Design by Yosef Phelan

Sapphic extraterrestrial warriors, gender-nonconforming princes, and telepathic gay virgins: these may seem like fake plot points, but they are very real and they are very queer. LGBTQIA+ anime has expanded in recent years into a beautiful melting pot of queer perspectives and stories, resulting in some incredible series that go beyond stereotypes and clichés.

While we still have a long way to go before we reach 100% solid representation, we have been blessed with plenty of content that has now become essential viewing for every anime fan looking to explore the genre. In this list, we've curated a handful of LGBTQIA+ series that broke major ground and helped drive queer representation forward.

Adachi and Shimamura

If heartwarming, slow-burn sapphic romance anime is your thing, look no further than Adachi and Shimamura. Based on the manga of the same name, the series follows Sakura Adachi and Hougetsu Shimamura, two first-year high school students who become fast friends after skipping class.

Things take a complicated turn, however, when Adachi begins to develop romantic feelings for Shimamura. As the series progresses, we see the pair navigate the ups and downs of their evolving connection. From start to finish, this anime will leave you feeling both relaxed and incredibly moved thanks to its relatable coming-of-age story and truly heartwarming romance.

Banana Fish

Where do we start with Banana Fish? First, it's arguably one of the best anime shows ever made – no counterarguments will be accepted. It's also slightly different from the other shows on this list, as it's not technically a BL in the traditional sense.

An adaptation of Akimi Yoshida's manga, the series follows 17-year-old gang leader Ash Lynx, who investigates the mysterious phrase "banana fish" after a dying man gives him a vial connected to his traumatised brother. Along the way, he meets Eiji Okumura, and the two form an unbreakable bond.

Full of action, drama and heartbreak, Banana Fish is a gripping story that focuses more on crime than romance but is filled with homoerotic undertones in Ash and Eiji's relationship. Viewers should be aware that the series contains heavy themes, including sexual assault and sex trafficking.