LGBTQ+ Icons in Manga

By Reem Ibrahim

Being queer is one of the key parts of my identity, so I'm always looking for characters in manga and other media that I feel I relate to. I believe everyone should be represented in the media they they enjoy. Typically, queer characters in manga (when they're included) are treated as stereotypes and jokes and aren't really given the character development they need to grow as characters. Meaningful representation matters a lot to me. Characters should be allowed to grow, make mistakes, and exist naturally within a story without their identity being treated like a punching bag. If you enjoy manga that features complex, thoughtfully written queer characters, then oh boy do I have the blog post for you!

Light pink background surrounded by two wavy rainbows covering the top of the image and the bottom. Various hearts containing pride flags. Purple text in the middle reads 'LGBTQ+ Icons in Manga'

Featured Book One

Boys Run the Riot 1

Title

Boys Run the Riot 1

Price

$12.99

Available In Store

A transgender teen named Ryo finds an escape from the expectations and anxieties of his daily life in the world of street fashion. This personal, heartfelt, fictional story from a transgender manga creator made waves in Japan and will inspire readers all over the world!

Best Books for Teens 2021 selection, New York Public Library
Winner, 77th Tetsuya Chiba Prize
Nominee, Harvey Awards

AT THE SEAMS

High schooler Ryo knows he’s transgender, but he doesn’t have anyone to confide in about the confusion he feels. He can’t tell his best friend, who he’s secretly got a crush on, and he can’t tell his mom, who’s constantly asking why Ryo “dresses like a boy.” He certainly can’t tell Jin, the new transfer student who looks like just another bully… The only time Ryo feels at ease is when he’s wearing his favorite clothes. Then, and only then, the world melts away, and he can be his true self. One day, while out shopping, Ryo sees someone he didn’t expect: Jin. The kid who looked so tough in class has the same taste in fashion as him! At last, Ryo has someone he can open up to—and the journey ahead might finally give him a way to express himself to the world.

SKU

9781646512485

Boys Run the Riot 1

$12.99

Available In Store

Description

A transgender teen named Ryo finds an escape from the expectations and anxieties of his daily life in the world of street fashion. This personal, heartfelt, fictional story from a transgender manga creator made waves in Japan and will inspire readers all over the world!

Best Books for Teens 2021 selection, New York Public Library
Winner, 77th Tetsuya Chiba Prize
Nominee, Harvey Awards

AT THE SEAMS

High schooler Ryo knows he’s transgender, but he doesn’t have anyone to confide in about the confusion he feels. He can’t tell his best friend, who he’s secretly got a crush on, and he can’t tell his mom, who’s constantly asking why Ryo “dresses like a boy.” He certainly can’t tell Jin, the new transfer student who looks like just another bully… The only time Ryo feels at ease is when he’s wearing his favorite clothes. Then, and only then, the world melts away, and he can be his true self. One day, while out shopping, Ryo sees someone he didn’t expect: Jin. The kid who looked so tough in class has the same taste in fashion as him! At last, Ryo has someone he can open up to—and the journey ahead might finally give him a way to express himself to the world.

Description

A transgender teen named Ryo finds an escape from the expectations and anxieties of his daily life in the world of street fashion. This personal, heartfelt, fictional story from a transgender manga creator made waves in Japan and will inspire readers all over the world!

Best Books for Teens 2021 selection, New York Public Library
Winner, 77th Tetsuya Chiba Prize
Nominee, Harvey Awards

AT THE SEAMS

High schooler Ryo knows he’s transgender, but he doesn’t have anyone to confide in about the confusion he feels. He can’t tell his best friend, who he’s secretly got a crush on, and he can’t tell his mom, who’s constantly asking why Ryo “dresses like a boy.” He certainly can’t tell Jin, the new transfer student who looks like just another bully… The only time Ryo feels at ease is when he’s wearing his favorite clothes. Then, and only then, the world melts away, and he can be his true self. One day, while out shopping, Ryo sees someone he didn’t expect: Jin. The kid who looked so tough in class has the same taste in fashion as him! At last, Ryo has someone he can open up to—and the journey ahead might finally give him a way to express himself to the world.

