14 Anime Worlds Where Queer Magic Users Hold Real Power

Anime has increasingly embraced narratives where LGBTQ+ characters possess significant supernatural abilities that shape their respective universes. These stories often link personal identity with magical potential or present worlds where gender and sexuality influence power dynamics. The characters in these series do not merely exist in the background but actively drive the plot through their overwhelming strength and magical mastery. This list explores various anime productions where queer magic users stand at the forefront of the action.

‘Sailor Moon’ (1992–1997)

Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune stand out as two of the most formidable guardians in the entire franchise. Haruka Tenoh wields the power of the wind and space while Michiru Kaio controls the deep waters of the ocean. Their romantic relationship is portrayed as a source of unity that enhances their combat effectiveness against the Death Busters. These two often make the difficult decisions that the other guardians hesitate to consider in order to protect the world.

‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ (1997)

The surreal dueling arena at Ohtori Academy serves as the stage for Utena Tenjou and Anthy Himemiya. Utena rejects traditional gender roles to become a prince and wields the power of Dios to protect the Rose Bride. Anthy possesses mysterious magical abilities that are central to the apocalyptic events known as the World Revolution. Their complex bond ultimately dismantles the restrictive systems that govern the academy and the world around them.

‘Cardcaptor Sakura’ (1998–2000)

Touya Kinomoto and Yukito Tsukishiro share a deep connection that is integral to the magical balance of the story. Touya possesses a natural ability to see spirits and eventually sacrifices his own magical power to save Yukito. Yukito serves as the vessel for Yue who is a powerful lunar guardian responsible for judging the candidate for the Clow Cards. Their relationship is treated with earnest importance amidst the magical adventures of the titular character.

‘One Piece’ (1999–Present)

Emporio Ivankov rules the Kamabakka Kingdom and serves as a commander in the Revolutionary Army. Ivankov uses the powers of the Horm-Horm Fruit to manipulate hormones and alter the physical gender or energy levels of any person. This ability allows for immense combat versatility and plays a crucial role in saving the protagonist during the Impel Down arc. The character confidently embraces a queer identity while standing as one of the most influential figures in the pirate world.

‘Simoun’ (2006)

The inhabitants of the world in this series are all born female and choose their permanent gender only after visiting a magical spring. Young priestesses pilot ancient flying machines called Simoun that require pairs to kiss in order to activate powerful magical glyphs. These pilots defend their theocracy from invading nations while navigating the complex emotions of their temporary state of existence. The magic system is inherently tied to intimacy and the exploration of gender identity.

‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’ (2011)

Homura Akemi wields the power to manipulate time in her desperate quest to save Madoka Kaname from a tragic fate. Her magical abilities are fueled by an intense and singular devotion that transcends the boundaries of timeline and reality. Madoka eventually awakens a dormant potential that allows her to rewrite the laws of the universe itself. The narrative frames their connection as the catalyst for changing the destiny of all magical girls.

‘Tiger & Bunny’ (2011)

Nathan Seymour operates under the hero alias Fire Emblem and wields devastating pyrokinetic abilities. This hero displays an openly queer identity and often acts as a mature voice of reason within the team of corporate superheroes. Fire Emblem overcomes past trauma and societal judgment to command respect through sheer power and professional competence. The character remains a fan favorite for delivering high-stakes action while owning their flamboyant persona.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014)

Alluka Zoldyck possesses a terrifying and omnipotent power through a mysterious entity known as Nanika. This entity can grant any wish regardless of the cost or the laws of physics. Alluka is defended fiercely by Killua who respects her gender identity despite the misgendering she faces from other family members. Her abilities are so vast that they become the focal point of an entire political struggle within the Hunter Association.

‘From the New World’ (2012–2013)

Humanity has evolved to possess a powerful telekinetic ability known as Cantus that can alter matter at a molecular level. The society in this future timeline encourages fluid romantic relationships among adolescents to manage stress and prevent magical outbursts. Satoru Asahina and Shun Aonuma are top students who navigate their romantic feelings while uncovering the dark history of their utopia. Their magical prowess is matched only by the tragic weight of the secrets they discover.

‘Yurikuma Arashi’ (2015)

The barriers between the human world and the bear world are maintained by a mysterious wall involved in an eternal conflict. Kureha Tsubaki and Ginko Yurishiro engage in magical rituals that require them to prove their love is genuine. The series uses magical transformations and surreal courtroom battles to explore themes of social exclusion and lesbian identity. The protagonists must shatter the Invisible Storm that seeks to enforce conformity and erase their existence.

‘Flip Flappers’ (2016)

Cocona and Papika adventure through a psychedelic alternate dimension known as Pure Illusion to collect magical fragments. They transform into magical girls whose powers are directly influenced by their synchronization and emotional understanding of one another. The different worlds they visit represent various facets of their psyches and the stages of their developing relationship. Their combined strength eventually challenges the organization trying to control the power of Pure Illusion.

‘Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid’ (2017)

Tohru is a chaos dragon capable of bringing about the apocalypse but chooses to live as a maid for the human woman she loves. She retains her immense magical strength and often uses it for mundane household chores or to defend her new family. The series portrays her affection for Kobayashi as the primary motivation for her stay in the human realm. Tohru consistently proves she is one of the strongest beings in the universe despite her domestic lifestyle.

‘Land of the Lustrous’ (2017)

The gems are immortal life forms who fight against the Lunarians using their durable bodies and combat skills. They present as ageless and genderless beings who form deep emotional bonds that often blur the lines of romance and camaraderie. Phos undergoes massive physical and psychological changes that involve replacing body parts with foreign materials to gain power. The story explores identity and the ship of Theseus concept through a lens that defies binary gender norms.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury’ (2022–2023)

Suletta Mercury pilots the Gundam Aerial which utilizes a controversial technology known as the GUND format that mimics a nervous system. She becomes the Holder at the Asticassia School of Technology and enters an engagement with Miorine Rembran. Their relationship evolves from a political arrangement into a genuine bond that alters the political landscape of the solar system. Suletta demonstrates immense piloting skill that is often likened to witchcraft by her detractors.

Tell us which powerful magic user from this list is your favorite in the comments.