With such a diverse range of content, anime offers audiences the chance to connect with all kinds of stories and characters. There are many anime series and movies that contain LGBTQ+ characters. However, much like with Western media, these characters and their stories tend to be either not explicitly part of the LGBTQ+ community or not a significant aspect of the anime.

While there are plenty more anime series and characters that provide wonderful representation for audiences, these are the LGBTQ+ anime series that aren't afraid of being open and proudly focusing on their queer content.

Princess Knight

Princess Knight Riding A Horse

The oldest and one of the longest-running anime series, Princess Knight started as a manga in the 1950s. The book grew popular enough to launch an anime adaptation that first aired in 1967.

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As one of the first examples of queer manga/anime, this series tells the story of a baby born with two hearts, one male and one female. Throughout the series, the Princess Knight expresses both male and female gender identities, dressing in typical gendered clothes to represent this. Playing with gender roles and queer relationships, this anime series was certainly ahead of its time.

No.6

Nezumi Holding Shion's Hand To His Heart

While this dystopian sci-fi anime series doesn't push the focus of its story onto the romance, the relationship between the two main characters, Shion and Nezumi, is explicitly shown evolving into a romance as the show progresses.

With action and mystery at the forefront, the gay romance developing between the two young boys acts as a coming of age storyline that while not overshadowing the rest of the story, is essential to the narrative and provides a fresh LGBTQ+ romance in the heart of a sci-fi anime.

Wandering Son

Wandering Son

Known in Japan as Hōrō Musuko, this 2011 anime throughout its short run, is now considered one of the most influential LGBTQ+ anime series. Directly confronting trans issues, the two main characters, Shuichi Nitori and Yoshino Takatsuki are both trans characters.

Depicting their struggles and conflicts with their own bodies and identities, Shuichi is a girl who was born as a boy, and Yoshino is a boy who was born as a girl. The story follows these two characters on their journeys of self-acceptance and does a good job in particular of representing gender dysphoria.

Paradise Kiss

The Main Characters Paradise Kiss Poster

Another quick watch, this short 2000s comedy romance anime follows Yukari Hayasaka. Approached by a group of fashion design students who ask her to be the front model for their clothing label "Paradise Kiss", Yukari enters a new world of romance and fashion.

While the main romance of this anime isn't the LGBTQ+ element, there is a large focus on one of its central characters, Isabella, a trans girl. The anime often depicts the importance of trans acceptance and tackles topics of gender identity in the fashion industry. Overall, the show is about expressing yourself.

Princess Jellyfish

Kuranosuke and Tsukimi

This comedy slice of life centers around Tsukimi Kurashita whose life changes when a mysterious and beautiful woman (who really isn't a woman but actually a cross-dressing man named Kuranosuke) helps her save a jellyfish in a pet shop.

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Kuranosuke who identifies as male but frequently cross-dresses helps Tsukimi to overcome their anxiety and lack of self-esteem and find happiness, by transforming her into a princess the same way Kuranosuke does. This anime manages to touch on some serious topics surrounding both LGBTQ+ issues and mental health while maintaining its heartwarming comedic tone.

Bloom Into You

Bloom Into You Yuu and Touko blushing

Despite being a relatively new series, this 2018 romantic drama anime has cemented itself as one of the most influential anime series amongst the LGBTQ+ community. Known in Japan as Yagate Kimi ni Naru this anime is said to be less of a romance and more of a love story about self-discovery.

In love with the concept of love, main character Yuu Koito has always waited for romance but when a male classmate confesses to her, she feels nothing. Thinking she's incapable of experiencing love, this changes when she meets Touko Nanami, the two girls struggling to come to terms with their own feelings and identities.

Revolutionary Girl Utena

Revolutionary Girl Utena

A landmark series in terms of LGBTQ+ anime series, this 1997 fantasy directly confronts issues of race, suppression, feminism and sexuality and consistently encourages themes of revolution.

Sometimes referred to by its Japanese name, Shoujo Kakumei Utena, this classic anime series follows an orphaned princess named Utena who is inspired to become a prince. A misunderstanding leads Utena to join The Duelists who are fighting for the ownership of a bride, Anthy. With a need to prove herself as a prince, Utena fights for Anthy's objectification, wanting to save her.

Banana Fish

A young man poiints a gun while another man watches in Banana Fish.

This anime adaptation of the influential 80s BL (Boy's Love) manga of the same name is one of the most well-known series to feature on this list.

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A mix of action and adventure, the series depicts the young heir and leader of a New York street gang, Ash Lynx as he investigates the mysterious Banana Fish. The show deals with some heavy topics including topics of abuse and its coy portrayal of Ash and Eiji's (a Japanese photographer reporting on American street gangs) relationship heavily reflects its 80s setting.

Given

The Characters Sit On The Floor With A Guitar

Many BLs have earned themselves a bad reputation in the past for fetishising gay characters and relationships but Given is an example of an anime that showcases explicit gay relationships without being exploitative.

Centering around a band formed of high school and university students, this slice of life romantic drama focuses heavily on the relationships between its members. The series is also followed by a touching anime movie full to the brim of emotion and warmth.

Yuri!!! On ICE

Yuri and Victor embrace in the rink

Often considered one of the most important must-watch anime series, Yuri!!! On ICE is considered arguably the most successful LGBTQ+ anime series to date. Featuring a diverse cast of characters, this anime series introduced many people to the LGBTQ+ community in anime form.

Following  Yuuri Katsuki, one of Japan's most promising figure skaters, this romantic sports anime centres on Yuuri's rising journey back through the figure skating ranks and the blossoming relationship between his new coach, world champion Victor Nikiforov.

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