Highlights

• Anime has a higher number of transgender characters compared to Western media, where such topics have been avoided or vilified in the past.
• The representation of transgender characters in anime aims to cast the transgender community in a positive light, despite potential offense from some LGBTQ+ members.
• LGBTQ+ representation has significantly improved in anime over the years, although a few mistakes cannot compare to past discrimination against the community.

It is quite plausible that there are more transgender characters in anime compared to Western media, which has generally avoided or vilified such topics in the past. For the sake of clarity, the term transgender refers to someone whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex assigned at birth.

As with anything introduced into mainstream media, it's impossible to keep every fan happy, and there may be some LGBTQ+ members who are offended by certain transgender representations. The following list focuses on the good intentions behind the characters in question and whether their portrayals cast the transgender community in an overall positive light. Creating awareness is the first step toward acceptance, and LGBTQ+ representation has improved substantially over the years. A few mistakes cannot compare to the abhorrent discrimination that defouled the LGBTQ+ narrative in the past.

Updated January 28, 2024, by C.M Edwards: Anime is for everyone. Each series that debuts is filled with wonderful characters of various backgrounds and personalities that reach out to fans and allow them to connect with the show and story. With so many types of anime, there has always been a growing number of inclusive series to bring to life characters of different races, genders, and identities. While not all of these series excel in the realm of representation, there are quite a few that understand the significance of inclusion and diversity. Here are more of some of the best transgender characters in anime.

11 Hana (Tokyo Godfathers)

Genuine And Thoughtful

• Streaming On: N/A
• Number Of Episodes: 1
• Studio: Madhouse

Hana is perhaps the shining star of Tokyo Godfathers, being the motherly member of the trio. A tall and slender woman, Hana performed as a singer at a local bar before she wound up on the street after a negative altercation with a patron.

In the film, Hana is portrayed as responsible but focuses on others' care instead of her own. Her story tugs at the heartstrings from beginning to end, making her incredibly well-written and vital to the story. Assigned male at birth, she now embodies her true identity as a woman. Tokyo Godfathers is a wonderful film that any anime fan should give a chance.

10 Grell (Black Butler)

Chaotic Neutral At Its Finest

Black Butler is a mix of supernatural and comedic chaos and has recently met a resurgence with a new season being released this year, which its dedicated fandom is overjoyed to have. Grail goes from antagonist to protagonist in the series and is portrayed as a manic ball of chaos who won't hesitate to turn to violence to get their point across.

Grail is also a Grim Reaper and an incredibly capable fighter. Unfortunately, she gives in to her inner desires and becomes more of a hindrance to Sebastian's daily life rather than any aid. Though she was assigned male at birth, she now refers to herself using female terms and dislikes when she is referred to as "he."

9 Ryuji Ayakawa (Blue Period)

More Than Just Her Talent

• Streaming On: Netflix
• Number Of Episodes: 12
• Studio: Seven Arcs

Blue Period is a series that went under the radar of many anime fans with its first season debuting on Netflix. It is a slice-of-life series focusing on an aimless teen, Yatora Yaguchi, who is searching for meaning and has been captured by the act of painting. Ryuji is a fellow classmate of Yaguchi who pushes him to join the art club at their school.

Yaguchi is also a transgender girl, and her story is explored. This brings the adverse circumstances of her home life to light and reveals the struggles she goes through to live the life she wishes. Ryuji is an amazing character filled with flaws and virtues that many fans will be able to connect with.

8 Desmond (Carole & Tuesday)

Gentle And Graceful

• Streaming On: Netflix
• Number Of Episodes: 24
• Studio: Bones

Unfortunately, Netflix's Carole & Tuesday is a hit-and-miss when it comes to positive LGBTQ+ representation, but Mermaid Sisters aside, it's not all bad. Desmond is arguably the show's saving grace, adding a unique sci-fi twist to the transgender experience.

Desmond was born male, but due to the radiation levels on Mars, they began to experience drastic hormonal changes. Although this transition is not voluntary, Desmond's situation opens their eyes regarding the irrelevance of gender norms and attempting to fulfill these expectations. This superstar is one of the most celebrated and respected musicians in the industry and seems to have the meaning of life all figured out. Desmond is a role model through and through.

7 Tiger and Magne (My Hero Academia)

Confidently Unique

The Wild, Wild Pussycats is arguably one of the cutest and most fashionable Hero teams of the lot, and Yawara Chatora wears his uniform with pride. Being a transgender male clearly hasn't deflated his self-esteem, as Tiger pulls off his Magic Girl attire with suave and grace and still manages to show off his remarkably muscular physique and incredible flexibility.

Arguably the most awesome element of Magne's transition is the fact that her gender-specific Quirk makes the change right along with her. This superpower assigns men and women with different magnetic properties and seamlessly categorizes Magne among her fellow females. Kenji Hikiishi was a beloved member of the League of Villains, always ready to defend her teammates, even if that meant sacrificing her own life to do so.

