Hourou Musuko was originally a manga series created, written, and drawn by Takako Shimura from 2002–2013. It was adapted into an anime series in 2011, consisting of 11 episodes, which was directed by Ei Aoki and written by Mari Okada.
Shuuichi Nitori is in fifth grade and most of the school thinks she is one of the prettiest girls there, but Shuuichi has a secret, she’s actually biologically male. As Shuuichi struggles with her gender identity, she at least doesn’t have to bear it alone because her childhood friend, Yoshino Takatsuki, who, despite being biologically female, does not identify as a girl. Through their shared secret, they find understanding in each other, and while it provides some solace, their lives are only about to become more complicated as they adjust to a new school, try and make new friends, the regular struggles of growing up, all while trying to navigate their own transsexuality and find acceptance. Praised for it’s serious take on gender identity and LGBTQ+ struggles, Takako Shimura’s Hourou Musuko takes you on the journey of life with Shuuichi and Yoshino as they attempt to discover their true selves.
I highly recommend checking out other works from Takako Shimura, she’s an amazing, female manga creator and many of her works feature LGBTQ+ topics and characters. In particular, you should read/watch Aoi Hana (Sweet Blue Flowers) and Boku wa, Onnanoko (Sweet 16).
Hourou Musuko is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e4fSCmhDIISimilar
