The world of anime is rich and diverse, showcasing a variety of characters that challenge norms and embrace different aspects of human sexuality. Here is a list of notable gay characters from animes, highlighting their orientations and roles in the stories.
It is worth noting that some characters, despite exhibiting characteristics, personality, and feminine traits, do not necessarily mean that they are interested in people of the same sex. Some Japanese characters are a mystery!
The following list highlights the most popular anime characters that belong to the LGBTQIA+ community or at least have a feminine demeanor. We also recommend reading:
Table of Content
Gay Characters from Popular Animes
The following list focuses on characters that are not part of a "Yaoi anime" aimed at highlighting homosexual relationships. The characters below can be found in popular anime of all genres.
Masumi Okuyama - Nodame Cantabile
Masumi Okuyama is one of the characters from "Nodame Cantabile." He is a talented percussionist and openly gay, with an unrequited crush on the protagonist, Shinichi Chiaki. Masumi is a fun and expressive character, whose sexual orientation is addressed in a light and inclusive manner.
Bob - Fairy Tail
Bob is the flamboyant leader of the Blue Pegasus guild in "Fairy Tail." Although his sexual orientation is not explicitly addressed in the series, Bob is often portrayed with traits and behavior that suggest his gay identity. His vibrant and welcoming personality makes him a memorable and cherished figure among the members of his guild.
Wolfram Von Bielefeld - Kyo Kara Maoh!
Wolfram Von Bielefeld is one of the main characters in "Kyo Kara Maoh!". He is engaged to Yuri Shibuya, the protagonist of the series, due to a cultural misunderstanding. Wolfram is openly gay and does not hesitate to express his feelings for Yuri, which adds a layer of complexity and depth to his character, especially when dealing with his explosive temperament and his sincere love.
Kazutaka Muraki - Descendants of Darkness
Kazutaka Muraki is the antagonist in "Descendants of Darkness." He is a sadistic doctor with an obsession for Tsuzuki Asato. Muraki's sexual orientation is an important aspect of his character, adding layers of complexity and perversion to the plot.
Toshimitsu Kubo - Baka And Test - Summon The Beasts
In "Baka And Test - Summon The Beasts," Toshimitsu Kubo is a serious student who develops a secret crush on the protagonist Akihisa Yoshii. Kubo is reserved about his feelings, but his affection for Akihisa is evident in various situations throughout the series. His sexual orientation is an important aspect of his character and contributes to exciting and revealing moments in the plot.
Juuzou Sakakura - Danganronpa
Juuzou Sakakura is a character in "Danganronpa: The Animation". He is openly gay and in love with Kyosuke Munakata. Juuzou is a skilled fighter and extremely loyal, whose sexual orientation adds depth to his personality and motivations in the series.
Pri-pri-prisoner - One-Punch Man
Pri-pri-prisoner, from "One-Punch Man", is a gay superhero who has a muscular appearance and an extravagant personality. He is known for his incredible strength and his affectionate attitude towards other heroes, especially male ones. His orientation is addressed with humor but also with respect, making him a unique and memorable character.
Garterbelt - Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt
Garterbelt is an African-American priest in "Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt." Although the series is known for its irreverent humor, Garterbelt is portrayed as a gay character with a complex past. His orientation is a significant element of his personality, and he faces his own internal struggles while guiding the protagonist angels.
Otohiko - Kamisama Kiss
Otohiko is a wind deity in "Kamisama Kiss." He is an androgynous character and often expresses romantic interest in other men, especially Tomoe, the shrine's familiar. Otohiko adds an element of fun and diversity to the series with his eccentric and carefree personality.
Hasuta - Haiyore! Nyaruko-san
Hasuta is an androgynous character in "Haiyore! Nyaruko-san." Although his sexual orientation is not explicitly defined, Hasuta shows romantic interest in Mahiro Yasaka, the male protagonist. Hasuta adds an element of ambiguity and fun to the series with his sweet and carefree personality.
Mayotama - I Can't Understand What My Husband Is Saying
Mayotama is a supporting character in "I Can't Understand What My Husband Is Saying". He is openly gay and works as a bartender. His sexual orientation is depicted in a positive and natural way, and he often gives love advice to the main characters.
Aeon Clock - Air Gear
Aeon Clock is a character from "Air Gear" known for his androgynous appearance and combat skills. He is openly gay and displays affectionate behavior towards other male characters. Aeon Clock adds a layer of diversity and complexity to the series.
Yusuke Ono - Antique Bakery
Yusuke Ono is one of the main characters of "Antique Bakery." He is a gay pastry chef known for his "demonic charm" that makes all men fall in love with him. Yusuke is a complex and charismatic character, whose sexual orientation is central to his role in the story and interactions with other characters.
Gay Characters from Yaoi Animes
Lan Wangji - Mo Dao Zu Shi
Lan Wangji is one of the protagonists of "Mo Dao Zu Shi," also known as "The Untamed." He is deeply in love with Wei Wuxian, another protagonist of the series. Lan Wangji is portrayed as a reserved and highly disciplined character, whose devotion to Wei Wuxian is central to the narrative. Their relationship is one of the most iconic and beloved in the BL (Boys' Love) genre.
Ren Kaidou - Super Lovers
Ren Kaidou is one of the main characters in "Super Lovers." He develops a romantic relationship with his half-brother Haru. Ren is portrayed as a reserved and free-spirited young man, whose deep emotional connection with Haru is explored throughout the series. The complexity of their relationship is central to the plot.
Hikaru Kusakabe - Doukyuusei
Hikaru Kusakabe is one of the protagonists of "Doukyuusei." He falls in love with Rihito Sajou, and together they explore love and sexuality while facing the challenges of school life. Hikaru is a cheerful and confident character, whose relationship with Rihito is portrayed in a sweet and realistic manner.
Takato Saijyo - Dakaichi - I’m Being Harassed By The Sexiest Man Of The Year
Takato Saijyo is a famous actor in "Dakaichi" who becomes romantically involved with his rival, Junta Azumaya. Takato is initially resistant to Junta's advances but eventually succumbs to his charm. The series explores the dynamic between the two men in a highly competitive environment filled with sexual tension.
Riku Kurose - Ten Count
Riku Kurose is a therapist in "Ten Count" who helps Shirotani, a man with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The relationship between Kurose and Shirotani develops in a complex and emotional way, exploring themes of love, trust, and healing. Kurose is a dedicated and sensitive character whose sexual orientation is central to the plot.
Junta Azumaya - Dakaichi - I’m Being Harassed By The Sexiest Man Of The Year
Junta Azumaya is the heartthrob of the entertainment world in "Dakaichi." He is in love with Takato Saijyo and does everything to win him over. Junta is persistent and confident, and his relationship with Takato is filled with romantic moments and challenges. The chemistry between them is one of the highlights of the series.
Rihito Sajou - Doukyuusei
Rihito Sajou is the other protagonist of "Doukyuusei". He is a serious and studious student who falls in love with Hikaru Kusakabe. Their love story is portrayed in a sincere and sensitive way, highlighting the beauty of first love and personal discovery.
Tetsuhiro Morinaga - Koi Suru Boukun
Tetsuhiro Morinaga is an undergraduate student in "Koi Suru Boukun" who is in love with his senpai, Souichi Tatsumi. Despite Souichi's initial resistance, Morinaga continues to express his feelings persistently. His dedication and love for Souichi are central themes of the series.
Tadaomi Shirotani - Ten Count
Tadaomi Shirotani is the protagonist of "Ten Count" who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder. His relationship with Riku Kurose is a crucial aspect of the series, exploring how love and support can aid in emotional healing. Shirotani is a vulnerable and complex character whose journey is deeply touching.
Sora Hashiba - Sukisho
Sora Hashiba is one of the protagonists of "Sukisho". He has a complex relationship with Sunao Fujimori, and together they face the challenges of their identities and pasts. The series addresses themes of love and acceptance, highlighting the deep connection between Sora and Sunao.
Sunao Fujimori - Sukisho
Sunao Fujimori is the other protagonist of "Sukisho." His relationship with Sora Hashiba is central to the narrative, exploring the complexity of their emotions and shared experiences. Sunao is a sensitive and loyal character whose love story is both painful and beautiful.
Alberto Valentino - Ikoku Irokoi Romantan
Alberto Valentino is a central character in "Ikoku Irokoi Romantan". He falls in love with Ranmaru, a young Japanese man. Alberto is charming and passionate, and his relationship with Ranmaru is filled with passion and cultural challenges. The series highlights transcultural love and acceptance.
Ugetsu Murata - Given
Ugetsu Murata is a talented violinist in "Given." He has a complicated relationship with Akihiko Kaji, characterized by emotional ups and downs. Ugetsu is a deep and introspective character whose music reflects his complex emotions.
