15 Idol and Music Anime Where Half the Group Is Openly Queer

Anime focusing on idols and music has always been a great place to see deep connections between characters, often leaving viewers wondering if those connections are just friendly or something more. Lately, more and more shows are making those connections explicitly queer, with bands, idol groups, and performance teams featuring LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. This list showcases series where musicians deal with both the challenges of fame and their feelings for each other, providing important representation within the music world.

‘Given’ (2019)

This anime follows a four-member rock band and the love stories that develop between its members. The story centers on Ritsuka, a guitarist who finds his love for music again when he meets Mafuyu, a new singer haunted by a difficult past. As the band grows, the show explores the relationships of two couples within the group, tying them together through romance. It openly portrays gay relationships, the challenges of communication, and how music can help people heal.

‘Gravitation’ (2000–2001)

The story centers on Shuichi Shindou, the lively singer of the band Bad Luck, and his complicated relationship with the reserved novelist, Eiri Yuki. As the band works towards success, Shuichi’s public displays of affection and strong reliance on Yuki often disrupt their work. A key example of the boys’ love genre, the series highlights their romantic relationship within the fast-paced world of music, and the other band members frequently find themselves dealing with the consequences of Shuichi’s romantic behavior.

‘Whisper Me a Love Song’ (2024)

Himari Kino instantly falls for Yori Asanagi’s voice when she performs at the school opening ceremony, but their connection is initially misinterpreted. Yori, the singer for the band SSGIRLS, eventually begins to reciprocate Himari’s feelings, turning their fan-idol relationship into something more. The story follows the challenges of balancing life in a band with the ups and downs of high school romance, and how the characters use music to express emotions they struggle to say out loud.

‘Carole & Tuesday’ (2019)

This series takes place on a transformed Mars and tells the story of two young women from very different worlds who team up to make music and chase their dreams in a music industry run by artificial intelligence. The show has a diverse group of characters and looks at what it means to find your identity, with many characters identifying as LGBTQ+ or not conforming to traditional gender roles. The emotional connection between the two main characters is central to the story, and the series is praised for its honest depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships among the supporting characters. Their music becomes a powerful symbol of human connection, breaking down the walls created by society and technology.

‘If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die’ (2020)

The story centers on Eripiyo, a dedicated fan of underground idol Maina Ichii, rather than a performer herself. Within the idol group ChamJam, Reo and Sorane have a strong, likely romantic connection, and often prioritize each other over their fans. The series explores the often-complicated relationship between idols and their fans, but also shows a real and tender connection between the women in ChamJam. Eripiyo’s intense devotion challenges typical expectations for idol fans, portraying her love as complete and unconditional.

‘Zombie Land SAGA’ (2018–2021)

Franchouchou is a unique idol group made up of zombie girls from different time periods, brought back to life to protect Saga prefecture. One standout character is Lily Hoshikawa, a transgender girl whose identity is fully embraced and supported by her fellow group members. Though the show is a comedy, it explores Lily’s history and her connection to the group with genuine emotion and heart. A central theme is the idea of ‘found family,’ as the members come from diverse backgrounds and support each other no matter what.

‘Revue Starlight’ (2018)

At Seisho Music Academy, students battle each other in fantastical, hidden competitions to earn the title of Top Star, driven by their strong emotions and connections. These rivalries play out through elaborate stage performances, which symbolize the complex relationships between the characters, especially Karen and Hikari, whose connection is at the heart of the story. The series is often seen as a story about queer relationships, focusing on intimacy between women and challenging traditional roles in performing arts.

‘Girls Band Cry’ (2024)

Nina Iseri, who left high school, moves to Tokyo and starts a band called Togenashi Togeari with Momoka Kawaragi, a guitarist she’s always admired. The show focuses on the strong emotions and sometimes difficult relationship between Nina and Momoka, which is central to the band’s dynamic. Their personal struggles and feelings about the world often appear in their lyrics. Ultimately, the story highlights how their emotional bond fuels both their music and their creative energy.

‘Aikatsu Friends!’ (2018–2019)

This installment of the Aikatsu! series centers around idol groups called “Friends,” where two idols team up and work together to become stars. The idea of a “Friends” partnership is presented as a very serious commitment, almost like marriage, with promises and lasting ceremonies. The main characters, Aine and Mio, and their rivals, like Love Me Tear, share a deep connection that often feels like more than just a professional relationship. The show highlights that how close these idol pairs are directly impacts their performances and success.

‘Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night’ (2024)

In the vibrant Shibuya district, four young women create a secret art group as a way to be their authentic selves and escape the pressures of society. The connection between an illustrator named Mahiru and a former idol, Kano, is central to the story. Kano encourages Mahiru to fully express herself through her art. The series delves into themes of finding your identity and accepting who you are, all while exploring a blossoming romance that fuels their creativity. For these women, the group is a safe haven where they can break free from the strict rules of the music industry.

‘Symphogear XV’ (2019)

Though it features magical girls, this series is unique because the characters battle using song, making them essentially idol-warriors powered by their music. A core element of the story is the deep relationship between the main characters, Hibiki and Miku, which blossoms into a declared love and commitment by the series’ end. Other characters, like Kirika and Shirabe, are also established as inseparable couples whose connection fuels their abilities. Ultimately, the series suggests that the strength of their music is directly tied to the power of their love.

‘Show By Rock!! Mashumairesh!!’ (2020)

This season of Mashumairesh!! centers around the band’s move to the city to chase their musical dreams, with a particular focus on guitarist Howan and bassist Himeko. Himeko is deeply in love with Howan, and her unrequited feelings are a major part of her story and even influence her music. The show uses the band’s performances as a way to express Himeko’s inner turmoil and romantic struggles. Despite the show’s upbeat and lively animation style, it honestly portrays the awkwardness and anxiety of having a crush on someone in your band.

‘Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club’ (2020–2022)

This series differs from past installments by centering on individual idols who offer each other support, which allows for a deeper exploration of their personal relationships. The connection between Yuu Takasaki and Ayumu Uehara is portrayed through strong feelings of jealousy, deep affection, and ultimately, forgiveness – similar to a romantic storyline. The songs and performances frequently express feelings directly to other female characters, acting as declarations of love. The anime emphasizes how much the characters rely on each other emotionally.

‘IDOLiSH7’ (2018–2023)

This series charts the journey of a seven-member idol group and honestly portrays the challenges of the entertainment world. Though it’s not a traditional love story, the show is known for the strong emotional connections between certain members, especially within the sub-unit Mezzo, made up of Tamaki and Sogo. The story focuses on the deep, selfless bonds between the men, which many viewers interpret as having queer undertones due to the intensity of their feelings. The show highlights how the group relies on the emotional support and work each member provides for the others to succeed.

‘Harmony’ (2015)

I just finished watching this incredible sci-fi film, and I’m still thinking about it! It centers around Tuan and Cian, who years ago made a pact with a captivating leader named Miach. What really struck me was how their youthful rebellion wasn’t just about fighting the system, but deeply rooted in their intense connection – even love – for Miach. The story really digs into Tuan’s feelings for Miach, how she’s still haunted by their past and how that drives everything she does as she tries to solve a mystery. It’s a really powerful, psychological look at female intimacy and obsession, all set in this cold, controlled future world.

Share your favorite music anime pairings and thoughts on this list in the comments.

2025-12-31 19:21