Cartoon Network and LGBT representation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rebecca Sugar gives an acceptance speech at the 78th annual Peabody Awards in July 2019

Cartoon Network and LGBT representation concerns representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender characters on American cable TV channel, Cartoon Network, which launched in 1992, and Cartoon Network's American adult-oriented nighttime programming block, Adult Swim which was founded in 2001.

In the 2010s, Cartoon Network featured multiple cartoons whose main characters expressed their identity and were featured in LGBT-focused storylines. These characters include Garnet, Pearl, and Princess Bubblegum. The network hosted shows which were said to be "strong champions for LGBT representation," such as Adventure Time and Steven Universe.[1] This representation was difficult to achieve, as Rebecca Sugar, the creator of Steven Universe, was told by executives that the inclusion of a central queer romance could have ended her show.[2]

The role of Cartoon Network shows in LGBTQ representation would continue in the 2020s, with the airing of Steven Universe Future on the network and Adventure Time: Distant Lands streaming on HBO Max, along with characters in DC Super Hero Girls. Other series, like OK K.O.!: Let's Be Heroes and Craig of the Creek would have LGBTQ characters as well. In December 2020, Amy Friedman, head of programming for Cartoon Network and HBO Max Kids & Family, stated that they are looking "at ourselves across the inclusion and equity spectrum," including the LGBTQ+ community, to evaluate projects in production, development, and post-greenlighting.[3]

Comparison to other networks[]

Some reviewers argue that, when Disney and Cartoon Network are compared, it is "easy to see who actually cares about LGBT representation," noting that for shows on Cartoon Network, "LGBT characters aren't centered around their sexuality."[4]

Lesbian characters[]

See also: List of lesbian characters in animation

Many Cartoon Network series had lesbian characters over the years. This included Steven Universe, Clarence, OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, We Bare Bears, Victor and Valentino, DC Super Hero Girls, Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated, Craig of the Creek and Elliott from Earth. There were also lesbian characters in Adult Swim series like Moral Orel

Steven Universe[]

Uzo Aduba voiced Bismuth in the episode "Bismuth Casual"; She had also voiced Bismuth in the Steven Universe: The Movie and in nine episodes of Steven Universe.
Main articles: Steven Universe, Steven Universe Future, and Steven Universe: The Movie

Some of the most prominent lesbian characters in Steven Universe were Ruby and Sapphire, who fuse as Garnet. This was first shown in the Season 1 finale, "Jail Break" which aired on March 12, 2015. Some critics called the episode "one of the queerest episodes of a children's cartoon in the history of television" as it involved Ruby and Sapphire, the two Gem beings, celebrating their relationship.[5] In their 2015 report, GLAAD stated that the show reflected the "diversity of the real world," noting that one of the show's protagonists, Garnet, is "the physical form of two female-presenting Gem beings who are in love"[6] On January 4, the episode "The Answer" aired,[7] focusing on how the romantic relationship between Ruby and Sapphire, who were in a permafusion named Garnet (an embodiment of their love), developed, leading some to say the show has "heavy queer undertones."[1] "The Answer," an episode depicting the romantic meeting of two female characters, Ruby and Sapphire, earned the show its second Emmy nomination, one of the six for the show.[8] In the summer of 2018, Steven Universe would make headlines with a gay wedding between two characters: Ruby and Sapphire, challenging Cartoon Network's history of "not overtly depicting same-sex marriage"[9] as Sugar struggled to get any LGBTQ+ representation on the show, with the network ultimately accepting her reasoning.[10][11]

The episode, "Reunited," which aired on July 6, which she and the crew had worked on for years,[12] was praised as an example of the network's frank portrayal of "sexuality and gender identity in children's programming," and it was positively received by the LGBTQ+ community and fans.[13][14][15] This episode made Steven Universe the first kid's show on U.S. television to feature a lesbian wedding.[16] The creator of Gravity Falls, Alex Hirsch, believed that because of this episode, it meant that Sugar was moving everyone in kid's programming forward in terms of LGBTQ+ representation. ND Stevenson praised the episode as "bold and courageous," serving as a moment which "knocked down so many walls" for other storytellers.[17][14]

Other lesbian characters in the series included Pearl, who had feelings for Rose Quartz, the mother of the series protagonist,[18][19] and Bismuth. In the latter case, Bismuth was implied to have a crush on Pearl in the Steven Universe Future episode "Bismuth Casual."[20]

OK K.O.![]

Main article: OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes

Red Action in OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes is a lesbian character. She later entered a relationship with Enid, and kissed her in the episode "Red Action 3: Grudgement Day".[21] It was later confirmed that Yellow was possibly Red's ex-girlfriend.[22][23] On the day of the series finale, Jones-Quartey called Enid and Red a "committed couple," and saying their relationship developed "very naturally."[24][25]

Some reviewers stated that Enid has possible romantic feelings toward Elodie.[26] Jones-Quartey later said that Red Action and Enid "run a dojo together and kiss."[27]

Craig of the Creek[]

Main article: Craig of the Creek

Two lesbian characters were confirmed in Craig of the Creek in April 2018. In their debut episode, "The Curse," Tabitha refuses to go to college in favor of spending time with Courtney, who blushes, and they hold hands at the conclusion of the episode.[28] In "The Haunted Dollhouse", they have feelings for each other, which is confirmed, and they kiss.

J.P.'s openly lesbian older sister, in the episode "Jextra Perrestrial" is shown to be in a relationship with a girl named Kat.[29] Laura is voiced by openly lesbian comedian Fortune Feimster. In the episode "Cousin of the Creek", Jasmine tells her cousin "I am texting my girlfriend, mind your business."[30]

The season 4 episode "Fire and Ice" focuses on Kelsey and Stacks' relationship as they confessed their love to each other.[31]

Final Space[]

Main article: Final Space

In the Final Space episode, "Forgiveness," on May 8, 2021, Ash Graven meets a genderless being named Evra, voiced by Jasmin Savoy Brown. Evra becomes Ash's friend and helps her "take her anger out," with both sitting and watching a formation of lights like the aurora borealis together.[32][33] Her relationship with Evra makes clear her sexual orientation as a lesbian woman,[34] in addition to being angry at a man named Jordan Hammerstein, in the episode "Arachnitects," for rejecting her at prom. Rogers, in a podcast about the episode "Forgiveness" that David Sacks, who wrote the episode, came from a place of "two souls connecting to each other" and noted that if the show had fourth season, they would have expand on the relationship between Evra and Ash.[35]