6 Astolfo and Jack (Fate/Apocrypha)

High Spirited Positivity

Astolfo loves nothing more than to express his feminine charm, and so, it is a great shock to most to discover The Rider of Black is male by birth. He doesn't mind being referred to with male pronouns, so long as his head-turning beauty is highlighted in the process. Astolfo follows his own heart and can rarely be forced into anything, despite being sworn into servitude. He is an admirable and entertaining addition to the Great Holy Grail War's combatants.

Similarly, Fate's version of Jack the Ripper is also as cute as could be, providing the notorious serial killer with a Loli-esque form. And while the Assassin of Black is far from admirable, they are certainly memorable. Jack's brutality is offset by their deep-seated longing to be loved, providing yet another complex character dynamic to the Fate mix.

5 Najimi Osana (Komi Can't Communicate)

Hilariously Devilish

Tadano might be wary of Najimi's all-new girly appearance, but as far as everyone else is concerned, this pink-haired socialite is a ball of fun. The girls accept Najimi as one of their own without hesitation and only break away when situations of nudity are concerned (such as changing rooms and bathhouses). The boys, on the other hand, place Najimi in high regard in terms of girlfriend material and aren't phased by silly things like assigned gender.

Najimi appears to get a kick out of being vague with their gender identity and does not outright declare to be transgender. For someone who loves to make a scene, they surprisingly didn't feel it necessary to sensationalize this aspect of their life. This decision is possibly why everyone wholeheartedly accepts Najimi as-is with no questions asked.

4 Rei Batsubami (Kakegurui: Compulsive Gambler)

Gloriously Over The Top

To say that Kakegurui is full of complex characters is a grand understatement, and Rei Batsubami is a perfect example. Originally introduced as the timid lackey accompanying the Momobami Clan, Rei swoops in out of nowhere and nearly demolishes the entire hierarchy, essentially singlehandedly.

Even if Rei's plans don't work out as intended, the situation gives her the freedom to choose her own gender identity. Rei's story is certainly not a traditional take on transitioning (if there is such a thing), as she is AFAB. However, the themes of gender fluidity and privilege of choice are undeniable and leave a heartwarming impression on the usually unsympathetic students of Hyakkaou Private Academy.

3 Kiruko (Heavenly Delusion)

Multifaceted Brilliance

Kiruko has always been a bit of a tomboy; however, after an unfortunate run-in with a man-eater, this aspect of her personality becomes even more prevalent. It appears that Kiruko's soul has departed from this post-apocalyptic world and is unceremoniously replaced with her brother, Haruki's essence, who suddenly has to navigate the female form. Meanwhile, Maru can't help but become captivated by his bodyguard and refuses to forsake his love because of a simple gender identity mix-up. He has fallen head-over-heels for Kiruko.

Seemingly in a world of their own, the Nursery kids don't seem terribly concerned with the concept of gender either. To be safe, most of these kids should simply be viewed as androgynous, as using stereotypical gender identifiers is irrelevant in many cases. However, most of these cases present an intersex situation and not necessarily transgender scenarios.

2 Dragona and Narciso Anasui (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure)

Bronze And Beauty

Narciso Anasui, aka Anastasia, fits into the transgender category as far as the Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean manga is concerned, as she was apparently intended to be Jolyne's lesbian lover. Fan theories suggest that Diver Down was involved in the transition, resulting in a male form with a keen fashion sense. Anastasia's love and devotion towards Jolyne are initially jarring but end up being her saving grace, subsequently creating one of the best-looking power couples in anime history.

Anastasia's questionable past aside, JOJOLands has officially debuted Dragona Joestar as a transgender woman who "gets cosmetic injections." The newest addition to Part 9 of the infamously Bizarre Adventure seems to be finding his footing and maintaining male pronouns while emphasizing his feminine features. Dragona is yet to make his anime debut, although having a powerful transgender lead in a Shonen series is revolutionary enough in its own right.

1 Nitori, Takatsuki, And More (Wandering Son)

Adorably Genuine

• Streaming On: Crunchyroll
• Number Of Episodes: 11
• Studio: AIC Classic

"What are little girls made of?" And what about boys? Simply cross-dressing doesn't dignify the transgender label, but Wandering Son really gets into the mind of adolescents discovering their sexual identities, with Nitori and Takatsuki leading the way. And not in a glamorous, over-glorified way that avoids the pitfalls and struggles of the transgender experience. Viewers can't help but root for these kids from the get-go.

Wandering Son features more transgender characters than ever seen before, each trying to live their best life, despite the hands they are dealt. Some keep their birth sex a closely guarded secret, while others are outright admired for their openness regarding gender fluidity. This gritty, gutwrenching gem is the unsung hero of 2011 and deserves a spot on every LGBTQ+ anime ally's watchlist.