My favorite anime had a gay moment!

My Hero Academia follows a classroom of superheroes-in-training, with one classmate possessing an evolving ability that can save the world. It’s high action, tons of fun, and the camaraderie between the students (Class 1-A) is beloved by fans.

I was in a history/politics-based program in high school and had the same classes with the same kids for four years straight. I know the bonds you build inside and outside school can last a lifetime. I’m legit in the bridal party for one of my fellow Contemporary Global Issues programmees. Class 1-A in MHA brings that same level of comfort, slight conflict, and mutual support that I found in my own experience. But I’m not at all biased; this show rocks. 

My Hero Academia takes place in a world where 97% of people get superpowers. The 3% is at a disadvantage in their society, with many ‘quirkless’ people longing for acceptance. Aoyama was born quirkless to a rich family, and always felt like a disgrace. The selfish parents paid a villain to grant their kid a power, giving Aoyama his belly laser ability. He has never felt okay as himself, even the power fought against his body and made him dizzy. Conforming to a hetero society, parents paying for special access to change you even though nothing’s wrong- I smell a metaphor!

It also helps that Aoyama is the most flamboyant and fabulous of the group. Out of the 20+ students, he’s known for his super stylish ways and long eyelashes. The official wiki describes him as having a feminine face, and his voice is for sure giving fem energy. And we love that! His superhero name is literally ‘Can’t Stop Twinkling’; he rocks purple and the gayest cape I’ve ever seen. His glasses genuinely slay. I love you, Yuga Ayoama.

Aoyama develops a special relationship with the show’s protagonist, Izuku Midoiya. Both are born quirkless (without powers) and though they can’t admit it to each other because of *complex plot reasons*, it’s giving two underdogs with a shared understanding of feeling different. I’m not trying to make any yaoi or ship the two together, just am pointing out their bond was special. Probably not romantic, but important.

Their growing friendship comes to a boiling point in season 7 of My Hero Academia. The trust the class has in Ayoama, which only grew since Midoriya started befriending him, makes for a pivotal plot point. To see the roller coaster of this background character and his interesting reveal THAT I DID NOT SEE COMING was such a joy. Learning about Ayoama’s past really aligns with a queer origin story.

I like to think that Yuga Ayoama leaves U.A. after the series and has a nice little life in witness protection. He made some mistakes in the past, but a calm and cool husband could bring Ayoama back to Earth. Give ‘Can’t Stop Twinkling’ a mini-series, I swear I’ll watch every second of it.