List of graphic art works with LGBTQ characters


This is a list of graphic art works with LGBTQ characters. This list includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender fictional characters, and others within the LGBTQ+ community, in comic series, newspaper strips, graphic novels, and manga.

History

In the 1950s, American comic books, under the Comics Code Authority, adopted the Comic Code which, under the guise of preventing "perversion", largely prevented the presentation of LGBT characters for a number of decades.
Within the Japanese anime and manga, yaoi is the tradition of representing same-sex male relationships in materials that are generally created by women artists and marketed mostly for Japanese girls while the genre known as yuri focuses on relationships between women.

List of works

YearTitleCharactersIdentityNotesCountry
1963–2015Uncanny X-MenNorthstarGayFirst appearance: Uncanny X-Men #120.
Northstar was the first openly gay superhero in the Marvel Comics universe.
United States
1966–presentBamseHappGayHapp is Lille Skutt's brother. He lives with his life partner Lille Sixten on a stump in the forest. They eventually adopted a little girl rabbit named Suddan.Sweden
1966–presentBamseLille SixtenGayHapp is Lille Skutt's brother. He lives with his life partner Lille Sixten on a stump in the forest. They eventually adopted a little girl rabbit named Suddan.Sweden
1970–presentDoonesburyAndy LippincottGayFirst appearance: 1976.
Andy Lippincott was the first openly gay character to appear in a mainstream comic strip.
United States
1971Shiroi Heya no FutariResine de PoissonLesbianSet in all-girls Catholic boarding school in France. It tells the story of Resine de Poisson and Simone D'Arc. Simone is initially hostile towards the naïve Resine, the two girls gradually grow closer, with Simone going so far as to recite a love poem by Rainer Maria Rilke in front of their class that she dedicates to Resine. Considered the originating work of the yuri genre.Japan
1971Shiroi Heya no FutariSimone D'ArcLesbianSet in all-girls Catholic boarding school in France. It tells the story of Resine de Poisson and Simone D'Arc. Simone is initially hostile towards the naïve Resine, the two girls gradually grow closer, with Simone going so far as to recite a love poem by Rainer Maria Rilke in front of their class that she dedicates to Resine. Considered the originating work of the yuri genre.Japan
1974–1975Thomas no ShinzōThomas WernerGaySet in a German boys boarding school, the story relates how, after Thomas' suicide, an upper classman, Yuri, finds a love letter Thomas wrote to him, and then meets a new student, Eric, who looks just like Thomas.Japan
1974–1975Thomas no ShinzōJulusmole Bayhan GaySet in a German boys boarding school, the story relates how, after Thomas' suicide, an upper classman, Yuri, finds a love letter Thomas wrote to him, and then meets a new student, Eric, who looks just like Thomas.Japan
1974–1975Thomas no ShinzōEric FruehlingGaySet in a German boys boarding school, the story relates how, after Thomas' suicide, an upper classman, Yuri, finds a love letter Thomas wrote to him, and then meets a new student, Eric, who looks just like Thomas.Japan
1979–2008For Better or For WorseLawrence PoirierGayIn 1993, Lawrence Poirier's coming out generated controversy, with readers opposed to homosexuality threatening to cancel newspaper subscriptions. See also: For Better or For Worse#Lawrence comes out.Canada
1980–presentDC ComicsStarfire PansexualDeriving from being raised on the culture of her homeworld Tamaran, where it's acceptable to have open marriage, Starfire's sex-positivism and free-thinking habits such as a fondness for practicing nudism, openness to polygamous relationships and acceptance of "open sex" and pansexual "free-love" with persons regardless of terrestrial species, race or gender, usually lead her into conflict with Earth's more reserved culture and customs. For Starfire, polyamory was a personal and cultural preference.United States
1983–2008Dykes to Watch Out ForMo TestaLesbianMo is a semi-autobiographical representation of the creator Alison Bechdel who started the strip in because she wanted to see representations of her life that were not available in the media at the time.United States
1985–1994Banana FishAslan Jade Callenreese "Ash Lynx"BisexualAsh has slept with men and women during his time as a prostitute. He mainly has relationships with men such as Eiji, while dealing with childhood trauma from molestation. While has a close relationship with Eiji, he admitted that he had a relationship with a girl who was killed "under suspicion of being his girlfriend." Eiji has blushed at the idea of having a girlfriend however his true sexuality has never been confirmed, leading people to debate if he is gay or bisexual.Japan
1985–1994Banana FishEiji OkumuraQueerAsh has slept with men and women during his time as a prostitute. He mainly has relationships with men such as Eiji, while dealing with childhood trauma from molestation. While has a close relationship with Eiji, he admitted that he had a relationship with a girl who was killed "under suspicion of being his girlfriend." Eiji has blushed at the idea of having a girlfriend however his true sexuality has never been confirmed, leading people to debate if he is gay or bisexual.Japan
1987–presentJoJo's Bizarre AdventureDio BrandoBisexualDio Brando in-story was sexually promiscuous, having many illegitimate children while also having ambiguous intimate relationships with male characters. In an interview in 2007 for Eureka magazine, JoJo creator Hirohiko Araki stated "...women, men--Dio can go with either." to a question about Dio's sexuality.Japan
1987–presentJoJo's Bizarre AdventureScarlet ValentineBisexualScarlet Valentine, the wife of Funny Valentine, is confirmed to be bisexual in-story, when she shows attraction to her husband but is also seduced by Lucy Steel.Japan
1988–1997HenChizuru YoshidaBisexualChizuru is a buxom high school girl who has a tendency to manipulate the people around her. At the start of the story, she has a boyfriend and is also shown seducing a male teacher for the purpose of sleeping in his house. She becomes smitten with Azumi, a petite, innocent and shy girl from the same school. Though Chizuru initially hesitates to act on it, she manages to convince Azumi to join her in a lesbian film, in which both girls are the lead actresses and their characters are the ones who fall in love. Chizuru constantly uses this as an excuse to attempt to be intimate with Azumi, such as inviting her to hug and kiss for the purpose of rehearsing the film. Though Azumi tends to be uncomfortable with her advances and often gets away from her without doing what she wants, Azumi eventually becomes aware of her feelings and reciprocates them.Japan
1988–1997HenAzumi YamadaLesbianChizuru is a buxom high school girl who has a tendency to manipulate the people around her. At the start of the story, she has a boyfriend and is also shown seducing a male teacher for the purpose of sleeping in his house. She becomes smitten with Azumi, a petite, innocent and shy girl from the same school. Though Chizuru initially hesitates to act on it, she manages to convince Azumi to join her in a lesbian film, in which both girls are the lead actresses and their characters are the ones who fall in love. Chizuru constantly uses this as an excuse to attempt to be intimate with Azumi, such as inviting her to hug and kiss for the purpose of rehearsing the film. Though Azumi tends to be uncomfortable with her advances and often gets away from her without doing what she wants, Azumi eventually becomes aware of her feelings and reciprocates them.Japan
1988–2008Marvel Comics PresentsJessie DrakeTrans womanFirst appearance: Marvel Comics Presents #150. Jessie came out as a transgender girl in Marvel Comics Presents #151 and is the first openly transgender character in the Marvel Universe.United States
1989–2011VeronicaKevin KellerGayFirst appearance: Veronica #202. Kevin was first eyed by Veronica who did not realize he was gay. He has since become a part of the gang.United States
1989–2015'DesireGenderqueerDesire is the personification of desire itself. Desire is both male and female, because the character represents everything someone might desire. Desire is called "sister-brother" or "sibling" by his/her siblings and "uncle-aunt" by his/her nephew Orpheus.England
1989–2015'Alex BurgessGayIn "Sleep of the Just", the 1st issue of Preludes & Nocturnes, Alex Burgess and Paul McGuire are lovers who spend decades together. Alex is the son of Roderick Burgess, the man who attempts to imprison Death but imprisons Dream instead. After the death of Roderick, Alex inherits the ownership of the Order of Ancient Mysteries and continues keeping Dream as his prisoner. Later, Alex passes the order on to his boyfriend Paul. Eventually, Dream escapes and puts Alex in an eternal nightmare. In The Kindly Ones, Dream dies five years later, which causes Alex to wake up from the nightmare, asking for Paul.England
1989–2015'Paul McGuireGayIn "Sleep of the Just", the 1st issue of Preludes & Nocturnes, Alex Burgess and Paul McGuire are lovers who spend decades together. Alex is the son of Roderick Burgess, the man who attempts to imprison Death but imprisons Dream instead. After the death of Roderick, Alex inherits the ownership of the Order of Ancient Mysteries and continues keeping Dream as his prisoner. Later, Alex passes the order on to his boyfriend Paul. Eventually, Dream escapes and puts Alex in an eternal nightmare. In The Kindly Ones, Dream dies five years later, which causes Alex to wake up from the nightmare, asking for Paul.England
1989–2015'Foxglove (Donna Cavanagh)LesbianDonna and Judy are lovers. After Judy dies, Donna changes her name to Foxglove and starts a relationship with Hazel. Foxglove and Hazel have a child, Alvie, the result of one heterosexual encounter by Hazel.
