Crossdressers are nothing new to anime. They're seen every now and then. Girls dressing like boys, the popular archetype of tomboy, are actually quite popular. However, boys dressing as girls are an archetype used more as a joke. Otokonoko, or traps, are treated like they're perverts, and are often ridiculed or even abused. They get more love in hentai, and that's saying something. However, something happened: a crossdressing guy was shown some love, and by magical girls no less.

The character that showed such courage is Henri Wakamiya. Here he is standing up for his lifestyle. His line around here is: “So what? I’m dressed the way I want to dress. Putting restrictions on your own heart is a waste of time…and life.”

Later in this episode, Henri is captured by a monster while wearing a dress, to which he remarks: “Wait, doesn’t this mean I’m like the princess in this situation?”

Hana Nono, someone who could easily pass as a princess herself, replies: “That’s OK! Boys can be princesses too!”

This is a really great scene that resonated heavily in Japan, sharing out messages of praise on social media. The message from this episode positively encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to be themselves. It’s especially powerful for children and teens as they navigate their youth before entering adulthood.

I would hope to see more of this. Traps are a great trope seen all around, but rarely are they empowered to be more than a one-note joke or object of assault. We need more characters like Henri to be themselves and show other people that even boys can be princesses. 

What do you think of Henri and Hana's message? Sound off in the comments below!