ISBN

9781646512485

Gaku Keito

Publisher

Kodansha Comics

Publication Date

May 1, 2021

Binding

Paperback

Item Condition

New

Language

English

Pages

240

Series

Boys Run The Riot

Series Number

Keywords

This manga was gifted to me by a friend when I was experiencing some rough gender dysphoria. Seeing a character going through similar struggles as I did helped lighten the mental load I felt. The mangaka, Keito Gaku, is trans, and the localization team that translated and edited the work is as well. Boys Run the Riot stars Ryo Watari, a 16 year old trans man who starts a street fashion brand with his unusual classmate, Jin. The two of them bond over their shared interest in fashion, and through it, Ryo gradually becomes more comfortable expressing himself and his identity. This was the first manga I read with a trans main character, so it's very near and dear to my heart. I also really enjoy how the story isn't just focused on Ryo's angst and suffering, and depicts moments of trans joy and friendship as though it's the most natural thing in the world.

Featured Book Two

Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko! Volume 1

Title

Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko! Volume 1

Price

$13.99

Available In Store

This girls love workplace rom-com by popular Twitter artist Sal Jiang features two lovestruck coworkers — who each think the other is straight!

This is a 13+ GL romantic comedy about bubbly office worker Ayaka and her boss Hiroko, who each believe their feelings for each other are unrequited.

SKU

9781427884893

Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko! Volume 1

$13.99

Available In Store

Description

This girls love workplace rom-com by popular Twitter artist Sal Jiang features two lovestruck coworkers — who each think the other is straight!

This is a 13+ GL romantic comedy about bubbly office worker Ayaka and her boss Hiroko, who each believe their feelings for each other are unrequited.

Description

ISBN

9781427884893

Sal Jiang

Publisher

Lovelove (tokyopop)

Publication Date

February 17, 2026

Binding

Paperback

Item Condition

New

Language

English

Pages

160

Keywords

Comics & Graphic Novels | East Asian Style | Manga - Yuri (Girls' Love); Comics & Graphic Novels | Romance

Ayaka Is in Love with Hiroko! is a hilarious GL (girls love) manga about Ayaka Usagida, a cheerful office worker, who suddenly falls in love with her super cool superior at work, Hirako Kana. Ayaka tries to earn Hirako's affection, but Hirako dismisses her advances as purely platonic since neither of them are out at work. This manga is so cute. I love how it depicts the awkwardness of Ayaka's first lesbian crush. She overthinks and questions everything Hirako does. She feels very realistic and she isn't the smoothest with her words, but she's kind and she means well. I think a lot of readers can relate to those feelings of nervousness and queer uncertainty. If the lighthearted humor throughout doesn't win your heart, then Ayaka's earnest feelings definitely will!

Featured Book Three

This is one of my favorite BL (boys love) stories of all time. Sasaki and Miyano by Shō Harusono is a sweet slow burn romance between Miyano Yoshikazu, a quiet and softspoken fudanshi - fan of BL manga, and Sasaki Shumei, a delinquent upperclassman. At first, they appear as if they have nothing in common, but the curiosity they have for each other slowly brings them together. What I love the most about this manga is the character Miyano. His realization of his sexuality isn't sudden, it's something he realizes over time. He struggles with accepting his feelings, and begins to see himself in the manga he reads. I went through something very similar, and reading queer romances is a big part of why I was able to work through my internal homophobia at a young age. This manga would be a great pick for anyone who has recently come to terms with their sexuality.

Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 1

Title

Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 1

Price

$13.00

Available In Store

It all started like a typical old-school boys' love plotline-bad-boy senior meets adorably awkward underclassman, one of them falls in love, and so on and so forth. But although Miyano is a self-proclaimed boys' love expert, he hasn't quite realized...he's in one himself. Which means it's up to Sasaki to make sure their story has a happily ever after...!

SKU

9781975320331

Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 1

$13.00

Available In Store

Description

ISBN

9781975320331

Harusono Shou

Publisher

Yen Press

Publication Date

February 1, 2021

Binding

Paperback

Item Condition

New

Language

English

Pages

132

Series

Sasaki And Miyano

Series Number

Keywords

Featured Book Four

Skip and Loafer Vol. 1

Title

Skip and Loafer Vol. 1

Price

$12.99

Available In Store

The award-winning romantic comedy about a country girl chasing her dreams in Tokyo--and don't miss the anime!

Mitsumi is bound for high school in Tokyo! She's got book smarts, but this small-town girl is about to find out she's massively unprepared for the social norms of big city high schoolers.

SKU

9781648275883

Skip and Loafer Vol. 1

$12.99

Available In Store

Description

The award-winning romantic comedy about a country girl chasing her dreams in Tokyo--and don't miss the anime!

