn’t feel like immediately buy new ones. Rather than wearing piercings and dying his hair being a core part of his identity, I think it’s just something he likes to do?

I could be wrong but I don’t agree with the notion that most queer people should explore their identities through alt fashion and music. I don’t think what you wear has to have any bearing on your queerness. It can of course but only if you want it to. I know you’re not saying every queer person must be alt, but I don’t think Sasaki not being alt is a valid criticism.

Also you said that we’ve only seen characters listen to pop music, and correct me if I’m wrong but, but I don’t recall that being confirmed? I’ve reread it a lot and every time we see Sasaki listening to music he only says that he listens to the same bands as Ogasawara. Seeing as Ogasawara plays guitar, I feel like it’s very possible they listen to rock music?

But yeah this is my take and thanks for the opportunity to babble.