The Best Trans Characters in Anime and Manga
Explore the top trans characters in anime and manga, highlighting their significance in promoting inclusivity and thoughtful storytelling.
Seiko Kotobuki – Lovely Complex
Seiko Kotobuki, a character from Lovely Complex, briefly dates Otani before revealing that she is transgender. Initially shocked and avoiding Seiko, Otani eventually accepts her for who she is. Seiko’s cheerful personality and exploration of her dysphoria make her a well-rounded character. Lovely Complex emphasizes the importance of a supportive network of friends in the transgender experience.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Lily – Zombieland Saga
Lily, an openly transgender character, is part of a major anime idol group in Zombieland Saga. As a former child actress, Lily’s story touches upon the stress of a TV career and severe body dysphoria. Her design incorporates colors from the transgender flag, and her fellow idols treat her with respect and support. Lily’s positive portrayal even reached the UK Parliament, where a meme featuring her was shared.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Natsuyoshi Utsumi – Our Dreams At Dusk
Utsumi, a friendly and outgoing character in Our Dreams At Dusk, represents a transgender man. The manga portrays him as a kind individual with a regular job and a supportive group of friends. Utsumi’s characterization goes beyond his gender identity, emphasizing the normalization of transgender representation in media.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Tiger – My Hero Academia
Tiger, a member of the Wild Wild Pussycats in My Hero Academia, is confirmed by the creator to be a transgender man. Although Tiger’s character does not receive significant focus, his confident and supportive nature presents a positive representation of a transgender male character in a popular anime series.
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Alluka – Hunter x Hunter
Alluka, Killua’s affectionate sister in Hunter x Hunter, is portrayed as a young trans girl. The series showcases Killua using Alluka’s preferred pronouns and openly referring to her as his sister, offering a respite from the scorn she faces from other family members. Alluka’s representation in Hunter x Hunter stands ahead of its time.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Shou Fujita – Stars Align
Shou Fujita’s inclusion in Stars Align is crucial to the story. As Maki’s mother’s new partner, Shou recounts his own struggles with gender identity and the societal norms he once conformed to. His journey to live true to himself resonates with many LGBTQ+ individuals and highlights the relief experienced when embracing one’s true identity.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Togata – Fire Punch
Togata, a character in Fire Punch, represents transgender individuals who have experienced severe dysphoria. Despite the intense nature of the story, Togata’s struggles with identity are dealt with tactfully. Their deep love for films and the way their gender plays into their characterization adds complexity to their representation.
Nitori Lily – Wandering Son
Wandering Son sensitively explores transgender identity through its main character, Nitori Lily. From elementary school to adulthood, Lily’s story delves into the emotional journey of gender dysphoria. The anime showcases a range of reactions from Lily’s friends and family, emphasizing the complexities of transgender experiences.
Ryo Watari – Boys Run The Riot
Boys Run The Riot presents Ryo Watari, a high schooler struggling with his gender identity. Ryo’s journey focuses on gaining confidence and expressing his true self through fashion. The story’s anti-establishment themes align with the exploration of societal views on gender identity.
Hana – Tokyo Godfathers
Hana, a transgender woman in Tokyo Godfathers, offers an unflinching portrayal of the transgender experience. The film depicts her struggles with misgendering, severe disease, and homelessness. Satoshi Kon’s understanding of the importance of appropriately representing the trans experience is evident in Hana’s character.
Conclusion
While transgender representation in anime and manga still has progress to make, these mediums have showcased intricately drawn and well-developed trans characters. Anime and manga have often been ahead of mainstream American comics and animated series in terms of representation. The best trans characters in these mediums demonstrate the potential for meaningful transgender representation and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse storytelling landscape.
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