Summary
My Hero Academia breaks the mold by introducing transgender characters, such as Tiger and Magne, bringing diversity to a genre that often avoids LGBTQ+ representation. Tiger’s respect for gender norms is subtly expressed through his preference for wearing miniskirts, while Magne’s gender identity is indicated by her teammates calling her “” Big Sis” and correcting her transsexuals. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in manga is rare, with clues to their gender identity being woven into the story rather than overtly highlighted, making it easy to overlook their representation if not actively looking for it.
With one of the largest cast of manga characters, it’s no surprise that My Hero Academy will feature heroes, villains, and supporting characters representing the full spectrum of human diversity, including LGBTQ+ community. Given the lack of enthusiasm in the Japanese manga market, it is not surprising that creators often avoid introducing LGBTQ+ characters, especially if doing so means they may face backlash. from manufacturers, distributors and/or fans. In recognition of her work, Kohei Horikoshi, the author of My Hero Academia, not only introduced the two supporting characters in the manga as transgender, but also potentially one of the members of Class 1-A.
My Hero Academia’s most obvious transgender character is Yawara Chatora (AKA Tiger). Introduced in My Hero Academia chapter 72, Tiger is a hero-supporting member of the Wild superhero team, the Wild Pussycats. Not much is said about his gender identity in the story, however, his preference for wearing miniskirts clearly shows his disrespect for rigid gender boundaries. Although his gender identity is implicitly accepted in the manga for attentive readers, his transgender identity is clearly stated in the manga’s character description, implying that he has been transgender in Thailand for a long time.
Transgender Heroes and Villains in My Hero Academia
In addition to Tiger, the other transgender hero of My Hero Academia is Kenji Hishiki, AKA Magne, a member of the League of Villains. The manga’s portrayal of her gender identity is much more subtle and not as obvious as Tiger’s, but there’s still enough evidence for attentive readers to realize that she’s transgender. For example, despite her masculine appearance and traditional male attire, in My Hero Academia chapter 74, her teammates still call her “Big Sis Mag” and they try very hard to correct anyone who calls her. she is male. Her Quirk also has an interesting and fitting effect, as she can use her Quirk to attract two people of the same sex in a way that makes them repel each other like magnets of different polarity.
One reason fans may have overlooked Tiger and Magne’s transgender identity is that LGBTQ+ characters are so rare in mainstream manga that any clues that they’re transgender could be. considered a coincidence. Also, there is the fact that the clues are not presented in a way that attracts attention, such as Superman’s historical same-sex kissing scene across the page. Instead, the clues are simply incorporated into the story like any other character element. It can be difficult to determine their gender if fans aren’t really looking for it.
Despite the fact that Tiger and Magne are identified as transgender, the fact that they are supporting characters has had a huge impact on the expansion of the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in manga. Horikoshi seems to have realized this and took steps to fix it through 1-A Class member Minoru Mineta. Like his subtle treatment of Tiger and Magne’s gender, there’s no definitive proof that Mineta is LGBTQ+, but there are signs that he would be if Horikoshi wanted to. Indeed, in My Hero Academia chapter 321, while in battle, Mineta revealed her feelings for Deku. For many fans, Mineta’s comments are a clear sign that he is bisexual.
Whether this moment is an actual sign of his gender or a simple act of encouragement for teammates, the fact is that it is being discussed as an expression of hermaphroditism. My Hero Academy take the lead in LGBTQ+ represented in the manga.