In "24 Hours", the 6th issue of Preludes & Nocturnes, Judy, in a 24-hour diner, tries to talk to her girlfriend Donna on the phone, but Donna's mother does not approve of Judy and hangs up on her. Bette, the diner waitress, secretly wrote a story where the two girls are married to young men. Eventually, Judy dies as a victim of John Dee, who uses Dream's ruby to force everyone in the diner except himself to commit suicide.
In A Game of You, Donna, now called Foxglove is living with her girlfriend Hazel. Hazel is pregnant because she cheated on her girlfriend with a gay man. Foxglove has a nightmare in which the deceased Judy blames her for her death.
In the 2nd issue of the spin-off mini-series Death: The High Cost of Living, Foxglove has her first gig as a singer. She sings about the deaths of Judy and Wanda. Hazel, still pregnant, and Death are present in the audience.
In another spin-off mini-series, Death: The Time of Your Life, Foxglove and Hazel are raising Alvie. Foxglove has become a famous musician. While travelling on tour, Foxglove cheats on Hazel multiple times, and one of her partners, Véronique, publicly outs Foxglove as lesbian without her consent. When making a deal with Death, Foxglove offers to give her life so that Alvie may live, but Boris does it in her place. In the end, Foxglove, Hazel and Alvie stay together as a family.
England
1989–2015'JudyLesbianDonna and Judy are lovers. After Judy dies, Donna changes her name to Foxglove and starts a relationship with Hazel. Foxglove and Hazel have a child, Alvie, the result of one heterosexual encounter by Hazel.
In "24 Hours", the 6th issue of Preludes & Nocturnes, Judy, in a 24-hour diner, tries to talk to her girlfriend Donna on the phone, but Donna's mother does not approve of Judy and hangs up on her. Bette, the diner waitress, secretly wrote a story where the two girls are married to young men. Eventually, Judy dies as a victim of John Dee, who uses Dream's ruby to force everyone in the diner except himself to commit suicide.
In A Game of You, Donna, now called Foxglove is living with her girlfriend Hazel. Hazel is pregnant because she cheated on her girlfriend with a gay man. Foxglove has a nightmare in which the deceased Judy blames her for her death.
In the 2nd issue of the spin-off mini-series Death: The High Cost of Living, Foxglove has her first gig as a singer. She sings about the deaths of Judy and Wanda. Hazel, still pregnant, and Death are present in the audience.
In another spin-off mini-series, Death: The Time of Your Life, Foxglove and Hazel are raising Alvie. Foxglove has become a famous musician. While travelling on tour, Foxglove cheats on Hazel multiple times, and one of her partners, Véronique, publicly outs Foxglove as lesbian without her consent. When making a deal with Death, Foxglove offers to give her life so that Alvie may live, but Boris does it in her place. In the end, Foxglove, Hazel and Alvie stay together as a family.
England
1989–2015'Hazel McNamaraLesbianDonna and Judy are lovers. After Judy dies, Donna changes her name to Foxglove and starts a relationship with Hazel. Foxglove and Hazel have a child, Alvie, the result of one heterosexual encounter by Hazel.
In "24 Hours", the 6th issue of Preludes & Nocturnes, Judy, in a 24-hour diner, tries to talk to her girlfriend Donna on the phone, but Donna's mother does not approve of Judy and hangs up on her. Bette, the diner waitress, secretly wrote a story where the two girls are married to young men. Eventually, Judy dies as a victim of John Dee, who uses Dream's ruby to force everyone in the diner except himself to commit suicide.
In A Game of You, Donna, now called Foxglove is living with her girlfriend Hazel. Hazel is pregnant because she cheated on her girlfriend with a gay man. Foxglove has a nightmare in which the deceased Judy blames her for her death.
In the 2nd issue of the spin-off mini-series Death: The High Cost of Living, Foxglove has her first gig as a singer. She sings about the deaths of Judy and Wanda. Hazel, still pregnant, and Death are present in the audience.
In another spin-off mini-series, Death: The Time of Your Life, Foxglove and Hazel are raising Alvie. Foxglove has become a famous musician. While travelling on tour, Foxglove cheats on Hazel multiple times, and one of her partners, Véronique, publicly outs Foxglove as lesbian without her consent. When making a deal with Death, Foxglove offers to give her life so that Alvie may live, but Boris does it in her place. In the end, Foxglove, Hazel and Alvie stay together as a family.
England
1989–2015'ChantalLesbianChantal and Zelda are a lesbian couple introduced in The Doll's House. They dress in white and collect spiders.England
1989–2015'ZeldaLesbianChantal and Zelda are a lesbian couple introduced in The Doll's House. They dress in white and collect spiders.England
1989–2015'WandaTrans womanShe is a transgender woman featured in A Game of You. She is Barbie's best friend. She is unable to visit the Dreaming together with Thessaly, Foxglove and Hazel because the magic ritual used only allows passage for people with biologically female bodies. She dies in the storm caused by Thessaly's magic and is buried as "Alvin", her former identity. Wanda is last seen, along with Death, in Barbie's dream.England
1989–2015'CluracanGayCluracan is a member of Faerie folk. In Season of Mists, when a number of immortals visit Dream to bargain for the ownership of Hell, it is shown that Cluracan is gay, as he sleeps with a male Egyptian priest. When the visit is over, Cluracan complains that he is tired of one-night stands and wonders if the Egyptian priest will write to him.England
1989–2015'CorinthianGayThe Corinthian is a nightmare created by Dream. He has two additional mouths in place of his eyes, which he covers with sunglasses. In The Doll's House, he goes AWOL from the dreamscape and becomes a serial killer who invites men to have sexual relations with him, then murders them. Corinthian then removes the eyes of their victims and eats them using his eye-mouths.
