From fantastic gay movies likeDoukyuuseito manga likeThe Bride Was A Boy, Japan is no stranger to amazing LGBTQ+ representation in media and stories. This extends to anime series as well, with shows likeYuri on IceandRevolutionary Girl Utenabeing extremely popular among fans.
During Pride or any other time of the year, it can be meaningful to connect with characters and stories for those in theLGBTQ+community. While there are many shows out there that qualify, some stand out above the rest for their impressive representation of gender and sexual minorities. Let’s highlight some greatLGBTQ+ anime.
Updated on August 10, 2025 by Mark Sammut:The Spring 2025 anime season is underway, andLGBTQ+ animejust do not seem to be part of the equation. After a really strong 2024, the boys love genre has yet to really get going in 2025; meanwhile, girls love series are just all-around rare. If forced to recommend a few series that could hit the mark, Rock Is a Lady’s Modesty and Summer Pockets should be relatively safe bets.
Two older shows have been added as recommendations: Dear Brother and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Set in an agricultural university,Moyashimonis a school-based comedy that features a protagonist who can see microbes, a skill that is used to dive fairly deep into fermentation. While incorporating some coming-of-age elements, this series might not seem like an obvious candidate for themes related to gender or sexuality. However,Moyashimonhas a character, Kei, who comes out as transgender.
Kei is first introduced as a close friend to the protagonist, Sawaki, only for them to disappear halfway through season 1. Kei eventually returned a few episodes later, only dressed like a Gothic Lolita. While not every aspect of this story is fantastic,Moyashimontreats Kei’s journey with respect, which is hardly something that was guaranteed during the mid-2000s.
Putting aside any subtext that could read into Kotetsu and Barnaby’s dynamic,Tiger & Bunnyhas a full transgender hero, Nathan Seymour (aka, Fire Emblem). While initially coming across as fairly stereotypical, Nathan gradually breaks away from those binds, becoming a three-dimensional character and an example of positive representation. The movie,The Rising, expands on Nathan’s backstory, giving him way more depth that is then expanded on further by season 2.
Compared to boys love anime, yuri shows are extraordinarily rare, at least when it comes to stories that pursue a relationship between two girls rather than hinting at the possibility of one through subtext. Sadly, the girls love genre has struggled to pick up any momentum over the last few years, and fans specifically craving shows that dive deep into female relationships are better off watchinggirls band animethan waiting for that elusive GL series.
Alternatively, they could try to track downDear Brother, an ambitious early ’90s anime based on a manga by Riyoko Ikeda, who also wroteThe Rose of Versailles. Now, to set the right expectations,Dear Brotheris a drama that does not pull its punches, depicting characters who are very human and, at times, very awful. Taking place in a girl’s school, the anime tackles themes like bullying and manipulation, and it does not present many easy or satisfying answers. While exploring a few same-sex relationships, they are not idealized or wholesome, instead coming across as fairly grounded.
ASummer 2024 anime,Senpai is an Otokonokodefies classification, which echoes the protagonist’s defiance of gender stereotypes. Ever since they were young, Makoto has felt more comfortable in girls' clothes than boys', a desire they suppress at home due to their mother. At school, Makoto feels free enough to embrace his true self, and he is supported by two close friends, Saki and Ryuuji. Although supportive, both of them are dealing with feelings for their schoolmate, and they are not quite sure how to process them.
Senpai is an Otokonokotells a unique story that tackles themes rarely touched upon by the industry, at least not to the point of being the main focus. Makoto’s ever-growing confidence is uplifting and captivating, all the while the anime maintains a fairly grounded tone that adds weight to the protagonist’s journey.
Hirohiko Araki’sJoJo’s Bizarre Adventurehas been around since the mid-1980s, and the manga has always been unabashed about showcasing its male characters' physiques. In the meantime, the story also allows its heroes and villains to express their personalities through fashion and close friendships with other men.Stone Oceanadded a female protagonist into the mix as well, and Jolyne is treated the same as her male counterparts.
