8 LGBTQ Anime Series and Where to Watch Them

Romance anime aren’t hard to come by, but series featuring LGBTQ relationships can prove more difficult to find. Of course, that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. If you’re looking for romance anime with LGBTQ representation, these 10 are perfect to watch this Pride Month — or any other time for that matter!

‘Sasaki and Miyano’

One of the newer LGBTQ anime on this list, Sasaki and Miyano has stolen viewers’ hearts since debuting in January — and it’s easy to see why. The story centers on the blossoming romance between a shy underclassman named Miyano and the far more outgoing Sasaki. Sasaki becomes taken with Miyano after a run-in in the schoolyard. And despite the younger boy’s initial reluctance, the two start bonding over Boy’s Love manga. From there, their relationship slowly turns into something more, leaving them to grapple with what that means.

A charming and sweet story, Sasaki and Miyano is a Funimation original series. But with the company moving its library over to Crunchyroll, it’s now available there as well. The show has already been greenlit for more content, though it’s unclear what’s next. Either way, it’s well worth watching the first outing.

‘Yuri!!! on Ice’

Yuri!!! on Ice received plenty of love when it aired back in 2016, and it remains a compelling LGBTQ romance — as well as a very entertaining sports anime. This series defies genres and expectations, centering on two professional figure skaters. Yuri is reeling from a loss when the show opens, one that leaves him considering a career change. He decides to push forward when his idol — famous Russian figure skater Victor Nikiforov — offers to train him.

As the two get to know one another, their relationship turns from professional to romantic. And the pair’s happy ending is one of the better on-screen representations of LGBTQ relationships. If you haven’t seen Yuri!!! on Ice yet, it’s currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation. A prequel movie called Ice Adolescence is in the works, so now’s the time to catch up.

‘Bloom Into You’

Bloom Into You premiered back in 2018, and it deserved far more fanfare than it received. This LGBTQ anime opens with a high school student named Yuu who’s spent much of her life waiting for the Earth-shattering kind of love depicted in shojo manga. Unfortunately, she feels nothing when a boy from her class confesses his love for her. To complicate matters, she definitely feels something when she befriends Touko — a girl who offers a similar confession later on.

Yuu and Touko continue their friendship as Yuu wrestles with all of her complicated feelings. In that sense, Bloom Into You proves a compelling coming-of-age tale that delves into the complexities of coming to terms with your own sexuality. Sadly, it’s not available on most mainstream streaming platforms. However, fans can find it on HIDIVE. And for those who have a subscription, it’s well worth a watch.

‘Adachi and Shimamura’

Another series about two high school girls falling in love, Adachi and Shimamura tackles themes of coming of age and realizing one’s sexuality. However, the series also raises interesting questions about relationships — from what’s healthy to how well the “opposite’s attract” mentality really works. And the anime’s main characters are certainly polar opposites. However, Adachi and Shimamura come together in spite of their different personality traits, taking important life lessons from one another in the process.

Adachi and Shimamura offers viewers a realistic, human story that’s worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for a romance between two female characters. The anime is currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation, where you can find many other LGBTQ anime on this list as well.

‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’

Hailing from the late 1990s, Revolutionary Girl Utena was groundbreaking for its time — as “revolutionary” as its title suggests. Not only does the anime feature LGBTQ relationships, but it challenges gender norms and explores topics like racism and sexism. To top it off, Revolutionary Girl Utena does all this as a genre anime. So, if you’re looking for an LGBTQ romance that unravels alongside other major storylines, this could be the one for you.

Fortunately, Revolutionary Girl Utena is still easy enough to come by. It’s currently available on Funimation and Crunchyroll, the latter of which has it listed under its ’90s anime section. If you missed this one back then, now’s the time to rectify that!

‘Wandering Son’

Although there are a number of anime featuring transgender characters, they don’t always dive into the experience of questioning and understanding one’s gender identity. Wandering Son is a breath of fresh air in that regard. Also known by its Japanese title — Hourou Musuko — the series follows Shuuichi Nitori, who was born male but identifies as a girl. She navigates that while juggling the difficulties of middle school. Fortunately, she finds solace in Yoshino Takatsuki

Wandering Son is a beautifully told story that takes a deep dive into what its main characters are experiencing, handling their journeys with plenty of care. It’s a must-watch, but sadly, it’s not currently streaming. Hopefully, it’ll find its way onto an anime platform in the near future. In the meantime, fans can try to find a DVD — or check out the manga series it’s based on.

‘Given’

Those interested in LGBTQ stories and music will find them intersecting in Given, a 2019 anime that sees its leads bonding over the guitar. Mafuyu Satou receives a scolding from Ritsuka Uenoyama for letting his instrument rust, but Uenoyama later takes Satou under his wing. He teaches him to play the instrument and introduces him to his band, hoping that Satou will eventually become a member. The two bond over their mutual interest, eventually developing feelings for one another.

One of the great things about Given is that its LGBTQ romance is only one of its strengths. The series has an entertaining story outside of that, as well as a lovable supporting cast. A Crunchyroll subscription will grant you access to this fun story should you decide to check it out.

‘Sweet Blue Flowers’

Sweet Blue Flowers is the anime adaptation of a manga series written by the same person who wrote Wandering Son. So, those who enjoy that story may want to follow up with this one. Although Sweet Blue Flowers doesn’t tackle gender identity, it presents a sapphic love story wrought with complex emotions. It’s centered on two girls who were best friends before life got in the way. And when they reunite in high school, they must contend with their complicated feelinsg for one another.

A 2009 anime, Sweet Blue Flowers is currently streaming on Funimation only — though it could eventually move over to Crunchyroll. It’s also available to purchase on Prime Video. However you choose to tune in, you won’t be disappointed.