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It is extremely rare to find an anime that approaches LGBTQ issues in any serious or in depth manner. The T in LGBTQ seems to get the least attention of all in the anime/manga world. This anime amazingly encompasses both MTF and FTM issues to an extent. It also does not approach it in an offensive or stereotypical way, as most animes that contain and trans character do. As someone who identifies as trans, this was extremely refreshing in an otherwise ignorant community.

The story was a little slow, but it is about growing up and that is how life can be. I was impressed that ... they incorporated so many little things that go along with dealing with puberty as someone questioning gender (things like feeling pressured to wear a bra or getting your period or your voice changing actually came up). The pronouns could be an issue, but I would also tack that up to the characters being so young and still so unsure about their concrete genders. It was a very emotional watch for anyone who has to deal with these issues and can also be very triggering, as a bit of a warning. It is good at insinuating how ignorant and sexist/heterosexist society can be about things like relationships, gender behavior, and clothing (particularly school uniforms). Nitorin faces insults like freak and tranny (even the slur "fag" comes up) which are very harsh and hurtful words. Nitorin also has to deal with a family who doesn't understand and a sister who bullies "him" about his "cross dressing habit." On top of that, Nitorin is dealing with a school system that shames "his" behavior and has "him" sent home for wearing a girl's uniform (although female characters wearing a boy's uniform are not). Afterwards, he is completely alienated by his class and his supposed friends.

This anime asks important questions like "Why is it wrong to wear the clothes you want to wear?" They also present relationships in a non-stereotypical way. Nitorin may identify as female, but he still dates a cisgender female in the series. Usually transgenders are viewed as very specifically heterosexual. I think it could be very educational for people who don't understand trans issues or gender fluidity... and especially for those who would label this a "gender bender" anime.

The story is basically character driven. It is all about these character's lives and how they are dealing with these complicated issues. It is about discovering their true selves and learning to cope with that and how society will treat them. Nitorin represents the MTF of the trans community, while Takatsuki is the FTM. The way I see it, Chiba-san is often the bully and transphobic towards both of them. She asks cruel questions in order to hurt them, knowing that their gender identities are a weak spot. She seems to represent the average person pushing their own gender ideals on her friends, regardless of their feelings. This gets more and more evident towards the end of the show. There are a variety of characters, that range from understanding and accepting to very transphobic and ignorant. There was a problem with vagueness regarding more minor characters however. There was no real explanation of the background of Yuki, the transsexual female mentor Nitorin and Takatsuki are friends with.

I enjoyed the series because it was something I could relate to, which is extremely rare in the anime community. However, it was triggering and managed to make me very depressed on occasion. Overall, it handled the issue with extreme care, which is rare and very encouraging. I think we need more anime like this. There is very little LGBTQ inclusion in the anime world, after all. It didn't have much of a concrete ending, though, since they were just beginning to delve into bodily changes of puberty when the series ends. I hope they decide to continue the anime as the manga progresses.