Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So I have been asked this question online alot. Why so trans people love anime so much? I was not even aware this was true or might be true.

I have no idea. I can't say I've seen an unusually high amount of anime fandom here, but given the circles I travel in, I may not have the most "normal" baseline to go by. I just assumed what little I've seen was part of a wider cultural phenomenon.

Anyway, my experience is that a lot of peoples' preference for anime comes from the fact that unlike most western cartoons, anime isn't strictly focused on children's shows. The variety of subject matter and maturity level is much wider. In effect, they like it because it provides cartoons for adults. That and Japanese culture is pretty interesting.

As for myself, I like anime, but I don't love anime. This comes as a surprise to some people, as I tend to be somewhat knowledgeable on the subject, and I certainly have a fascination with Japanese things. Nevertheless, a lot of my familiarity is picked up through osmosis, as I have friends who are really into it. My attention is usually on older, often obscure, Japanese video games instead.

My anime knowledge isn't deep nor vast at all.  There's just a few I like.

In my experience does seem to be a pretty common interest for those in their upper to mid 30's down with some Pioneers a little further down on the age line. :)

I have a semi-large knowledge just because I work for a vendor at conventions, but I'm not obsessed with it as I was when I was younger.  Anime for me back in high school was a way for me to escape.  Now, I just like to reminisce about good memories watching it or finding cute figurines.  I don't watch it even close to as much as I did back in the day.

Escapism? Who knows. I've loved anime, manga, and comic books since I was a kid. Kinda just worked out that way. I also still have a lot of typical male hobbies/interests as well.

That's like asking why trans people like movies, tv shows, and books so much. It's pretty much the same reason any other people do. Anime is just another medium. For that matter, asking why people in general like anime (as with asking about liking movies, tv shows, and books) is too broad to be able to answer since there are many genres in that medium many of which are different and that's not even getting into individual stories.

I'd say I am a pretty big fan but I wouldn't say trans people like anime more, seems like another stereotype, I enjoy anime, and Asian culture in general, when I pick a show to watch I am pretty discriminatory on what  I pick. It has to have a good story, and be unique and original and sadly just like mainstream media here some shows are to much alike, also if it makes me cry its story is so awesome, to me anime is like reading a real intense book, but I get to see it.

for reference some of the shows I like/liked watching, and really impacted me were;
welcome to the n.h.k.
miyazaki's - spirited away, my neibor totoro,and whisper of the heart
chobits
eureka 7

and a few others

I think people who are generaly closed minded don't accept anything different than what they surround themselves with, and associate anything different or strange grouped together, idk, I like what I like

I'm not into anime culture. I did love anime as a teenager, but that was because my friends were also into it.

I dislike the anime subculture and much ado with it, but if it's people's thing, let them be happy! :P

Cosplaying is a little crazy for me, lol.

Im an anime junkie, back in highschool I attended 4 years of AP japanese just to avoid waiting for dubs, and fan subs.  MY collection of anime's and memoriabilia is so large im sure if I was able to return it all id be able to afford SRS.

I used to be into anime/manga things quite a lot few years ago. I suppose it was just a natural part of getting interested in Japanese popculture altogether. However, my interest started to disappear two or three years ago.

I was more interested in reading manga anyway because I used to be stuck with so bad internet connections that watching anime was a huge pain in the buttocks.
Besides, the comics don't have annoying filler episodes and no superfast internet required.

Well...

In my case, I just see it as an alternative media for story telling.  As a kid I used to read a LOT.  Then I later found anime and video games, and have found equally rich stories, characters, hot blooded moments of passion and excitement, and saddening tears, all the same as I would have, staring at a page with only words on it.  Sure it drops from the imagination department, but at the same time, it also boosts creativity for me.

Anyway.  I more or less find anime fascinating because of the different stories to tell.  And the art styles are typically more appealing to me, as opposed to many other programs I could be watching instead...most of the time.

