The world of anime and manga has seen a real increase in great LBGTQ+ representation over the last few years. Series such as Yuri!! On Ice and Bloom Into You received widespread acclaim, and 2019’s Stars Align became the first anime to have one of its characters explicitly identify as X-gender (a Japanese term for a nonbinary identity).
It’s no surprise, then, that there are more fantastic LGBTQ+ manga to choose from than ever before. While it’s good to have a lot of options available, it means it can be hard to decide what to read next. Luckily, there are some exceptionally great titles that serve as a great place to start!
10 Boys Run The Riot Is An Explosion Of Trans Creativity
One of the best new queer manga out there is Boys Run the Riot, which follows Ryo, a transgender boy who struggles with being closeted at school and around his family. He finds joy, though, in expressing himself through fashion and ends up finding an unexpected friend in new classmate Jin, who decides that they should create a clothing brand together.
It can be difficult to find manga that treats transgender characters with respect, so Boys Run the Riot is a breath of fresh air. Plus, everyone from fashion enthusiasts to creative minds will find the design elements of the story fascinating.
9 My Brother’s Husband Is A Beautiful Story Of Family
Before My Brother’s Husband came out in 2015, no one expected Gengorou Tagame, the undisputed master of explicit yaoi manga, to release a wholesome story about family — and its success was an even bigger surprise. But, as anyone who’s read this Eisner award-winning series can attest, this story is one of the most heartwarming and special ones out there.
The protagonist, Yaichi, is a single father whose estranged twin brother, Ryoji, recently passed away. He reluctantly ends up hosting Ryoji’s Canadian husband, Mike, whose kindness and friendship with Yaichi’s daughter Kana leads to Yaichi confronting his own preconceptions and prejudices — as well as those of the society he lives in.
8 Isekai Meets Yuri In I’m In Love With The Villainess
For isekai fans looking for an LGBTQ+ friendly take on their favorite genre, I’m in Love with the Villainess is the perfect read. The story starts off in typical isekai fashion, with protagonist Rae finding herself transported to the world of her favorite otome visual novel. Despite being surrounded by beautiful men, though, Rae only has eyes for the game’s villainess, Claire.
This manga (based on a light novel) is currently being serialized, meaning it’s the perfect time to jump into Rae’s story. Plus, its similar subject matter means it’s a great fit for readers who have been loving the popular series My Next Life As A Villainess.
7 Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide Is A Literal & Emotional Journey
One fantastic brand-new series featuring queer characters is Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, which has recently had its first volume published in English. It follows Asahi and Mitsuki, a gay couple who, after a health scare, decide to get married — but only after a trip around the world.
Readers get to enjoy not only the lovely dynamic between the two but also the beautiful portraits of the places and people they meet along the way. This journey’s far from over, and it’s the perfect time for readers to join Asahi and Mitsuki on their way.
6 My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness Is A Deeply Personal Story Of Queer Intimacy
My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness is an autobiographical manga that describes author Nagata Kabi’s first sexual experience — with a lesbian prostitute. That might not sound like the most thought-provoking thing in the world, but Kabi expertly weaves that one experience into a personal essay on loneliness, family, and what it means to grow up.
This manga blew readers away, which led to Kabi being able to publish more deeply compelling personal essays in My Solo Exchange Diary, as well as a new book — My Alcoholic Escape from Reality — that recounts her experience of a medical emergency. Kabi is undoubtedly one of the best and most unique mangaka working today.
5 I Think Our Son Is Gay Focuses On A Loving & Supportive Mother
There can be a lot of focus on discrimination and bigotry in manga that deals with LGBTQ+ characters, and, while addressing those issues is important, many readers crave more positive stories of queer life.
They’ll love I Think Our Son is Gay, a manga that focuses on Tomoko, the supportive mother of a closeted — but extremely easy to read — gay teenager. While the tone is light and funny, it’s also extremely heartwarming to see Tomoko’s unconditional love for her son as he grows up and embarks on his first, extremely tentative, romance.
4 Loved The Anime Version Of Bloom Into You? Try The Original Manga
When the anime Bloom Into You aired, it quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best and most down-to-earth depictions of a lesbian romance out there, with it being an introduction to the genre for many fans. Viewers who haven’t yet read the original manga or are completely new to the series should definitely check it out. Plus, as the manga went on after the anime series was completed, it’s ideal for fans who want to see even more of the lovable main couple.
3 Love Me For Who I Am Represents Nonbinary Identities
Representation of nonbinary identities can be hard to find in any medium, so Love Me For Who I Am is as important as it is sweet. It focuses on Mogumo, a nonbinary teenager who knows they’re not a boy or a girl and struggles to find friends who will accept them as they are — until they take a job at classmate Tetsu’s family maid cafe.
There, they meet other characters, including a transgender girl who learns to be unapologetic about who she is, and a gay teen who wants to be open about his relationship with his boyfriend.
2 Given Is Boy’s Love At Its Best
The genre of Boy’s Love has unfortunately developed something of a reputation for melodramatic plots and unrealistic characters. It’s something to get excited about, then, when a series like Given appears. Following a group of teenage boys and the band that they form together, this manga’s rich characterization and perfectly paced romance will make readers want to grab an instrument and join in.
For fans who prefer anime to manga, there’s also an adaption that was equally well-received. Either way, this gem of a series isn’t to be missed.
1 Our Dreams At Dusk Brings Magical Realism To Everyday Struggles
Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare is an absolute masterpiece. After a teenage boy called Tasuku is outed as gay to his classmates, the manga follows him as he discovers a mysterious lounge where a group of colorful and queer characters meet and renovate houses in their small seaside town.
Dreamlike visuals combine with all-too-real discrimination in this series, lending it a mesmerizing and unique tone. Featuring characters from all across the spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities, it’s a true celebration of the community. Don’t miss this one.
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