Neil Gaiman has stated that the Corinthian is homosexual in The Sandman Companion, wherein the first Corinthian only consumed the eyes of boys. The second Corinthian is featured with a boyfriend as written by Caitlin R. Kiernan in the Dreaming.
England
1989–2015'Harun al-RashidBisexualCaliph Harun al-Rashid, the king of Baghdad featured in "Ramadan", a short story in The Sandman: Fables & Reflections, has a wife and a harem with women and young boys.England
1990–1994Yu Yu HakushoMiyukiTrans womanMiyuki is a character from both the manga and the anime. She is a trans girl and a member of the Demon Triad, a group of demon warriors that work for the Toguro Brothers. Her trans status is discovered in her fight against Yusuke.Japan
1990–1996Shonan Junai GumiKaoru KamataKaoru is a crossdressing boy who expresses attraction to the male protagonist Eikichi Onizuka.Japan
1990–1996Shonan Junai GumiHazuki MisatoTrans womanAppearing in later chapters, Hazuki is a love interest for protagonist Eikichi Onizuka, though they break up when her secret comes out. It is left ambiguous which one broke it off.Japan
1991Hothead Paisan:Homicidal Lesbian TerroristHothead PaisanLesbianCreated by Diane DiMassa, Hothead Paisan's presentation was cathartic to lesbians, but so graphically violent that the strip was banned in Canada.United States
Sailor MoonFish EyeGay Fish Eye is an effeminate circus performer who cross-dresses as a woman due to his romantic affections towards other men in the original Sailor Moon anime series.Japan
Sailor MoonKunziteGay Zoisite and Kunzite, both powerful generals who work under Queen Beryl from the Dark Kingdom are an openly gay couple in the series.Japan
Sailor MoonZoisiteGay Zoisite and Kunzite, both powerful generals who work under Queen Beryl from the Dark Kingdom are an openly gay couple in the series.Japan
Sailor MoonSailor Mars Lesbian or AsexualRei is usually reserved for herself. She expresses a lack of interest in men and romance and doesn't get why her friends want to get with men so badly. Her favorite flowers are lilies which are commonly associated with lesbians. In "Casablanca Memories", Rei seemingly has feelings for a boy named Kaidou meaning she could be bisexual. In the live-action adaptation, any interest in men is completely removed. The only adaptation where none of these traits are present is the 1990s anime, which is known to have multiple differences from the manga. Along with other adaptations Rei is shown to be close to Minako, especially in the live-action series and official art.Japan
Sailor MoonSailor Moon BisexualShe has shown to be attracted to boys and girls alike. At the beginning of the manga, she has a crush on Motoki, a guy who works at the Game Center Crown. Throughout the first couple of acts, she starts having feelings for Mamoru. When Haruka kisses her on the lips, she loved it and even showed romantic attraction towards both Rei and Makoto. In a novelization of the manga, Usagi thinks to herself "I love beautiful people, whether they're men or women."Japan
Sailor MoonSailor Star Healer Genderqueer In the 90s anime, the Sailor Starlights were assigned female at birth, but transformed to present as male and refer to themselves as males when not fighting, as shown in the episode, "Holy War in the Galaxy! Sailor Wars Legend." In a 1999 interview, Takeuchi said she had made them always girls in the manga, in the anime "they got turned into guys," which displeased her and I wasn't very happy about it. Seiya Develops a crush on Usagi, who does not return her feelings.Japan
Sailor MoonSailor Star Maker Genderqueer In the 90s anime, the Sailor Starlights were assigned female at birth, but transformed to present as male and refer to themselves as males when not fighting, as shown in the episode, "Holy War in the Galaxy! Sailor Wars Legend." In a 1999 interview, Takeuchi said she had made them always girls in the manga, in the anime "they got turned into guys," which displeased her and I wasn't very happy about it. Seiya Develops a crush on Usagi, who does not return her feelings.Japan
Sailor MoonSailor Star Fighter Genderqueer, LesbianIn the 90s anime, the Sailor Starlights were assigned female at birth, but transformed to present as male and refer to themselves as males when not fighting, as shown in the episode, "Holy War in the Galaxy! Sailor Wars Legend." In a 1999 interview, Takeuchi said she had made them always girls in the manga, in the anime "they got turned into guys," which displeased her and I wasn't very happy about it. Seiya Develops a crush on Usagi, who does not return her feelings.Japan
Sailor MoonSailor Uranus LesbianHaruka and Michiru are in a relationship.Japan
Sailor MoonSailor Neptune LesbianHaruka and Michiru are in a relationship.Japan
1992–1996Fushigi YûgiNurikoGenderqueer, bisexualNuriko is one of the seven Celestial Warriors of Suzaku. She is introduced as "Kang-Lin", a woman in Emperor Hotohori's harem who has the power of superhuman strength. Nuriko is in love with Hotohori and at first considers Miaka her rival for his love, but Nuriko and Miaka soon become friends.
Miaka discovers that Nuriko is assigned male at birth, then the evil duplicate of Miaka from the mirror outs Nuriko to Tamahome and Hotohori without her consent. Throughout the series, Nuriko is often referred to as a man. However, she claims to have the soul of a woman. Because of this, unlike Tamahome and Hotohori, Nuriko is allowed to open Miaka's shirt to treat her wounds, after the encounter with Miaka's evil duplicate.
Nuriko decides to use a male identity and clothes when helping Miaka in her quest to find the remaining Celestial Warriors. Afterwards, Nuriko asks Miaka to use Suzaku's wish-granting powers to transform her into a woman. Miaka fully intends to fulfill Nuriko's request, but soon discovers that she is unable to make any wishes. All seven Celestial Warriors are needed to summon Suzaku, but Amiboshi is a spy posing as Chiriko.
Eventually, Nuriko chooses to cut off his long hair and stop dressing as a woman, to protect Miaka full-time as a man. Nuriko states that even though as a woman she is in love with Hotohori, as a man he is in love with Miaka. Nuriko dies at the hands of Ashitare, a beast-like Celestial Warrior of Seiryū.
In the anime-only story Fushigi Yûgi Eikoden, Nuriko reincarnates as a young girl named Ko Reishun, with the same super strength as Nuriko.
Japan
1994DeathwishMarisa RahmTrans woman, lesbianMini-series published by Milsetone and set in their Dakotaverse, shared universe. The main character is trans woman Marisa Rahm, a police detective who has spent years on an obsessive hunt for a serial killer. Rahm's girlfriend, Dini, is also a trans woman. Written by Maddie Blaustein.United States
1995-2008TrigunElendira The CrimsonnailTrans WomanIntroduced in volume 5, in some translations she is initially referred to as a transvestite and in others literally called a trans woman.Japan
1996–1999Outlaw StarFred LouGayFred is a 20-year-old camp weapons merchant who is known to be flamboyant and openly gay. He has a strong infatuation for the series main protagonist, Gene Starwind, to whom he supplies arms to.Japan
1996–presentCardcaptor Sakura and
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
Sakura KinomotoPansexualThe creators have stated that Sakura lacks boundaries and does not view sex or gender as barrier for her romantic attraction. While she undeniably loves and is fiercely protective of her friend, she doesn't have romantic feelings for Tomoyo in particular. Demonstrating this, Sakura confesses that she has a crush on a female teacher in the series.Japan
1996–presentCardcaptor Sakura and
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
Tomoyo DaidoujiLesbianTomoyo is in love with the protagonist of the show, Sakura. Sakura does not return Tomoyo's feelings. The creators intended for Tomoyo to have romantic feelings for Sakura. At some point, Tomoyo confesses her love to Sakura, but Sakura misunderstands her, thinking she means "love" as a friend, and Tomoyo says that she'll explain when Sakura is older. She simply doesn't have romantic feelings for Tomoyo in particular.Japan
1996–presentCardcaptor Sakura and
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
Sonomi DaidoujiLesbianTomoyo's mother, Sonomi, confesses that she was in love with Sakura's mother.Japan
1996–presentCardcaptor Sakura and
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
Toya KinomotoBisexualThe creators have confirmed that Yukito and Toya are a couple. They are stated to be in love within the series itself.
Before meeting Yukito, Toya dated Kaho Mizuki when she was his junior high school teacher, and she broke up with him when she left to study in England.
Japan
1996–presentCardcaptor Sakura and
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
Yukito TsukishiroGayThe creators have confirmed that Yukito and Toya are a couple. They are stated to be in love within the series itself.
Before meeting Yukito, Toya dated Kaho Mizuki when she was his junior high school teacher, and she broke up with him when she left to study in England.
Japan
1996–presentCardcaptor Sakura and
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
Ruby MoonGenderqueerRuby Moon has no biological sex or gender. She is always seen presenting as female, even though Spinel Sun often asks her why doesn't she present as male for a change. At some points, Ruby Moon states that she is not actually human; therefore her gender does not matter, and also that girls have cuter clothes.Japan
1997–presentDeadpoolDeadpoolPansexualWade Wilson is pansexual.United States
1998–presentHunter × HunterAlluka ZoldyckTransgenderAlluka is listed in the official databook as male but identifies as a female and uses respective feminine terminology despite being referred to as male by numerous characters.Japan
1998–presentHunter × HunterNeferpitouGender ambiguousThere are numerous conflictions as to what Neferpitou's gender is. The databook officially refers to Neferpitou with the pronoun "彼” translating to he; Neferpitou often referred to themself using the pronoun "boku" used for boys and young men, rarely for women; Neferpitou is referred to with male pronouns by numerous chimera ants in the dubbed version; Neferpitou is referred to with female pronouns in the official release by Crunchyroll; Neferpitou is referred to as a female in Hunter x Hunter Battle CollectionJapan
1998–presentBuffy the Vampire Slayer comicsWillow RosenbergLesbianUnited States
1998–presentBuffy the Vampire Slayer comicsTara MaclayLesbian-United States
1998–presentBuffy the Vampire Slayer comicsKennedyLesbian-United States
1998–presentBuffy the Vampire Slayer comicsSatsuLesbian-United States
1998–presentBuffy the Vampire Slayer comicsAndrew WellsGayAndrew realizes he is gay in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten.United States
1999–2003Paradise KissIsabella YamamotoTrans womanIsabella was assigned male at birth, but lives as a female. Robin Brenner calls the character "one of the most realistic and accepting portrayals of a transgender character in manga."Japan
2000PersepolisEight gay menGayIn "The Horse", Marjane spends some time living in a communal apartment with eight gay men in Vienna, Austria.France, Iran
2000PersepolisEnriqueGayIn "Hide and Seek", Marjane spends the night with her boyfriend Enrique, expecting to have her first sexual experience. But they don't have sex, and she wakes up without Enrique beside her. She jumps to the conclusion that he is in love with his friend Ingrid. However, later that day, Enrique reveals to Marjane that he is gay. He thanks her because she helped him to discover his own sexuality. He states that if a relationship with her didn't work out, it won't work out with any other girl.France, Iran
2000–2006LuciferJayesh "Jay"GayJay is a friend of Jill Presto. Jay is interested in a man named Karl, unaware that Karl is a homophobic neo-Nazi. Jay asks Karl out, after being encouraged by Jill. Afterwards, Karl and other men and beat Jay up in a dark alley.
2000–2009, 2012NanaNanaLesbian or BisexualNana tells the story of two girls both named Nana, one of which is nicknamed "Hachi" who meet on a train going to Tokyo. Nana moves to Tokyo to pursue a music career with her band, Black Stones, of which she is the main vocalist. While Hachi on the other hand moves to Tokyo to join her friends and her boyfriend, Shoji. They move into the same apartment and start to become close, to the point where it seems like their relationship is more than platonic, with many scenes of physical intimacy between then, such as Nana letting Hachi sleep with her in her bed or the two bathing together. They question their feelings towards each other multiple times, with Nana stating that "It felt like a teenage boy falling in love for the first time" when looking at Hachi. Many people view Nana and Hachi's relationship due to their closeness as romantic, with many people viewing Hachi as a "lesbian with comphet." Elizabeth Simons states that “generally conveyed using a combination of subtext and coding… The purpose of subtext and coding is, of course, to fly under the radar and ‘pass’ as heteronormative enough not to be censored or marginalized.” Due to Ai Yazama's illness, the manga has been on an indefinite hiatus so the true nature of Nana and Hachi's relationship still remains unknown.Japan
2000–2009, 2012NanaHachiLesbian or BisexualNana tells the story of two girls both named Nana, one of which is nicknamed "Hachi" who meet on a train going to Tokyo. Nana moves to Tokyo to pursue a music career with her band, Black Stones, of which she is the main vocalist. While Hachi on the other hand moves to Tokyo to join her friends and her boyfriend, Shoji. They move into the same apartment and start to become close, to the point where it seems like their relationship is more than platonic, with many scenes of physical intimacy between then, such as Nana letting Hachi sleep with her in her bed or the two bathing together. They question their feelings towards each other multiple times, with Nana stating that "It felt like a teenage boy falling in love for the first time" when looking at Hachi. Many people view Nana and Hachi's relationship due to their closeness as romantic, with many people viewing Hachi as a "lesbian with comphet." Elizabeth Simons states that “generally conveyed using a combination of subtext and coding… The purpose of subtext and coding is, of course, to fly under the radar and ‘pass’ as heteronormative enough not to be censored or marginalized.” Due to Ai Yazama's illness, the manga has been on an indefinite hiatus so the true nature of Nana and Hachi's relationship still remains unknown.Japan
2001–2016BleachChizuru HonshōLesbianChizuru is a classmate of Ichigo Kurosaki. She is an open lesbian and is often trying to get close to Orihime only to be thwarted by Tatsuki who would often attack her.
Chizuru temporarily becomes the superheroine "Karakura Erotic" and joins the Karakura-Raizer Team, a team of superheroes who protects Karakura while Ichigo and others go to rescue Orihime. She is an effective fighter against beautiful women. Her superheroine persona was introduced and described in the manga, and later shown in action in the filler anime episodes 213–214, where she uses the "Hyper Erotic Mode" to gain great power and speed specifically against female enemies. In a scene off-screen, she uses the sexually named technique "Raizer Doggy Style" to defeat a female Arrancar enemy.
