However, the common tropes are quickly forgotten as the story progresses to shed light onto other generally forgotten and neglected sexual orientations and identities. Our Dreams at Dusk starts off with an incredibly generic and predictable opening for someone who has read tons of LGBTQ2IA+ focused manga series. Now I can finally and happily say that I am extremely glad that I read it. But if I have to be honest, I have picked up this series only to abandon it several times prior to unexpectedly successfully reading through it in one sitting. When I first saw this series, I was absolutely blown away by the beautiful cover art and my anticipation was further escalated by the abundance of positive reviews. Our Dreams at Dusk is a realistic representation of the struggles of those who identify with the LGBTQ+ spectrum and their journey in coming to terms with themselves in a society of oppression. Kaname soon learns about the stories of all of the other members and develops unforgettable relationships with the unique individuals there. “ You can tell me anything, but I’m not gonna ask.” – Anonymous KamataniĪs Kaname grows attached to Anonymous, he eventually pays the lounge a daily visit and works with the members there with the reconstruction of buildings in their community. Upon following her to an ice cream shop, she offers him the opportunity to speak out his worries just until she finishes her popsicle: The girl then nonchalantly enters the building and sarcastically questions the fact that he did not jump as she passes by, leaving Kaname utterly confused. Terrified and shaken to his core, he calls for help from a small lounge. However, while he was hesitating to jump, he witnesses a girl jump out of the window of a building at the top of a cliff. “On that day two days before summer vacation, I probably died.” – Kaname Kamatani

However, as they refuse to let the topic go, Kaname immediately turns to suicide as he desperately attempts to escape his fears of being judged.

As speculations of his dark future flood through his mind, Kaname immediately forces a creepy smile and throws rude remarks against those who identify with the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

When he failed to remember to delete the search history on his phone, his “friends” quickly started making fun of him for watching some non-PG content entailing men (I think you know what I’m trying to say). Tasuku Kaname is a high school student struggling with identity identity crisis as he maintains his identity as a closeted gay individual.

Our Dreams at Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani