Essay: Friends or Lovers...?

For some reason unknown to me, homosexuality is something that is frowned upon in North America. Perhaps the reason as to why homosexuality is so controversial here is because of teachings in the Old Testament of the Bible. Personally, I believe that homosexuality is simply something that is feared because it is unfamiliar. With this in mind, the relationship between Kaioh Michiru and Tenoh Haruka has been a controversial subject.

Until Takeuchi Naoko confirmed that Haruka and Michiru share a relationship that goes beyond the realm of friendship, many debates were held on wether or not that relationship actually existed. While the number of debates has decreased significantly, there are still people who believe that Haruka and Michiru are simply close friends as opposed to being romantically entwined.

In the majority of the Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon dubs, scenes involving homosexuality are generally avoided or altered. Therefore, using these dubs as a source of information to support theories about Haruka and Michiru not being lesbian is not credible. The only source of information that should be used is the original Japanese materials. The Japanese anime and manga is how the series is meant to be seen. There are no alterations.

In any case, it is blatantly obvious that Haruka and Michiru share an intimate relationship. Some will argue that because no sexually explicit scenes are shown, that Haruka and Michiru cannot possibly be a couple. However, there is much more to a relationship than sex. Communicating, getting along and simply having fun with each other are also vital parts of any relationship. While we do not see Haruka and Michiru kissing each other passionately, we do hear the two make many suggestive comments to each other and we see the two in suggestive situations (like a love contest for example).

In actuality, we do see Haruka and Michiru embracing. In the manga, there are many scenes where Haruka has her arms around Michiru. In episode 106, the two women hold hands in a passionate and romantic moment. While these scenes are few and far between, they (as well as the verbal commentary made by either woman) make up the vast amount of evidence supporting the intimate relationship between Haruka and Michiru.

Other miscellaneous details also give evidence towards Haruka and Michiru being lesbian. Sailoruranus, for example, kisses Sailormoon. With all of the evidence supporting Haruka and Michiru, it’s rather silly to think that there are people out there who would jump at the chance to deny their relationship, twisting the words of the characters and their creator.


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