Japan
2001–2009, 2018–2019ExilesSunfire (Mariko Yashida)LesbianMariko was the Sunfire of Earth–2109 who was a member of the Exiles and one of Marvel's few open homosexuals of the 2000s. During one of the reality–hopping missions, Mariko encountered and fell in love with Mary Jane Watson who was Spider-Woman in a legacy virus reality. They began dating until Mariko was taken back by other Exiles members leaving both her and MJ heartbroken. Mariko would later die during the battle with a Brood Queen and was buried in MJ's world.United States
2001–2009, 2018–2019ExilesMary Jane Watson (Spider-Woman)LesbianMary Jane of Earth–8545 was the Spider-Woman of her reality. MJ would meet and fell in love with Exiles member Mariko. They ended up dating until the other Exiles members took Mariko back, leaving them both heartbroken.United States
2001–2009, 2018–2019ExilesValkyrieLesbianValkyrie of Earth–22681 had a romantic relationship with Becky Barnes.United States
2001–2009, 2018–2019ExilesBecky BarnesLesbianBecky Barnes of Earth–86315 was the partner of her world's Peggy Carter who is Captain America. She began to feel attracted to Exiles member Valkyrie.United States
2002–2005DearSMitsuka YoshimineBisexualMitsuka is an exhibitionist high school English teacher. Mitsuka often strips down to her lingerie during classes, makes her students read erotic stories, openly asks about their sex lives and flirts with them. She is also a porn actress, who makes her own original videos. Mitsuka constantly interprets everything around her in a sexual way and is shown to be aroused as a result. Her behavior routinely annoys her students, but the principal does not take any steps to prevent it. Mitsuka is attracted to boys and girls. At some points, she is seen flirting with her male student Takeya, and her female "DearS" students Ren and Miu.Japan
2002–2010Catwoman vol. 3Holly RobinsonLesbianIssue where her open lesbian identity begins: Catwoman vol. 3 #1. Holly Robinson is a friend of Catwoman and was one of the few openly lesbian characters in the early 2000s DC world.United States
2002–2013Wandering SonShuichi NitoriTrans woman, lesbianThe protagonist of Wandering Son, Shu, is a transgender girl. Shu is attracted to and dates women throughout the series and when she officially comes out as a girl, her girlfriend Anna states "I guess this means I'm a lesbian"Japan
2002–2013Wandering SonAnnaLesbianThe protagonist of Wandering Son, Shu, is a transgender girl. Shu is attracted to and dates women throughout the series and when she officially comes out as a girl, her girlfriend Anna states "I guess this means I'm a lesbian"Japan
2002–2013Wandering SonYoshino TakatsukiTrans manHe is a transgender boy.Japan
2002–2013Wandering SonHiroyuki YoshidaTrans womanShe is a transgender woman.Japan
2002–presentAll-New X-MenIcemanGayAll New X-Men #40 contains the pivotal moment where Iceman/Bobby Drake is informed by Jean Grey that his thoughts reveal his homosexuality. The scene plays out with Bobby wondering why his older self dated women for so long; he ponders bi-sexuality before being told, unequivocally, that he is in fact gay.United States
2003–2019'AaronGayAaron and Eric are a gay couple from Alexandria Safe-Zone.United States
2003–2019'EricGayAaron and Eric are a gay couple from Alexandria Safe-Zone.United States
2003–2019'Paul "Jesus" MonroeGayPaul is gay.United States
2003–2019'MagnaLesbianMagna and Yumiko are a lesbian couple.United States
2003–2019'YumikoLesbianMagna and Yumiko are a lesbian couple.United States
2003–2019'Juanita "Princess" SanchezPansexualJuanita is pansexual.United States
2003–2018InvincibleWar WomanLesbianOne of the original members of the Guardians of the Globe who was killed by Omni-Man. War Woman lived in a Boston apartment with her girlfriend Holly.United States
2003–2018InvincibleWilliam ClockwellGayThe childhood friend of Mark Grayson who is openly gay. In one issue, he admits to Mark that he thinks Omni-Man is hot. He is dating Rick Sheridan.United States
2003–2018InvincibleRick SheridanGayAn Upstate University student who had cybernetic implants by D.A. Sinclair. Rick is dating William.United States
2004–2007Rosario + VampireYukari SendouBisexualYukari has a crush on both Moka and Tsukune. Yukari openly wants to have a three-way relationship with them, but Moka and Tsukune don't return her feelings.
When Yukari is introduced in both the manga and the anime, she only likes Moka, not Tsukune. Once Moka saves Yukari from being bullied by their monster schoolmates, Yukari confesses her love to her. At this point, Yukari tries to drive Moka and Tsukune apart, out of jealousy. Only after Tsukune puts himself in harm's way to save Yukari from monsters too, Yukari starts to like him as well and confesses her love to him.
Japan
2004–2010Scott PilgrimRamona FlowersBisexualRamona has seven evil exes: six ex-boyfriends and her ex-girlfriend Roxie. Scott Pilgrim, Ramona's current boyfriend in the series, often makes the mistake of referring to them as seven "ex-boyfriends" before learning that Ramona used to date a girl. Ramona repeatedly corrects him by pointing out that "exes" is correct, not "ex-boyfriends", but she does not actually tell him about her ex-girlfriend until Scott meets Roxie in person. Ramona says that dating a girl was just a phase. However, Ramona later spends the night at Roxie's house and they make out offscreen.Canada
2004–2010Scott PilgrimRoxanne "Roxie" RichterLesbianRamona has seven evil exes: six ex-boyfriends and her ex-girlfriend Roxie. Scott Pilgrim, Ramona's current boyfriend in the series, often makes the mistake of referring to them as seven "ex-boyfriends" before learning that Ramona used to date a girl. Ramona repeatedly corrects him by pointing out that "exes" is correct, not "ex-boyfriends", but she does not actually tell him about her ex-girlfriend until Scott meets Roxie in person. Ramona says that dating a girl was just a phase. However, Ramona later spends the night at Roxie's house and they make out offscreen.Canada
2004–2010Scott PilgrimWallace WellsGayWallace Wells is Scott's gay roommate.Canada
2004–2010Scott PilgrimJimmyBisexualJimmy is Stacey's boyfriend. At some point, he is seduced by Wallace.Canada
2004–2010Scott PilgrimKnives ChauBisexualScott walks in when two of his ex-girlfriends, Knives Chau and Kim Pine, are making out.Canada
2004–2010Scott PilgrimKim PineBisexualScott walks in when two of his ex-girlfriends, Knives Chau and Kim Pine, are making out.Canada
2004–2010Scott PilgrimStephen StillsGayStephen comes out as gay toward the end of the series.Canada
2004–2010Scott PilgrimJosephGayOne of Kim's roommates. He enters a relationship with Stephen Stills.Canada
2004–2010Scott PilgrimScott aka "Other Scott"GayWallace's gay friend named Scott.Canada
2005Villains UnitedScandal SavageLesbianThe Villains United miniseries is the first appearance of Scandal Savage. In this comic, she becomes a member of the Secret Six. Scandal mentions her sexual orientation after Deadshot attempts twice to talk with her in private. The second time, she says "Lawton, do you know what the word 'lesbian' means?" Later, dozens of members of the Secret Society of Super Villains invade the House of Secrets with the intent to kill the Secret Six. Knockout, a member of the Society, is revealed to be a mole planted by Scandal. At some point, Scandal fights against Talia al Ghul until Knockout interrupts them and defeats Talia. Scandal calls Knockout "beloved" as they hug.United States
2005Villains UnitedKnockoutLesbianThe Villains United miniseries is the first appearance of Scandal Savage. In this comic, she becomes a member of the Secret Six. Scandal mentions her sexual orientation after Deadshot attempts twice to talk with her in private. The second time, she says "Lawton, do you know what the word 'lesbian' means?" Later, dozens of members of the Secret Society of Super Villains invade the House of Secrets with the intent to kill the Secret Six. Knockout, a member of the Society, is revealed to be a mole planted by Scandal. At some point, Scandal fights against Talia al Ghul until Knockout interrupts them and defeats Talia. Scandal calls Knockout "beloved" as they hug.United States
2003–2009, 2015, 2017–2021RunawaysKarolina DeanLesbianKarolina and Nico were one of the founding members of the teen superhero team the Runaways and children of parents who are members of the villainous organisation The Pride. In the second volume, Karolina came out to Nico while admitted she had developed feelings for her and almost kissed her, but Nico rebuffed her and while it nearly strained their friendship, they managed to overcome their misunderstanding. Karolina would later be betrothed to the Skrull Xavin in the third volume until they took her place to answer for her parents' crimes by the Majesdanians. In the fifth volume after the team had reunited, Nico admits she should act her feelings for Karolina and they kissed, beginning a romantic relationship.United States
