Despite anime having a much higher number of queer characters on screen as compared to Western TV series and Hollywood films, those characters have often been relegated to being embodiments of negative stereotypes of their community, or are meant simply as the punch line for homophobic jokes.
However, there have also been LGBTQ+ figures that were portrayed as actual characters, whose entire existence did not revolve around their sexuality. Sadly, time wasn’t kind to most of these characters, seeing how most of them flew under the radar or have been forgotten as the years went on.
9 Aru Aise Loves Yukine & Is Viewed By Yuno As Her Primary Love Rival (Future Diary)
Perhaps the best thing about Aru is how he’s not just a gay side character as is often the case. He’s actually the deuteragonist of Future Diary, who has genuine feelings of love and protection towards Yukki.
In fact, the anime goes so far as to show Aru approaching and kissing Yukki, all the while being aware (and sort of mocking) the intensely jealous Yuno Gasai, who viewed this happening from a distance
8 Shion Kisses Nezumi Goodbye Before He Secretly Departs To Save Safu (No. 6)
The relationship between Nezumi and Shion is a slow burn, which is perhaps why it makes their relationship all the more believable.
After leaving his life behind and running away with Nezumi, Shion vows to save Safu, but does not want to involve Nezumi. Thus, in episode 7, he gives Nezuki a goodbye kiss, which is disguised as a goodnight kiss because he assumed the two would never meet again.
7 Nobara Yukinokouji Openly Flirts With Other Girls (Inu X Boku Secret Service)
Despite being just one of many side characters in Inu x Boku, Nobara ends up leaving quite an impression on fans, mostly because of her fixation with other girls.
She does not hesitate to flirt with any and every cute girl that crosses her path, including Ririchiyo Shirakiin. Despite her behavior being considered as off-putting by some, she’s praised for being a genuinely kind and caring friend, especially toward Ririchiyo.
6 Lian Xie Is A Sweet Young Man Who Falls For A Wily, Devastation-Class Demon (Heaven’s Official Blessing)
This once beloved prince was banished from the Heavens, forced to complete odd jobs in order to gain entry back into said Heavens.
During his time on earth, Xie met with the charismatic Hua Cheng, who was disguised as San Lang. The two started off as strangers, but ended up becoming solid confidantes of each other— which is not surprising, seeing as their love story transcended several lifetimes.
5 Shima Nishina Openly Kisses & Pursues Serinuma As Well As Other Boys (Kiss Him, Not Me)
Initially, Shima was mistaken for a boy due to her androgynous appearance. None of the boys even took her seriously, up until she went ahead and kissed Serinuma, that is.
From that moment on, she declared her true intentions to everybody: That she will pursue Serinuma just as seriously as the other boys. It was quite heartening to see her advances being taken seriously by the boys, who actually respected her as the strongest contender for the sweet Serinuma.
4 Genpachi Eventually Realizes His Attraction To Shino (Hakkenden: Eight Dogs Of The East)
After his fiancé’s death, Genpachi isolated himself from everybody. However, all of that changed when he, his brother Nobungo, and Shino all fought off a demon attack together. After looking at Shino closely, he decided he would pursue him– but only when he grew older.
In fact, when Shino’s body reverted to his 18-year-old self, Nobungo did not let Genpachi meet him for fear of watching his brother fall even harder for the now adult Shino.
3 OD Is A Gender Neutral Alien (Gatchaman Crowds)
OD’s gender is never confirmed in the anime, which is perhaps why they were quite popular among the LGBTQ+ community at the time the anime aired.
In fact, the anime was hailed by the community as being exceptionally representational of the LGBTQ community. Another inclusive character was Rui, a cross-dressing young boy, while the show’s antagonist, Berg Katse, was a non-binary character who just casually kissed Rui like it was no big deal.
2 Jiro Was Born A Male But Identifies As A Woman (Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens)
Not only is Jiro a character who was born as a male but who now identifies as a female, it isn't even the entire focus of her character, which makes her an even better representation for the LGBTQ community as it means she's not just a one-note gimmick character.
She is actually shown to be an avenger– a person who takes revenge for people in exchange for money, and hurting perpetrators only as much as they hurt their victims. She also has no qualms getting their hands dirty for their job.
1 Fire Emblem Loves Flirting With Male Superheroes (Tiger & Bunny)
True to his stage name, Nathan (aka Fire Emblem) loves going all out when it comes to style. Eye-catching colors, makeup, and costumes– these are his most defining traits. He is closest to the superhero Wild Tiger, as he flirts with him more than anyone else.
He once invited Tiger to spend the night with him, to which Tiger said he wouldn't because Fire Emblem isn’t his type— seeing how Fire Emblem is much taller than Tiger.