Anime has long been a medium that explores a wide range of themes and character dynamics, including those related to LGBTQ+ identities and relationships. Various anime series have embraced diversity and inclusivity, offering authentic portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters and exploring their stories with sensitivity and depth.
Here’s a look at some of the top anime series with LGBTQ+ characters and storylines that have made a significant impact on audiences, and contributed to greater representation in anime.
1. Yuri!!! on Ice (2016)
Genre: Sports, Romance
Plot: Yuuri Katsuki, a Japanese figure skater, faces a career slump after a series of defeats. However, his life takes a turn when his idol, Russian champion Victor Nikiforov, becomes his coach. As they work together toward the world championships, their professional relationship blossoms into something deeper. The show blends themes of love, self-discovery, and ambition.
Key LGBTQ+ Characters: Yuuri Katsuki, Victor Nikiforov
Why It’s Significant: Yuri!!! on Ice broke new ground in the sports anime genre with its portrayal of a same-sex relationship between two male figure skaters, Yuuri and Victor. The relationship is depicted as part of the characters’ natural growth, even though some aspects remain implied rather than overtly stated. The series is celebrated for its:
- Natural progression of their relationship without relying on stereotypes
- Positive representation of same-sex love as central to the narrative
- Exploration of self-discovery, ambition, and acceptance alongside romance
Cultural Impact: Yuri!!! on Ice’s mainstream success proved that LGBTQ+ relationships can be integrated into popular anime without alienating audiences, paving the way for future inclusive stories.
2. Revolutionary Girl Utena (Shoujo Kakumei Utena) (1997)
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Romance
Plot: Utena Tenjou, a teenage girl, dreams of becoming a prince after being inspired by one in her childhood. She enrolls in Ohtori Academy, where she becomes involved in mysterious duels for the possession of the enigmatic Anthy Himemiya, the “Rose Bride.” As Utena fights to protect Anthy, their relationship evolves, while the story challenges norms of gender, power, and identity through surreal and symbolic storytelling.
Key LGBTQ+ Characters: Utena Tenjou, Anthy Himemiya
Why It’s Significant: Revolutionary Girl Utena is renowned for subverting traditional gender roles and addressing LGBTQ+ themes through metaphorical storytelling. The series often leaves its relationships open to interpretation, blending themes of power, love, and identity. Key highlights include:
- Utena’s challenge to conventional gender norms as she aspires to be a “prince” rather than a princess
- The complex relationship between Utena and Anthy, which carries deep undertones of love and empowerment
- The use of surreal and symbolic storytelling to explore gender and sexuality
Cultural Impact: A cult classic, Utena is often analyzed for its revolutionary approach to gender and LGBTQ+ themes, offering a complex and layered exploration that continues to resonate with viewers and scholars alike.
3. Given (2019)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Music
Plot: Ritsuka Uenoyama, a high school student and guitarist, meets Mafuyu Satou, who is struggling with the loss of his former lover. Ritsuka teaches Mafuyu to play guitar, and the two form a band with other musicians. As they grow closer, Mafuyu begins to confront his grief, and a romantic relationship begins to form between him and Ritsuka. Music becomes a healing force as the characters grapple with their emotions.
Key LGBTQ+ Characters: Mafuyu Satou, Ritsuka Uenoyama
Why It’s Significant: Given stands out for its authentic portrayal of a same-sex relationship set against the backdrop of music and grief. The series delicately handles themes of loss, healing, and love, all while featuring LGBTQ+ characters at its center. Key elements include:
- Mafuyu’s emotional journey of healing after the death of his previous lover
- The nuanced and sensitive depiction of his developing romance with Ritsuka
- Exploration of personal growth through both romantic and musical aspirations
Cultural Impact: Given resonated strongly with viewers for its emotional depth and respectful handling of LGBTQ+ themes, helping normalize same-sex relationships in anime with a compelling, heartfelt narrative.
4. Wandering Son (Hourou Musuko) (2011)
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life
Plot: Wandering Son follows Shuichi Nitori and Yoshino Takatsuki, two transgender middle school students coming to terms with their gender identities. The series delves into their struggles with gender dysphoria, the challenges of adolescence, and the complexities of their relationships with family and friends, while highlighting the importance of support and self-acceptance during their journey of self-discovery.
