Queer representation in One Piece deserves to be talked about and here's why!

One Piece has some of the most iconic queer characters, so it would only make sense to revisit and explore what makes their stories so powerful.

There’s been a lot of conversation around how queer representation where the charcaters often feel like a forcefully addition that have little to contribute to the plot. While representation is necessary, including them just to tick a box rather than being thoughtfully written into the narrative does more harm than good. This kind of surface-level inclusion points to a larger issue, where the intention to appear inclusive results in characters who lack depth, purpose, or genuine presence. It made me reflect on the well-written queer characters I've encountered in a show like One Piece, who feel real, layered, and essential to the story. One Piece has always found itself in conversation for one reason or another, and it almost feels like it never really leaves the spotlight. Whether it is the upcoming twists in the manga or the buzz around the next season of the live-action adaptation, there is always something fueling its relevance. But what has recently been gaining attention is it's portrayal of queer characters that feels both intentional and quietly groundbreaking.

In many Asian countries, where queer identities often face limited visibility, societal pressure to conform, and a general hesitation in public discourse, the presence of gender-nonconforming and fluid characters in a mainstream shonen manga feels especially significant. While same-sex relationships are not criminalized in every country, the lack of legal protections, the conservative nature of media representation, and an unspoken cultural emphasis on fitting in tend to push queer voices to the margins. Within this context, since its debut in 1997, Eiichiro Oda’s story of pirates and freedom has consistently stood for the idea that everyone deserves a place to chase their dreams, no matter who they are. And the series has continually reinforced this belief through thoughtful and intentional character writing.

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These One Piece's queer representations needs to be talked about -

While many shonen stories focus solely on action and adventure, One Piece manages to include characters who challenge conventional gender norms and express queerness in ways that feel natural within the story rather than forced or exaggerated. It has embraced queer-coded characters in ways that feel both heartfelt and ahead of their time. Rather than isolating queerness as a standalone trait, Eiichiro Oda integrates it into the broader themes of identity, freedom, and friendship that define the series.

Bentham

Mr. 2, Bon Kurei, also known as Bentham, appears during the Alabasta arc as part of Baroque Works. With his flamboyant personality, ballet-like combat style, and the Mane Mane no Mi powers that allow him to transform into anyone, Bon Kurei immediately stands out. But his queerness is never reduced to a gimmick; in fact, his character deepens as the series progresses, particularly in the Impel Down arc where he risks everything to help Luffy escape. His sacrifice, loyalty, and emotional vulnerability make him one of the most beloved characters in the series. His identity is visible, but it is his courage and sense of justice that ultimately define him. 

Emporio Ivankov

This balance between identity and character is seen again in Emporio Ivankov, the commander of the Revolutionary Army, who is also introduced during the Impel Down arc. With the power of the Horu Horu no Mi, Ivankov can manipulate hormones and change genders at will. They lead the Newkama Land, which is a safe place within the most secure prison for those who live beyond traditional gender boundaries. Ivankov, like Bon Kurei, is larger-than-life, loud, and proud, but beneath the theatrics lies a strong and compassionate leader. People of the Newkama Land who were once prisoners within the walls of Impel Down find their freedom and identity under the care and leadership of Ivankov. You see their strength, resilience, and camaraderie shine through when they rise alongside Luffy. Their resistance highlights the show's message of freedom, not just breaking physical chains, but those that prevent people from being their true selves.

Similarly, the Kamabakka Kingdom, the queer-coded island where Sanji ends up during the post-time-skip training period, exists as a space that defies every traditional expectation, where people live with boldness and complete self-acceptance, often exaggerated in tone but never apologetic in purpose.

Kikunojo

In the Wano Country arc, the story introduces Kikunojo, a member of the Akazaya Nine and a proud samurai. Kiku, who identifies as “a woman at heart,” is treated with respect and dignity by those around her. Her identity is acknowledged without hesitation or fanfare, and she is accepted without question by her fellow warriors. Her skills and grace in battle, emotional strength, and deep connection with her brother are central to her character. Kiku’s presence in the story feels like a quiet, confident statement that queerness does not need to be explained or justified. 

Yamato

As someone who openly identifies as a man and expresses a deep admiration for Kozuki Oden, Yamato aspires to carry on his will in both spirit and identity. Despite being assigned female at birth, Yamato insists on being referred to with he/him pronouns, and watching how the narrative and many of the characters within it accept this with little resistance is truly remarkable. His gender identity isn’t questioned or treated as a source of confusion, but rather as another facet of who he is, much like his dream to see the world or his courage to stand against his father.

One argument that often comes up is that One Piece doesn’t go deep enough into the sexualities or gender identities of its queer characters and that it stops short of fully exploring who they are. But in many ways, what some critics call a shortcoming is actually what makes Oda’s approach so interesting for me. The show doesn't treat identity as something that needs to be dissected or explained in long monologues, but as something that simply exists and must be accepted. What’s always stood out in One Piece is that the show rarely relies on “big” dialogues to prove a point. The identities of the characters are visible, yet never the only thing that defines them. Oda includes queerness into the story, highlighting that worth comes from actions, relationships, and the fight for freedom, just like he introduces a rubber-limbed pirate, a doctor-wannabe reindeer, a music-loving skeleton, and pirates who brave dangerous seas without knowing how to swim.

From the beginning, One Piece has resisted Japan’s cautious, often rigid approach to queer identities, and while it may not always be perfect, it does something many stories don’t by creating space. A space where queer characters can grow and shine, not in spite of who they are, but as a natural part of the world they belong to. In doing so, it stays true to what the series has always been about: the freedom to be yourself. 

What are your thoughts on the queer representation in the show? Tell us in the comments below!

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