However, the series, which aired on Adult Swim, was cancelled on September 10, 2021, before it could ever happen.[36] One reviewer argued that having Ash as a lesbian character was "one of the best representations of LGBTQ characters in mature animation for some time," as shown in the episode "Forgiveness," and saying she is a lesbian, not "ambiguously bi."[37] The reviewer also noted that Ash, even as an antagonist, does not "fulfill common stereotypes or tropes," comparing her experience to the manipulation of Cassandra in the final season of Tangled by Zhan Tiri, saying both are complex characters who experience trauma and have "troubled pasts," with Invictus exploiting Ash's Trauma triggers. The review ends by noting Ash's development through the series, with Evra helping her grow, and hoping the series would "move forward mature animation in a better and more inclusive direction" if there was another season.

Other series[]

Lesbian characters appear in series like Cow and Chicken, Moral Orel, Clarence, Victor and Valentino, DC Super Hero Girls, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, and Elliott from Earth.

The banned Cow and Chicken episode "Buffalo Gals" aired on February 20, 1998. It only aired once, as frequent complaints prevented future airings. Complaints were made about its overt innuendos, frequent double entendres, and lesbian stereotypes. It no longer airs on television and has been replaced in future reruns with "Orthodontic Police."[38][39]

A lesbian character appeared in Moral Orel, which aired on Adult Swim from December 13, 2005 to December 18, 2008. Stephanie Foamwire-Putty is a lesbian character in Moral Orel who's revealed to have fallen in unrequited love with her old high school best friend, Kim Latchkey.[40]

In The Venture Bros., Virginia "Ginnie" Dunne, who is Dr. Quymn's bodyguard, is very masculine, and a reported "man-hater.".[41] In the episode "Dr. Quymn, Medicine Woman," she is shown to be a lesbian[42] who is trying to convert Dr. Quymn.

In the episode "Jeff Wins" of Clarence, on December 4, 2014, EJ Randell and Sue Randell were introduced as Jeff's mothers.[43][44]

The series Victor and Valentino, which began in March 2019, features Xochi Jalapeño, a lesbian character. Xochi is Don Jalapeño's rebellious teenage daughter who sometimes babysits the protagonists,[45] has a crush on her friend, Amabel as shown in the episodes "Band for Life," "Escaramuza," and "Carmelita."[a]

The DC Super Hero Girls episode #HouseGuest, on April 17, 2020, featured the two mothers of Jessica Cruz, also known as Green Lantern. When asked about this by Taimur Gur of ComicsBeat, series creator Lauren Faust said that everyone was "on board with this idea" and that she was glad it was approved.[46]

Ben 10 co-creator Duncan Rouleau confirmed Rojo is a lesbian on April 2020 and was in a relationship with fellow gang member Azul.[47]

Tony Cervone, a producer of Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated stated, in July 2020, that Velma is a lesbian while James Gunn, who wrote the screenplays of Scooby-Doo and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, she was "explicitly gay."[48] She has feelings for Marcie "Hot Dog Water" Fleach.[49]

In Elliott from Earth, which began in March 2021, the main character Elliott lives with his single mother Frankie. In "Wednesday Part 2", Frankie tells Elliott that "your mother and I" were planning to call him Maureen when they thought he was a girl, revealing that she is a lesbian.[50]

Gay characters[]

See also: List of gay characters in animation

Some Cartoon Network series have been confirmed to include gay characters. This includes DreamWorks Dragons, Clarence, Steven Universe, Summer Camp Island, Craig of the Creek, OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes and Young Justice. Adult Swim shows like Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Mission Hill, The Venture Bros., and Mike Tyson Mysteries also featured gay characters.

Space Ghost Coast to Coast, which aired on Cartoon Network (1994-1999; 2001); Adult Swim (2001-2004), and GameTap (2006-2008), included a gay character. On December 25, 1994, Lokar, a locust alien and member of the Council of Doom, was introduced in the Space Ghost Coast to Coast Christmas special A Space Ghost Christmas. Supplementary material for the series had Lokar referred to himself as a Confirmed bachelor while an article on the official Cartoon Network website featured a reference to a slang word for gay sex.[51][52] His sexuality was confirmed in audio commentaries for the Space Ghost Coast to Coast Volume 2 DVD and it was revealed that Lokar died at some point during the series.[53][54] However this was eventually contradicted when Lokar returned in the Season 11 episode "Stephen" in where he is shown to be alive and well.

Mission Hill, which aired on The WB from 1999 to 2000 and Adult Swim in 2002, Gus Duncz and Wally Langford, a gay elderly couple in their late 60s, even winning an award from GLAAD for this representation.[55] In The Venture Bros., which aired on Adult Swim from 2004 to 2018, Colonel Horace Gentleman is always, openly, and proudly gay.[56] However, he has an ex-wife, Mz. Quymn, as indicated in the episode "Dr. Quymn, Medicine Woman," and a former lover, Kiki, shown in the episode "Past Tense," who he lived with at his home in Tangiers, Morocco for years. Also, The Alchemist and Shore Leave were in an on-again, off-again relationship, shown in episodes such as "Fallen Arches." According to the show creators, The Alchemist is gay in a way that is "just incidental" while Shore Leave is a very "openly swishy queer proud guy."[56]

The Oblongs features Biff who is implied to be gay.[57] He was confirmed to be gay in a bonus feature from The Oblongs Complete Series DVD.[58]

On May 18, 1996, Silver Spooner, the sidekick to Barbequor, appeared in an episode of Dexter's Laboratory titled "Dial M for Monkey: Barbequor." Both characters are parodies of Silver Surfer and Galactus, with the episode banned. While some said this was because Silver Spooner was a stereotype of gay men, with complaints to that effect after it aired,[59][60][61] others said it had more to do with copyright infringement as the estate of Jack Kirby threatened to sue Cartoon Network over the parody character.[62][63] The episode was, in later broadcasts, and on its Season 1 DVD (Region 1), replaced with "Dexter's Lab: A Story", an episode from season two.[64]

