List of non-binary characters in animation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a list of non-binary characters in animation that either self-identify as non-binary (i.e. genderqueer) or have been identified by outside parties to be of the non-binary gender, agender, bigender, genderfluid, genderqueer, as well as characters of any third gender. Listed characters are either recurring characters, cameos, guest stars, or one-off characters in animated series, but not animated films. This article also includes characters in Japanese animation, otherwise known as anime.

Cosplayers of Garnet, Steven Universe, and Amethyst at MegaCon 2018. Garnet and Amethyst are non-binary Gem women in Steven Universe, Steven Universe Future, and Steven Universe: The Movie.

For fictional characters in other parts of the LGBTQ community, see the lists of gay, trans, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, and intersex characters.

The names are organized alphabetically by surname (i.e. last name), or by a single name if the character does not have a surname. If more than two characters are in one entry, the last name of the first character is used. These characters are organized by their identities within the non-binary umbrella of identities, rather than by years, as corresponding lists of lesbian, bisexual and gay animated characters, do.

Non-binary and genderqueer

More information Character, Show title ...
Character Show title Portrayed by Duration Notes
Admiral Akers The Bravest Knight Asia Kate Dillon 2019–present A seafaring character who appears in the episode "Cedric & Pirate Cove" and corrects another character when they assume the wrong pronouns, saying "I don’t go by ‘he;’ I go by they. Some are ‘he’ and some are ‘she,’ but neither one will do for me."[1]
Alex Primos Blu del Barrio 2024 Alex is a non-binary person (voiced by non-binary actor Blu del Barrio).[2] who is dating Lita Perez, who is Tater's eldest cousin and is bisexual. The episode Alex and Lita appeared in was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Kids & Family Programming or Film – Animated.[3]
Alien King Summer Camp Island Sam Lavagnino[a] 2018–2023 King of a planet and married to an alien named Puddle.[4][5]
Dylan Alvarado[b]
Ryuji "Yuka" Ayukawa Blue Period Yumiri Hanamori 2021 Yuka is one of Yatora Yaguchi's friends. They wear both male and female school uniforms. In the anime, they are the source of mockery of other students who misgender and deadnamed them,[6][7] while in the manga no one seems to pay them any mind.[8] Yuka is popular in class, called "Yuka-chan" by some, and is on good terms with Yaguchi.[9]
D'eon de Beaumont/Lia de Beaumont Le Chevalier D'Eon Yūki Tai 2006–2007 Lia de Beaumont is killed and her brother D'eon de Beaumont seeks her murderers,[10] and her spirit begins to inhabit his body whenever his life is in danger.[11] This character is based on the identity that real-life cross-dresser, Chevalier d'Eon claimed in a 1756 mission to Russia.[12]
Akio Nojima
Risa Mizuno
Asher Berdacs Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts River Butcher 2020 When asked by a fan about the gender of Asher, series creator "Rad" Sechrist said that Asher is non-binary and uses singular they pronouns,[13] which was later confirmed by Bill Wolkoff, co-screenwriter of Kipo.[14] Asher is voiced by non-binary actor River Butcher.[15][16]
Blaine Adventure Time: Distant Lands[c] Bex Taylor-Klaus 2023 Blaine is a young cyclops and a classmate of the character Peppermint Butler. Blaine is referred to with the singular they pronoun in the episode "Distant Lands". Moreover, the official Adventure Time Tumblr account posted concept art of Blaine, including notes referring to them with such language.[17]
Box We Baby Bears Amari McCoy 2022–present Box, the Bears' friend is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.[18]
Courtney Cahatel Dead End: Paranormal Park Emily Osment 2022 Series creator Hamish Steele said that Courtney is not "aware of gender in any way" and cannot be misgendered, noting that all pronouns were used in production. He added that he uses they/them for Courtney, but that Netflix persuaded them to use the pronouns of the person cast for Courtney's voice role. Emily Osment was cast, so Courtney is referred to with she/her pronouns.[19][20]
Double Trouble She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Jacob Tobia 2018–2020 Showrunner ND Stevenson described them at New York Comic Con 2019 as a "nonbinary shapeshifting mercenary".[21] They are voiced by Jacob Tobia, a non-binary person.[22] Double Trouble reappears for brief periods in the show's final season, posing as "Peekablue," a male prince.
