• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'A slow burn with a little bit of drama.'

• Girls-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'A realistic GL about a woman who goes to a lesbian bar after her girlfriend cheats on her.'

• LGBT Themes

Info from APer recommending this title:

'This story focuses on a love triangle where a boy and his childhood friend (girl) fall in love with the same guy. this one's a bit more unusual, in that it focuses pretty strongly on the friendship between the boy and his friend rather than just on the romance.'

• Transgender Protagonist

Info from APer recommending this title:

"This one has its flaws, but it is an important building block in there being more stories that try and cover the emotions of trans characters coming to terms with their identity in coming-of-age fiction."

• Girls-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Arisa is so in love with Mari that not even amnesia can stop her from being in love with her. Plenty of fun as Arisa slowly gets her memories back.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'All about lust is about a guy who starts having a crush on his male senior which is equally reciprocated. Whilst it is a manhwa not a manga, and also a BL, unlike a lot of BL, the couple have a very healthy relationship.'

• LGBT Themes

Info from APers recommending this title:

'This is about two people who meet in a VR world and fall in love with each other, eventually leading to their meeting in the real world too. It's a very sweet series that doesn't shy away from exploring the hardships of same-sex relationships in Japan while also not letting itself get too bogged down in doom and gloom.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'A Chinese fantasy danmei featuring two men - one a privileged young prince, the other a sharp-witted but grievously ill information broker - whose acquaintanceship slowly blooms into love. The story keeps you engaged (they always seem to be solving some mystery or get caught up in political intrigue) and not only do I love their relationship, which is gentle and based on mutual respect - but I love how supportive family members are of them, to the point the Emperor himself has people on the hunt for the cure needed to save his brother's lover.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'A rather normal BL, but a slow burn without too many 'coincidences.''

• BL Subtext

Info from APer recommending this title:

'If you haven't already, you should definitely read the manga or watch the anime. And as absurd as a lot of the details of the setting and plot are, this story will rip your heart out of your chest and stomp on it until nothing but a bloody pulp is left. It's all about the friendships, and, of course, Ash & Eiji. Note the content warnings!'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'When the love interest you saved turns out to be the adopted son of superheroes, what is a lovestruck supervillain to do? Date him on the sly, of course! This BL webtoon features two young men who you just can't help but love. The relationship they build is a healthy and respectful one in spite of them (technically) being on opposite sides. The family dynamic between Mills and his two dads is also great to see, we need more stories where gay couples adopting a child together is shown in a normal, positive light.'

• Boys-Love Omegaverse

Info from APer recommending this title:

"The story revolves around a beta man who did not like dating, mostly because he did not like how pheromones control people's emotions, but his alpha boss shows interest in him. This story is so funny, it shows the point of view of a beta just trying to do his own thing, in a surrounding where alphas and omegas constantly drown with their own "romantic world and pheromones". But the way the alpha boss shows his interest in the beta is so cute and wholesome, where the boss loves the beta for who he is and not because of pheromones."

• Girls-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

"Yuu loves the idea of romance but is uncertain about it when it involves her. However, things start to change when she meets Nanami, the student council president at her new high school. This one is another slow-burn that involves a lot of soul-searching and characters figuring themselves out. It also has a supporting cast with multiple lesbians, including two adults, and an asexual classmate who helps Yuu begin to figure out her feelings toward Nanami."

• LGBT Themes

Info from APers recommending this title:

'Blue Flag is a love triangle series that follows three friends, but unlike My Love Mix-Up and I Cannot Reach You which lean into the more sweet and idealistic side of love, Blue Flag isn't afraid to show the heart-wrenching side and the difficulties of identifying as something that isn't readily accepted by your peers. If you don't mind something a little heavier then this is a great one.'

'One of my favorite LGBT mangas is about the love square with non-heteronormative crushes. It is beautifully drawn and the plot is so relatable. You get to know the characters and how they grow and become the people they are.'

