June is LGBTQ History month in the United States, and our country has come a long way in acceptance of all kinds of sexuality and gender identity. However, it can still be a difficult topic or journey for those who find themselves uncertain about their own personal sexual or gender identity.

I didn't come out or realize my own sexuality until around my last year of high school. It was only through several different anime, manga, and children's shows that I was able to accept my sexuality.

With my younger sister, it happened much the same way. They were able to discover their own gender through the example of television.

As strange as it may seem, children's shows and animated media made it easier to approach the topic for us both. It offered us options we did not know existed. This list may one day help someone else, or perhaps you'd just like a good show to watch.

1. "Ouran High School Host Club"

The main character, Haruhi in this show is a dfab (designated female at birth), but presents herself as a boy throughout the entirety of the show. She never makes a big deal out of it, and no one ever seriously tries to change her. Haruhi moves between male and female throughout the show all while maintaining a happy life. The plot focuses on the adventures of the club as a group with a genderfluid person as the main character.

This show was an absolute game changer for my household growing up. It became an instance where we all realized gender to be meaningless in terms of a binary assignment based off sexual organs. My sister identified with Haruhi, and it made it easier for her to understand her own identity.

If you're looking for a feel-good comedy I highly recommend this show.

2. "Legend of Korra"

Now, I don't want to call this a spoiler, because the relationships are not the focus of this show. However if you feel this is a spoiler than I'm terribly sorry. If you haven't watched Legend of Korra, I recommend you watch Avatar the Last Airbender first. This is a spin off sequel to that show.

In this series, the two female characters fall in love and the ending of the show is the two of them holding hands and basically riding off into the sunset together; only the sunset is the spirit world and they just walk into it.

These two female characters are canonically bisexual and it warmed my heart in college when I saw the ending confirmed as romantic. Their happy ending was with each other. Don't walk into this expecting them to be together throughout the show, their relationship is a slow burn.

3. "Jellyfish Princess"

The male character in this show enjoys feminine beauty products and fashion wear. He identifies as male, but doesn't present himself as hyper-masculine. His character is accepted and presented as more than a joke, which I appreciate immensely.

I love any show that breaks gender conformity. Masculinity is not for men and femininity is not for women. Everyone should be free to wear what they want, act how they feel is best for them, and look how they want regardless of sexuality or gender.

4. "Wandering Son"

Middle school student, Nitori enjoys dressing up as a girl and being out in public as one. Due to the nature of social expectations he hides his preferences.

The little two sentence summary is only the tip of the iceberg. All the other characters experience some exploration of their gender throughout the show. They all help one another to feel comfortable and face tensions among friends.

Nothing makes me cry more than this show because there's so many quiet realities involved with the kids in the show. Their helplessness is relatable to anyone who has ever experienced sexual or gender identity confusion.

5. "Steven Universe"

This. Show. This show right here changed my life. I can't believe the episodes only last ten minutes because they feel as if I've been watching for years and yet there's never enough of them.

On top of an epic plot, there's the breaking of gender norms, an array of sexualities, and the spectrum of gender identity. All of this explainable at the level of small children, who the show is aimed toward.

If you're looking for a gem (pun intended), head here.