Parker J. Cloud Middlemost Post Becky Robinson 2021 Parker J. Cloud is an anthropomorphic cloud who delivers mail. Parker is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.[23] Middlemost Post is the first Nickelodeon series to feature a non-binary lead protagonist.[citation needed]
Sonnie Dracula Mighty MonsterWheelies Cal Brady 2024–present A Dracula motorcycle/helicopter combo. Sonnie is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.[24] Sonnie Dracula is voiced by transgender actress Cal Brady.[25]
Odee Elliott Madagascar: A Little Wild Iris Menas 2021–2022 An okapi, voiced by Iris Menas, who first appears in the season 3 Pride-themed episode "Whatever Floats Your Float," with none of the floats seeming right for Odee, and then sings a song titled "Be Proud" about being proud of your identity.[26] GLAAD consulted on the episode and menas said the episode resonated with hir.
Envy Fullmetal Alchemist Mayumi Yamaguchi 2003–2004 Envy is a shapeshifting homunculus without a specific gender.[27][28] While they are usually referred to in general neutral pronouns in the Japanese version, in both anime they are usually referred to as he, indicate in episodes like "Death". They are normally seen to have the appearance of an 'androgynous' female.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Minami Takayama 2009–2010
Fred Ridley Jones Iris Menas 2021–2023 Fred is a non-binary bison who prefers they/them pronouns and is the first non-binary character in a Netflix kids series.[29][30]
Garnet Steven Universe Estelle 2013–2020 Ruby and Sapphire are two sexless but feminine-presenting members of the Crystal Gems who have a romantic relationship with each other, and stay permanently fused to form Garnet.[31] In July 2015, the co-executive producer, Ian Jones-Quartey, has confirmed that, according to human standards and terminology, calling Ruby and Sapphire non-binary, feminine-presenting lesbians would be "a fair assessment".[32] On July 6, 2018, the episode "Reunited" aired, in which Ruby and Sapphire get married, kiss, and fuse into Garnet, after Ruby proposed to Sapphire in a previous episode, "The Question".[33] Series creator Rebecca Sugar has also said that "the Gems are all non-binary women," which includes Garnet, and her friends, Amethyst and Pearl.[34]
Steven Universe Future
Gregg OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes Ian Jones-Quartey 2017–2019 Gregg is a minor character in the series, usually loitering around the plaza with Red Action and Drupe. Series creator Ian Jones-Quartey confirmed them as non-binary on Twitter.[35]
Violet Harper (Halo) Young Justice Zehra Fazal 2010–2022 Violet Harper, also known as Halo, is the soul of a sentient technology known as a Mother Box that entered the body of Gabrielle Daou.[36] In spite of Halo's outward appearance, the character does not identify as male or female as defined in Earth language.[37] In the episode "Nautical Twilight", Halo self-identifies as non-binary, adding that the singular they pronoun suits them best, although they are unbothered by being called "she".[38] Rocket and the New Gods used feminine pronouns for Halo in the episode "Forbidden Secrets of Civilizations Past!" though this was a writing mistake according to Greg Weisman.[39]
Winn Harper The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish Iris Menas 2024 A cool, purple-haired elementary schooler fond of skateboarding, and one of Hazel Wells' friends. Winn is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, with one character saying in the episode "Fly," "That's Winn. They're cool, you don't stand a chance."[40][2] Winn is voiced by non-binary actor Iris Menas.[41]
Hyena Give Me Three Tickets[d] N/a 2020 In this Chilean adult animation produced by Pájaro Estudio, which was presented at the Animation! section of the Argentine film festival, "Ventana Sur",[42] there is a party-loving non-binary hyena, a posh albino giraffe, and monkey who is a liberal shaman, with all three sharing everything. This includes their "love lives".[43] Things change when one of these characters tries to bring a new person into their relationship.
Emporio Ivankov One Piece Norio Imamura[e] 1999–present Ivankov is the self-declared queen of an island populated by okama, having powers that allow him to shift between male and female forms, while also changing genders of other individuals.[44] Also known as Iva, and has been involved in various battles with villains over the course of the show.[45]
Mitsuo Iwata[f]
Jae Supernatural Academy Ali J. Eisner 2022 Jae is a Faerie student who goes to Supernatural Academy. They are non-binary and prefer they/them pronouns. Jae is voiced by transgender and non-binary actor Ali J. Eisner.[46]
Kazi The Dragon Prince Ashleica Edmond 2018–2024 After the release of the third season, the official Dragon Prince Twitter account revealed that Kazi, the Sunfire Elf sign language interpreter, goes by they/them pronouns.[47][48]
Mr. Bon Kurei One Piece Kazuki Yao 1999–present Also known as Bentham of the Wild and "Mr. 2 Bon Clay," he has powers that allows him to shapeshift into any form he wishes and crossdresses as a woman, and has a kempo called the "Okama Kempo".[citation needed] He is a recurring character, has defeated many villains, and was once an enemy of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet. He is part of "Baroque Works," and has been described as being "associated with queer gender identities."[49]
Amber McKnight Velma Sara Ramirez 2023–2024 Amber is the child of Hex Girl Thorn. Amber uses they/them pronouns,[50] and they are voiced by non-binary actor Sara Ramirez.[51]
Marshmallow The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange Dane Boedigheimer 2012–2014 Marshmallow is one of Annoying Orange's friends. On June 17, 2022, Marshmallow was confirmed to be non-binary.[52] Marshmallow is voiced by creator Dane Boedigheimer who is transgender and non-binary.
