Despite not being as popular as its predecessor, Yu-Gi-Oh! Gx is among the most beloved series of the franchise. Jaden’s adventures as a Duel Academy student are iconic, gaining millions of followers ever since the show aired. One of the traits that helped this entry in the franchise stand out is the emotional, important, and relatable topics that it portrays.

Although it was released in the early 2000s, the show has aged gracefully, thanks to its surprisingly progressive representation. The best example of this is Jaden’s eternal companion and protector, Yubel. This Duel Spirit has been an icon for the Non-Binary community for decades, due to how accurate their depiction in the series is.

Yubel’s Backstory and Appearance Confirm They Are a Non-Binary Icon

In Japan, Yubel Was Never Assigned a Gender

Born centuries before the beginning of the series, Yubel used to be a young woman who fell in love with Jaden’s past life. This young man was special, as he was destined to become the protector of the Gentle Darkness, the Supreme King. Because of this, he would need a loyal protector who would be willing to give their lives for him. Without hesitation, Yubel offered herself to become the Supreme King’s guardian. She underwent a painful and slow ritual to fuse herself with a mythical dragon. The result was a new creature with enough power to always help the Supreme King.

This new body was half-female, half-male, split right in the middle. Instead of worrying about their identity, Yubel decided to let go of the concept of gender completely, choosing to identify as neither a man nor a woman. In the Japanese version of Yu-Gi-Oh! Gx, this choice was made clear, with only gender-neutral words being used when referring to them. Their voice was also a clear indicator of their Non-Binary identity, with both a male and female pitch being heard whenever the Supreme King’s protector speaks.

Throughout the series, the characters who came across Yubel always respected their identity, never using any gendered terms to refer to them. The Supreme King’s guardian is one of the few but amazingly well-depicted LGBTQ+ characters in the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise. Lamentably, once the series was translated into English, Yubel’s gender identity became another victim of the multiple censorship added to the series. They were referred to as female ever since they were introduced, erasing one of the series’ most progressive plot points. Their card was also censored, making both sides of Yubel’s body seem female.

Gx Also Had Amazing Representation of Not Heterosexual Love

The Supreme King Promised to Love Yubel, No Matter What Gender They Were

During season 3 of Yu-Gi-Oh! Gx, it was revealed that Yubel became a villain because she was infected by the cruel Light of Destruction. This malevolent being turned the pure love the Duel Spirit felt for the Supreme King and twisted it into a toxic obsession. Yubel’s infatuation with Jaden’s past life comes from the fact that the ruler promised them to love no one else. The Duel Spirit was loved throughout the entirety of the Supreme King’s life, standing by his side as a friend, guardian, and partner. When Jaden’s past life passed away, Yubel began their search for the new Supreme King.

Since Jaden was a child when they found him, his guardian spirit acted more like an overbearing parent, hurting anyone who would mock or attack Jaden. Once they were reunited in season 3, Yubel’s feelings for Jaden were made clear, as the Duel Spirit wished nothing more than to be with him forever. Jaden was surprised at first but ended up accepting his protector’s feelings, merging their souls, so they would never be apart. The series never outright states that their relationship is romantic, although it is heavily implied by the tender words Jaden says to Yubel before their souls combine.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Gx is still one of the best entries in the franchise, not only because of its incredible story and endearing characters but also because of how innovative its themes feel. Even decades after its ending, the show’s LGBTQ+ representation still feels accurate. Yubel will always be one of anime’s best non-binary characters, as well as one of the most iconic and beloved.