Many anime series have made extra efforts to include LGBTQ+ protagonists in their plots over the ages. They can be harder to notice at points, but on other occasions, they have blatantly presented as gay and LGBT anime characters.
It’s also conceivable that you didn’t see them as a gay depiction at all. There have also been other anime series explicitly devoted to gay romance. It’s encouraging to see that, despite its early mocking and frequently humiliating gags in anime, the anime industry has gotten more welcoming over the decades. The characters listed here are only a tiny sample of the many individuals and tales we’ve adored in anime. Also, it’s conceivable that you didn’t see them all as a queer representation.
40. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Touko Nanami
Anime: Bloom Into You (2018)
Touko is a lesbian who wears a mask of perfection to protect herself because she feels that vulnerability will make her unworthy of love. She is attracted to Yuu because she believes that Yuu will not fall in love with her, which keeps her in control. As their relationship develops, however, Touko is forced to face her fears and emotions. Bloom Into You is an emotional tale of identity and acceptance, which reveals how love is both terrifying and healing. Touko’s story is one of learning to let go of perfection and be herself. Her character is the struggles many LGBTQ people face when they accept love, which makes her an incredibly nuanced and powerful queer character.
39. Rei Hino
Anime: Sailor Moon: Sailor Stars (manga)
Rei is self-sufficient and more concerned about her objectives than romance and hence is different from other Sailor Guardians. Her close, intimate relationship with Minako implies romantic undertones, and Rei’s denial of traditional romance and her love for Minako offer queer-coded content in Sailor Moon: Sailor Stars manga. Her character fascinates fans who see Rei as a character beyond traditional, heterosexual norms and hence is a subtle yet powerful LGBTQ icon in anime. Rei’s resistance to traditional romance and her emotional closeness with Minako offer LGBTQ-coded content that resonates with queer audiences. She stands as a rare example of a strong, independent female character whose queerness is expressed through action rather than words, making her an understated yet powerful LGBTQ icon in anime.
38. Minako Aino
Anime: Sailor Moon: Sailor Stars (manga)
Minako is a drama queen, flirtatious, and playful, but Minako’s relationship with Rei is different in depth. Their relationship is full of unspoken feelings, and hence they are one of the most fascinating couples in Sailor Moon: Sailor Stars manga. Minako’s teasing of Rei and the fact that they trust each other immensely imply something more than friendship. Minako is generally depicted as a hopeless romantic after boys, but her relationship with Rei is the most emotionally committed relationship she has. The ambiguity of this relationship makes it open to queer interpretation, and Minako is hence an interesting representation of fluid sexuality in anime. Her character plays with the notion of love being heterosexual, and hence Sailor Moon’s LGBTQ content is strengthened.
37. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Ruka Urushibara
- Anime: Steins; Gate (2011)
Ruka is a trans girl who was born male but identifies as female. She wants to be accepted as a girl and is angry with the limitations of society. Steins; Gate approaches Ruka’s gender identity with care, showing her discomfort with being perceived as male. She wants to be in a world where she is biologically female, highlighting the struggle trans individuals have in being accepted. Although not the best representation, Ruka’s presence opens the conversation of gender identity in anime. Her presence as a trans-coded character means that she represents significance as she illustrates the frustration of individuals who feel held back by society. Her quiet strength and vulnerability make her one of the strongest LGBTQ characters in anime.
36. Yuu Kashima
Anime: Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun (2014)
Yuu Kashima is a gender-nonconforming woman who disregards traditional femininity and often plays the “prince” role. With her tall, androgynous physique and flirtatious demeanor, she easily charms other girls, providing a comedic but significant representation of gender fluidity. Kashima’s refusal to be held back by society’s expectations of what women should be makes her an enjoyable LGBTQ character. Although Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun uses her charm as a way of comedy, her presence defies strict gender expectations. She illustrates a confident, playful expression of queerness, showing that gender expression does not have to be binary. Kashima’s unapologetic nature makes her a strong character a fun but significant queer-coded character in anime.