Morph X-Men: The Animated Series Rob Rubin 1992–1997 In X-Men: The Animated Series, Morph, a mutant member of the X-Men with the power of shapeshifting, was presented as a male mutant who was referred to with masculine pronouns. Conversely, X-Men '97 presents Morph as non-binary and preferring they/them pronouns.[53] Morph also shows romantic interest in Wolverine and confesses their love towards him while taking on the form of Jean Grey which was confirmed by showrunner Beau DeMayo.[54][55] Morph is voiced by gay and non-binary voice actor J. P. Karliak.[56] In the series itself, Morph is referred to with both they/them and he/him pronouns.[57]
X-Men '97 J. P. Karliak 2024–present
Nightshade Transformers: EarthSpark Z Infante 2022–present One of the new members of Terrans, Transformers born on Earth and ally of the Autobots and the Malto family who first appears in the two-part episode "Age of Evolution". Nightshade explains to Optimus Prime that they go by they/them pronouns, as "he or she just doesn't fit who [they are]".[58]
Obsidian Steven Universe Various actors overlaid 2013–2019 A fusion of Steven Universe and fellow Crystal Gems Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl, Obsidian is based on the volcanic glass obsidian. Obsidian first appeared in the episode "Change Your Mind." They later were imagined in the episode "In Dreams," and shown in a flashback in "Growing Pains." Joe Johnson, a storyboard artist for the show confirmed that Obsidian uses they/them and she/her pronouns.[59]
Okamas One Piece N/a 1999–present More than one person, but a whole group of individuals, and are named after the tricky and controversial Japanese word "okama".[60]
Pirate Polly We Baby Bears Em Hagen 2022–present Polly is a parrot who is also a pirate captain. When Polly returns in the season 2 episode "Polly's New Crew", Polly has come out as non-binary and is now using they/them pronouns.[18] Polly is voiced by series production coordinator Em Hagen, who is non-binary.[61]
Puddle Summer Camp Island Ethan Maher 2018–2023 An alien who uses they/them pronouns. Their husband, Alien King, is the king of their planet.[4][5]
Rainbow Quartz 2.0 Steven Universe Alastair James 2013–2020 A fusion of Steven Universe and fellow Crystal Gem Pearl, Rainbow Quartz 2.0 is based on the metal-coated crystal rainbow quartz. He debuts in "Change Your Mind" and reappears in "A Very Special Episode." Rainbow Quartz uses both they/them and he/him pronouns, the only fusion to use these pronouns together, as confirmed by Colin Howard, a character designer, former writer and storyboard artist for Steven Universe and Steven Universe Future.[62]
Steven Universe Future
River Rubble & Crew Chinag Ma 2023–present River is a non-binary skateboarder. River uses they/them pronouns,[63] and they are voiced by non-binary actor Cihang Ma.[64]
Trixie Roughouse Epithet Erased Oz Ryan 2019 Trixie was confirmed to be non-binary and uses she/her, he/him and they/them pronouns.[65]
Rusty Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Matt Wilkinson[g] 1984–2021 Rusty is an anthropomorphic narrow gauge diesel engine who works on the Skarloey Railway. Show developer Britt Allcroft had the intention of making Rusty a "gender-neutral" character, being neither male or female.[66] Initially, beginning with the character's debut in series 4, dialogue and narration would avoid referring to Rusty with any gender specific pronouns. However, starting with the series 9 episode "Tuneful Toots", Rusty would instead be referred to with masculine pronouns.[67][better source needed]
Sailor Star Fighter (Kou Seiya) Sailor Moon Shiho Niiyama 1992–1997 In the 90s anime, the Sailor Starlights (Sailor Star Fighter, Sailor Star Maker, and Sailor Star Healer) were assigned female at birth, but transform 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."[68][69][70] In a 1999 interview, Naoko Takeuchi, who wrote the Sailor Moon manga, said she had made them always girls in the manga, in the anime "they got turned into guys, and I wasn't very happy about it."[71]
