Whereas Western society was recently shaken up when one openly gay character appeared in a mainstream animated film aimed at children (ParaNorman), Japanese popular culture has been featuring complex and fluid portrayals of gender for decades. With a completely different lens, Japanese animation provides fresh perspectives on portrayals of gender, family life, and relationships.

So throw away all those prejudices programmed by society and let Dr. Nicolle Lamerichs take you onto a historical anime journey filled with powerful women, gender-queer individuals, and super-cute dudes!

This program screened as part of KLIK! Amsterdam Animation Festival 2014