Pride Month is here, and we want to celebrate by listing some of our favorite anime series that represent the LGBTQIA+ community well. Queer representation can be seen in anime as far back as the 80s and since then it has continued to evolve through the many diverse characters and stories that these series have told. Here’s our list of 5 anime series to watch during Pride Month.
Paradise Kiss
Popular Josei manga/anime ‘Paradise Kiss’ features several openly queer characters from unapologetically bisexual George to Isabella who is transgender. ‘Paradise Kiss’ is emotional, complex, and explores the themes of self discovery, young love, sexuality, and fashion. It’s become a cult favorite. The 12 episode series also spares no drama in taking the audience through some intense moments.
Given
‘Given’ is another fan favorite. The series follows a group of four male students in an amateur rock band, and the dual romantic relationships that form among them. The romance between Satou and Uenoyama gives rumors of gay romance. The ‘Given’ movie also explores the relationship between Nakayama and Kaji.
Kakegurui
Although not technically not an LGBTQ anime, ‘Kakegurui’ features lesbian and gender fluid characters. Set at gambling focused Hyakkaou Private Academy, the series follows high school students, particularly Yumeko Jabami. Yumeko is a compulsive gambler who is hooked on the thrill of gambling unlike her fellow classmates who do it for financial success and social standing. The popular anime is streaming on Netflix.
Ouran High School Host Club
‘Ouran High School Host Club’ is fan favorite and definitely a must watch in anime. It follows scholarship student, Haruhi in a prestigious high school, who accidentally becomes of the school’s all-male host club who entertain their female classmates. Although not a gay anime, the series features several LGBTQIA+ characters and touches on topics like sexual orientation and gender identity.
Bloom Into You
An underrated gem, ‘Bloom Into You’ is a lesbian anime that explores the relationship between two high school students Touka and Yuu as they figure out their feelings for each other while discovering that one of them may not be the person they claim to be.
Although we only listed five theres many more anime series that represent the LGBTQIA+ community. Comment and let us know which ones are your favorite. Also follow MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest for more updates!