• LGBT Themes

Info from APer recommending this title:

'This series has some darker themes, I'll warn ahead of time. this is about three kids who 'crossdress' meeting up to share their experiences. one doesn't feel they're crossdressing at all - they're a trans girl. one of them is a gay kid with a past history of sexual abuse. and one is undergoing trauma from his sister's passing and dresses as her for his mother. characters do have homophobic attitudes in the series but also come to understand each other deeply and their struggles.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APers recommending this title:

"At first, I was not really fond of the art style but the more I read, the more I got used to it. The timeline of this story is in the past era of Korea. The ML is a huge buff gentle. Both the MC and the ML have their own past issues, which are somewhat related to each other. I like how the characters' experiences became their instrument of development. Their love is so wholesome. I also love the side characters and the antagonist, and I also like the smut scenes."

"+1 for Bongchon Bride. I love this couple so much, they are so sweet and wholesome together in spite of the cruel and decidedly unwholesome world in which they live. Bongchun is a misunderstood gentle giant with a huge, loving heart, and Soongap is a young slave who tries to do right but has been trampled his entire life. His attempt to save his master's lesbian daughter from a forced marriage results in him being beaten half to death, which is where Bongchun comes into the picture and willingly goes into debt to buy him so Soongap isn't left to die at the hands of an abusive master. You just want these boys to be happy because they really deserve it after everything they've been through. Warning to readers that this story has some mature themes including slavery, rape, and an obsessed half-brother who didn't get the memo that incest is NOT win-cest!"

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Boyfriends is pretty good. It's not a manga, but still.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'The story involves trauma, but also developing understanding and sweet romance.'

• Transgender protagonist, LGBT Themes

Info from APer recommending this title:

'About a trans character and fashion.'

• Girls-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'About as serious as the title makes it seem, the main character's favorite things are breasts and her own are too small. So she asks her friend. Amusing situations and funny misunderstandings all around.'

• Non-binary and transgender protagonists

Info from APer recommending this title:

"This romance between a trans guy and his nonbinary classmate is absolutely adorable. The two of them are so sweet in their interactions with one another, and each new chapter just fills me with joy. The supporting cast is also fantastic. If you want totally fluffy romance, this is a good pick."

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'A cute and fluffy office romance manhua between a boss and his subordinate (read the description for the full ✨picture✨). There is little to no strife in the first season so if you want some slice-of-life-gay-serotonin, look no further.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APers recommending this title:

'A beautiful, yet heart-breaking story about two boys who find each other in 1980's South Korea. This story made me reflect on companionship and trust, and it explored societal persecution/shunning of LGBT+ people without explicitly stating it. Reading this was an emotional rollercoaster as you watched the two main characters try to create a space for them to be together where the world wouldn't be able to find them. Be aware of the content warnings for this series and also know there are moments referencing SA and dubious consent as well. Make sure to read the two extra chapters for some closure!'

"This story the first time I read is somewhat okay. They started as strangers to lovers. Their love for one another is intense, you can feel it. As it goes on, it became sadder, and you keep on thinking about what will they do next."

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'The characters here both have experience with being treated as 'less than' or 'dirty' due to things they simply can't help: One is homeless, the other is gay and has been dumped by his experimenting boyfriend, who is not gay and informed him that having sex with him was 'gross'. Each carries their own pain as a result that threatens their sense of self-worth, and the story does a good job of conveying their very human emotions. All the characters in this story feel very real here, and you can read more in the spin-off Don't Call Me Daddy.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'An interesting series where the characters (actually, I'm pretty sure all of them, but I could be wrong) happen to be queer. Fun urban adventure story with demons and gods all revolving around one man who is unsure what his roll in society is. I enjoy reading into the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the meaning of intimacy in relationships with this one. And the supernatural aspects are also mega cool (imo)!'

• Girls-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Adorable fluffy happiness with a wife and her wife.'