35. Kiyoharu Suirenji
Anime: Backflip!! (2021)
Kiyoharu is a soft, almost androgynous character who rejects traditional masculinities. With their calmness and graceful movements, they reject sports anime tropes. Although Backflip!! does not say so, Kiyoharu’s fluid look and soft presentation imply queerness in a way that is indefinable but real. Their nonconformist masculinity is a representation of LGBTQ which rejects hyper-masculine expectations that are so common in sports anime. By accepting an alternate definition of strength—one which is in precision and beauty rather than strength—Kiyoharu presents a different view of gender expression. They are a character who opens the doors of possibility for queer representation in anime and shows that strength exists in many different ways.
34. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Merlin
Anime: Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse (2023)
Merlin is an androgynous, mysterious character whose gender expression is fluid, adding to their mysteriousness. Their looks, their behavior, and their lack of traditional gender roles imply queerness that cannot be defined. Although Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse doesn’t say so, Merlin’s fluid identity resists fixed definitions of gender and sexuality. They are unapologetic, powerful, and unafraid to be themselves, making them an interesting LGBTQ-coded character. Their ability to exist outside of what society considers acceptable means that there are numerous interpretations of their identity, making them an interesting queer character in anime. Merlin is the essence of the freedom of being undefined, proving the point that queerness does not always require a definition to be.
33. Yuzuriha
Anime: Hell’s Paradise (2023)
Yuzuriha is flirtatious, confident, and unapologetically sexual, and she’s interested in men and women. Her flirtatious nature and spontaneity make her a memorable bisexual character in Hell’s Paradise. Unlike most female action anime characters, Yuzuriha’s sexuality is not fan service but natural. Her interest in other genders isn’t done for a joke or a phase but as a natural extension of who she is. Her confidence in being unashamed about what she wants makes her a welcome LGBTQ character. She shatters traditional femininity in anime, proving that strength isn’t physical—it’s also being unapologetically yourself, making her an inspiring example of bisexuality.
32. Shuu Tsukiyama
Anime: Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
Shuu is flamboyant, obsessive, and hopelessly in love with Kaneki in a way that transcends admiration. His dramatic personality and over-the-top antics have a tendency to have homoerotic undertones, making him one of Tokyo Ghoul’s most queer-coded characters. Though his interest is initially presented as dangerous and predatory, his emotional depth is further explored as the series goes on. Shuu’s queerness is undeniable—his obsession with beauty, desire, and devotion to Kaneki walks the fine line of romantic love. He personifies a darker, more tragic side of queer identity, where love and obsession are interchangeable. His presence subverts traditional masculinity, making him an unforgettable LGBTQ-coded character whose queerness adds depth to Tokyo Ghoul’s already complicated themes.
31. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Tooru Mutsuki
Anime: Tokyo Ghoul:re (2018)
Tooru is a trans man who struggles with dysphoria, trauma, and self-acceptance. His struggle in Tokyo Ghoul is one of abject suffering and the psychological trauma that is present alongside gender identity and societal expectations. Unlike so many anime that shirk trans representation, Tooru’s is a rough, hard-won struggle that makes him one of anime’s strongest trans characters. His internal struggle over his past and his transition is given emotional significance, symbolizing the strength and fragility of trans individuals. Though his struggle is tragic, Tooru is an important LGBTQ character. His presence in a dark, gritty world serves to draw attention to the strife trans individuals face, making his representation in Tokyo Ghoul very effective.
30. Hinata
Anime: Blue Period (2021)
Hinata’s androgyny and muted queerness bring a new level of depth of LGBTQ representation in the Blue Period. Though the show is more centered on artistry, Hinata’s character quietly incorporates aspects of gender nonconformity. Their personality and appearance are subversive to gender expectations, symbolizing the way in which identity exists outside of the strict binary. As an artist, Hinata presents themselves openly, reflecting the way in which many queer individuals use art to present themselves. Though Blue Period isn’t necessarily built around their queerness, their presence in the show offers representation that feels organic rather than an afterthought. Hinata is a reminder that queerness can be muted but powerful, making them an important addition to anime’s growing LGBTQ landscape.