Time Squad which aired from 2001 to 2003 on Cartoon Network, arguably had a gay character. In 2012, the voice actor of Larry 3000, Mark Hamill, implied that Larry could easily have been interpreted as gay,[65] due to his femininity and presentation as the "gay best friend" to Cleopatra in "Shop like an Egyptian", even though Larry has stated on multiple occasions he dislikes humans in general. However, the show never directly stated his sexuality. Even so, Hamill described Larry 3000 as "fierce" and "flamboyant."[66]

In the August 2005 episode of The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, titled "One Crazy Summoner", it was revealed that Dean Toadblatt and Squidhat, were gay lovers, marrying each other in the episode. One critic noted that while you could call them Cartoon Network's "first gay couple," it was actually Steven Universe, also airing on Cartoon Network, that "broke down representation barriers" years later.[67]

Jean Baptiste Le Ghei and Paul Guaye are inmates and a recurring couple as shown in the Superjail! episode "Superbar" and others. In an interview with the creators of the show, co-creator Christy Karacas called them well-rounded characters, who are a couple, with Paul as more feminine and intelligent than Jean who is "the bad boy."[68]

The first two seasons of DreamWorks Dragons aired on Cartoon Network from 2012 to 2014, and from 2015-2018 aired on Netflix. In February 2019, Gobber, the blacksmith of Berk, Stoick's closest friend, who appears in the films of the How to Train Your Dragon and DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders was confirmed as gay[69] In an episode of The Boondocks, aired in June 2015, many gay characters appeared, including Gangstalicious, a closet homosexual who goes to great lengths to keep his identity as a gay man hidden from the public.[70] Marquess of Queensbury, appeared on Mike Tyson Mysteries, which started on October 27, 2014. Eric Thurm of The A.V. Club argued that Marquess was a gay character[71] and he was based on a man named John Douglas, the 9th Marquess of Queensberry.

Spencer Rothbell, a writer, head of storywriting,[72] and voice actor of multiple characters, for the show Clarence, said in October 2014 that they had to change a scene in the episode "Neighborhood Grill", which showed two gay characters after pushback from Cartoon Network executives.[73][74][75] According to Rothbell, the original scene showed the two characters kissing on the lips, noting that "originally the guy had flowers and they kissed on the mouth." Later he lamented that the scene in the episode is "better than nothing," adding that "maybe one day the main character can be gay and it won't be a big deal." Despite this step back, there were some moves forward.

A Steven Universe storyboarder stated in 2017 that Harold Smiley and Quentin Frowney were a gay couple which was also confirmed by official artbook released the same year, titled Steven Universe: Art & Origins which showed that episode concept art for "Future Boy Zoltron" indicated that Mr. Smiley and Mr. Frowney were in a relationship.[76][77] In Summer Camp Island, Ghost the Boy, a ghost and Betsy's ex-boyfriend, has two dads Kent and Cole as his parents, introduced in a July 2018 episode.[78] Young Justice, in July 2019, introduced Wyynde, a gay character.[79]

Raj and Shawn in Craig of the Creek, Honeysuckle Rangers from a neighborhood nearby,[80] are implied to have feelings for each other in several episodes.[81] Raj is voiced by openly gay actor Parvesh Cheena. Joff and Nick Army, two recurring heroes, in OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes are a married couple.[82] In the final episode of the series, in September 2019 both have a same-sex wedding.[83] [84] Before the episode aired, Jones-Quartey confirmed Army and Joff as a canon gay couple.[85]

Journalists for Insider said that Eduardo "Ed" Dorado Jr in Young Justice was gay in June 2021.[86] This was confirmed by Greg Weisman in July 2021.[87] In the Elliott from Earth episode "Wednesday Part 4", a male alien mentions his husband.[88]

Transgender characters[]

See also: List of fictional trans characters § Animation and anime, List of fictional intersex characters § Animation and anime, and List of fictional non-binary characters § Anime and animation

In the 1998 Cow and Chicken episode "Who's Afraid of the Dark?", the Dad character tells his wife that adopting the disguised antagonist was the "best idea he's had since becoming a man." This would imply that he is a transgender man who was not assigned male at birth, making Dad the first openly transgender character on Cartoon Network. Trans characters also appeared in Superjail! and The Oblongs. Superjail! included Alice, a hulking and muscular head prison guard of Superjail and a trans woman[89] who regularly engages in sadomasochistic rituals with the prisoners, and rebuffs The Warden's constant advances as shown in episodes like "Jailbot 2.0."

Non-binary characters[]

In the Cartoon Network series Steven Universe, OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, Summer Camp Island, Steven Universe Future, and Craig of the Creek, featured non-binary characters.

Steven Universe introduced a non-binary and intersex character named Stevonnie on January 19, 2015. Stevonnie is a fusion between Steven and Connie[90] debuted in the January 15th episode Alone Together, using they/them pronouns.[75] Rebecca Sugar, the show creator, said that Stevonnie challenges gender norms as a "metaphor for all the terrifying firsts in a first relationship."[91] Later, the show earned a Emmy nomination in 2018 for the episode "Jungle Moon" centered around Stevonnie, a non-binary character.[92]

In OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, Gregg, a minor character, was confirmed as non-binary by the series creator.[93] In Summer Camp Island, Puddle is a non-binary alien who uses they/them pronouns and their husband, Alien King, is the king of their planet.[94][95] The limited epilogue series, Steven Universe Future began airing on Cartoon Network in late 2019.[10] The series included one-time non-binary characters like Shep, the romantic interest of Sadie.[96]

In December 2018,Transformers: Cyberverse writer Mae Catt confirmed that the character Acid Storm was genderqueer, saying they like to switch between male and female genders.[97]

Craig of the Creek confirmed in December 2019 that the show had a non-binary character named Angel José. Their voice actor, Angel Lorenzana, who also uses they/them pronouns, an agender storyboard artist for the show, confirmed this.[98] In later tweets, they added that their "cartoon self" used they/them before themselves, gave a shout out to the show's crew, and said that while this is a small contribution to LGBTQ+ representation, they hope "fans can take comfort knowing that there's also non-binary people working behind the scenes" on every of the show's episodes. Additionally, there is a non-binary character named Merkid who appears as a mermaid in the episode "Beyond the Creek" and cameos in the episode "In the Key of the Creek."[citation needed]

Bisexual characters[]

See also: List of bisexual characters in animation

Bisexual characters appeared in Cartoon Network series, such as Adventure Time, OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, and Young Justice, and in the Adult Swim series Tuca and Bertie and Moral Orel'.

