Many people ask, when is Pokemon Day? Actually, it is today! February 27 is National Pokemon Day. Pokemon has been around for 29 years now, bringing us video games, animated series, movies, and so much more.

But there’s something else fans love to discuss—queer characters. While nothing is confirmed, many people believe that some Pokémon characters might identify as lesbians or queer.

Let’s explore some of these fan theories. Who knows? Maybe you’ll spot hints you never noticed before.


Queer Representation in Pokemon


Pokemon is known for its colorful and diverse characters. From strong gym leaders to adventurous trainers, there’s someone for everyone to love. This diversity is why fans often wonder about the characters’ identities, including their sexual orientations.

Various Pokemon characters, including Pikachu, Snorlax, Mew, and Jigglypuff, displayed against a rainbow background, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and diversity in the Pokemon community.


Queer representation matters because everyone deserves to see themselves in the stories they love. It can be comforting to think of your favorite characters as queer.

This can happen through fan theories and headcanons. It shows how powerful representation can be, even when it’s not official. Let's see who they are!

 

Blanche

Blanche from Pokemon GO, leader of Team Mystic, with an androgynous appearance and a thoughtful expression, holding a Pokeball.


Blanche first appeared in Pokemon GO as the leader of Team Mystic. They present an androgynous appearance, and the creators never clearly state their gender, which leads to lots of fan speculation.

Some fans interpret Blanche as nonbinary or a lesbian because of this ambiguity. The way they’re presented without clear gender roles allows fans to see themselves in the character, whatever their identity may be.

Akari

 

Akari from the HIBAPC manga, a cheerful trans boy jumping with excitement, showcasing his energetic and adventurous spirit in a dynamic action pose.

Akari is a trans boy from the "HIBAPC" manga, which was published in Japan from 1999 to 2001. He is considered the first canon LGBTQ+ character in the Pokemon franchise. While the story wasn’t portrayed in the most sensitive way, it was the early 2000s, so expectations were different back then.


Beauty Nova

 

Beauty Nova from Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, with a stylish look and confident expression, carrying a shopping bag with bread and milk, showcasing her unique vibe.

Beauty Nova is a minor character you can battle in Pokemon X/Y. Interestingly, just six months before her appearance, she was known as a Black Belt (or Karate King in the Japanese version), which is a male-only trainer class. Now, she’s a Beauty, a female-only trainer class.

In the Japanese version, she mentions, “The power of medical science is amazing, wouldn’t you say?!", hinting at her medical transition. This makes her one of the most fascinating and impactful characters in the Pokemon universe.


 

Lisia


Lisia from Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, a cheerful contest idol with blue-green hair, wearing a playful and vibrant performance outfit, striking a confident pose.

Lisia is a contest idol from Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Fans have noticed her close relationship with other female characters, especially May. The way she admires and connects with them feels more than just friendship to some fans. It’s all about interpretation, but her charm and affection make her a popular choice for queer headcanons. 


Lillie and Mallow

 

Lillie and Mallow from Pokemon Sun and Moon, dressed in prince and princess costumes, sharing a heartfelt moment surrounded by pink petals in a magical, starry setting.

Lillie and Mallow are close friends in Pokemon Sun and Moon. Their friendship is beautifully written, showing deep care and emotional support for each other.

Fans have pointed out how they blush around each other and share tender moments. Whether they’re just really good friends or something more, their bond is heartwarming and open to queer interpretation. 

 

Dawn and Zoey

 

Dawn and Zoey from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl anime, dressed in elegant contest outfits, sharing a determined and competitive stare-down during a Pokemon contest.

Dawn and Zoey are rivals and friends in the Pokemon Diamond and Pearl anime. Their rivalry is friendly, and they push each other to be better. Fans have noted how much they support and encourage each other.

Zoey especially shows a lot of concern and admiration for Dawn. It’s not confirmed romance, but it’s easy to see why fans ship them.


Shauna

 

Shauna from Pokemon X and Y, wearing a playful pink and black outfit with pigtails, smiling energetically and striking an excited pose.

Shauna is one of the main rivals in Pokemon X and Y. She’s full of energy and shows a lot of affection for the female player character. Some fans interpret her excitement and compliments as flirting. Her playful and sweet nature has led to many fan theories about her being queer, especially with her close bonds in the game. 


What Do You Think?


So, what do you think? Are there any other Pokemon characters you suspect might be queer? Fan theories and headcanons are a fun way to connect with others and share different interpretations.


Feel free to share your thoughts with Eros Song. Let’s celebrate National Pokemon Day by embracing diversity and imagination!