Sailor Star Healer (Kou Yaten) Chika Sakamoto
Sailor Star Maker (Kou Taiki) Narumi Tsunoda
Sailor Uranus (Haruka Tenoh) Sailor Moon Crystal Junko Minagawa 2014–2016 Haruka is referred to by her partner, Sailor Neptune,[72] as "both male and female, but also neither", making Haruka the first character in the franchise to be referred to that way.[73][74] She is also said to have an independent attitude and not care much for teamwork.[75] She also reappears in the film, Sailor Moon Eternal, as does Neptune.[76]
Natsuru Senō Kämpfer Marina Inoue 2009 Natsuru is a second-year student at Seitetsu High School and has a crush on Kaede Sakura, one of the school's beauties.[77] At the start of the story, he discovers that he has transformed into a girl, and learns that he has been chosen to be a Kämpfer with Zauber, or magic, powers such as casting fireballs from the beginning of the series.[78] As a girl, he has longer hair styled in a ponytail. After a fight with Shizuku causes him to expose his Kämpfer form to other students of the school, Natsuru is enrolled as a girl of the same name at the school. Natsuru's female form becomes the subject of intense affection from Kaede Sakura, nearly the entire female student body, and the boys, including his male classmates.[78]
Sabrina Owen 2011
Shep[h] Steven Universe Future Indya Moore 2020 Shep is the partner of Sadie Miller, voiced by Indya Moore who is also non-binary, transgender, uses gender neutral they/them pronouns, and is a person of color.[79][80] In their episode debut in "Little Graduation", Shep helped Steven work out his mental problems and come to his senses.
Smoky Quartz Steven Universe Natasha Lyonne 2013–2020 A fusion of Steven Universe, and fellow Crystal Gem, Amethyst,[81] Smoky is based on the crystal smoky quartz. Steven and Amethyst first fused at a low point for both characters as noted by Michaela Dietz, the voice actress for Amethyst on the official Steven Universe podcast.[82] Smoky debuted in the episode "Earthlings," and reappeared in three other episodes: "Know Your Fusion," "Change Your Mind", and "Guidance." Rebecca Sugar has stated that the Gems are "all non-binary women,"[83] with this applying to Amethyst specifically. On November 10, 2017, Cartoon Network posted a YouTube video of the character Peridot playing Steven Universe: Save the Light, in which she refers to Smoky with the singular they pronoun.[84]
Steven Universe Future
Frankie Stein Monster High Iris Menas 2022 Frankie Stein is a monster who was created by scientists. Unlike the previous incarnations where Frankie was a cisgender woman and Frankenstein's monster and his bride's daughter, Frankie is a non-binary monster. In the series, and live-action movie, Frankie is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.[85] In the episode "Horoscare", they are revealed to have feelings for Cleo de Nile and Cleo is receptive towards them. Iris Menas, who voices Stein, is a non-binary actor.[86]
Stevonnie Steven Universe AJ Michalka 2013–2020 Stevonnie is a fusion of both Steven and Connie. Steven and Connie identify as male and female respectively, but the gender of Stevonnie is difficult to describe,[87] with series creator Rebecca Sugar describing it as the "living relationship between Steven and Connie."[88] Stevonnie is commonly referred to with gender neutral pronouns (such as the singular they), while male and female characters seem to be physically attracted to Stevonnie.[89]
Steven Universe Future
Nathan Seymour (Fire Emblem) Tiger & Bunny Kenjiro Tsuda[i] 2011 Nathan is a highly effeminate homosexual man[90] who identifies as genderqueer though he prefers to be identified as a woman at times,[91] often spending more time with the female heroes while flirting with the male heroes.[92] In the past, they tried to present themselves femininely but was harshly criticized, and they still hold a strong romantic infatuation towards men.