2003–2009, 2015, 2017–2021RunawaysNico MinoruBisexualKarolina and Nico were one of the founding members of the teen superhero team the Runaways and children of parents who are members of the villainous organisation The Pride. In the second volume, Karolina came out to Nico while admitted she had developed feelings for her and almost kissed her, but Nico rebuffed her and while it nearly strained their friendship, they managed to overcome their misunderstanding. Karolina would later be betrothed to the Skrull Xavin in the third volume until they took her place to answer for her parents' crimes by the Majesdanians. In the fifth volume after the team had reunited, Nico admits she should act her feelings for Karolina and they kissed, beginning a romantic relationship.United States
2003–2009, 2015, 2017–2021RunawaysXavinGenderfluidXavin, a shapeshifting Skrull who alternates between male and female formales, debuted in this series, usually in a female form when with Karolina Dean, a lesbian character sent on Earth to marry, and spends most of the series in a male form. Xavin is implied to be genderfluid.United States
2005–2014Young AvengersAmerica ChavezLesbianAmerica Chavez is an openly gay character, who has had relationships with a male personification of the Ultimate Nullifier and a female emergency medical technician named Lisa Halloran.United States
2005–2014Young AvengersNoh-VarrBisexualNoh-Varr has stated that he had experiences with Kree of the same sex at the end of Young Avengers, to which Kate Bishop replied "Am I the only one on the team who is straight?"United States
2005–2014Young AvengersProdigyBisexualDavid is an open bisexual and comes out to Hulkling after kissing him in Young Avengers.United States
2005–2014Young AvengersWiccanGayExchanges between Wiccan and Hulkling had led to speculation that the two teens had a much more intimate bond than mere friendship. Allan Heinberg confirmed this speculation, stating that his intent was to reveal the relationship, and he was surprised that his subtle clues were picked up on so quickly. Kieron Gillen showed their relationship explicitly throughout his run on Young Avengers. During the 2020 storyline Empyre, Hulkling and Wiccan officially married.United States
2005–2014Young AvengersHulklingGayExchanges between Wiccan and Hulkling had led to speculation that the two teens had a much more intimate bond than mere friendship. Allan Heinberg confirmed this speculation, stating that his intent was to reveal the relationship, and he was surprised that his subtle clues were picked up on so quickly. Kieron Gillen showed their relationship explicitly throughout his run on Young Avengers. During the 2020 storyline Empyre, Hulkling and Wiccan officially married.United States
2006–200752Batwoman LesbianFirst appearance in this comic book series: 52 #7. When DC Comics rebooted their universe with the series 52 in 2006, they reintroduced Batwoman as Kate Kane and identified her as a lesbian, making her the highest profile lesbian in the DC universe.United States
2006–2008MidnighterMidnighterGayMidnighter is one of DC Comics' most prominent gay superheroes and his relationship with Apollo is one of the most prominent gay relationships in DC Comics.United States
2006–2008MidnighterApolloGayMidnighter is one of DC Comics' most prominent gay superheroes and his relationship with Apollo is one of the most prominent gay relationships in DC Comics.United States
2006–2011, 2014–2016Secret SixCatmanBisexualCatman was a supervillain hunter turned antihero and founding member of the Secret Six. Secret Six writer Gail Simone revealed on Tumblr that she planned to write a story arc to reveal that Catman was bisexual during her run on the comic, but was cancelled during DC's New 52 reboot. In the relaunch of the new Secret Six in 2014, his bisexuality was confirmed when he was seen flirting was both a man and a woman in the first issue.United States
2006–2011, 2014–2016Secret SixJeannetteBisexualAccording to Gail Simone, Jeanette is bisexual.United States
2006–2011, 2014–2016Secret SixRag DollNon-binaryThe second person to go by the name Rag Doll and son of the original, in the third volume, Rag Doll uses both he and she pronouns but most of the time uses male pronouns.United States
2006–2011, 2014–2016Secret SixPorcelainGenderfluidPorcelain mentions in volume 4's fourth issue that some days they feel feminine and some days "not-so-much". Gail Simone reveals on Twitter that they are genderfluid.United States
2007–presentAltair: A Record of BattlesAl-Kaplan "Red Tiger" BalabanGayHe is heavily implied to be homosexual, as he greatly enjoys and surrounds himself in the company of beautiful men and even ensures his army of personally selected soldiers only consists of handsome men. He shows no interest in women and even flirts with Mahmut the main character.Japan
2007–presentAltair: A Record of BattlesVirgilio LouisGay or BisexualLouis and his colleague Simon are confirmed to be in a sexual relationship and are shown sharing a bed in the manga.Japan
2007–presentAltair: A Record of BattlesSimon BlanchardGay or BisexualLouis and his colleague Simon are confirmed to be in a sexual relationship and are shown sharing a bed in the manga.Japan
2009–presentAttack on TitanYmirLesbianThe official website mentions Ymir is in love with Historia
Also at the series panel for Animagic 2014, producer George Wada confirmed that Ymir and Krista are a couple
Japan
2009–presentAttack on TitanKrista LenzBisexualThe official website mentions Ymir is in love with Historia
Also at the series panel for Animagic 2014, producer George Wada confirmed that Ymir and Krista are a couple
Japan
2010–2016Alice in BorderlandHikari KuinaTrans WomanIt was revealed in chapter 25 that Hikari previously identified as male but later transitioned through sex reassignment surgery after leaving her father's dojo.Japan
2011–presentPrinceless and Princeless: Raven the Pirate PrincessRaven XingtaoLesbianRaven, a character in Princeless and the protagonist in the spin-off Princeless: Raven the Pirate Princess, is a lesbian.United States
2012No Straight LinesNumerousNo Straight Lines is an anthology of queer comics over a forty-year period.United States
2012–2018The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye and Transformers: Lost LightChromedomeGayChromedome and Rewind are a couple who had been together for thousands of years. They are conjunx endura. They were one of the first canonical same-sex couples in the Transformers franchise.United States
2012–2018The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye and Transformers: Lost LightRewindGayChromedome and Rewind are a couple who had been together for thousands of years. They are conjunx endura. They were one of the first canonical same-sex couples in the Transformers franchise.United States
2012–2018The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye and Transformers: Lost LightCyclonusGayCyclonus and Tailgate confessed their love for each other in Transformers: Lost Light #18.United States
2012–2018The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye and Transformers: Lost LightTailgateGayCyclonus and Tailgate confessed their love for each other in Transformers: Lost Light #18.United States
2012–2018The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye and Transformers: Lost LightRatchetGayRatchet and Drift are conjunx endurae during the time skip in Transformers: Lost Light #25.United States
2012–2018The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye and Transformers: Lost LightDriftGayRatchet and Drift are conjunx endurae during the time skip in Transformers: Lost Light #25.United States
2012–2018The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye and Transformers: Lost LightAnodeTrans woman, lesbianAnode and Lug are a same-sex couple who both transitioned when they left Cybertron.United States
2012–2018The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye and Transformers: Lost LightLug-Anode and Lug are a same-sex couple who both transitioned when they left Cybertron.United States
2013–2016, 2017–presentRat QueensHannah VizariBisexualUnited States
2013–2016, 2017–presentRat QueensBettyLesbianUnited States
