The animation industry is moving away from caricatures toward "inclusive design." This involves:

In recent years, Western animation has seen a rise in authentic Asian-American transgender representation, often driven by trans creators of color.

Classics like Ranma ½ explored physical gender transformation, though often for comedic effect rather than a serious exploration of identity. Western Animation and Asian-American Identity

Characters whose non-conforming presentation was used to signal untrustworthiness or deviance. The Evolution of Anime and Manga

Shows like Stop!! Hibari-kun! (one of the earliest examples) paved the way for more nuanced modern portrayals in series like Wandering Son (Hōurō Musuko) , which is widely praised for its sensitive and realistic depiction of two transgender pre-teens navigating puberty and social transition.

Ensuring that Asian and transgender individuals are in the "room where it happens" to provide lived-perspective.

Characters whose gender identity was treated as a "gag" or a source of shock humor.