LGBTQ is no longer a theory or an orthodox hoax. Now even the mainstream media is focusing on the necessity of presenting the community to its audience. Anime and Manga are two mediums that transcend human understanding and go above and beyond conventional storytelling. If we ignore some manga’s censorship and look at the central plot, chances are we might even like the concept, and if a show is as good as Yuri! on Ice, you might even fall in love with it. Keeping the falling in love cliche in mind, here are the best LGBTQ Manga that you should read right now.
My Brother’s Husband by Gengogroh Tagame
My Brother’s Husband by Gengogroh Tagame is a story that transcends boundaries, countries, and conventional relationships and stigmas in our society. The story is twisted and gives you an insight into individualistic homophobia in the Japanese culture.
After hearing about his twin brother, Ryōji, who died in Canada, Yaichi learns that his brother was queer, and he had a husband, who is arriving to meet Yaichi in Japan.
The story is strikingly realistic, where the Japanese perspective about gay people is challenged with that of the Western perception of gay people. Yaichi’s daughters accept Ryōji’s husband in the house, but Yaichi goes through a tough time changing his ways and accepting the world of LGBTQ people in his home.
Girlfriends by Milk Morinaga
Girlfriends by Milk Morinaga is a beautifully crafted Manga that highlights the yuri side of Japanese literature. Girlfriends is a well-known manga in the LGBTQ Manga and is often considered a masterpiece representing LGBTQ in the Japanese culture.
The story revolves around Mari, who is a socially awkward girl, and she meets with the ever-energetic girl Akiko Oohashi. Akiko is extraordinarily extroverted, and she can always speak her mind, but Mari is different. She swallows her words out of insecurity and shyness. As the story develops, Miko starts enjoying this new life of parties, dancing, talking to strangers, and consuming alcohol, and she eventually falls for Akiko.
Akiko corresponds with Miko’s feelings, and the two of them start dating. As a result of this newly formed relationship, the people around them, including their friends, begin to change their perspective towards society. By observing how comfortable Miko and Akiko are in a relationship, they eventually accept this new form of love.
Our Dreams At Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani
If there is one Manga that shares the first-person perspective of a teenage gay boy, it has to be Our Dreams At Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani. Our Dreams At Dusk delve into the bottomless pit of self-discovery of one’s orientation in a non-conventional society.
The series protagonist Tasuku Kaname finds himself in an enchanting world where he can’t decide his orientation. Outcast by society, Tasuku tries to kill himself by jumping off a bridge. At the last moment, a mysterious woman, who calls herself Anonymous, saves Tasuku.
Tasuku Kaname meets with these groups and quickly regains his consciousness that he is not alone, and so many individuals are as conflicted around their queerness as him. Our Dreams At Dusk is as beautiful as it can be with aesthetically pleasing artwork and an appealing story that walks into the fiery depths of scrutiny.
Conclusion
There are tons of Japanese Manga and anime shows that are either too explicit or borderline ecchi. Some even exist for only fan servicing, but some hidden gems genuinely highlight the complications of the LGBTQ community in traditional social settings. Some underrated manga that is equally good but couldn’t make it to this list includes, Until I Meet My Husband by Nanasaki Ryosuke, Love Me For Who I Am by Kata Konayama, and Blue Flag by KAITO.