Mitsumi is bound for high school in Tokyo! She's got book smarts, but this small-town girl is about to find out she's massively unprepared for the social norms of big city high schoolers.

Description

ISBN

9781648275883

Misaki Takamatsu

Publisher

Seven Seas (seven Seas Entertainment)

Publication Date

August 10, 2021

Binding

Paperback

Item Condition

New

Language

English

Pages

180

Series

Skip And Loafer

Series Number

Keywords

I absolutely adore this manga for so many reasons. Skip and Loafer by Misaki Takamatsu is a manga I recommend to literally anyone who enjoys reading. Nao is a trans woman who is independent, confident, and kind. She's a successful stylist living in the heart of Tokyo. I adore how her struggles dont overshadow her success. Her relationship with her niece, Mitsumi, is one of the highlights of the manga. She's her guardian in Tokyo, and is Mitsumi's big sister figure. While Nao isn't the main character, she appears frequently throughout the story and has a huge impact on the rest of the cast. She helps Mitsumi gain confidence with her stories and glam, and Mitsumi looks up to her as a role model. This manga is brilliant in its development of the characters, and Nao is not any different.

Featured Book Five

At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender

Title

At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender

Price

$13.99

Available In Store

At age 30, Shou Arai (he/him) came to a realization; he had no gender. Now he was faced with a question he'd never really considered: how to age in a society where everything is so strongly segregated between two genders? This autobiographical manga explores Japanese culture surrounding gender, transgender issues, and the day to day obstacles faced by gender minorities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with a lighthearted, comedic attitude.

"Arai's English-language debut At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender isn't his first autobiographical manga, but it is something of a rarity in terms of what we tend to get in translation: it's about aging as a queer person and being comfortable with the changes that come along with it. [...] At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender is the open, frank, and honest discussion that sticks with you. If you're looking for a book that doesn't hold back and just speaks its mind about its creator's experiences as a human being, definitely pick this up." — Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network

"I had not really thought about cultural differences when it comes to non-binary / trans / intersex individuals in other countries besides the US. However, the same issues of language persist no matter where you live or culture you are from. [...] I liked this manga overall for the honesty and frankness, even in the smallest detail, like when Shou gives advice to a female-to-male individual who wants to know how to grow or present a better-looking beard. Something for truly everyone along the gender and sexuality spectrum." — Patti Martinson, Sequential Tart

SKU

9781427873453

At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender

$13.99

Available In Store

Description

At age 30, Shou Arai (he/him) came to a realization; he had no gender. Now he was faced with a question he'd never really considered: how to age in a society where everything is so strongly segregated between two genders? This autobiographical manga explores Japanese culture surrounding gender, transgender issues, and the day to day obstacles faced by gender minorities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with a lighthearted, comedic attitude.

"Arai's English-language debut At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender isn't his first autobiographical manga, but it is something of a rarity in terms of what we tend to get in translation: it's about aging as a queer person and being comfortable with the changes that come along with it. [...] At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender is the open, frank, and honest discussion that sticks with you. If you're looking for a book that doesn't hold back and just speaks its mind about its creator's experiences as a human being, definitely pick this up." — Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network

"I had not really thought about cultural differences when it comes to non-binary / trans / intersex individuals in other countries besides the US. However, the same issues of language persist no matter where you live or culture you are from. [...] I liked this manga overall for the honesty and frankness, even in the smallest detail, like when Shou gives advice to a female-to-male individual who wants to know how to grow or present a better-looking beard. Something for truly everyone along the gender and sexuality spectrum." — Patti Martinson, Sequential Tart

Description

At age 30, Shou Arai (he/him) came to a realization; he had no gender. Now he was faced with a question he'd never really considered: how to age in a society where everything is so strongly segregated between two genders? This autobiographical manga explores Japanese culture surrounding gender, transgender issues, and the day to day obstacles faced by gender minorities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with a lighthearted, comedic attitude.