John Eric Bentley[j]
Sunstone Steven Universe Shoniqua Shandai 2013–2020 A fusion of Steven Universe and fellow Crystal Gem Garnet, Sunstone is based on the mineral sunstone. Debuting in "Change Your Mind" and reappearing in "A Very Special Episode", Sunstone uses both singular they and feminine pronouns as confirmed on the official Steven Universe podcast, with Sunstone's pronouns also confirmed in this episode.[93][better source needed]
Steven Universe Future
Tai Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Ian Alexander 2023–2025 Tai is one of Lunella Lafayette's classmates. Tai is revealed to be non-binary in the episode "Check Yourself" as Tai is referred to with they/them pronouns by Lunella and in the unaired episode "The Gatekeeper" Tai explicitly said they're non-binary. Tai is voiced by non-binary actor Ian Alexander.[94]
Yoshino Takatsuki Wandering Son Asami Seto 2011 A student in Shuichi's class, also known as Takatsuki-kun (高槻くん) by their classmates, is often seen as a girl, but wants to be a boy, often refraining from dressing in traditionally feminine clothes.[95][96] He is attracted toward Shuichi and Saori, while he also experiences signs of gender dysphoria.[97]
Tefé Holland Harley Quinn Vico Ortiz 2019–present In this series, Tefé Holland is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.[98] Tefé Holland is voiced by non-binary actor Vico Ortiz.
Terri Amphibia Kate Micucci 2019–2022 Terri is a scientist who helped Anne Boonchuy and the Plantars. In the show, they are feminine-presenting and was referred to as a woman by Anne. In the 2022 book Marcy's Journal: A Guide to Amphibia, Marcy uses gender-neutral pronouns for them.[99]
Thomas City of Ghosts Blue Chapman 2021 Thomas is a 7-year-old child who goes by they/them pronouns.[100] They are voiced by transgender child actor Blue Chapman.[101]
Raine Whispers The Owl House Avi Roque 2021–2023 Raine is the head witch of the Bard Coven and uses they/them pronouns.[102][103] They are Disney TVA's first non-binary character.[104][105] The episode "Knock, Knock, Knockin' on Hooty's Door" reveals that Eda Clawthorne and Raine were formerly dating, before breaking up.[106]
Blu del Barrio[k]
Kiui Watase Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night Miyu Tomita[l] 2024 In the 11th episode, she publicly expresses her gender fluidity, criticizing those who want her to behave in a "normal" manner, unashamed for embracing what she likes, and is supported by Yoru.[107][108] She also is Mahiru's childhood friend and lends her talents to JELEE as its video editor and mixer.
Molly Searcy[m]
Wren Middle School Moguls Tim Gunn 2019 One of the professors in the show, Mogul Wren, has been stated to be non-binary.[109] They have a big role in the episode "Mo'gul Money, Mo Problems".
Wren Pinecone & Pony Ser Anzoategui 2022–2023 Wren is a non-binary person who prefers they/them pronouns, and is in a relationship with Gladys, the teacher for the Lil Rumblers. Wren is voiced by non-binary actor Ser Anzoategui.[110]
Shion Zaiden RWBY: Ice Queendom Hiroki Nanami 2022 A nightmare hunter who captures Grimm who possess people in their dreams. Their presence in the series was praised by some reviewers.[111] While the official Japanese website, refers to Shion with male pronouns,[112][113] Rooster Teeth treats Shion as nonbinary. Christine Brent, Senior Brand Director for Rooster Teeth, described Shion as fantastic, "totally nonbinary", and unique to this series, while using they/them pronouns for Shion, and said she would like to have similar characters in future productions.[114]
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Other identities under non-binary umbrella

Agender and genderless

More information Character, Show title ...