The season 2 premiere of Tuca and Bertie, titled Bird Mechanics, in June 2021, confirmed Tuca to be bisexual as she made out with a female bird mechanic.[99][100] From the episode "Nighttime Friend" on, she tries to get into a serious relationship with a woman named Kara.[101] Kara dumps Tuca in the season 2 finale "The Flood".[102]

Marceline in Adventure Time: Distant Lands is voiced by Olivia Olson.

In Adventure Time, Marceline the Vampire Queen (Marcy) is a bisexual character. A September 2011 episode "What Was Missing" began hinting at romantic subtext between her and Princess Bubblegum (Bonnie), called "Bubbline" by fans.[103][44] but some of those behind the show played down the relationship. Some reviewers hoped that "queer cartoon subtext" turns into "a queer cartoon subplot" or even a main plot in the future, and pointed to the Adventure Time Presents Marceline and the Scream Queens comic, created as part of the franchise, as fleshing out this relationship.[104][105]

In August 2018, Olivia Olson confirmed that Bonnie and Marcy had dated and in the season finale of Adventure Time, "Come Along With Me", Marcy and Bonnie kissed, which confirmed them as a couple.[106][107] The kiss itself in the episode was not scripted, as series creator Adam Muto admitted, only added after a storyboard artist, Hanna K. Nyström, advocated for it.[108][109] In an August 2020 interview, Sugar explained that Bonnie and Marcy that both characters were "centuries-old, millenniums-old," with a relationship in the past, which they were unpacking in an apparent way, and noted that she was trying to, when entering the show in 2010, show the "characters actively in a relationship happening in real-time."[110] Before Bonnie, Marcy had an ex-boyfriend named Ash.

In OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, Professor Venomous, a villain has feelings for Lord Boxman,[111][83][84] On the day of the show's series finale, show creator Ian Jones-Quartey confirmed Venomous as bisexual, but not non-binary.[112][113] In the same series, Enid appeared, a bisexual ninja and witch, with her bisexuality confirmed by Jones-Quartey and Toby Jones.[114][22] She and Red Action were recognized by GLAAD as a couple,[115] and kissed in one the episode.[84][83]

Young Justice introduced Harper Row in July 2019. She is a bisexual friend to Violet Harper and Fred Bugg.[116][117][118]

Moral Orel, first released December 2005, had various LGBTQ+ characters. Coach Daniel Stopframe was Orel's bisexual coach as well as Shapey's biological father,[40] Daniel lusts after their father, Clay,[119] and at one point has sex with three women and a dog in episodes like "The Blessed Union."

The creator of Final Space, Olan Rogers, told fans in 2020 that he always saw Clarence as bisexual.[120] Clarence, a recurring character, has an ex-wife, several since-deceased wives, two adopted children (Fox and Ash Graven), is implied to be in love with General Cataloupe, and has unrequited love on Sheryl Goodspeed. One reviewer argued that the death of Clarence was not unique because "over 50 characters have died during the course of the series."[37]

Other LGBTQ characters[]

See also: List of fictional pansexual characters § Animated series, List of fictional trans characters § Animation, and List of fictional asexual characters § Animation and anime

There are other LGBTQ characters in Cartoon Network series like Adventure Time, Young Justice, Steven Universe, OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, Transformers: Cyberverse, and Adventure Time: Distant Lands.

In Adventure Time, Princess Bubblegum is a queer character. Early episodes hinted at romantic subtext between her and Marceline the Vampire Queen.[103][44] Some reviewers hoped that "queer cartoon subtext" turns into "a queer cartoon subplot" or even a main plot in the future, and pointed to the Adventure Time Presents Marceline and the Scream Queens comic, created as part of the franchise, as fleshing out this relationship.[104][105] It was also confirmed that Bonnie and Marcy had dated, and their relationship was confirmed in the season finale of Adventure Time, "Come Along With Me" when both kissed.[106][107] While Bonnie seems to have dated a male character named Mr. Cream Puff,[121] her exact sexuality, unlike Marcy's,[110] has not been confirmed. As such, reviewers have argued that she is either bisexual,[122] non-binary,[123] queer,[123] lesbian,[124] or a combination of some of the latter, as both live in a world where "sexuality is somewhat fluid."[125] The show also featured agenderfluid character: BMO.[126] The relationship between Marcy and Bonnie was the main focus of the Adventure Time: Distant Lands episode, "Obsidian",[127][128]

Young Justice writer, Greg Weisman, confirmed Marie Logan as lesbian or bisexual in September 2012.[129] In July 2019, Weisman confirmed Kaldur'ahm as polysexual.[130] 2019 also saw the introduction of a genderqueer character, Violet Harper, in the show's third season.[131]

In Steven Universe, Rose Quartz, a pansexual character, was introduced on April 9, 2015. An episode with Pearl and Rose Quartz dancing together in a romantic fashion was censored with a UK Broadcaster, deeming that the song was "too risque,"[74] Later in the series, Fluorite, a representation of a polyamorous relationship,[107] appeared and a minor show character, Kiki Pizza, was shown as a pansexual character in the comics, level 2 canon for the show, when she asked out Stevonnie on a date.[132] In March 2020, Peridot, a popular character in the same show, was confirmed by storyboarder Maya Peterson as asexual and aromantic.[133] She said this despite her reservations that she is only a secondary creator on the show,[134] pleasing fans. However, she said that she didn't believe Peridot was autistic.[135][136] However, before, and after this point, fans had shipped Peridot with various other characters, specifically Lapis Lazuli and Amethyst, with some reviewers seeing Peridot and Lapis in a "close, loving relationship."[137]

Ian Jones-Quartey at San Diego Comic Con 2013 with other creators from Cartoon Network

Lord Boxman, in OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, is a villain who has feelings for Professor Venomous[111][83][84] On the day of the show's series finale, show creator Ian Jones-Quartey confirmed Boxman as pansexual.[138] In October 2020, Jones-Quartey added that Professor Venomous and Lord Boxman of OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes were married at the end of the series.[139][b] Jones-Quartey also said that The Hue Troop, which Red was once part of, are all LGBTQ characters.[140] The same day, Toby Jones, one of the supervising directors, confirmed Radicles "Rad" as genderfluid[141] In June 2021, Insider said that all those in the Hue Troop, Blue Power, Yellow Technique, Green Guts, and Black Strategy, were all lesbians.[86] Bobo was implied to be agender by Jones-Quartey.[93]