29. Hazumu Osaragi
Anime: Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl (2006)
Hazumu’s is the most realistic trans anime narrative. When they are transformed from male to female by an act of the universe, they have to learn to adjust to the new self. Although Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl places this transformation within a romance, Hazumu’s is a translatable experience of trans life—examining self-identification, social expectation, and acceptance. The show delves into the difficulty of adjusting to a new body, and the feelings that accompany transition. Although the setup is unrealistic, Hazumu’s narrative is an examination of trans issues in real life. Their love story and identity make them a singular but strong transgender character in anime, providing representation in a way few shows can.
28. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Grell Sutcliff
- Anime: Black Butler (2008)
Grell is one of the anime’s queerest, most flamboyant characters, openly declaring their love for Sebastian in melodramatic language. Their gender identity is fluid, using feminine pronouns and wanting to be perceived as a woman. Black Butler introduces Grell as a rough, unapologetic character who lays claim to their identity openly. Although their characterization is sometimes played for laughs, their queerness is never denied or repressed. Grell’s presence defies traditional gender, bringing fierce and confident energy to the show. Their character is gender nonconformity in an industry that does not always accommodate it, making them an iconic and unforgettable LGBTQ character in anime.
27. Alluka Zoldyck
Anime: Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Alluka is a trans girl whose identity is respected in full by her brother Killua, making her one of the few trans characters in anime whose gender is not questioned. Hunter x Hunter respects her identity, never misgendering her or referring to her as anything but a girl. In a genre where trans characters are marginalized or mocked, Alluka’s existence is a breath of fresh air and strength. Her relationship with Killua is one of unconditioned love and acceptance, reinforcing the importance of respecting trans identities. While her supernatural abilities are part of the story, her identity is never used as a plot device. Alluka is still a large representation of trans acceptance in anime.
26. Frederica Greenhill
Anime: Legend of the Galactic Heroes (1988)
Frederica Greenhill (Legend of the Galactic Heroes) – Frederica is a tough, intelligent woman in a man’s world, defying gender roles at every turn. While her character isn’t necessarily queer, her rejection of traditional femininity and her independence as a commander have strong LGBTQ undertones. Legend of the Galactic Heroes presents her as someone who refuses to be defined by society, making her an interesting character for queer audiences. Her strength is in the fact that she can command respect without resorting to traditional roles of women in military situations. Though not labeled as queer in so many words, her character is resonant with LGBTQ themes of defiance, independence, and self-definition, making her an important character in anime’s exploration of gender roles.
25. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Yuu Koito
Anime: Bloom Into You (2018)
Yuu is an aromantic and asexual girl who can’t get love. When the people around her feel romantic, she is numb, and this makes her question herself and be confused. When she meets Touko, she is attracted to her but doesn’t realize it as love. Bloom Into You is a true representation of Yuu’s journey as she learns to understand her feelings, gradually realizing that love is not always instant or conventional. Her asexuality and aromanticism are not common in anime, which makes her a significant LGBTQ character. Her story deviates from conventional romance, revealing that love is in many forms and sizes. By the end, Yuu learns to love herself on her own terms, which makes her a very relatable and empowering queer heroine.
24. Mio Chibana
Anime: The Stranger by the Shore (2020)
Mio is an introverted, shy young man who is still discovering his feelings for Shun. Unlike Shun, he is not yet comfortable with being gay, and therefore his path is one of discovery. At first, he is uncomfortable with the fact that he loves a man, not knowing what it does to his sense of self. As he learns more about Shun, however, he learns more about himself. The Stranger by the Shore captures Mio’s awakening, capturing the terror and freedom of love. His path is a bittersweet and realistic capture of what it is like to accept queerness, and therefore he is an irreplaceable LGBTQ character.