While only featuring a handful of characters who are LGBTQ+ (Golden Wind’s Squalo and Tiziano are probably the most overt in the manga, and Gelato and Sorbet are confirmed to be dating in the anime),JoJohas unsurprisingly amassed quite a following in the community.
Another Summer 2024 Boys Love show,Twilight Out of Focusis essentially an anthology series, in the sense that the season is split evenly among three male couples. Initially, Mao and Hisashi take center stage, but they eventually slip into the background so that Giichi and Jin can assume the spotlight. After that, the anime shifts to Rei and Shion. Now, all the characters are linked through a high school club, so there is a sense of continuity between the arcs; however, they are still fairly self-contained and depict different dynamics that are not all equally positive (although, they are not toxic either).
While containing a few over-the-top moments,Twilight Out of Focusis relatively grounded and does a great job exploring characters who are at unique stages in their sexual exploration and discovery. Out of all three relationships, Mao and Hisashi are probably the most endearing, as they go from roommates with strict rules to partners who trust and support each other. The anime also dives into Hisashi’s former relationship, which was anything but positive.
A (relatively) new addition to the Yuri genre comes in the form of a school-themed maid cafethat idolizes Shojo storylines.These girls do their best to give customers the full Liebe Girls Academy experience, which is easier said than done once Hime Shiraki joins the team! This inexperienced waitress and her intense kawaii factor has everyone wrapped around her finger; however, Mitsuki seems immune to Hime’s charm. Except for those moments of weakness where her anger is replaced with blushing bashfulness.
Hime, on the other hand, is determined to find a rich man and live a happy life, although she can’t seem to shake Mitsuki from her mind. Are her people-pleasing instincts simply going into overdrive, or could this be the beginning of a budding romance with a complex origin story? Or perhaps Kanoko will suddenly swoop in to claim Hime as her paramore!
Slightly off-putting title aside, this anime should not be judged by its name or even premise. Celebrating thirty years of virginity, Adachi suddenly develops the power to read minds, which allows him to learn that he is the target of affection for his coworker, Kurosawa. Unsurprisingly, the protagonist has no idea how to process this information at first, and he tries to avoid Kurosawa as much as possible. However, the more Adachi listens to his coworker’s thought process, the more he comes to appreciate him. Eventually, love blooms.
Cherry Magic!feels like a deconstruction of old Boys Love stories. Without the context of his thoughts, Kurosawa’s actions could come across as pushy, all the while seemingly like an overly perfect character who is loved by everyone. Adachi learns that this perception is not founded in reality, and he grows fond of the version of Kurosawa who is mostly ignored by the world.
Heavenly Delusionplays aroundwith the concept of gender quite extensively, to the point where viewers are never quite sure about any characters' biological sex. But more importantly, these distinctions don’t seem to matter, and those who experience a big “gender-reveal” moment don’t suddenly change their personality types to better align with stereotypical expectations.
Kiruko and Tokio are the first to drop bombshells, proving that nobody should judge a book by its cover! Meanwhile, Maru’s reaction to the fact that he isactuallycrushing on a boy is wholesome and heartwarming (albeit, a bit pervy at times.) He continues to cling to his affections, regardless of Kiruko’s gender identity. Meanwhile, the Nursery is on its own mission to hide the truth. It’s interesting to see how the children’s ambiguity impacts their sexual orientations once their hormones kick in, as evaluating individual personalities is more important than looking for a “gender-appropriate” partner.
One of the most popularBL animeof all time,Yuri!!! on Icecan be slightly disappointing depending on somebody’s expectations. While Yuri and Victor’s budding relationship is a constant presence throughout the show, it is somewhat subtle and does not become overt until the climax. Consequently, the anime can sometimes seem like it is not fully committed to this dynamic. That said, this is still an entertaining series.
Yuri!!! on Iceis first and foremost a sports anime, and it follows that genre’s structure fairly closely. The romance element might be the main draw for a lot of viewers, but they will need to enjoy Yuri’s journey to regain his confidence as a figure skater as well. Ultimately,Yuri!!! on Ice’s quality is high enough to warrant a recommendation to BL and sports anime fans, although an appreciation for both would be ideal.