In June 2020, the first episode of Adventure Time: Distant Lands series, the name for four hour-long streaming television specials based on Adventure Time, began streaming on HBO Max, and it introduced Y5, an anthropomorphic rabbit and teenage scientist between age 11 and 13 who lives in The Drift.[142][143] Originally named "Y4", Y5 chooses her new name[144] with BMO's encouragement and eventually becomes the robot's "deputy."[145][146][147] Y5 struggles with managing the expectations of her parents (voiced by Tom Kenny and Michelle Wong, respectively), and finds herself forced to disobey them in order to save the Drift—all the while discovering her own identity.[146][148] Y5—with the titular robot's assistance—helps the citizens of the Drift defeat Hugo, and after their overlord is dethroned, she proposes a new form of social organization based on cooperation that will ideally allow the Drift to flourish.[149][150] Voice actress Glory Curda later argued that Y5's story has a lot of context and is representative of coming out into your own identity and defining yourself with whatever terms are comfortable for you.[151] Curda, in a Q&A on Reddit, said that after BMO left, Y5 grew and developed into "a leader and trailblazer to help save the drift,"[152] and noted that she was a big Adventure Time fan before getting the part.[153] In February 2021 it was announced that Adventure Time: Distant Lands episode "BMO" had won a Kidscreen Award for Best One-Off, Special or TV Movie.[154][155]

Pansexual characters were implied in Rick and Morty. The season five Rick and Morty episode, "Mort inner Rick Andre," was confirmed that the father of Morty, Jerry Smith, is queer because he, and Beth, his wife, have a threesome with the King of the Ocean, otherwise known as Mr. Nimbus.[156] Jerry has feelings for Mr. Nimbus, and due to the fact he has a wife, it means he is either pansexual or bisexual, with both he and Beth in a "sex-positive place" in their relationship, according to Jerry's voice actor, Chris Parnell.[157] The fact he is queer was already hinted in the episode "Total Rickall." In the Final Space episode "The Closer You Get," the character Tribore tells another character, Shannon, that "he is in love with his other half", because his species flips gender twice a year. Ajay Aravind, writing for Screen Rant, calls this "an amazing non-binary bit of the episode".[158] Series creator Olan Rogers later described Tribore as "narcissi-sexual" because he "loves himself a little too much."[120]

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Sam Cleal of BuzzFeed calls her "LGBTQ" but never explains more than that.
  2. ^ Also, on September 6, 2019, Jones-Quartey and Toby Jones confirmed that Boxman and Venomous were a romantic couple.

References[]

Citations[]