Character Show title Portrayed by Identity Duration Notes
Dr. Azel The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy Sam Smith Genderless 2024–present Dr. Azel is Dr. Klak's on-again-off-again lover.[115] Azel is a genderless alien who uses they/them pronouns.[116] They are voiced by non-binary singer and songwriter Sam Smith.[117] In the second season, Azel and Klak break up.[118]
Bobo OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes N/a Agender 2017–2019 On Twitter, Ian Jones-Quartey confirmed that Bobo is agender.[35]
Angel Jose Craig of the Creek Angel Lorenzana Agender 2018–2025 One of the characters, Angel, is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. They were originally voiced by Angel Lorenzana, a storyboard artist and writer for the series who identifies as agender and uses the same pronouns.[119][120] From seasons 4 to 6, they are voiced by queer transgender actress Miss Benny.[citation needed]
Miss Benny
Milo Danger & Eggs Tyler Ford Agender 2017 In the fifth episode, the two protagonists, DD Danger and Phillip, meet Milo, who uses they/them pronouns.[121] In the following episode, they form a band with DD and Philip named the Buck Buck Trio and play a music festival together.[122][123][124] Tyler Ford, an agender model and speaker is the voice of Milo, said they loved that their character, is an "accurate representation" of them.[123]
Supreme Kai Dragon Ball Daima Nia Celeste[n] Genderless 2024 In Dragon Ball Daima, it is revealed that the Kais, specifically the Supreme Kai,[125][better source needed] are part of the Glind race, which is genderless.[126]
Yumiko Kobayashi[o]
Korvotron "Korvo" Opposites Solar Opposites Justin Roiland[p] Genderless 2020–2025 Korvo is an intelligent alien scientist who hates Earth and wants to leave as soon as possible. In March 2021, series creators Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan confirmed that Korvo and Terry are a romantic couple in a committed relationship.[127] In the Valentine's Day special "An Earth Shatteringly Romantic Solar Valentine's Day Opposites Special", Korvo and Terry get married.[128]
Dan Stevens[q]
Terrance "Terry" Opposites Solar Opposites Thomas Middleditch Genderless 2020–2025 Evacuation partner of Korvo and a Pupa specialist who is fascinated with human culture. In a romantic relationship with Korvo as confirmed by series creators Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan.[127] Later, Terry marries Korvo in the Valentines Day special "An Earth Shatteringly Romantic Solar Valentine's Day Opposites Special", Korvo and Terry get married.[128]
Zero Star Trek: Prodigy Angus Imrie Genderless 2021–2022 Zero is a Medusan. Medusans are genderless aliens who prefer they/them pronouns.[129]
Zoit Lloyd in Space Pamela Adlon Agender 2002 Zoit is a Padillikon, whose species is neither boy or girl until their 13th birthday, and appears in the episode "Neither Boy Nor Girl," declaring it no one's business what gender they are.[130][131]
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Genderfluid

More information Character, Show title ...
Character Show title Portrayed by Duration Notes
BMO Adventure Time Niki Yang 2010–2023 BMO is a fun-loving, childlike, sentient game console. BMO is also genderfluid, with characters using masculine and feminine pronouns interchangeably to refer to him.[132] In the series, both the pronoun "he" and the term "m'lady" have been used in reference to BMO. While BMO is an object used for recreation by Finn and Jake, BMO is still considered a close friend and treated as an equal by the two.[132] They have appeared in Adventure Time: Distant Lands and Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake.
Iena Madaraba Seton Academy: Join the Pack! Minami Tsuda 2020 Iena Madaraba, also known as Yena or Hyena, is a spotted hyena confused about her true gender and sexuality. Even after her real gender is proven, Hitomi reassures Iena to just be the tomboyish she wants. In the future, Iena is a martial artist. After failing to feel feminine in various episodes, she claims out that she will still be a male inside in episodes such as "The Wild Habits of a Troubled Animal".[133] Anime writer Paul Chapman described Iena as a "gender-ambiguous hyena person."[134]
Tribore Menendez Final Space Olan Rogers 2018–2021 An alien who is leader of The Resistance. His species flips gender twice a year.[135] Series creator Olan Rogers described Tribore as "narcissi-sexual" because he "loves himself a little too much."[136]
Val/entina Romanyszyn Gen:Lock Asia Kate Dillon 2019–2021 In the episode "Training Daze", Val mentioned that they are genderfluid, going by the name "Val" when male-presenting and "Valentina" when female-presenting.[137] In the episode "Together. Together," Val is revealed to be pansexual.[138] Austin Chronicle reported that the character was written as genderfluid, but is feminine-presenting, altering their gender performance several times.[139]
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Gender ambiguity

More information Character, Show title ...
Character Show title Portrayed by Duration Notes
Homura Akemi Puella Magi Madoka Magica Chiwa Saitō 2011 She explores, with Madoka Kaname, love and magical girls, with some saying her powers are not merely a "metaphor for love between magical girls", but "literally are the love between magical girls" and that Madoka's actions create a world "where love between women can prosper free from Kyubey's policing."[140] However, when asked if Homura is in love with Madoka, Gen Urobuchi replied, "probably", saying that it is "a really strong friendship turns into a lovelike-relationship without the sexual attraction".[141][better source needed]
Dahlia Carpenter Carole & Tuesday Kenyu Horiuchi 2019 Agent and parent of 16-year-old Angela, a famous model.[142] Dahlia is of indeterminate gender due to the influence of the Martian environment as shown in the fifth episode.