Key LGBTQ+ Characters: Shuichi Nitori, Yoshino Takatsuki
Why It’s Significant: Wandering Son is a trailblazer for its sensitive and empathetic portrayal of transgender youth. The series follows two transgender characters, Shuichi and Yoshino, as they navigate their gender identities during adolescence. Key themes include:
- Depiction of gender dysphoria and the struggles of self-acceptance
- Focus on the societal challenges faced by transgender youth, such as bullying and societal expectations
- Portrayal of supportive friendships and self-discovery
Cultural Impact: Praised for its delicate and honest portrayal of transgender experiences, Wandering Son has been heralded as an essential work in increasing transgender visibility in anime.
5. Bloom Into You (Yagate Kimi ni Naru) (2018)
Genre: Romance, Drama, School
Plot: Yuu Koito has never experienced romantic feelings, even though she loves the idea of romance. When she enters high school, she meets Touko Nanami, the student council president, who is also struggling with her emotions. The two girls develop a close bond as they explore their feelings for each other, leading to a tender relationship that challenges societal expectations and the traditional notions of love.
Key LGBTQ+ Characters: Yuu Koito, Touko Nanami
Why It’s Significant: Bloom Into You offers a nuanced portrayal of a yuri (girl’s love) relationship, with a particular focus on the characters’ introspective journeys toward self-discovery. The series stands out for its careful examination of the spectrum of romantic attraction, including possible asexuality. Key points include:
- Yuu’s initial uncertainty regarding romantic attraction and her gradual development of feelings for Touko
- The realistic depiction of personal struggles, societal expectations, and emotional complexity
- Exploration of identity and how it fits into the concept of love and acceptance
Cultural Impact: Bloom Into You has been widely praised for its mature handling of a same-sex relationship, challenging typical tropes of yuri anime and providing a layered, thoughtful narrative.
6. No. 6 (2011)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Action
Plot: In the dystopian city of No. 6, Shion, a privileged boy, saves a fugitive named Nezumi. This act of kindness changes his life forever, as he is cast out of his comfortable life and drawn into the resistance movement against the oppressive regime of No. 6. Shion and Nezumi form a close bond that grows deeper as they fight for freedom, with romantic undertones that are subtly woven into their partnership.
Key LGBTQ+ Characters: Shion, Nezumi
Why It’s Significant: No. 6 skillfully weaves LGBTQ+ themes into a dystopian sci-fi narrative, presenting the budding relationship between Shion and Nezumi amid a backdrop of social upheaval and rebellion. While the romantic undertones between the characters remain somewhat implicit, the connection between them is undeniable. Highlights include:
- The same-sex relationship unfolding naturally within a dystopian narrative
- Social commentary on freedom, rebellion, and breaking societal norms
- The deep emotional bond between Shion and Nezumi, subtly challenging heteronormative expectations
Cultural Impact: No. 6 showcases how LGBTQ+ themes can be integrated into various genres, including sci-fi, broadening the scope for inclusive storytelling in anime.
7. Sasaki and Miyano (2022)
Genre: Romance, Slice of Life
Plot: Miyano Yoshikazu, a self-proclaimed “fudanshi” (a boy who enjoys BL or “boys love” manga), becomes the subject of classmate Sasaki Shuumei’s affection. As the two bond over their shared interests, Sasaki’s romantic feelings for Miyano grow. The series follows their sweet, awkward, and slow-burning relationship, depicting the journey of first love with charm and warmth.
Key LGBTQ+ Characters: Miyano Yoshikazu, Sasaki Shuumei
Why It’s Significant: Sasaki and Miyano offers a wholesome and positive portrayal of a burgeoning same-sex relationship. The story revolves around the sweet, sometimes awkward experience of first love between the two boys, focusing on:
- The gentle and supportive nature of their developing relationship
- Exploration of self-acceptance, particularly Miyano’s process of coming to terms with his sexuality
- A lighthearted yet meaningful depiction of the joys and struggles of romance, friendship, and identity
Cultural Impact: Praised for its heartwarming and light approach, Sasaki and Miyano is a refreshing addition to LGBTQ+ anime, offering a positive and affirming portrayal of young love. Its gentle narrative and focus on self-acceptance resonate with viewers who appreciate stories of budding romance and personal growth.
Final Thoughts
These anime series represent significant milestones in the journey toward more inclusive and authentic LGBTQ+ representation in Japanese animation. From groundbreaking classics that challenged conventions to recent hits that embrace nuanced storytelling, these shows have not only entertained but also opened doors to greater visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and relationships. How awesome is that? ♥(ˆ⌣ˆ )
