Summary
- LGBTQ+ representation in animated shows is vital for LGBTQ+ viewers to see themselves and navigate their own experiences and identities.
-
Shows like
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Steven Universe
, and
The Dragon Prince
showcase diverse families, gender identities, and sexualities, normalizing LGBTQ+ characters. -
Cartoons like
Harley Quinn, Big Mouth
, and
The Owl House
challenge stereotypes and depict healthy and normalized LGBTQ+ relationships, while also exploring sensitive issues with sensitivity and humor.
There are numerous examples of cartoons that have deftly incorporated LGBTQ+ representation. While this journey has taken a while, LGBTQ+ representation has become somewhat standard across most entertainment mediums. Animated shows boast a wealth of brilliant examples.
LGBTQ+ representation on television is extremely important. It provides LGBTQ+ viewers with an opportunity to identify with a character and navigate their own experiences and identity. Animated shows provide several brilliant examples, depicting different types of families, different gender identities, and a range of sexualities — and most importantly, normalizing them.
10 She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power
Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princess of Power is a reboot of the 1985 animated series, She-Ra: Princess of Power, which has been lauded for featuring numerous LGBTQ+ characters. In fact, there are no characters that are explicitly heteronormative, with most coded as gender-fluid and/or pansexual. The romance between Adora and Catra is particularly noteworthy, culminating in the pair declaring their love and sharing a kiss in the season 1 finale. This was subsequently considered a landmark moment of LGBTQ+ representation in children’s media.
9 Steven Universe
In many ways, Steven Universe opened the door for future LGBTQ+ cartoons. LGBTQ+ themes are prominent throughout, as is a subversion of classic gender roles. Several queer relationships are depicted throughout Steven Universe, as are numerous genderqueer characters. The exploration of gender identity is especially worthy of praise, as it encourages children to understand themselves better. After censors removed certain LGBTQ+ themes, it seems creator Rebecca Sugar resolved to include as many integral queer couples and narratives in Steven Universe.
8 The Dragon Prince
Netflix’s animated fantasy series The Dragon Prince goes to great lengths to include a diverse range of characters. When it comes to the series’ LBGTQ+ characters, their identities aren’t at the center of their storylines, but they do get their own subplots. There are several characters throughout The Dragon Prince who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, including gay characters, lesbian characters, and non-binary characters. Many of these are not considered The Dragon Prince‘s main characters, but they are still very present and an essential part of the series.
7 Adventure Time
LGBTQ+ themes are littered very subtly throughout Adventure Time. While there is little direct representation during the bulk of the series, there are allusions to a relationship between Princess Bubblegum and Marceline. This culminates in Adventure Time‘s final episode, where the pair are explicitly depicted as a couple and even share a kiss. While certainly not the most inclusive in terms of representation, Adventure Time offers plenty of queer subtext. The final reveal of Princess Bubblegum and Marceline living as a lesbian couple was particularly well-received by audiences who were waiting for the characters to officially get together.
6 Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn received extremely high praise when it integrated a long-awaited relationship between the eponymous antihero and Poison Ivy. The characters are both presented as bisexual, and they challenge stereotypes of infidelity and promiscuity. In many ways, Harley Quinn and Ivy’s relationship is the healthiest depicted in the animated series. The series was lauded for the depiction of their relationship, which was tender and heartfelt, forming the emotional core of season 3. Harley Quinn is notably committed to LBGTQ+ inclusion, revealing several characters as queer and even introducing the third season trailer with, “Ladies and gentlemen, theys and gays.”
5 Big Mouth
Netflix’s Big Mouth is an exploration of puberty and sexuality, embracing notions of body positivity and sexual openness. While many characters skew heteronormative, there is still some LGBTQ+ representation, which is extremely normalized. Several characters experiment with their sexuality, with a handful of openly gay, bisexual, and trans characters appearing. There is even a school queer choir, led by a character voiced by queer icon Billy Porter. Big Mouth season 1, episode 3, “Am I Gay?,” is particularly notable for including LGBTQ+ narratives early in the show’s history, handling a sensitive adolescent issue with sensitivity and humor.
4 The Owl House
Disney has a disappointing track record with LGBTQ+ representation, with very few examples in its litany of animated movies and shows. This isn’t true, however, of 2020’s The Owl House, which features a same-sex couple who are also main characters and non-binary characters. The Owl City is only three seasons, but during these, the series explores several LGBTQ+ relationships and characters. In fact, in 2022, The Owl House was nominated for a GLAAD Award and won a Peabody Award for its LGBTQ+ inclusion. While there might be other cartoons slightly more worthy of these accolades, they demonstrate progress for LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion.
3 Bob’s Burgers
There are a series of LGBTQ+ characters depicted in the hit animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers. There is some speculation about potentially bisexual Bob’s Burgers characters, but its inclusion of trans characters is specifically noteworthy. Bob’s Burgers‘ Marshmallow is a black transgender woman, an identity often overlooked by mainstream media. Both Bob’s Burgers and Marshmallow are popular among LGBTQ+ audiences, who have praised the show for propagating an ethos of pure acceptance, where people’s identities are never questioned, just embraced.
2 BoJack Horseman
There are a range of diverse characters depicted throughout BoJack Horseman, and several of them identify as LGBTQ+. However, BoJack Horseman is perhaps most notable for depicting an asexual character. Asexuality is a sexual identity that is often overlooked, particularly within mainstream media. In a handful of episodes of BoJack Horseman, Todd wrestles with his sexual identity, ultimately determining that he identifies as asexual. BoJack Horseman does a fantastic job of normalizing this and exploring asexuality. The narrative is deftly woven into Todd’s character arc and depicted with sensitivity and kindness by the show and the other characters.
1 Queer Duck
Queer Duck is an adult animated series that has queerness as its primary theme. Created and written by Mike Reiss (The Simpsons and The Critic), it predominantly follows the eponymous Queer Duck along with his fellow anthropomorphized characters, Openly Gator, Bi-Polar Bear, and Oscar Wildcat. The theme song is even performed by the legendary drag performer, RuPaul, known for RuPaul’s Drag Race. Queer Duck is a true celebration of gay culture and the wider LGBTQ+ community, all packed in a delightfully fun cartoon. Although the show is only one season, it’s well worth a watch.
#Cartoons #LGBTQ #Representation