Gay anime guys

When you think of gay anime characters, you probably think of yaoi and yuri, but great LGBT anime characters can be found in other genres. Learn about the history of sexuality and gender in Japan, how their attitudes differ from the US, and which LGBT characters challenge stereotypes.

Gay characters These characters identify as male and are attracted to other men. Read more about how we tag LBGT-related content on Anime-Planet. See all characters tags.

Gay characters in anime when they do appear are largely a lot easier to spot and identify than those in movies from Disney and the like, but there have nevertheless been some cases of ‘hidden’ queer characters through anime’s history. Take Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus from this list for example.

Whether queer-coded or flying their flag fabulously high, these 24 gay anime characters provide much-needed LGBTQ representation in Japanese media.