23. Shun Hashimoto
Anime: The Stranger by the Shore (2020)
Shun is a gay writer who has been rejected by his family for being gay. Fearful of love and commitment, he repels people, feeling that he will be hurt. With Mio, his guard begins to come down, and he is confronted with his painful past. The Stranger by the Shore beautifully maps Shun’s path to acceptance, capturing the fear and uncertainty of being gay in a world that is not always welcoming. His path speaks so deeply to LGBTQ readers, as it captures the agony of accepting love with a pre-existing wound. His path makes him an irreplaceable gay icon.
22. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Akihiko Kaji
Anime: Given (2019)
Akihiko is bisexual, torn between his past love with Ugetsu and his love with Haruki. His complicated past with Ugetsu and attraction to Haruki put him in a state of constant emotional conflict. Reckless and uncommitted at the beginning, Akihiko cannot make sense of his desires. He is the reality of being bisexual—how attraction is not a choice but a process of discovery. Through Given, he discovers, and he realizes that he needs to let go of toxic attachments and love in a healthier way. His is a liberating struggle of LGBTQ dilemmas, showing how one’s past traumas can taint relationships. Akihiko’s bisexuality is explored realistically and in-depth, making him one of the most interesting queer characters in anime.
21. Haruki Nakayama
Anime: Given (2019)
Haruki is a gay man who is in love with Akihiko and suppresses his feelings for fear of rejection. Broke as his heart is, he is patient, kind, and supportive, hoping Akihiko would love him back. His is a tragic queer coming-of-age love story that shows the agony of loving someone who would never love him back. Haruki learns to love himself, becoming stronger as he learns to put his happiness first. His character is an emotional representation of the complexity of LGBTQ relationships, showing self-worth, vulnerability, and acceptance. His is a story that can be used by every person who loved in secret, making him a good representation of gay identity in Given.
20. Utena Tenjo and Anthy Himemiya (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
Revolutionary Girl Utena, which debuted in 1997, is another excellent depiction of lesbian anime. Notwithstanding the tumultuous narrative, which paints their connection as troublesome, the girls kiss in both the anime and the film’s credits.
In the anime, it appears to be a one-sided affair, with them forming a bond. It was the 1990s, and the portrayal was far from Sailor Moon’s.
The film implies a more sexual relationship between the two, but we’re not going there. Undoubtedly, they are a beautiful lesbian couple. The fans loved Revolutionary Girl Utena.
The anime’s whole concept is focused on what may be a love connection between the two females if the turmoil, misunderstanding, and imagined sentiments are removed.
19. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Sumika Murasame And Ushio Kazama (Whispered Words)
They both are close pals in this series. Sumika appears to be in love with her closest friend but refuses to declare it for fear of rejection, primarily because Ushio has kind and Sumika is it not?
While this is classified as Yuri, I felt it was worth including on this list due to the intriguing narrative and general romantic comedies that appear across.
They created a lesbian club at their campus, which is very decent for what is intended to be a Yuri anime. They are amazing LGBT anime characters.
This animation is interesting to check out for the intriguing narrative alone. Still, I believe the subject’s interactions throughout the anime might also draw in anime fans since it is loaded with drama and LGBT love.
18. Ash Lynx (Banana Fish)
Banana Fish is a manga that is remarkably accepting of LGBTQ+ protagonists. In this manga, Ash meets and falls in love with the central protagonist, a Japanese guy his age.
Ash Lynx has been in a gay relationship with his adoptive father, who sees him merely as a toy for his needs. The unfortunate thing about him is that he has been compelled to perform such acts since infancy by various nasty guys.
The only time he cared about someone and had a genuine connection was with the series’ main character.
17. Tomoyo Daidouji, Touya Kinomoto and Yukito Tsukishiro (Cardcaptor Sakura)
CLAMP began by creating Yaoi doujinshi and has continued to feature gay protagonists in their works as they’ve risen to fame as manga creators.
In this mystical girl story, Tomoyo has a thing for her friend Sakura, while Touya and Yukito are romantically entangled. The people who love watching anime know that they are unforgettable gay characters.
16. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Haruka Tenou and Michiru Kaioh (Sailor Moon)
No bones about all this: Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus were in a relationship in the original Japanese edition, despite being classified as “relatives” in the North American edition.