2013–2016, 2017–presentRat QueensBragaTrans womanUnited States
2014–2020LumberjanesJoTransgenderJo also has two fathers who are married to each other.United States
2014–2020LumberjanesMolly
Mal
LesbianUnited States
2014–2020LumberjanesBarneyNonbinaryInitially identified as a boy, later came out as nonbinary.United States
2014–presentMy Hero AcademiaMinoru "Grape Juice" MinetaBisexualMinoru Mineta is a Class 1-A student at U.A. High School. A lecherous and cowardly boy whose Quirk Pop Off gives him the ability to grow grape-like balls on his head. He takes the balls off his head and uses them as weapons. Mineta is not popular with the girls due to his perverted tendencies. However, it was revealed in chapter 321 that he is also into men as Mineta confessed his love to Izuku Midoriya.Japan
2014–presentMy Hero AcademiaYawara "Tiger" ChatoraTrans manAlthough not mentioned in the story, the author stated in the character introduction that "Yawara was formerly female until he took a trip to Thailand." As such, Yawara is a trans man.Japan
2014–presentMy Hero AcademiaKenji "Magne" HikiishiTrans womanShe had a male body, but she preferred to be referred to as a female by her friends. As such, she is a trans woman.Japan
2014–2017The Transformers: Windblade and The Transformers: Till All Are OneKnock OutGayKnock Out and Breakdown are a couple in the IDW comics. They are also a couple in the 2019 IDW continuity.United States
2014–2017The Transformers: Windblade and The Transformers: Till All Are OneBreakdownGayKnock Out and Breakdown are a couple in the IDW comics. They are also a couple in the 2019 IDW continuity.United States
2015–presentDC Comics Bombshells and Bombshells UnitedBatwoman LesbianThe comics series is set in an alternate reality where DC Comics superheroines are depicted as 1940s pin-up style heroes during World War II. Despite being set in the 1940s, the setting has no era-appropriate homophobia. Kate Kane is a lesbian and lives with her girlfriend, Detective Maggie Sawyer, at the start of the series. Kate Kane and Renee Montoya are revealed to be ex-lovers in issue #45.United States
2015–presentDC Comics Bombshells and Bombshells UnitedMaggie SawyerLesbianThe comics series is set in an alternate reality where DC Comics superheroines are depicted as 1940s pin-up style heroes during World War II. Despite being set in the 1940s, the setting has no era-appropriate homophobia. Kate Kane is a lesbian and lives with her girlfriend, Detective Maggie Sawyer, at the start of the series. Kate Kane and Renee Montoya are revealed to be ex-lovers in issue #45.United States
2015–presentDC Comics Bombshells and Bombshells UnitedRenee MontoyaLesbianThe comics series is set in an alternate reality where DC Comics superheroines are depicted as 1940s pin-up style heroes during World War II. Despite being set in the 1940s, the setting has no era-appropriate homophobia. Kate Kane is a lesbian and lives with her girlfriend, Detective Maggie Sawyer, at the start of the series. Kate Kane and Renee Montoya are revealed to be ex-lovers in issue #45.United States
2015–presentDC Comics Bombshells and Bombshells UnitedWonder WomanBisexualWonder Woman was in a relationship with Mera and later Steve Trevor.United States
2015–presentDC Comics Bombshells and Bombshells UnitedHarley QuinnBisexualHarley and Poison Ivy are in a relationship in the series.United States
2015–presentDC Comics Bombshells and Bombshells UnitedPoison IvyBisexualHarley and Poison Ivy are in a relationship in the series.United States
2015Honor GirlMaggie ThrashLesbianHonor Girl is a graphic novel memoir recounting writer Maggie Thrash's experience of falling in love with an older female camp counselor during a summer all-girls' camp.United States
2015–2016MidnighterMidnighterGayMidnighter is one of DC Comics' most prominent gay superheroes and his relationship with Apollo is one of the most prominent gay relationships in DC Comics.United States
2015–2016MidnighterApolloGayMidnighter is one of DC Comics' most prominent gay superheroes and his relationship with Apollo is one of the most prominent gay relationships in DC Comics.United States
2015–2018Our Dreams at DuskTasuku KanameGayJapan
2015–2018Our Dreams at DuskHaruka Daichi
Saki
LesbianJapan
2015–2018Our Dreams at DuskUtsumiTrans manJapan
2015–2018Our Dreams at DuskSomeoneAsexualHer name is literally given as Dareka-san, meaning "someone".Japan
2016Love Is LoveNumerousAn anthology comic book published by IDW Publishing in collaboration with DC Comics, as a tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting.United States
2016–2017Midnighter and ApolloMidnighterGayMidnighter is one of DC Comics' most prominent gay superheroes and his relationship with Apollo is one of the most prominent gay relationships in DC Comics.United States
2016–2017Midnighter and ApolloApolloGayMidnighter is one of DC Comics' most prominent gay superheroes and his relationship with Apollo is one of the most prominent gay relationships in DC Comics.United States
2016–2018Optimus PrimeArceeTrans woman, lesbianArcee described herself that she was "forged male" but was never entirely comfortable with her birth identity and volunteered with her transition by the mad scientist Jhiaxus, who tried to experiment on her to reintroduce female transformers, until he abandoned her. With the combination of lack of aftercare and trauma caused by Jhiaxus, Arcee went on a violent rampage across the Galaxy until she was imprisoned by Autobot authorities and eventually released to help fight the Decepticons. After the war ended, Arcee was finally able to make peace with herself from the help of her Autobot allies. She would later enter in a relationship with Caminus colonist Aileron.United States
2016–2018Optimus PrimeAileronLesbianA colonist from the Cybertronian colony planet Caminus, Aileron would join Optimus's Autobot faction on Earth. After saving Arcee from an invading army, she was gratefully kissed by her and they began a romantic relationshipUnited States
2016–presentHeartstopperCharlie SpringGayCharlie realized he was gay at a fairly young age, and was outed when he was 14 years old. His family and friends accept him, as well as a lot of people at his school, though initially he was bullied for his sexuality. He is very confident and okay with the fact that he is gay.United Kingdom
2016–presentHeartstopperNick NelsonBisexualNick always thought he was straight, but he ended up falling in love with Charlie, and came to terms with his sexuality and eventually realized he was bisexual. He came out to his mother, then to his friends, and later to the whole school. He was very nervous at first about being bi, but now has no problems with his sexuality.United Kingdom
2016–presentHeartstopperBen HopeBisexualBen used to make out with Charlie despite having a girlfriend, possibly because he wanted to "experiment" with a guy. However, he was cheating on his girlfriend, mistreated Charlie and even forced him to kiss him. He is also very homophobic towards Charlie.United Kingdom
2016–presentHeartstopperTara JonesLesbianTara figured out she was a lesbian after kissing Darcy multiple times. She is now in a relationship with Darcy. She is out to her family, friends and to everyone at school.United Kingdom
2016–presentHeartstopperDarcy OlssonLesbianDarcy liked Tara and tried to pursue a relationship with her, and when Tara realized she liked Darcy, they eventually became girlfriends. Darcy is out to her friends and people at school, but not to her family, as they're extremely homophobic.United Kingdom
2016–presentHeartstopperElle ArgentTransgenderElle is a trans girl. She used to attend an all boys school, but moved to an all girls school when in year 9 or 10. Her friends and family are all very supportive.United Kingdom
2016–presentInterspecies ReviewersCrimvaelIntersexAn angel with both male and female genitalia, Crim usually presents as male.Japan
2016–presentKomi Can't CommunicateNajimi OsanaNonbinary/genderfluidNajimi is a character with ambiguous gender, who wears feminine clothing but previously wore a male school uniform in middle school. They call themself a boy or a girl at various times, though whether it's merely a matter of convenience or not is unclear.Japan
2017–2018'KorraBisexualIn the animated series The Legend of Korra, Korra and Asami date Mako at different points. At the end of the series, Korra and Asami are holding hands and looking into each other's eyes while traveling through a portal right before the ending credits. The creators later confirmed that the intention of the ending scene was to show Asami and Korra becoming a romantic couple.