• Girls-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Sakurako and Kasumi live in a room for two in the school dorm. For Sakurako it was pretty much love at first sight... and Kasumi doesn't really seem to mind. They're pretty much a married couple from the get-go.'

• LGBT Themes

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Really worthwhile, also based on real life. Though the comic is primarily comedic, you can see his wisdom and maturity.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'This series I am pretty sure most people on this thread are at least somewhat aware of. Unless the content warnings are an absolute no-go for you, I highly recommend it. The manga and anime are both very good. But if you want some music that will make you feel many emotions, definitely go for the anime. Content warning: Suicide and sexual content'

• Boys-Love

Info from APers recommending this title:

'Nakamura has a crush on Hirose. The problem is, it makes him very nervous around Hirose, and he just cannot handle how adorable his crush is. And so, things tend to get very silly. It's a very funny and cute series about a boy who just wants to get closer to his crush. And this is another one with a sequel.'

'Was actually a fun series to read. Clumsy characters are fun to me as long as the gag isn't totally overused or it's not literally meant for fanservice every single time. It has good mixtures of slice of life/school life and comedy that make it a nice change from heavier or romance-driven titles which I seem to encounter more often than not.'

• Girls-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'An early 20th century period piece set in England, the two leading ladies, Hanako and Alice, are stuck in the heteronormative gears of society. Their main obstacle is shaking off the antagonist, Alice's arranged fiancé, before the gays can reach their happy ending. It's not all struggle though; the couple's interactions are rife with cuteness, and there's a hint of mystery regarding the location of Hanako's beloved author.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Recommending the novel since the adaptations have had to censor the gay side of things. Regardless, MDZS is a wonderful (and flawed, but that's okay, it's a web novel) story about overcoming social barriers and expectations, learning to love yourself, and coming to terms with trauma.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'The art is gorgeous, the story is well-written, and the slow-burn romance between the two main characters just makes you want to go 'squeeeeeeeeeeee!' because they are both so precious. One is a kind, gentle god who has ascended to (and been kicked out of) heaven multiple times, the other is a powerful, highly-intelligent ghost king who has (secretly) revered him since they were both humans. Between Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's fantastic storytelling and STARember's amazing art, this gem of a webtoon is a winner that all fans of danmei and BL should check out.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Very wholesome BL. Doki Doki rating - 11/10'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'If you love horror and BL, this is one of the most perfect combinations. set in a sleepy small town, things change when the main character's crush comes back and... isn't himself anymore.'

• LGBT Themes

Info from APer recommending this title: 

'Uniforms at age 19, is about 3 people, a sex worker lesbian, a tomboy, and a crossdressing boy, and their interactions in college. Each have their own secrets and desires connecting each other.'

• Girls-Love, Autobiography

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Another autobiographic essay, this time focusing on a lesbian couple. It's a pretty refreshing read littered with insights into Japan's queer community at the time.'

• Girls-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'A high school rom-com GL, but the main character is a masochist (and incredibly moe... get it? Her name is Moe... fine, I'll leave).'

• Girls-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'This is how you write a realistic yuri manga without relying on tired themes like unrequited love or star-crossed lovers. There's no tiptoeing around it; the main couple gets together as early as chapter one. And they aren't hammering in the age-old bs of 'it's okay because it's you', they're both queer individuals who've had prior experience with loving women. The story takes us through each step of them stumbling haphazardly through their relationship, emotional baggage and all. I love watching these clumsy lesbos and their dorky friend group interact with each other. I don't care what you're doing, go read this.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Short but cute, a good read if you want a nice one-volume BL. Plays with a few manga/anime tropes as well (not just BL ones!), which is a nice bonus.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'A boys-love series about two childhood friends figuring out their identities and feelings for one another. The author initially envisioned the series as a shoujo title before deciding to move forward with two male leads. Still, because of its origins, a lot of the way the story is told and how it's presented leans into shoujo tropes many of us have come to know and love.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Kohei, one of the leads, has hearing loss that has caused him problems in university and in communicating with others. He happens to meet Taichi who connects with him in a way no one else has and ends up having Taichi be his note-taker for his classes. The relationship between them is another sweet one, but this series also shows how Kohei's disability and the lack of accommodations for him affect his life. Kohei and Taichi's story continues in multiple sequel series.'