To Usagi’s astonishment, observing the two publicly flirting wasn’t unusual. Haruka Tenou and Michiru were the most compelling characters of sailor moon. Kunihiko Ikuhara went on to pursue queer themes in the manga.
15. Yuri Katsuki (Yuri on Ice)
Yuri Katsuki is the central protagonist of Yuri on Ice, and she recently got hitched by the world-famous Viktor Nikiforov. This is the most well-known gay anime duo of all time.
Yuri is a lovely boy who tends to acquire weight too fast owing to his uncontrollable eating habits. He prefers to remain inside his bubble and is sensitive.
When he fails, his feelings might occasionally get the best of him. This is the sole disadvantage of his softness: he cannot accept defeat without knowing what’s going on.
Yuri initially met Viktor as a teenager, and their relationship has been nothing less than magical.
14. Nitori Shuichi and Takatsuki Yoshino (Wandering Son)
Wandering Son, which debuted in 2011, features Nitori Shuichi, a trans female, and Takatsuki Yoshino, a trans male. The show addresses significant subjects such as gender identity, dysphoria, and the difficulties of living as a young trans individual.
While the program concentrates on the children’s gender expression, it also explores their love and feelings for one another and their lifestyles as they navigate being trans and coming of age.
Not That I’ve completed the show yet, but I would suggest it to any trans folks, especially younger ones, because it is a fantastic series to connect to and contains trans portrayal that many other programs lack.
13. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Ryo Asuka (Devilman Crybaby)
Ryo Asuka is the primary nemesis in Devilman Crybaby‘s narrative. He is initially a fallen angel who becomes the host of an evil being known as Satan and transforms into an intersex entity.
His only memory of himself is his affection for his whiny baby companion Akira. His best friend is Akira Fudo, who is partially to blame for Ryo’s transformation into Satan. Ryo Asuka portrays a wonderful gay character in this show.
Ryo’s affections for Akira verge on downright crazy. He will not think twice about killing someone to preserve Akira’s profound secret. Aside from his demonic abilities, Ryo is a gifted human being. He is fluent in several dialects and has a Ph.D. from a young age.
12. Utena Tenjou (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
Sailor Uranus is far from the only masculine-looking solid lesbian symbol in anime history.
Utena Tenjou is a dashing princely figure in a romance with her Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya.
Utena is enthusiastic and brilliant but also reckless and short-tempered. She’s a force to reckon with, a flawed yet inspiring heroine who’s just doing her hardest.
In addition to Utena, most of the other characters in the book are homosexual or bisexual.
As a result, the show is a true gay classic.
Read More: 19 Best Anime Lesbian Couples Of All Time
11. Fumi Manjoume (Sweet Blue Flowers)
Sweet Blue Flowers is the series to watch when all you want is a lovely yet delicate romance to gently but steadily melt away the tension of our complicated everyday life.
It’s a show about teenage love and discovering oneself.
Fumi’s persona is a little of an everywoman, making her a suitable vehicle for the audience to inject themselves. Her troubles as a lesbian in traditional traditions are understandable, and her fearless calmness in confronting them is encouraging.
I like this program since it isn’t some sexualized yuri intended for the sexual titillation of male audiences, but rather a genuine and even pleasant show featuring good lesbian relationships.
10. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Tomoyo Daidouji (Card Captor Sakura)
Looking back, I was astonished at how many LGBT elements there are in the Card Captor Sakura cartoon.
It’s almost as though Sakura seems to be the only straight character!
Let’s begin with Tomoyo.
Despite having a wealthy life, she does not value the joys that money may provide.
Instead, she devotes herself to Sakura, her best friend and the person she adores.
If you viewed this as a child, you could have skipped past it. However, Tomoyo’s enthusiastic support for her buddy is romantic, even though Tomoyo has never acted on her affections.
9. Nathan Seymour (Tiger and Bunny)
Nathan Seymour, also known as Fire Emblem, is a character in Tiger and Bunny. He specializes in pyrokinesis and can scorch his foes to a char, as the name implies. Nathan has been displaying his gay side since he was in elementary.