Also because real life sucks and in anime, people look WAY too attractive to be real.  xD

I am absolutely obsessed with anime, manga, doujinshi, and music. I didn't think it was a trans thing per-say, but hey I don't mind. I love the stories and the freedom that they have even on certain subject matters to be able to make something that is genuine. In our day and age there are a lot of taboo subjects that you don't talk about let alone write or animate, but in Japan anything goes. I find it relaxing to read also a lot of subjects that refer to being trans.....I don't mean futa and things like that  ;D.

Quote from: Tossu-sama on June 23, 2013, 12:30:47 PMI was more interested in reading manga anyway because I used to be stuck with so bad internet connections that watching anime was a huge pain in the buttocks.
Besides, the comics don't have annoying filler episodes and no superfast internet required.

Anime also sometimes changes the story.

I really don't know why, but I fit the description as well.

I guess maybe because it actually has interesting female characters in it? That's one thing that you really don't get a lot of in shows targeted at young adults in America, but anime is completely overloaded with them. Also, maybe because we tend to be more introverted, so we're more likely to like geeky things? I dunno. There's two theories for ya.

I think this is the same question as: Why are so many trans gamers/nerds/geeks? Most of those are also into anime, but, statistically speaking, I think your sample set is skewed towards that, as you'll get a higher percentage of those people on an online forum than you would out in the real world. I honestly don't think there's more than usual in the trans community. I just think they're overrepresented online. :D

I like anime/Manga because of the characters. They often have a wide variety of personalities and expressions. Maybe it's because the japanese don't care as much about some issues. I dunno, I often draw manga/anime because it helps me relax. The expressions are cute, and sometimes, they help me smile. But I don't really obsess over it. Sure, I'll roleplay every so often, and I'd like to cosplay, but I don't really screech about it on a daily basis like the stereotypical fangirls do.

And, I agree with Shodan. We're probably just overrepresented online ;P

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.  ;D

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?

I realized your avatar was of Yukari from Azumangah Daioh. Great anime/Manga ;P

Yeah, I can agree with want you said. it seems that many fans of anime, manga, and the japanese culture in general are more accepting of us gay, lesbian, and trengender people. I'm not classing them like that, there are definitely people like that do not approve of us, but...eh, they seem much more open.

Quote from: VenomGaia on June 28, 2013, 06:14:05 AM
it seems that many fans of anime, manga, and the japanese culture in general are more accepting of us gay, lesbian, and trengender people. I'm not classing them like that, there are definitely people like that do not approve of us, but...eh, they seem much more open.

Considering what kinda stuff can be found from the anime fandom(s), it's kinda necessary to be open-minded. |D

While I don't think we have a higher concentration of anime fans, i believe that anime does hold an extra appeal for those of us who are interested. As others have touched on, 2 aspects of anime seem to be extra nice are a way to express our fantastic/fantasizing sides, and the fact that anime is one of the more trans saturated forms of media.

We get to enjoy fantasy worlds And feel accepted. I see the appeal

It's so prevalent I'm changing the name to Tranime from anime!

I started likeing anime in the '80's when I was watching Robotech and Battle of the Planets before going to school. One of my favs is Ranma 1/2 by Rumiko Takahasha. Sometimes ABC Australia will show anime either late night or Sat on ABC3.

 ranma 1/2 is decent especially with the gender flipping goin on, another decent anime which has a flip of gender is kasha mashi, where I boy is changed to a girl by an alien and turns out she was better as a girl. real interesting one but not in English. :-\

Quote from: calico on August 07, 2013, 10:07:55 AM
ranma 1/2 is decent especially with the gender flipping goin on, another decent anime which has a flip of gender is kasha mashi, where I boy is changed to a girl by an alien and turns out she was better as a girl. real interesting one but not in English. :-\

It's Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl and it's licensed under Seven Seas for English manga distribution or Bandai Visual for the anime... they even included an English dub option (on the 2010 release) for those who dislike subtitles... ::)

Trust what the anime club and GLBT clubs at my university already know: if it's gender bending or yuri - ask Yukari for it! I'll have it or know where you can get it. ;D