  1. ^ a b "The rise of queer representation in LGBT cartoons". Lesbian News. March 1, 2016. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  2. ^ Duffy, Nick (August 12, 2020). "The rise of queer representation in LGBT cartoons". PinkNews. Archived from the original on August 24, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  3. ^ Idelson, Karen (December 30, 2020). "Diversity in TV Animation: Finally, Some Progress!". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on December 31, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  4. ^ Sampey, Mori (March 30, 2020). "The rise of queer representation in LGBT cartoons". The Vermillion. Archived from the original on April 2, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  5. ^ Rude, Mey Valdivia (March 13, 2015). ""Steven Universe" and the Importance of All-Ages Queer Representation". Autostraddle. Archived from the original on April 8, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  6. ^ GLAAD 2015, p. 29.
  7. ^ Segal, Corinne (September 4, 2016). "Rebecca Sugar, Cartoon Network's first female creator, on writing LGBTQ stories for kids". PBS. Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  8. ^ "'Steven Universe' Creator Rebecca Sugar Talks LGBT Themes and Season 3". SFGate. Archived from the original on April 25, 2018. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  9. ^ Cavna, Michael (March 27, 2020). "'Steven Universe' creator says farewell, knowing her show made young LGBTQ+ viewers feel seen". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 28, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  10. ^ a b Romano, Nick (September 6, 2019). "How The Bravest Knight is turning the tide for LGBTQ kids programming". EW. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  11. ^ Holloway, Daniel (March 18, 2020). "'Steven Universe' Creator Looks Back on Her Groundbreaking Series as It Comes to a Close". Variety. Archived from the original on April 5, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  12. ^ Cavna, Michael (September 18, 2018). "'Steven Universe' creator illuminates the power of personal work — including LGBTQ representation". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 27, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  13. ^ O'Rourke, Jill (October 11, 2018). "The Erasure Of LGBTQ Characters In Children's Media Goes Beyond Bert And Ernie". A Plus. Archived from the original on March 28, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  14. ^ a b Romano, Nick (August 13, 2018). "Steven Universe creator has done more for LGBTQ visibility than you might know". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  15. ^ Cao, Caroline (July 13, 2018). "'Steven Universe': 5 Ways This Kids Show Was Queer Before Its Lesbian Kiss". IndieWire. Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  16. ^ Henderson, Taylor (July 11, 2018). "Steven Universe Makes LGBT History with Same-Sex Wedding". Pride.com. Archived from the original on November 3, 2019. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  17. ^ Romano, Nick (August 22, 2018). "From Steven Universe to Voltron: The fight to bring LGBTQ characters to kids' shows". EW. Archived from the original on July 7, 2019. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  18. ^ Kelley, Shamus (November 9, 2016). "Steven Universe Is The LGBTQ Representation We Need". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on March 7, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  19. ^ Opam, Kwame (February 1, 2017). "Steven Universe is a defining example of artistic resistance in our time". The Verge. Archived from the original on December 21, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  20. ^ Kelley, Shamus (March 6, 2020). "Steven Universe Future Episode 12 Review: Bismuth Casual". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on July 10, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  21. ^ Cleal, Sam (June 17, 2020). "45 Times Cartoons Absolutely Killed It When It Comes To LGBTQ Representation". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on February 9, 2021. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  22. ^ a b Jones-Quartey, Ian (2 November 2018). "Hi, I'm Ian Jones-Quartey, Creator of Cartoon Network's OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes and OK K.O.! Let's Play Heroes, now on Switch. AMA!". Reddit. Archived from the original on April 5, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2020. See his comment "True and True" in response to the question "I remember hearing somewhere on the web that Red Action's VA said she (Red Action) was gay. Is that true? And is Enid really bi? (I know she had a sticker of it on her helmet in one episode)"
  23. ^ Ian Jones-Quartey [@ianjq] (September 6, 2019). "Unknown. But here's what we do know(from our character profiles):" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 13, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  24. ^ Toby Jones [@tobytobyjones] (September 6, 2019). "Their first date was "Back in Red Action", they were dating casually for a while and became a more committed couple somewhere around "Red Action 2 the Future"" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 13, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  25. ^ Ian Jones-Quartey [@ianjq] (September 6, 2019). "it happened very naturally. their first date was in "Back in Red Action" boarded by @miraongchua and @parkerrsimmons" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 13, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  26. ^ August, Sinclair (November 15, 2018). "The Struggle to Get Queer Content in Cartoons". VRV blog. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  27. ^ Jones-Quartey, Ian [@ianjq] (October 13, 2020). "they run a dojo together and kiss" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 13, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ Brafman, Joshua (March 20, 2021). "Craig of the Creek: A Modern Classic of Diverse Representation". RGN 99. Archived from the original on February 21, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  29. ^ Hysen, Dylan (November 2, 2018). "November Eps Recap – Craig of the Creek". Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  30. ^ "Meet Craig's Family". Cartoon Network. YouTube. October 25, 2019. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021. See 6:35-6:37 in the video
  31. ^ @GLAAD (January 15, 2022). "We have an exclusive clip from the season premiere of @cartoonnetwork's @CraigoftheCreek. The new season premieres Monday January 17th starting at 1pm ET/PT" (Tweet). Retrieved January 14, 2021 – via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  32. ^ Abughazaleh, Zeid (May 11, 2021). "Final Space: Ash Struggles With [SPOILER]'s Death". CBR. Archived from the original on June 19, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  33. ^ Kaldor, David (May 9, 2021). "Review: Final Space "Forgiveness"". BubbleBlabber. Archived from the original on June 19, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  34. ^ "Final Space Season 3 Episode 8 Review". Toonami Squad. Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  35. ^ Gabe Jones (May 11, 2021). "Into Final Thoughts with Olan Rogers - Episode Eight". Into Final Space (Podcast). Apple Podcasts. Archived from the original on June 19, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  36. ^ Perine, Aaron (September 10, 2021). "Final Space Third And Final Season Coming To Netflix". Comicbook. Archived from the original on September 10, 2021.
  37. ^ a b Hermann, Burkely (June 30, 2021). "LGBTQ Representation Shines Through in Final Space". The Geekiary. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  38. ^ "Cow and Chicken: Why Cartoon Network Banned and Replaced One Episode". CBR. May 25, 2021. Archived from the original on June 4, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  39. ^ "Cow and Chicken Was Cartoon Network's Answer to The Ren & Stimpy Show". CBR. May 31, 2021. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  40. ^ a b SunnyAgo (April 11, 2014). "Moral Orel: Repression in Moralton". The Artifice. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  41. ^ Lowe, Scott (July 8, 2008). "The Venture Bros.: "Dr. Quymn, Medicine Woman" Review". IGN. Archived from the original on April 19, 2014. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  42. ^ Reed, Phil (July 7, 2008). "The Venture Bros.: Dr. Quymn, Medicine Woman". Noise to Signal. Archived from the original on June 4, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  43. ^ Barquin, Juan (January 15, 2015). "Clarence Episode "Jeff Wins" Has Some Pretty Cool Queer Representation". YAM Magazine. Archived from the original on March 19, 2020.
