With fans discussing whether or not Mineta is bisexual, many forget there are other known queer characters worth examining.
Mineta is one of the most disliked characters in My Hero Academia, not just by numerous of the characters on the show (particularly the feminine ones) but also fans. He is lecherous, perverse, and a bit of a coward. A specific demography of supporters now dislike him more since Mineta would be a crude portrayal of a bisexual. Mineta perhaps being bisexual feeds into the notion that bisexual persons (especially bisexual guys) are promiscuous predators who are not to be trusted.
There is minimal substantial proof of Mineta being bisexual. Most of the supposition stems from the My Hero Academia manga Chapter #321, when Mineta states to Deku, “I fell for you.” This is scarcely a case for his sexuality. Still, more rests on the fact that English translations are not always strong, whereas checking into a more accurate translation from Japanese has Mineta admitting that he “admired” him. For people living in the West, the reaction to Mineta being regarded as bisexual may seem the same as what occurred to the current rendition of Superman coming out as bisexual. Jon Kent, son of Clark Kent, comes out in Superman: Son of Kal-El #4.
This is hardly the closest comparison of the two however as the Superman comics disclose Jon’s sexuality upfront, and he even has a lover called Jay Nakamura. This connection also appears positioned to provide a far more favorable portrayal of a bisexual male character. Needless to say, each sparked an outcry in their respective fan bases for different reasons. Some fans of Superman perceived Jon Kent coming out as a cheap shot (even if it is not the same Superman but his son) at queerbaiting. Mineta being viewed as bisexual, on the other hand, sparked considerable controversy because Mineta is a hated character, and his abrupt sexuality disclosure (at least in the eyes of certain fans) is dubious.
Does the entire Mineta controversy indicate that My Hero Academia has no good portrayal of LGBTQ characters?
The answer is a loud no, and gay fans have to go no farther than the character of Tiger, who was, in actuality, the first verified LGBTQ character in My Hero Academia. Tiger, whose true name is Yawara Chotaro, is a trans guy who is part of the hero squad of the Wild Wild Pussycats. This character in the series might not have been told in full detail that he is a trans guy. Still, according to My Hero Academia’s manga author, Kohei Horikoshi, Tiger was a female assigned at birth who transformed into a man in maturity.
Some reading this may scratch their heads and question why such a conversation matters, why is the sexuality of a character of major importance? For anime lovers in the LGBTQ community, it matters a great lot. Seeing people like them that can be heroic removes away from the stigma of being gay and may educate youngsters growing up with an LGBTQ identity that they can be noble heroes and loved by their heterosexual friends without having to hide their identity. It also tells viewers that a gay person doesn’t have to stoop to becoming a caricature or a stereotype to be a queer representation. Another component comes into play with characters, and that is romantic ties. To have a gay character that is both of positive representation and being in a loving relationship would make many LGBTQ fans of My Hero Academia jump for excitement.
So what does this mean for the future of LGBTQ characters in My Hero Academia? Maybe someday, viewers of the program will witness a pro hero like to the beautiful non-binary heroic character, Fire Emblem, of the anime series—Tiger and Bunny. Only time will tell, but Tiger is a good start. My Hero Academia is no stranger to presenting characters who are multi-layered and fascinating to watch and given Tiger, fans could find themselves pulling for an LGTBQ major character soon.
