Summary
It can be difficult to find well-written queer representation in manga, but there are exceptional titles that realistically depict the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Autobiographical manga like “The Bride Is a Boy” and “My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness” offer guidance and empathy to readers going through similar situations. Stories like “Given,” “Bloom in You” and “Our Dreams at Dusk” explore themes of love, identity and acceptance, while delivering nuanced and impactful depictions about LGBTQ+ characters.
The industry can be incredibly diverse and creative, but it’s hard to find well-written, authentic instances of gay representation in manga. However, some truly special titles go the extra mile in terms of authentically depicting the experiences and struggles of gay people, and here are some of them. Best LGBTQ+ comics its.
Even in a climate where same-sex romance has long been popular, well-intentioned LGBTQ+ representation that doesn’t rely on stereotypes can still be hard to find. This is especially true for transgender, non-binary, and other queer characters who rarely appear in manga, making it important and important for games to depict such characters realistically. much more commendable.
10 I think our son is gay
Okura’s story and art, 2019-2023
Okura’s I Think Our Son Is Gay is a touching and beautiful story about a teenager discovering his identity and a supportive mother who realizes that he is keeping his sexuality a secret with her, but is waiting for you to be ready before broaching the subject with you. . The story takes place around the Aoyama mansion, where there is a busy father, Akiyoshi, a loving mother, Tomoko, and two sons going about their daily lives, Hiroki and Yuuri. However, showing little talent in keeping secrets, Hiroki constantly stuttered and accidentally revealed more than he wanted.
9 The bride is a boy
Stories and paintings by Chii, 2016
Chii’s memoir The Bride Was a Boy is an autobiography that describes the experience of coming to terms with one’s identity and choosing to transition during her early adult years. Although her life was not always easy, especially as Chii struggled with gender dysphoria while growing up, she gradually understood and accepted herself. Furthermore, she found someone who loved her unconditionally and supported her on this journey, and finally got married. Such a story is extremely important, especially for readers who may be going through similar circumstances and are looking for guidance or sympathy, which is what Chii wants to convey by describing your journey.
8 Whisper me a love song
Stories and paintings by Eku Takeshima, 2019 – ongoing
Whisper Me a Love Song by Eku Takeshima is a wonderful exploration of the concept of love and identity, mainly revolving around two girls, Yori Asanagi and Himari Kino. Even though Yori is older and more mature, she is still inexperienced in love and thus unable to understand her own romantic feelings when she first experiences them. Meanwhile, the bubbly Himari is the type to say whatever’s on her mind without hesitation, which is why she confessed to Yori after the band’s performance, even though this led to a misunderstanding. In the dream fulfillment genre, this story stands out as innocent and wholesome.
7 My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness
Story and art by Kabi Nagata, 2016
My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness by Kabi Nagata is a deeply personal memoir that describes the author’s experiences and feelings after certain events that changed her perspective about life. Her story is largely sad, as she faces the complicated situation of struggling with an eating disorder after dropping out of college, while also facing pressure from her family. Even so, it is told in a way that turns these sad moments into humorous and relatable moments, allowing the reader to sympathize while still remaining optimistic. Regardless of one’s background, such a heartfelt exploration of sexuality, identity and mental health is always sure to be powerful and moving.
6 Sasaki and Miyano
Stories and paintings by Shō Harusono, 2016 – ongoing
Sasaki and Miyano revolves around the main characters, Yoshikazu Miyano, a shy and clumsy guy who worries too much about his femininity and likes to read boy love manga, and Shuumei Sasaki, who once saved Miyano from a difficult situation, thus receiving his admiration and respect. When Sasaki asked Miyano to recommend manga, he lent him one of his favorite manga for boys and he ended up liking the series very much. This shared passion gradually develops into a wonderful couple dynamic, creating a simple yet sweet experience. Thankfully, for fans looking for more, author Shou Harusono has also created Hirano and Kagiura, a similarly enjoyable story.
5 given
Stories and paintings by Natsuki Kizu, 2013 – 2023
Natsuki Kizu’s Given is not only one of the best stories of same-sex love, but also a wonderful exploration of identity, growth, and mental health. The story follows a group of boys as they seek to form a band and play together, as well as the various problems they encounter along the way as well as the development of their personal relationships. What makes this game shine above others is the character’s personalities, as every character feels realistic and nuanced. No matter what events occur, this title always portrays them competently and maturely, handling sensitive topics appropriately and making the experience a memorable and impactful one .
4 Let flowers bloom within you
Story and art by Nio Nakatani, 2015 –
Nio Nakatani’s Bloom to You tells a touching story about first love and everything it entails, from the ideas of self-discovery and identity to the complexities of relationships and communication. The story is about Yuu Koito, a girl who has always liked romance novels and dreamed of finding her own love but has never been able to experience these feelings, and Touko Nanami, who fosters an unexpected relationship. despite her own doubts and insecurities. As the girls fall in love and explore their feelings, they also accept their own identities, developing into nuanced and realistic characters.
3 Green Flags
Kaito’s story and art, 2017 – 2020
Kaito’s Green Flag is a story of love and identity, exploring the complicated relationships between three classmates, Taichi Ichinose, Touma Mita, his childhood friend, and Futaba Kuze, a girl who admits his feelings for Touma with Taichi and asked him for help. Naturally, neither love nor friendship is so simple, since interpersonal relationships are always complicated by misunderstandings and incomprehensible feelings. The same is the case with this odd trio, as Taichi’s time with Touma and Futaba allows him to realize that he has romantic feelings for both of them, while also giving him the opportunity to discover their identities. self.
2 boys cause a riot
Story and art by Keito Gaku, 2020
Keito Gaku’s Boys Run the Riot is one of the best examples of transgender representation in anime and manga, as the story revolves around Ryou Watari, a transgender boy who struggles with the fact that he unable to share your feelings with anyone else, feeling trapped. in one’s own body. However, his life finally takes a turn for the better when he meets Jin Satou, a boy who shares his passion for clothes and accepts him for who he is. Realistically depicting the struggles of not only transgender people but also non-binary people, this title is important to both queer and non-binary people, both of whom are sure to touched by it.
1 Sunset Dream: Shimanami Tasogare
Story and art by Yuhki Kamatani, 2015 – 2018
Yuhki Kamatani’s Our Dreams at Sunset tells the story of a group of people who come together to share their heartfelt problems, as they all struggle with their identities and concerns about how others can perceive them. This takes place in Onomichi, a picturesque town where a building owned by a mysterious woman opens its living room to anyone, welcoming all who have problems they don’t know. can solve it alone. In terms of LGBTQ+ representation, this title is truly one of the best, as it realistically depicts exactly what it’s like to be gay in Japan and how they are treated by society. treat.
From classic tales of same-sex romance to profound and impactful explorations of gender identity, there are plenty of stories being told featuring gay characters that the LGBTQ+ community will likely appreciate. High and sympathetic. Even across different cultures and situations, certain experiences are universal, such as specific issues that people may be struggling with or have difficulty accepting themselves. Thanks to their realistic depiction of certain issues as well as their unwillingness to rely on stereotypes, these are truly some of the Best LGBTQ+ comics out there.