While love that defies the rigid boundaries of gender deserves recognition on a daily basis, June takes on a special role as the official month dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in countless ways. Recognized far and wide as Pride Month, this time frame serves as a consolidated period to commemorate the arduous struggles endured by the LGBTQ+ community in their quest for equal rights. It also serves as a platform to shine a spotlight on the diverse individuals who take immense pride in embracing their authentic sexual identities.
Numerous influential films and TV series have emerged, both from Hollywood and the global film industry, that revolve around the LGBTQ+ community. And it’s worth noting that the world of anime is no exception.
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13‘Liz and the Blue Bird’ (2016)
Liz and the Blue Bird, a spin-off sequel to the beloved anime series Sound! Euphonium, draws inspiration from the novel of the same name. This captivating story revolves around two high school girls, Mizore (voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki) and Nozomi (voiced by Nao Tôyama), who share a deep friendship and are both members of their school’s concert band. As they prepare for an upcoming competition, their musical journey takes a unique turn when they’re tasked with performing a duet based on the enchanting titular fairy tale.
Liz and the Blue Bird is not merely a tale of two girls with a profound romantic bond and mutual respect; it also serves as the creative wellspring for the concert band piece in which our protagonists are deeply immersed. With the infusion of fairytale elements, this anime gem from 2016 presents its characters with the challenge of reconciling their aspirations with reality, resulting in a heart-rending narrative.
12‘Stars Align’ (2019)
Stars Align delves into the world of a middle school soft tennis club, a group striving to find recognition and support within their school and community. The club’s destiny is guided by Toma (voiced by Josh Grelle), a determined new transfer student with a passion for helping the team achieve success.
This anime offers a sincere and thought-provoking exploration of the hurdles faced by young individuals in today’s society. It handles LGBTQ+ themes with sensitivity and care, particularly in the meaningful connection between two of the male characters. Additionally, within the same episode, one character openly identifies as non-binary, while another shares their experiences as a transgender individual. All of this makes Stars Align a truly worthwhile viewing experience for its audience.
11‘Wandering Son’ (2011)
Wandering Son places a spotlight on the inner conflicts experienced by the LGBTQ+ community concerning their gender identity. It navigates the intricate terrain of gender dysphoria, the weight of societal expectations on transgender individuals, and the profound journey towards self-acceptance. At its core, the story revolves around two fifth-grade students grappling with their own gender identities. Shuichi (voiced by Kōsuke Hatakeyama) yearns to be a girl, while Yoshino (voiced by Asami Seto) experiences a different struggle, wishing to embrace a different gender identity.
One remarkable aspect of Wandering Son is its portrayal of transformation, which is artfully presented on television. The series masterfully captures the challenges of approaching puberty, navigating the complexities of budding romance, and more, all rendered in a visually stunning watercolor art style that’s sure to captivate viewers. Moreover, the show treats its characters with deep empathy and compassion, fostering a connection that enables viewers to truly understand and resonate with their trials and emotions.
10‘Sasaki and Miyano’ (2021)
Sasaki and Miyano invites you into the lives of two high school boys, Sasaki and Miyano, skillfully voiced by Kellen Goff and Joshua Waters. Their journey unfolds as they forge a deep friendship that ultimately blossoms into a heartfelt romance. Sasaki exudes charisma and popularity, while Miyano is the quiet, introspective counterpart. Along the way, they encounter other LGBTQ+ characters and navigate the intricate terrain of acceptance and self-identity.
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Sasaki and Miyano paints a touching and authentic portrait of a same-sex relationship, often considered a masterfully executed love story even by non-queer standards. The show excels in capturing the subtleties of the characters’ diverse emotions and experiences, thanks to its well-developed and relatable characters.
9‘Classmates’ (2016)
Classmates, better known by its Japanese title Dokyuusei, draws its inspiration from Asumiko Nakamura’s manga of the same name. The narrative revolves around two high school classmates, Rihito Sajou (voiced by Kenji Nojima) and Hikaru Kusakabe (voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya), who find themselves falling deeply in love. Their paths first crossed when Hikaru, a spirited and musically-inclined young man involved in a rock band, takes on the role of tutor for Rihito, an honor student struggling with his singing pitch.
What sets Classmates apart is its exquisite watercolor animation style, which lends an ethereal quality to this otherwise heartwarming tale of gay love. Moreover, the series handles the portrayal of a same-sex relationship within a school setting with both sensitivity and unflinching honesty. Its ability to balance sensitivity and realism has garnered it well-deserved acclaim.
8‘Junjou Romantica: Pure Romance’ (2008)
Yaoi, a popular genre in anime, fearlessly explores the intimate aspects of male-to-male relationships. And when it comes to this genre, Junjou Romantica: Pure Romance is a true standout. This gay anime delves deep into the romantic lives of three distinct same-sex couples.
Within its narrative, you’ll find three captivating love stories, each featuring an older man with an established career entangled with the affections of a much younger partner. However, what makes Junjou Romantica truly remarkable is the diversity of relationship dynamics and the captivating quirks of its characters, ensuring that each tale stands out on its own merits. The series has even spawned an equally successful anime spin-off, Sekaiichi Hatsukoi: The World’s Greatest First Love (2011).
7‘Carole & Tuesday’ (2019)
Set in a futuristic world where music is exclusively crafted by artificial intelligence, Carole & Tuesday introduces us to two young women, played by Miyuri Shimabukuro and Kana Ichinose, who hail from different walks of life but share an unwavering passion for music. Together, they join forces to compose their own melodies and chase their dreams of becoming accomplished musicians. Along their journey, they confront a multitude of challenges, including fierce competition with other artists and the music industry’s heavy reliance on AI-generated tunes.