In the graphic novel The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars, which is the sequel to the animated series, Korra and Asami are in a relationship.
United States
2017–2018'Asami SatoBisexualIn the animated series The Legend of Korra, Korra and Asami date Mako at different points. At the end of the series, Korra and Asami are holding hands and looking into each other's eyes while traveling through a portal right before the ending credits. The creators later confirmed that the intention of the ending scene was to show Asami and Korra becoming a romantic couple.
In the graphic novel The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars, which is the sequel to the animated series, Korra and Asami are in a relationship.
United States
2017–2018'KyaLesbianKya's sexuality is not mentioned in the animated series The Legend of Korra. However, in the sequel graphic novel The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars, she is shown to be lesbian and gives advice to Korra and Asami about coming out.United States
2017–2018'KyoshiBisexualAvatar Kyoshi is one of the previous reincarnations of Aang and Korra. She appears in both Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, but her sexuality is not mentioned in either animated series.
In the graphic novel The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars, she is shown to be bisexual. She is described as unable to effect progress towards acceptance of same-sex relationships because the Earth Kingdom is the "slowest to accept change" and "the most militaristically repressive".
United States
2017SpinningTillie WaldenLesbianSpinning is a graphic novel memoir by lesbian cartoonist Tillie WaldenUnited States
2017–2019The Witch BoyLee Knox OstertagAmbiguousWhile the protagonist, Aster, who comes from an interracial family, is never explicitly described as queer, one can easily see parallels "between his situation and that of gender queer and gender non-conforming people," as one reviewer points out, and in the world of this book, a secondary character has two fathers, evidencing other possible queer characters. The book was later awarded a Prism Award, honoring LGBTQ comics, for this graphic novel at San Diego Comic-Con in 2018.United States
2017–presentDr. StoneFrancoisNon-binaryFrancois is Ryusui's extremely talented butler. Their gender remains unknown and has not been questioned after their début chapter.Japan
2017–presentDr. StoneRyusui NanamiBisexualIn chapter 142 Ryusui stated "I love all women you see, so naturally that includes you. Men too!! I desire them all!! Including Tsukasa!!"Japan
2017–presentBlue PeriodRyuji "Yuka" AyukawaGenderqueer, BisexualYuka openly does not conform to the gender binary and dresses as either gender in opposition. Chapter 20 revealed that Yuka has had previously held attraction to women as well as current attraction to men.Japan
2018–2019Olivia TwistOlivia TwistLesbianA female modern version of Charles Dickens' classic Oliver Twist, Olivia met a female version of the Artful Dodger after escaping from the Margate factory and offered by her to join Fagin's pickpocketing gang. In a couple of issues, both girls felt attracted towards each other and in the final issue, they kissed.United States
2018–2019Olivia TwistArtful DodgerLesbianA female modern version of Charles Dickens' classic Oliver Twist, Olivia met a female version of the Artful Dodger after escaping from the Margate factory and offered by her to join Fagin's pickpocketing gang. In a couple of issues, both girls felt attracted towards each other and in the final issue, they kissed.United States
2018–2019Olivia TwistNicola "Cola" NicklebyNon-binaryOne of the members of Fagin's pickpocketing gang.United States
2018–2021Love Me for Who I AmRyuunosuke MogumoNon-binaryJapan
2018–2021Love Me for Who I AmSatori IwaokaTrans womenJapan
2018–2021Love Me for Who I AmAkira/Mei TatebayashiTrans womenJapan
2018–2021Love Me for Who I AmKotone MizunoeLesbianJapan
2018–2021Love Me for Who I AmSou SuzumiGayJapan
2018–presentSummitValentina Resnick-BakerLesbianThe sole survivor of The Event space mission, is now haunted by the loss of her teammates and her girlfriend Kay. As a result of the incident, she gains exquisite powers. Created by Lion Forge ComicsUnited States
2018–presentChainsaw ManQuanxiLesbianKishibe's former partner in Public Safety and crush, Quanxi is a Chinese devil hunter and one of the assassins sent to steal Denji's heart. She is a lesbian in a polyamorous relationship with four female Fiends: Long, Pingtsi, Tsugihagi, and Cosmo. Quanxi is regarded to be one of few openly gay characters in mainstream shonen.Japan
2018–presentChainsaw ManLongLesbianKishibe's former partner in Public Safety and crush, Quanxi is a Chinese devil hunter and one of the assassins sent to steal Denji's heart. She is a lesbian in a polyamorous relationship with four female Fiends: Long, Pingtsi, Tsugihagi, and Cosmo. Quanxi is regarded to be one of few openly gay characters in mainstream shonen.Japan
2018–presentChainsaw ManPingtsiLesbianKishibe's former partner in Public Safety and crush, Quanxi is a Chinese devil hunter and one of the assassins sent to steal Denji's heart. She is a lesbian in a polyamorous relationship with four female Fiends: Long, Pingtsi, Tsugihagi, and Cosmo. Quanxi is regarded to be one of few openly gay characters in mainstream shonen.Japan
2018–presentChainsaw ManTsugihagiLesbianKishibe's former partner in Public Safety and crush, Quanxi is a Chinese devil hunter and one of the assassins sent to steal Denji's heart. She is a lesbian in a polyamorous relationship with four female Fiends: Long, Pingtsi, Tsugihagi, and Cosmo. Quanxi is regarded to be one of few openly gay characters in mainstream shonen.Japan
2018–presentChainsaw ManCosmoLesbianKishibe's former partner in Public Safety and crush, Quanxi is a Chinese devil hunter and one of the assassins sent to steal Denji's heart. She is a lesbian in a polyamorous relationship with four female Fiends: Long, Pingtsi, Tsugihagi, and Cosmo. Quanxi is regarded to be one of few openly gay characters in mainstream shonen.Japan
2020Boys Run the RiotRyo WatariTransgender boy, bisexualTitular character of the series. Although closeted at first, Ryo begins to express himself more as the series progresses.Japan
2020–2021Is Love the Answer?MoriyaLesbianAt first closeted at the start of the series, in the first volume schoolgirl Moriya comes out, stating her love for Aikawa, a girl in another class at her school.Japan
2020–2021Sex Ed 120%MoriyaLesbianAt first closeted at the start of the series, in the first volume schoolgirl Moriya comes out, stating her love for Aikawa, a girl in another class at her school.Japan