Terms like [[gen]] and [[het]] arose to distinguish these types of stories from slash. Although heterosexual narratives can of course be explicit on the level of an R, X or NC17 rating, they were more acceptable than slash at that time. Labeling a story as slash could provide a warning of criminal risk as well. In the early 1970s, any literature depicting homosexuality, even if not explicit, was considered pornography in most states (see [[Slash Controversies#Illegality of Slash]]) and illegal to be sent through the U.S. mail. | Terms like [[gen]] and [[het]] arose to distinguish these types of stories from slash. Although heterosexual narratives can of course be explicit on the level of an R, X or NC17 rating, they were more acceptable than slash at that time. Labeling a story as slash could provide a warning of criminal risk as well. In the early 1970s, any literature depicting homosexuality, even if not explicit, was considered pornography in most states (see [[Slash Controversies#Illegality of Slash]]) and illegal to be sent through the U.S. mail. |