  44. ^ a b c Ewart, Asia (July 10, 2015). "Four cartoons that are leading the way in LGBT visibility". Metro. Archived from the original on July 4, 2016. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  45. ^ Mercedes, Milligan. "Cartoon Network Sprouts Fresh Crop of Episode Premieres for April". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  46. ^ Faust, Lauren [@Fyre_flye] (May 11, 2020). "Everyone was so immediately on board with this idea I don't even remember who suggested it - I just said to write it in and cross fingers that it gets approved. It did!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 11, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020 – via Twitter.
  47. ^ Rouleau, Duncan [@rouleau1] (April 20, 2020). "Rojo is a girl, and yes she and Azul were the couple I was thinking about" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2022 – via Twitter. |date= mismatches calculated date from |number= by two or more days (help)
  48. ^ Ankers, Adele (July 14, 2020). "Scooby-Doo's Velma Is a Lesbian, James Gunn and Mystery Incorporated Producer Confirm". IGN. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  49. ^ Padgett, Donald (July 13, 2020). "Yes, Velma is a Lesbian in 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated'". Out. Archived from the original on February 11, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  50. ^ Slaton, Joyce. "Elliot from Earth". Common Sense Media. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  51. ^ "Lokar's Valentine Page". Cartoon Network. Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  52. ^ "Lokar's Sumptuous Salute to Summer Frolic". Cartoon Network. Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  53. ^ Space Ghost Coast to Coast - Volume Two ["Surprise" commentary track] (DVD) (DVD). US: Warner Brothers. November 16, 2004. B0002WZRTU. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  54. ^ Space Ghost Coast to Coast - Volume Two ["Jacksonville" commentary track] (DVD) (DVD). US: Warner Brothers. November 16, 2004. B0002WZRTU. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  55. ^ Neill, Chris (November 27, 2018). "The prematurely axed Mission Hill was a '90s cartoon ahead of its years". thebrag.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  56. ^ a b Burra, Kevin (July 11, 2012). "'Venture Bros.' Co-Creators From Adult Swim Talk Gay Characters, The Upcoming Season And Gay Sex". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on April 20, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  57. ^ Howe, Nicholas (September 28, 2019). "10 Jokes From The Oblongs That Have Already Aged Poorly". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on September 21, 2021. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  58. ^ The Oblongs - The Complete Series (DVD) (DVD). US: Warner Brothers. October 4, 2005. B000ABKHZC. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  59. ^ Anderson, Evans (August 14, 2010). "Dial M for Monkey – The Banned Episode". Gawker. Archived from the original on July 3, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  60. ^ Belonksy, Andrew (June 12, 2008). "Banned "Anti-Gay" Toon Exhumed!". Queerty. Archived from the original on August 28, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  61. ^ Jade, Tamara (June 9, 2017). "15 Banned TV Episodes That Only Ever Aired Once". Screenrant. Archived from the original on February 4, 2019. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  62. ^ Henderson, Taylor (July 23, 2020). "An Ode to Silver Spooner, the Gayest Supervillian [sic] Ever Banned From TV". Pride.com. Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  63. ^ Burke, Carolyn (February 28, 2018). "15 Secrets You Didn't Know Behind Cartoon Network Shows". Screenrant. Archived from the original on February 28, 2019. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  64. ^ Lacey, Gord (October 29, 2010). "Dexter's Laboratory — Season 1 Review". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  65. ^ "039 – Mark Hamill on Talkin Toons with Rob Paulsen – Weekly Voice Acting and Voice Over Tips". Tech Jives Network. Archived from the original on 2020-03-19. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  66. ^ Hamill, Mark. "Love Unique Deadpan No-Nonsense #Skips but #Larry3000 of #TimeSquad was Fierce-Flamboyant & more Crazy-Fun to play!". Twitter. Archived from the original on March 19, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  67. ^ Baron, Reuben (December 27, 2018). "10 Things We Miss About Old-School Cartoon Network (And 10 Things The Channel Does Better Today)". CBR. Archived from the original on December 28, 2018. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  68. ^ Burra, Kevin (February 2, 2016). "Christy Karacas, 'Superjail!' Co-Creator, And Janine DiTullio, Writing Director, Discuss Beloved Adult Swim Show". HuffPost. Archived from the original on July 23, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  69. ^ Zachary, Brandon (February 22, 2019). "How to Train Your Dragon 3 Confirms [SPOILER] Is Gay, and It's Great". Archived from the original on January 11, 2011. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  70. ^ Smith-Strickland, Stephanie (April 11, 2014). "Is Young Thug the Real Life Gangstalicious?". Highsnobiety. Archived from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  71. ^ Thurm, Eric (October 27, 2014). "Mike Tyson Mysteries: "The End" [Review]". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  72. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (September 22, 2014). "Cartoon Network Plans Surprise-Packed NYCC Panel". Animation Magazine. ISSN 1041-617X. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014.
  73. ^ Yahr, Emily (October 29, 2014). "Cartoon Network voice actor says series 'Clarence' had to change a scene with two men kissing". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  74. ^ a b Manzella, Sam (February 27, 2018). "9 Cartoons That Were Censored For Being Too Gay". NewNowNext. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  75. ^ a b Atkinson, Sophia (November 5, 2015). "The Complete History of Queer Characters in Cartoon Shows". Highsnobiety. Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  76. ^ Kelsey (2017). "My sister (katiedid92) and I got to spend the day with the lovely and talented (and equally as introverted as myself) @raveneesimo and her friend Ben (who took the top photo of us) in Seattle today!". Tumblr. Archived from the original on April 7, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  77. ^ McDonnell, Chris (July 11, 2017). Steven Universe: Art & Origins. New York City, New York: Abrams Books. ISBN 978-1419724435.
  78. ^ Cleal, Sam (June 17, 2020). "45 Times Cartoons Absolutely Killed It When It Comes To LGBTQ Representation". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2021. The gay ghost dads in Summer Camp Island. Sam Cleal is part of the BuzzFeed Staff, not just a random blogger.
  79. ^ Weisman, Greg [@Greg_Weisman] (July 30, 2019). "(2 of 3) To date, Kaldur has only ever been truly in love twice: with Tula and with Wyynde. He's dated other people, including Rocket. But he's only ever been in love the two times. So he's not defining his sexuality beyond the fact of these two people" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 14, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2020 – via Twitter.
  80. ^ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (May 8, 2019). "Craig of the Creek's World of Summertime Wonder Is Getting More Intense". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  81. ^ Lorenzana, Angel [@glamdoodle] (July 1, 2019). "A quick piece to finish off Pride Month! It didn't feel right to have Raj and Shawn hanging with our crew until after The Other Side aired, so here are my favorite boys now! Here's to having solidarity and good times with your Pals well after Pride is over! @CraigoftheCreek" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 – via Twitter.
  82. ^ "When Will Cartoons Put Gay Male Romances in the Spotlight?". CBR. May 31, 2020. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  83. ^ a b c d Pearce, Steven (September 17, 2019). "OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes". The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction. Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved August 14, 2020. SP in the entry stands for Steven Pearce
  84. ^ a b c d Richardson, Jack (September 11, 2020). "LGBTQ+ Representation In Children's Animation: An Ongoing Battle – Part 2/5". Archived from the original on November 5, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2021. The wedding was between Army and Joff, not Army and Lord Boxman.
  85. ^ Jones-Quartey, Ian [@ianjq] (August 30, 2019). "After several years of dating Joff and Nick live together. Surprisingly, Joff is kind of a slob and Nick doesn't mind cleaning up after him" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 13, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019 – via Twitter.