Desmond Carole & Tuesday Kōichi Yamadera 2019 Desmond is a highly respected and solitary artist who is androgynous. They were "originally a man but [is] turning into a woman," feeling emotionally as a man and woman at the same time.[143]
Marker Starling
Zoë Hange Attack on Titan Romi Park[r] 2013–2023 Hange Zoë is a Section Commander of the Scouting Regiment who serves as its veteran leader of 4th Squad and a scientist who studies the Titans. In the original English translation of the original manga, Hange is referred to as a female, and is also portrayed as one in the anime adaptation. However, in a blog post in 2011, Isayama responded to a question regarding Hange's gender, saying, "Perhaps [Hange's gender] is better left unstated".[144] In 2014, Kodansha USA stated they went back through volume 5 and removed gender-specific pronouns they had used for reprint,[145] and references from volume 6 onwards.[146]
Jessica Calvello[s]
Hajime Ichinose Gatchaman Crowds Maaya Uchida 2013 Hajime, one of the Gatchamen, fused with Berg Katze, who is an androgynous alien shapeshifter with no specified gender;[147] Hajime's gender may be ambiguous, although still clearly a teenage girl, as shown in the episode "inbound". In various episodes, Hajime has Katze speak through her even when not in her Gatchaman form, even asking for their thoughts on Rizumu Suzuki, the show's villain in the first season of the series, and for their thoughts on other matters as shown in the episode "2:6:2".
Inugami Gugure! Kokkuri-san Takahiro Sakurai 2014 Inugami is a dog spirit who adores Kohina as she was the only one to care for them when they were alive. Because they cannot remember which gender they originally were, they frequently switch genders, and it becomes a running gag in the series.[148]
Chiwa Saitō
Madoka Kaname Puella Magi Madoka Magica Aoi Yūki 2011 In the series, Madoka and Homura explore love and magical girls, with some saying Madoka's actions create a world "where love between women can prosper free from Kyubey's policing".[140] Akiyuki Shinbo stated that, in the Rebellion film, Homura's love for Madoka is greater than romance—a feeling of friendship.[149] These comments imply that they are drawn to each other in an aromantic way, with platonic love, and may be asexual.
Berg Katze Gatchaman Crowds Mamoru Miyano 2013 Berg is an androgynous alien shapeshifter with no specified gender, although referred to in official releases as male.[150] They have the power to transform into anyone that they kiss, preferring men over women, disguising themselves to frame people for all types of crimes, shown in episodes like "Genuine".[147] At the end of the series, she goes on a number of dates with Hajime Ichinose, one of the Gatchamen, and in the director's cut she fuses with Haijame during a fight, indicated in the OVA, "Embrace".
Zezé Maria Fudêncio e Seus Amigos Cacá Marcondes 2005–2011 Zezé Maria is one of the students at the school, with their name roughly translated into "Joe-Joe Mary".[t] Zezé has the appearance of a witty little girl with a manly voice, often referred to using pronouns and articles of either gender,[151][152] regarded by friends as a 'trans girl.' Zezé is shown to be attracted to men in one episode as shown in the episode "Zezé's Girlfriend." In another episode, "Gay!!", all the students become temporarily gay except Conrado, and Zezé Maria calls herself a lesbian, but Funérea rejects her on the grounds that she became a lesbian too and does not think of Zezé as a girl.
Ieié Marcondes
O.D. Gatchaman Crowds Daisuke Hosomi 2013 O.D. is a flamboyant alien with no specific gender.[147] They are later a guest on The Millione Show and replaced by DD.
Lieutenant Oscar Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine Yūki Kaji 2012 Oscar is an androgynous male character who has a key role in the anime.[153][154]
Najimi Osana Komi Can't Communicate Rie Murakawa 2021–2022 Described as having an ambiguous/unknown gender by official Japanese website.[155] Najimi is a friend of the main characters, and has a habit of switching their gender, wearing a school uniform with a skirt and a tie.[156][157]
Princess Sapphire Princess Knight Toma Yumi 1967–1968 Princess Sapphire is raised as a boy by her father since women are not eligible to inherit the throne.[158] In addition, she is born with both a male and female heart but refuses to give up her boy heart as she needs it to vanquish evil.[159][160][161] Nonetheless, she falls in love with and marries Prince Frank.
Ranma Saotome Ranma ½ Kappei Yamaguchi 1989 Ranma, the male protagonist, is a "guy who transforms into a girl...from a woman into a man," and is attracted to Akane Tendo.[162][163] However, it is unclear whether this is confirmation she is a trans man,[164] trans woman[165] or something else. Rumiko Takahashi said in November 1992 that she decided on "the character being half man and half woman".[166][u]
Megumi Hayashibara
Yamato One Piece Saori Hayami 1999–present He idolized Kozuki Oden as a child, emulating everything about the samurai warrior, and his pronouns are respected by Kozuki.[167][168] He has also been described as a "rebellious son of a pirate emperor," and noted as a fan-favorite character.[169]
Kamanosuke Yuri Brave 10 Motoki Takagi 2012 Kamanosuke's exact gender is unknown,[170] but on occasion is referenced as male, shown in the episode "Valley of Whirlwinds". Nonetheless, they develop a romantic interest in Saizo.