Carole & Tuesday stands out as a truly unique show, weaving together music, sci-fi, and thought-provoking social commentary. What’s more, it boasts a richly diverse cast of characters, including LGBTQ+ individuals, who are portrayed in a genuinely positive and respectful light. The series fearlessly addresses the hardships and discrimination faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, all while handling sensitive topics with a remarkable degree of care and understanding.
6‘Tokyo Godfathers’ (2003)
Tokyo Godfathers unfolds the poignant tale of three homeless individuals who stumble upon an abandoned infant on the bustling streets of Tokyo, on a chilly Christmas Eve. This unlikely trio embarks on a heartfelt journey to reunite the baby with its parents, a quest that leads them through a series of trials and tribulations. As they venture forth, their personal histories and inner struggles come to light.
In contrast to the previous works of its creator, Satoshi Kon, Tokyo Godfathers grounds itself firmly in reality, delving into themes of family, redemption, and the profound impact of human connections. The film has garnered well-deserved acclaim for its captivating animation, compelling characters, and emotional depth, earning its place as a classic in Japanese animation. While Tokyo Godfathers isn’t primarily focused on LGBTQ+ themes, it notably includes a transgender character portrayed with sensitivity and respect. This character is depicted as a fully fleshed-out individual, complete with her own unique backstory and motivations.
5‘Bloom Into You’ (2018)
Bloom Into You is a yuri anime, delving into the realm of girls’ love, that traces the story of Yuu Koito (voiced by Tia Lynn Ballard), a high school student who has never been struck by romantic feelings for anyone. Her world takes a bewildering turn when she’s approached by none other than the student council president, Touko Nanami (voiced by Luci Christian), who confesses her love for Yuu. This leaves Yuu in a state of initial confusion, unsure of how to navigate this newfound affection.
Bloom Into You stands as a powerful and emotionally resonant portrayal of a same-sex relationship, earning its reputation as one of the foremost anime series in exploring LGBTQ+ themes. It has garnered acclaim for its positive depiction of LGBTQ+ characters and its overarching message of acceptance and self-discovery. Yuu’s poignant emotional journey is meticulously crafted, ensuring that viewers not only watch but deeply empathize with her experiences.
4‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ (1997)
Revolutionary Girl Utena, true to its name, not only blazed a trail for the current shoujo and magical girl anime genres but also took a bold stance in shedding light on queer issues like bisexuality and feminist themes within the world of anime. This fantastical anime series unfurls the captivating journey of Utena Tenjou, an orphaned teenager who embarks on a path to become a prince, deeply influenced by her tomboyish demeanor and childhood memories.
Heralded as one of the most pioneering anime series in representing LGBTQ+ themes, Revolutionary Girl Utena features a diverse cast of characters who are either explicitly or implicitly queer, including the enigmatic Utena herself. Beyond that, it delves into the intricate dynamics of power within relationships, celebrates the essence of female friendships, and condemns toxic and abusive relationships, making it a truly trailblazing anime in every sense.
3‘Banana Fish’ (2018)
Steering away from the familiar high school settings, Banana Fish takes us into the gritty streets of New York City, offering a more mature narrative. The series revolves around Ash Lynx (voiced by Yuma Uchida) and Eiji Okumura (voiced by Kenji Nojima), who not only build a strong bond but also delve into the enigmatic mystery known as “Banana Fish,” a phrase that shattered Ash’s brother’s sanity following his return from the Iraq War.
Banana Fish boasts one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ relationships, that between Ash and Eiji. While not overtly romantic, their profound emotional connection and deep care for one another are unmistakable. The show also introduces a range of queer characters, including figures like Blanca (voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa), Ash’s former martial arts instructor, and Yut-Lung (voiced by Jun Fukuyama), a young man who skillfully wields his sexuality as a tool for manipulation.
2‘Yuri!!! On Ice’ (2016)
Haunted by his Grand Prix Final defeat, Yuuri Katsuki (voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga) retreats to his hometown in Kyushu, Japan. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when a video of him performing the routine of his idol, Russian figure skating champion Viktor Nikiforov (voiced by Jun’ichi Suwabe), goes viral. Intrigued by Yuuri’s talent, Viktor takes it upon himself to travel to Kyushu and breathe new life into Yuuri’s stagnating skating career.
Beyond its mesmerizing choreography and clever humor, Yuri!!! On Ice boldly explores one of the most captivating same-sex relationships in the anime world, within the typically male-dominated sports anime genre. The series portrays the romantic bond between Yuri and Victor as a genuine and affectionate one, unflinchingly depicting their physical affection for one another.
1‘Given’ (2019)
While Liz and the Blue Bird caters more to classical music enthusiasts, Given strikes a chord with those who have an affinity for alternative rock. This series centers around Ritsuka (voiced by Josh Grelle), a high school student who finds life rather dull, until an encounter with Mafuyu (voiced by Brandon McInnis). Mafuyu carries a guitar with broken strings, and Ritsuka offers to repair it. To his surprise, he discovers that Mafuyu possesses a hauntingly beautiful singing voice.
This slice-of-life musical anime not only crafts authentic motivations for each character but also breathes life into them through intricately woven backstories that resonate deeply with the audience. The evolving relationships among the band members and the captivating soundtrack elevate Given to the ranks of standout shows in 2019. Without a doubt, Given is an emotionally charged LGBTQ+ anime series that delves into the intricate themes of love, loss, and identity, rendering it a must-watch for genre enthusiasts.
Source: https://dominioncinemas.net
Category: Anime