Top 10 Must-Read Manga Celebrating Transgender Stories

Summary

LGBTQ+ manga offers diverse and relatable stories about gender identity and sexuality struggles.
Various manga titles feature trans individuals navigating societal expectations and self-discovery.
Despite challenges, manga like Boys Run the Riot and Wandering Son showcase personal growth and community support.

2021’s Pride Month may carry a heightened sense of tension compared to previous years, given the worsening political climate affecting LGBTQ+ individuals. The transgender community in particular faces increased challenges with ongoing attempts to restrict their daily lives through bills, rulings, and laws. This makes it harder to unwind and enjoy during such times when there seems to be a constant stream of negative developments on the horizon.

Fortunately, not everything is grim, as a vast network of aid and solidarity exists. Queer individuals, along with their supporters, will continue to share their narratives, whether they’re humorous and entertaining, deep and emotional, fictional or based on true events. This encompasses the realm of manga, where numerous inspiring stories about transgender people await readers to explore.

10. Welcome Back, Alice

Gender As A Prison

Creator: Shuzo Oshimi
7 Volumes, 40 Chapters
Available in English via Kodansha USA’s Vertical Comics imprint

Shuzo Oshimi, renowned for his psychological thrillers such as “Flowers of Evil” and “Blood on the Tracks”, is accustomed to exploring gender themes. Among his works, the notable tale that centers directly around transgender individuals is “Welcome Back, Alice“. This story revolves around three long-lost friends, Yohei, Yui, and Kei, who reconnect when Kei returns to their hometown.

It seems that all these characters have become more feminine, flirtatious, and are often referred to as ‘Alice.’ However, they are uncertain about their own gender identity, questioning whether they are Kei, Alice, or perhaps both, neither, or something else entirely. This uncertainty leaves us wondering how Yohei and Yui will react to these changes, given that the manga “Oshimi” explores the complexities of sexuality and the constraints of traditional gender roles. As such, it’s not difficult to predict that their new perspectives might lead to conflict and turmoil as they navigate this challenging terrain.

9. Haikei, Seken-sama

How One Trans Man Broke Out of Their Shell

Creator: Shin Kanzaki
3 Volumes, 27 Chapters
Fan Translations only

Many stories about transgender individuals frequently focus on trans women, as they often receive significant attention, whether positive or negative (usually negative). Meanwhile, trans men and those identifying as trans masculine are often overlooked or treated like mythical creatures, as if some people don’t believe they exist, or choose to disregard their reality. Unfortunately, this doesn’t prevent them from experiencing mistreatment and patronization when their identities are discovered by the wrong individuals.

In this manner, trans male manga artist Shin Kanzaki chose to pen a narrative drawn from personal experiences in “Haikei, Seken-sama”. This work narrates the tale of Rino Tachi, who appears as an ordinary girl at a girls’ school but feels out of place. Rino grapples with understanding this feeling and faces challenges when society insists he should be perceived as female rather than his authentic identity.

8. Last Gender: When We Are Nameless

Where Everybody Knows Your Interests

Creator: Rei Taki
3 Volumes, 23 Chapters
Available in English via Kodansha USA’s Vertical Comics imprint

The Last Gender: When We Are Nameless is frequently categorized as a romance novel, but it’s not entirely accurate. Especially considering that it’s more like a collection of short stories, each focusing on different characters as they delve into their sexual orientations and self-identities within the enigmatic BAR California. For instance, Minami visits the bar to find out why her husband has been unfaithful, only to gain self-understanding in the process.

After her story concludes, the narrative shifts to another main character, such as a bisexual trans woman who yearns for a ‘typical’ romantic experience. Later, it explores an aromantic cis woman who prefers to engage in love rather than pursue it. Instead of a conventional romance novel, readers will encounter a variety of short stories about diverse queer relationships and their outcomes as each chapter comes to a close.

7. I Wanna Be Your Girl

The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions

Creator: Umi Takase
4 Volumes, 51 Chapters
Available in English digitally via Mangamo

Individuals seeking a more extensive and concentrated narrative beyond a compilation of tales might consider “I Wanna Be Your Girl“. This novel delves into the life of Hime, who has harbored feelings for her childhood friend Akira since their youth. When Akira announced being transgender, Hime stood by her side, offering unwavering support, even when they both decided to transition and dress as girls during high school.

When Akira faces unwanted attention, Hime steps up to support and identifies with Akira by dressing as a male character. Initially, this action seemed beneficial, but in the end, it turned out to be problematic for them both. They’re both discovering valuable lessons about identity and sexuality, some of which are more challenging to grasp than others.

6. Until I Love Myself: The Journey Of A Nonbinary Manga Artist

Self-Discovery Gets More Fraught Thanks To Workplace Abuse

Creator: Poppy Pesuyama
2 Volumes, 20 Chapters
Available in English via Viz Media’s Viz Signature imprint

In works such as “Welcome Back, Alice” and “Last Gender,” it’s clear that gender isn’t strictly male or female. Transitioning doesn’t always mean moving from one category to another like flipping a switch. Instead, individuals are often carving out their own space, which might appear midway between the two traditional extremes or be entirely unique to them. The journey of artist Poppy Pesuyama in “Until I Love Myself” underscores that being non-binary isn’t an easy, carefree experience.