His peers regularly abused him for his characteristics because he came of age in a boarding school. Nathan ignored their anxiety and continued living his life as he pleased. In every way, he is the ideal homosexual anime protagonist.
8. Isabella Yamamoto (Paradise Kiss)
Yamamoto is maybe one of the few good trans characters in anime. Isabella, who hails from Paradise Kiss, has a relatable life narrative and battles with gender identity. Not to add that her past is highly plausible.
7. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Haruhi And Ranka Fujioka (Ouran Highschool Host Club)
This one may be a push, but I can’t seem to help but include my favorite father-daughter pair. Given Ranka being such a drag queen and Haruhi breaking gender preconceptions with the legendary remark, “Besides, it doesn’t matter, does it?” it is established that Haruhi Fujioka and her dad don’t care about sexuality.
Why should I worry about outward looks and labels? “What matters is what’s on the inside.” also, “Even though I gave my first kiss to a female through a strange set of events, the night had a wonderful vibe.”
6. Fumi Manjoume And Akira Okudaira (Sweet Blue Flowers)
What begins as a story about childhood companions reuniting blossoms quickly into a charming, delicate relationship between two females, Fumi Manjoume and Akira Okudaira. It debuted in 2009 and is a delightful lesbian relationship we all need.
The narrative concerns young love and understanding your sexual identity as you reach adulthood. It might benefit young girls discovering their sexuality and attempting to discover themselves as young ladies.
It is a significant step forward for today’s youth, as there never appears to be genuine lesbian love in anime and animation. It’s more than simply Yuri; it’s a cheerful same-sex romance animation that may help young lesbian females figure out who they are.
5. Leeron Littner From ‘Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann’
In this anime, Leeron is a well-established technician who assists the Gunmen with his great understanding of fixes. There is nothing that Leeron cannot heal. Everybody understands Leeron is gay, and he may frequently portray it in clichéd ways.
He is the most adult part of their squad and may be majorly responsible based on the situation. Leeron is a beautiful comedic relief figure, providing the audience with highly required chuckles in an otherwise dramatic plot.
4. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Puri Puri Prisoner (One Punch Man)
Puri Puri Prisoner from Punch Man is an S-class character. He is a Hero organization member with extraordinary athletic talents and therapeutic components. This implies he may immediately go into attack mode and quickly beat down his rivals.
Any damage sustained throughout his assaults will recover rapidly, enabling him to continue punching his foes.
The Puri Puri inmate is outspoken about his romantic aspirations for other males and publicly mistreats the individuals he finds attractive. This is also why he was imprisoned at Smelly Lid Prison, where he ruled over the other inmates.
3. Mafuyu Sato (Given)
Mafuyu Sato is one of the more well-known LGBT characters in the Given series. He attends school and has a good friendship with Ritsuka Uenoyama. Everyone adores Mafuyu because of his endearing looks and relatability as a character.
In addition to that, he is a great musician who is known to surprise people with his vocals. Because Mafuyu can’t express himself verbally freely, he typically does so via music. In the novel, he and Uenoyama have also provided serious relationship ambitions.
2. Bulat (Akame ga Kill)
Bulat is a member of the killer group Night Raid in Akame ga Kill and is recognized as a gay character in the anime. He used to command the Incursion Teigu and was quite skilled at it. He was a strong man who was ideal for dealing with Incursion.
Bulat’s life mainly revolved around raw attack and might, which he used to beat down his adversaries.
He had a unique attitude and was frequently seen tormenting the other creatures. It’s unfortunate how he died, but his Incursion will still remind him of his courageous efforts on the battleground.
1. Gay And LGBT Anime Characters: Hange Zoë (Attack on Titan)
The genderfluid leader is an absolute master, continually putting themselves at risk in the front trenches of war, testing with gigantic Titans, and guiding green troops into jeopardy. Everybody in the military is terrified of Hanger’s ambiguous brilliance.
Read More: The Best LGBTQ-Friendly TV Shows on Netflix
