One of my favorite parts of this manga is that, even at the end, we don't truly know Arima's gender identity and neither does he (I am using he/him pronouns because that is what is used in the manga), and that is totally fine! Although he is able to work through his trauma a little, it does not solve his gender crisis, which I really enjoyed and thought was very realistic. In many manga and anime with gender-queer people, after their problems are fixed they often go back to representing their birth gender, which not only sets an untrue president that trans people are created from trauma, which is just untrue. Gender expression is part of who you are, and working through trauma does not at all mean you have to assign with your birth gender. This manga does a great job at showing this.
Another thing I really liked is the conversation about Hirasawa's sexuality. He likes who he likes, and he doesn't feel the need to put a label on it. I think this is great for people still figuring out their sexuality. Just like who you like, and there is no pressure to put a label on it!
I also thought the relationship was very well written. Hirasawa did not fix all of Arima's trauma but was just there to support him. I feel that there is a huge pressure (especially on women) to fix men's problems for them, but in reality, all you need to do as a partner is be there and support them. Great message!
Overall, a beautiful story with amazing art that shows the struggle of gender identity, figuring out your sexuality, and working through past trauma. A great read for everyone, not just queer people!