In my journey of self-discovery, the dream of working alongside a legendary manga artist, known merely as ‘X,’ turned into a living nightmare. Instead of nurturing creativity, I faced unimaginable sexual harassment that left me feeling lost and devalued. As I struggled to find solace, I channeled my emotions through my work, finding a cathartic release that also helped me embrace myself more fully.

5. The Bride Was A Boy

Transitioning A Relationship Into A Marriage

Creator: Chii
1 Volume, 9 Chapters
Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment

It’s not just the story of Haikei, Seken-sama that has a biographical twist; The Bride Was a Boy is another example in this genre. This manga is an autobiographical account penned by Chii, detailing her childhood, gender transition, romantic relationships, and marriage. Her experiences are depicted using a whimsical art style, which effectively conveys the emotional ups and downs she faced during her journey – from announcing her true identity to her parents, to undergoing surgery overseas.

Among the mangas listed, this one stands out as particularly appealing. Despite challenging moments for Chii, these situations are presented in a humorous and upbeat manner. The manga effectively portrays the struggles of transitioning in Japan without overwhelming the reader. It’s almost like starting with a gentle swim in the shallow end instead of plunging into the deep end as some longer series might do. Consequently, it serves as an excellent starting point for understanding the complexities and nuances of being a trans woman in manga form.

4. Boys Run The Riot

Trans Man Strikes Back Through Fashion

Creator: Keito Gaku
4 Volumes, 37 Chapters
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA

In a less frequently highlighted genre, the manga “Boys Run the Riot” stands out as a prominent story focusing on a transgender male character named Ryo Watari. At a school where he’s merely perceived as a ‘tomboyish girl’, Ryo is compelled to hide his true identity. Feeling isolated and unable to openly express himself, Ryo’s life takes a turn when he encounters Jin, a straightforward classmate.

One sunny day at a bustling clothing store, our paths crossed, and it was as if fate had brought us together. We found ourselves drawn to each other over our mutual passion for menswear. With a spark of excitement in my heart, I floated the idea of creating our very own fashion label, a platform where we could freely express our unique styles and visions.

At first, Ryo hesitated, but upon learning that I’m transgender, he had reservations. However, when he saw that I was met with understanding and acceptance, he warmed up to the idea. Together, we embarked on this incredible journey, bringing our label, ‘Boys Run the Riot,’ to life.

3. Wandering Son

Coming Of Age And Gender

Creator: Takako Shimura
15 Volumes, 123 Chapters
Available in English via Fantagraphic Books

If you’re not deeply immersed in LGBTQ+ manga or manga focusing on trans characters, there’s still a chance you might recognize Wandering Son. This series has earned a reputation for its sensitive and authentic portrayal of growing up as a transgender individual. The story revolves around two 5th grade students, Shuichi and Yoshino, who connect through their shared feelings of gender dysphoria. While Shuichi identifies more with femininity, Yoshino tends to lean towards masculinity.

With advancing age, they form fresh connections, encounter diverse individuals, and embark on novel adventures that broaden their perspectives, long before puberty introduces additional challenges to navigate. The captivating series “Wandering Son” masterfully portrays the struggle with gender identity and the accompanying turmoil, a theme echoed in its animated version. Remarkably, Shuichi, Yoshino, and their peers exhibit an unexpected level of maturity when discussing this sensitive subject for their age group within a school setting.

2. Love Me For Who I Am

Even Those In The Know Have Much To Learn

Creator: Kata Konayama
5 Volumes, 28 Chapters
Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment

Unlike other productions, “Love Me for Who I Am” features characters who may stumble and have imperfections, despite their good intentions. For instance, Tetsu observes Mogumo being excluded due to his effeminate appearance and attire. He extends friendship and proposes they work at Question, a café run by his family that celebrates cross-dressers and transgender women as its theme.

Sadly, Mogumo identifies as non-binary and prefers not to be labeled as male or female based solely on their appearance. Somehow, Tetsu was able to persuade them that the job offer had nothing to do with their gender. Nevertheless, when Mogumo began working at Question, they along with their colleagues like Tetsu gained a deeper understanding of Mogumo’s family, friends, and the broader topic of gender identity.

1. Boy Meets Maria

An Identity In Crisis

Creator: Kosei ‘Peyo’ Eguchi
1 Volume, 7 Chapters
Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment

Title Translation: Boy Meets Maria

In simpler terms, the story appears to be a common tale of cross-dressing romance, where Taiga enrolls in the drama club with dreams of eventually embodying the courageous hero character. There, he encounters Maria, the club’s shining star. She’s elegant, appealing, and instantly wins over Taiga’s affections. However, later on, he discovers that Maria is actually his classmate Arima, who in reality comes off as rougher than his on-stage persona might suggest.

Despite initial impressions, Taiga becomes captivated by Arima and is curious to uncover his true identity. However, he’s not just the glamorous starlet or the hot-tempered man hidden beneath his hair as one might assume. Boy Meets Maria proves to be a more intricate tale than it initially appears, striking a delicate balance between harshness and tenderness that makes it an endearing and captivating read.

2025-06-02 05:07