"Arai's English-language debut At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender isn't his first autobiographical manga, but it is something of a rarity in terms of what we tend to get in translation: it's about aging as a queer person and being comfortable with the changes that come along with it. [...] At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender is the open, frank, and honest discussion that sticks with you. If you're looking for a book that doesn't hold back and just speaks its mind about its creator's experiences as a human being, definitely pick this up." — Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network

"I had not really thought about cultural differences when it comes to non-binary / trans / intersex individuals in other countries besides the US. However, the same issues of language persist no matter where you live or culture you are from. [...] I liked this manga overall for the honesty and frankness, even in the smallest detail, like when Shou gives advice to a female-to-male individual who wants to know how to grow or present a better-looking beard. Something for truly everyone along the gender and sexuality spectrum." — Patti Martinson, Sequential Tart

ISBN

9781427873453

Shou Arai

Publisher

Tokyopop (tokyopop)

Publication Date

June 1, 1923

Binding

Paperback

Item Condition

New

Language

English

Ages

13-17

Pages

180

Keywords

Young Adult Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | LGBTQ+

The everlasting confusion someone might feel about gender (or lack of) is the main focus of this autobiographical manga created by Shou Arai. At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender is a realistic, down-to-earth story about coming to terms with your gender identity as an adult. In contrast to stories that depict teenaged characters and their journeys, it's like a breath of fresh air to see it from a mature point of view. Arai struggles to find a space for himself in a traditional society that relies on unchanging gender roles and labels. He feels a lot of isolation and loneliness when it comes to not fitting into any type of box, as many people who struggle with their identity do. As an agender person, I find myself deeply identifying with the idea of feeling like a type of 'other'. I would recommend this manga to anyone who feels a disconnect towards their gender, and might have some questions about who they are.

Featured Book Six

Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All, Vol. 1

Title

The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't A Guy At All, Vol. 1

Price

$20.00

Fashionable and upbeat high schooler Aya loves listening to rock, but no one else seems to share her interest...until she meets a cool, stylish employee at a CD shop. Dressed in black from head to toe, he has this air of mystery about him, and his taste in music is impeccable. Aya falls hard for him--not knowing her crush is actually her female classmate Mitsuki! For her part, Mitsuki generally keeps to herself and avoids standing out at school. But given that she sits right next to Aya, Mitsuki's all too aware of the other girl's feelings, and she's afraid to reveal the truth. So why does she find herself talking with Aya more and more...?

SKU

9781975399689

Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All, Vol. 1

$20.00

Available In Store

Description

ISBN

9781975399689

Sumiko Arai

Publisher

Yen Press

Publication Date

October 22, 2024

Binding

Paperback

Item Condition

New

Language

English

Pages

184

Series

The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't A Guy At All

Series Number

Keywords

This is possibly the most popular GL out right now. It's nickname in manga spaces is "the green yuri" due to the neon green manga covers. It stars Aya, a bubbly, popular student who develops a crush on a hot guy she sees working behind the counter at a records store. Eventually, she realizes that it wasn't a hot guy, but rather, her timid classmate, Mitsuki. Mitsuki feels invisible at school and blends in with the crowd, but she transforms when she's outside. Initially, Aya falls for the cool image of Mitsuki that she saw at the record store. Over time, she begins to falls in love with who Mitsuki actually is, an awkward music lover with a big heart. What I love about this manga is how much their relationship changes once they begin to get to truly know each other. I love small, tender, somewhat embarrassing moments, and this manga has plenty.

			Sales in the past year
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781454931010.jpg?itok=ExFppmbt	22
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9780593234945.jpg?itok=xa5mdA9R	16
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781454937562.jpg?itok=INWGiVX8	15
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9798894142685.jpg?itok=y_vVOvzK	12
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781454925644.jpg?itok=kqcKMuY5	10
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781617691379.jpg?itok=89PI9ujm	9
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781837760404.jpg?itok=lBQ7xcnW	8
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781984824677.jpg?itok=2PXXKTNm	7
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781631069901.jpg?itok=CGwhv6TV	6
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9780593972397.jpg?itok=ZUvkcVZX	5
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781784886820.jpg?itok=FEYC-uj5	4
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781837760190.jpg?itok=f9t8OmfX	3
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781837760916.jpg?itok=_v7p-j_I	2
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781506706627.jpg?itok=XcNOCnzJ	1
Art & Drawing Books	29	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781797227658.jpg?itok=VGiEAPw5	0

			Sales in the past year
New Arrivals	58	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9798887243849.jpg?itok=YEbrCD1Q	6
New Arrivals	58	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9798217118366.jpg?itok=SCZbJ0k0	4
New Arrivals	58	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781419788109.jpg?itok=Cw2egTnk	3
New Arrivals	58	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9798888775806.jpg?itok=pdXcdNzq	2
New Arrivals	58	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781035065578.jpg?itok=mRzcG2u3	1
New Arrivals	58	/sites/bettysbooksstl.com/files/styles/product_thumbnail/public/timberImage/97/9781596433700.jpg?itok=2tHmVuoS	0

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