Anime has always been boundary-pushing—whether it’s in terms of ridiculous plots, supernatural abilities, or epic love affairs. But more than the spectacle, anime has made subtle (and sometimes vociferous) room for queer representation well ahead of mainstream global media. These shows didn’t stand out merely for whom they fell for or how they were; they spoke profoundly to audiences searching for connection, bravery, and honesty in imaginary worlds. Here’s a salute to 10 LGBTQ+ characters who made a difference, broke taboos, and reminded us that identity, much like anime, is far from one-dimensional.
10. Motoko Kusanagi — Ghost in the Shell
Major Kusanagi is not exactly your run-of-the-mill heroine. As a cyborg with a complicated relationship to her human history, Motoko is a fluid identity realized both literally and metaphorically. Though the anime focuses on her existential conflict with what it is to be human, the manga explores her bisexuality and female relationships more deeply. Her gender expression and lack of attachment to a fixed body have long been appealing to LGBTQ+ audiences, particularly those experiencing gender questioning or embodiment. Motoko’s narrative is complex, empowering, and perpetually timely.
9. Nitori Shuichi & Takatsuki Yoshino — Wandering Son
Wandering Son is one of the few anime series based around trans characters with sensitivity and respect. Nitori is a trans girl, and Takatsuki is a trans boy—both going through puberty, figuring out their identity, and the struggles of adolescence. Their struggles aren’t amplified for shock value; they’re based on the very real struggles many trans teenagers experience. The show draws a picture of coming of age that’s tender, painful, and hopeful, and it’s a beacon for fans hungry for authenticity.
8. Jessie & James — Pokémon
Before many shows even recognized queerness, Team Rocket had been delivering camp, pandemonium, and gender fluidity. James especially has gained a huge following for his in-your-face glam, regular drag scenes, and nonconformity to masculinity. Jessie and James, as a duo, were more than the comedic relief that they got credit for—they were permitting queer children to be fabulous, dramatic, and unapologetic.
7. Fish Eye — Sailor Moon SuperS
In a show already popular with its queer characters, Fish Eye still stands out. A member of the Amazon Trio, Fish Eye was openly gay and crossed gender boundaries often, even dressing as a woman in drag. While he was initially introduced as a villain, his character arc is one of vulnerability and a need for acceptance. His plotline helped early viewers, particularly LGBTQ+ viewers, realize that queerness wasn’t something to be hidden—it could be strong and deserving of love.
6. Touya & Yukito — Cardcaptor Sakura
Touya and Yukito’s delicate relationship was exceptional in an era when same-sex love was seldom acknowledged within mainstream anime. Theirs is never handled as a “special issue” or point of contention—it’s just there, peacefully and stunningly. For an entire generation of young people, their love was an introduction to queer love acted out in respect and affection.
5. HIM — The Powerpuff Girls (Honorary Mention)
While technically from an American show, HIM’s influence on queer-coded villains and flamboyant characters in cartoons—anime as well—is impossible to deny. With his evil femininity and melodramatic flair, HIM was frightening and riveting at the same time. Most LGBTQ+ fans viewed him as a character who was Othered, sure—but also unforgettable, unafraid, and compelling.
4. Ryo Asuka — Devilman: Crybaby
Ryo is messy, sad, and crazily mysterious. In the course of Devilman: Crybaby, Ryo’s affection for Akira dissipates boundaries between romantic, friendly, and heavenly. His gender presentation vacillates between male and ambiguous, and his emotions are profoundly intense, if not constantly understood. The Netflix revival pushed hard on these tendencies, providing one of the strongest representations of queer-coded emotional intensity in contemporary anime.
3. Yuri Katsuki & Viktor Nikiforov — Yuri!!! on Ice
Yuri!!! On Ice pushed the boundaries of LGBTQ+ representation in sports anime. Yuri and Viktor’s relationship isn’t merely suggested—it’s depicted with gentleness, affection, and emotional openness. Their kiss, routine sharing, and escalating intimacy were a giant leap for anime, particularly in a genre that isn’t usually synonymous with open queerness. Their narrative said to fans: You, too, can have love like yours represented.
2. Saki & Maria — From the New World (Shinsekai Yori)
In a world that stifles individuality for the sake of conformity, Saki and Maria’s love defiantly resists. Theirs is a relationship portrayed without context or shame—simply raw connection. The narrative progresses with substance and tragedy, challenging viewers to envision a world where love isn’t politicized or policed. Theirs is an intensely emotional and ultimately heartbreaking relationship, leaving a memory on anyone who’s ever loved outside the mainstream.
1. Poison Ivy — Batman (Harley Quinn Series) (Another Honorary Mention)
Even though she hails from the Western comic book universe, Poison Ivy has become a queer icon within fandoms—fans of anime included. Her love affair with Harley Quinn, particularly in the Harley Quinn animated series, redefined what it means to be a queer anti-hero. Ivy’s evolution from sultry femme fatale to a woman who claims love and partnership on her terms is empowering. Her narrative makes it clear to viewers that queerness doesn’t restrict strength—it enhances it.
Why These Characters Are Important
LGBTQ+ representation in anime is not merely a matter of checking diversity boxes. It’s about representing stories that are true to life—messy, happy, love-struck, heartbreaking, and courageous. These characters have made the fans feel like they see themselves, validated, and inspired. Whether they’re fighting demons, gliding on ice, or shooting off into the sky, they’ve taught us that identity is complicated, love is strong, and visibility makes all the difference.