Zooble The Amazing Digital Circus Ashley Nichols 2023–present Voiced by Ashley Nichols, Zooble is a jaded human trapped in a digital circus. Their avatar resembles a toy construction set. In the series, Zooble is exclusively referred to with singular they pronouns. Moreover, series creator Gooseworx posted official concept art in which Zooble's gender is classified as "Zooble".[171]
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Additional characters

More information Character, Show title ...
Character Show title Portrayed by Identity Duration Notes
Yū Asuka Stars Align Yoshitaka Yamaya Gender non-conforming and Non-binary 2019 Yū, formerly known as Yuta, is a kind and mild-mannered person, who Touma thinks of as nice, even though he is unaware Yu has a crush on them, as noted in the second episode. In one episode, Yu revealed that they wear women's clothing, not sure of whether they are "binary trans, x-gender, or something else entirely" and are still figuring out their gender identity, despite their mother's angry declaration that Yu is "a boy" and her "son".[172][173][174]
Brother Ken bro'Town David Fane Fa'afafine 2004–2009 Brother Ken is the principal of the school and is fa'afafine.[175] Because the concept does not readily translatable and complex, when the series was broadcast on Adult Swim Latin America, a decision was made not to translate Samoan words and just present them as part of the "cultural journey".[176]
Kino Kino's Journey Ai Maeda Transmasculine nonbinary 2003 Kino is a traveler who goes to "unknown mystical places" with a talking motorcycle named Hermes.[177][178] Kino was assigned female at birth, but has an "androgynous persona", alternating between using feminine and masculine pronouns, while resisting those that attempt to pin a gender on them as a "girl" or "boy". While the show's official website, described Kino as a "young man",[179] the series creator, Keiichi Sigsawa, said in September 2017, "Kino really doesn't think of herself too deeply when she uses pronouns. Depending on the circumstances, she may use 'boku' or 'atashi', it kinda depends on the situation she finds herself in," adding that it was not he "wanted to write a story about a girl who lives like a boy directly, [but] it was just an interesting way to start the story, and her character's personality has continued that way since then".[180] As such, some reviewers even described Kino as one of the "rare transmasculine anime protagonists."[91]
Izana Shinatose Knights of Sidonia Aki Toyosaki Third gender 2014–2015 Izana belongs to a new, non-binary third gender that originated during the hundreds of years of human emigration into space, as first shown in the episode "Commencement".[181] Izana later turns into a girl after falling in love with Nagate Tanasake.
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See also

Notes

  1. [a]
    seasons 1–5
  2. [b]
    season 6 onward
  3. [c]
    Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake (cameo)
  4. [d]
    Also known as Dame Tres Tickets and 3 Tickets
  5. [e]
    episodes 438–460
  6. [f]
    Episode 461 onward
  7. [g]
    2012–2020
  8. [h]
    All Gems in Steven Universe are non-binary, but Shep is the first character to be a non-binary human.
  9. [i]
    Japanese
  10. [j]
    English
  11. [k]
    (young)
  12. [l]
    (Japanese)
  13. [m]
    (English)
  14. [n]
    (English)
  15. [o]
    (Japanese)
  16. [p]
    (seasons 1–3)
  17. [q]
    (season 4–present)
  18. [r]
    (Japanese)
  19. [s]
    (English)
  20. [t]
    In Portuguese, "Zezé" is a reduplication of "Zé", a familiar form of "José", which is equivalent to English "Joseph", and "Maria" is equivalent to English "Mary". "Zezé Maria" is a normal masculine name, as it is not unknown for men in Portuguese-speaking countries to be called José Maria or Zé Maria. However, José is a masculine name and Maria is a feminine name, hinting at the character's gender ambiguity. Additionally, in Portuguese, Zezé Maria is referred to by pronouns ele ("he") and ela ("she"), as well as articles o (masculine "the") and a (feminine "the").
  21. [u]
    Kappa was an Italian magazine published by Star Comics from July 1992 to November 2006, having 173 issues. Takahashi in the Ranma ½ Memorial Book/The Art of Ranma, talked about how she came up with the idea of Ranma transforming, adding that Ranma could be a male or female name.

References

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