An interesting question that strikes me right in my heart.
I first got into anime in 1996 because of the avante garde story lines and stories that were not limited by special effects budgets, but only limited by the imagination of the artists. This was not a grand leap for me as I was already into foreign cinema. It was also written for an audience that was not American and became a window into another culture from me. The culture that I was in did not know what do with me... at least until it came time for interscholastic quiz bowl competitions. Why not try to look into another one?
In the end I discovered Ranma 1/2 and became completely hooked. I had something to watch that echoed how I felt. I may have thought Ranma was a lucky b****** and a fool to reject what would be a great boon for me, but it gave me many stories to enjoy (FFML, how I miss thee!)
Despite my father's criticism of the series as "lesbian wish fulfillment" I continued to seek out each new VHS as it came out. This was a good thing, as my expanding collection provided a distraction from my parent's crumbling marriage and gave my mother (a person with EXTREME distrust of therapy) a medium to break her sorrow. She still credits Irresponsible Captain Tylor for saving her sanity by making her laugh.
My dear little sister who was merely a toddler also got in on the act. I was not going to have her be indoctrinated into the idea that she needed a man to validate her existence or to save her! I showed her Slayers and any other show with strong female protagonists - something missing from most American children's media in the 90's (except Mulan). I knew I was successful when she put on her princess tiara, got a towel as a cape, and dubbed the dog her loyal general. She went into our rural public school and ruled with an iron fist over the bullies, partially because her personal strength was succored rather than scorned by what she watched on our TV - a whole lot of anime.
And now back to the original point. I'm transgendered. That does not mean I'm more likely to enjoy anime; however, because I like anime I found a fellowship of open minded people who have remained my friend as I begin my journey into womanhood (better late than never
) I even met my wife at the anime club on the university and some of my strongest allies as I prepare (God be willing!) to transition were fellow anime fans.
Perhaps the greater propensity for finding people with a mind and heart open enough to accept them for who they are is what makes so many transgendered people part of the anime community? Food for thought, ne?