• Intersex Protagonist

Info from APer recommending this title: 

"It's educational, completely wholesome, and you will cry all the time (joy and sadness)."

• Asexual Protagonist

Info from APer recommending this title:

'This manga, even though it is very short, is about Chika, a high schooler, who has never had any crushes in her life, and does not feel any desire for physical intimacy. Her friends and her surroundings have always told her that her 'true one' would come one day and that she just had to be patient, but what happens when she enters college and understands that the solution to the problem... may not even exist? What if... not being able to feel any of it wasn't a problem? I loved seeing how asexuality was depicted in the manga in such a realistic way. And I loved how I could relate to the story so goddamn much. No romance, only discovering how love isn't really necessary in someone's life and that physical intimacy is not either, loving yourself and understanding yourself is the key to everything; love isn't always the solution. Oh, perhaps that is too extreme and you need a bit of romance. Well, here you go!'

• LGBT Themes

Info from APer recommending this title: 

'This series is SO. FREAKING. WHOLESOME. I want Tomoko to be my mother, and wish everyone on the planet had a parent like her. Her gay son Hiroki is still learning how to accept himself and be comfortable in his own skin; and instead of being one of those parents who try to force him out of the closet before he is ready (or worse, shove him deeper into it), she secretly cheers him on from the sidelines as she witnesses his growing pains. Loving, supportive, compassionate Tomoko simply wants what all good parents want for their children - for them to grow up happy and healthy.'

• Transgender Deuteragonist, LGBT Themes

Info from APer recommending this title:

'Story about a cis girl whose best friend that she's known since childhood comes out as a trans girl. She cares very deeply for her friend and goes overboard with her support, which manifests in some interesting ways. It does contain transphobia, but it's very much treated as a bad thing. I really enjoyed this one, and I'm surprised more people haven't read it.'

• Asexual protagonist, LGBT Themes

Info from APer recommending this title:

'An asexual woman gets married to a gay man. It gets their families off their backs, although they have no idea how they are going to solve certain issues - like their parents wanting grandchildren. Even though they aren't IN love with each other, they love each other like family and are determined to support each other and be on each other's side even if other people are not. The wife even secretly hopes to see her husband's hidden love for his childhood friend one day bear fruit. An unusual relationship to be sure, but one I'm curious to see where it goes in the future.'

• Girls-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'This GL series follows the relationship between Yamada and Kase-san, two high school girls, from its beginning. You get to see the two figure out how to be in a relationship, how to communicate with one another, and how to support one another. It's a very sweet series. And, if you want more of them, it has a sequel where they're in university.'

• Boys-Love

Info from APer recommending this title:

'From of the 70s, this is also an earlier/one of the earliest BL. Warning for a LOT of noncon and dubcon, but this is primarily because one of the main characters is a victim of a lot of sexual abuse from early on in his childhood that permeates through his interactions with other people. It also addresses topics like classism, racism, and complicated social dynamics. It's also much longer than a lot of BL titles, spanning 17 volumes/139 chapters so you can tuck yourself in for a long and dramatic read. Further warning that honestly? It's pretty melancholy and although there's lightness it's a bit of a downer overall. Still, both in terms of BL/queer media history and covering complicated topics, I think it's a BL of interest. And I liked it.'

• Non-binary protagonist

Info from APer recommending this title:

'A non-binary traveler wanders the world visiting the various countries in it. The series is episodic by design with each nation a story in its own right. Fascinating, thought-provoking, and sometimes horrific, no two places are the same, and Kino's Journey is never dull. This is probably the best story I've ever read starring a non-binary protagonist, and I recommend everyone give it a try.'