  86. ^ a b "Explore database". Insider. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  87. ^ Weisman, Greg. "Question #24712". Ask Greg. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  88. ^ Byfield, Rhys and Mikey Please; Mic Graves and Tony Hull (writer) (March 29, 2021). "Wednesday Part 4". Elliott From Earth. Season 1. Episode 4.
  89. ^ GLAAD 2012, p. 12.
  90. ^ Kirichanskaya, Michele (February 7, 2020). "Steven Universe, She-Ra, & Voltron: LGBTQIA+ Successes, Failures, and Hopes for the Future in Children's Animation". The Mary Sue. Archived from the original on March 21, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  91. ^ Warner, Meredith (May 14, 2015). "Steven Universe Guidebook Spills The Secrets Of The Crystal Gems". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on March 27, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  92. ^ "Steven Universe". Emmy Award Official website. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  93. ^ a b Jones-Quartey, Ian [@ianjq] (August 30, 2019). "Gregg is NB for sure" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 13, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2020 – via Twitter. The question asked was: "Are Bobo and Gregg nonbinary?" While Bobo's gender identity is not outright confirmed, they are implied that they are not male nor female and uses they/them pronouns.
  94. ^ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (November 5, 2020). "Bliss Out to 10 Episodes of Summer Camp Island". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  95. ^ Mufson, Beckett (July 19, 2018). "The New Show 'Summer Camp Island' Will Fill the 'Adventure Time'-Shaped Hole in Your Life". Vice. Archived from the original on December 22, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  96. ^ Kelley, Shamus (December 19, 2019). "Steven Universe Future Episode 9 Review: Little Graduation". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  97. ^ Catt, Mae [@MaeCatt] (December 21, 2018). "That's just something Acid Storm likes to do. #Cyberverse #AcidStorm" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 8, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2019 – via Twitter.
  98. ^ Lorenzana, Angel [@glamdoodle] (December 16, 2019). "Wasn't sure whether to speak on this until it aired on TV but yeah! Hi, hello, that's me! I voiced..myself? I'm agender (they/them) and my creeksona is Literally Me so I want it to be clear that they are too, lol" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020 – via Twitter.
  99. ^ Keller, Joel (June 13, 2021). "Stream It Or Skip It: 'Tuca & Bertie' Season 2 On Adult Swim, Where The Two Bird Besties Return From Their Netflix Exile". Decider. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  100. ^ "Tuca & Bertie (Official Season 2 Trailer)". YouTube. May 16, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  101. ^ Turner, Molly Catherine (July 15, 2021). "Tuca & Bertie S2E5 explores Bertie's inner desires". Fansided. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  102. ^ Kurland, Daniel (August 16, 2021). "Review: Tuca & Bertie "The Flood"". Bubbleblabber. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  103. ^ a b Nichols, Brittani (September 30, 2011). ""Adventure Time"'s Animated Lesbian Subtext Is Too Hot for TV'". Autostraddle. Archived from the original on March 27, 2020. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  104. ^ a b Johnson, Kjerstin (October 4, 2011). "Adventure Time Gay Subtext: "Spicy" or Adorbz?". Bitch. Archived from the original on March 27, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  105. ^ a b Rude, Mey Valdivia (March 11, 2014). ""Marceline and The Scream Queens" is Punk Rock and Precious". Autostraddle. Archived from the original on February 1, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  106. ^ a b Karlan, Sarah (August 14, 2014). ""Adventure Time" Actor Confirms Princess Bubblegum And Marceline The Vampire Queen Once Dated". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on August 25, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
  107. ^ a b c Adegoke, Yomi (October 1, 2019). "Move over, Disney! Meet the woman leading the LGBT cartoon revolution". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 7, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  108. ^ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (September 4, 2018). "Adventure Time's Producer Was Concerned Queer Representation Might Draw 'Too Much Attention'". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on November 2, 2018. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  109. ^ Swift, Andy (September 3, 2018). "Adventure Time Finale: EP Breaks Down Multiple Endings, Talks Future of Ooo". TVLine. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  110. ^ a b Moen, Matt (August 5, 2020). "In Conversation: Rebecca Sugar and Noelle Stevenson". Paper Magazine. Archived from the original on August 9, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  111. ^ a b "When Will Cartoons Put Gay Male Romances in the Spotlight?". CBR. May 31, 2020. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  112. ^ Jones-Quartey, Ian [@ianjq] (September 6, 2019). "yes" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 24, 2019. Retrieved December 24, 2019 – via Twitter.
  113. ^ Jones-Quartey, Ian [@ianjq] (September 6, 2019). "its possible we would have gone there as part of another Fink episode. PV is bi, but we never particularly made him NB" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 13, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019 – via Twitter.
  114. ^ Jones, Toby [@tobytobyjones] (September 6, 2019). "Bi" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 13, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2020 – via Twitter. In response to the question "Is Enid gay or bi?"
  115. ^ GLAAD 2019, p. 33.
  116. ^ Wyatt, Cat (May 27, 2020). "10 Bi Superheroes Marvel & DC Fans Forget Exist". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  117. ^ Adams, Tim (July 16, 2019). "Young Justice: A Hero Gets a Death Sentence - and a Possible Girlfriend". CBR. Archived from the original on July 17, 2019. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  118. ^ Finley, Sean (July 23, 2020). "Batman's Sidekick BLUEBIRD is Returning To DC Comics". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on July 24, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  119. ^ Rizzo III, Francis (April 28, 2007). "Moral Orel, Vol. 1, The Unholy Edition". DVD Talk. Archived from the original on August 28, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  120. ^ a b Rogers, Olan (2020). "Hey what's up. Olan here. Tribore and Clarence are NOT good enough representation for LGBTQ community. There is a gay character on the show but we just haven't revealed it yet (but will be in a S3) and truthfully that character needs to be worthy of the title and actually useful. It's a sci-fi show there are more sexualities out there in the universe. But I always saw Clarence as a Bi-Sexual and Tribore is a narcissi-sexual (completely made up fictional sexuality) he loves himself a little too much. Hope that makes sense. Promise it's coming but needs to be done right". /r/FinalSpace. Reddit. Archived from the original on June 19, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  121. ^ Krell, Jason (June 6, 2014). "Finn Is Lost In The Darkness On This Weeks' Adventure Time". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on June 26, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  122. ^ Curve Staff (September 25, 2020). "5 Best LGBTQ+ Characters On Kids TV And Why They Matter". Curve. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  123. ^ a b Fleenor, S.E. (June 19, 2019). "The awesome (and unexpected) queering of Adventure Time". Syfy. Archived from the original on April 29, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  124. ^ Soussan, Arielle (July 15, 2019). "The 50 Most Relatable Lesbian and Bisexual Characters On TV". AfterEllen. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  125. ^ Zachary, Brandon (September 25, 2020). "Adventure Time's Princess Bubblegum & Marceline May Be TV's Best LGBT Romance". CBR. Archived from the original on July 27, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020. See page 1 here.
  126. ^ "Character Facts of the Week: BMO from Adventure Time". Cartoon Network (UK and Ireland). November 22, 2012. Archived from the original on July 29, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
  127. ^ Henderson, Taylor (July 24, 2020). "Our Fave Adventure Time Couple Returns for Distant Lands Obsidian". Pride.com. Archived from the original on July 27, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  128. ^ Bodden, Alejandra (July 24, 2020). "Adventure Time: Distant Lands SDCC Panel Previews Next Ep Obsidian". Bleeding Cool. Archived from the original on July 25, 2020. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  129. ^ Weisman, Greg (September 5, 2012). "Question #15649". Ask Greg. Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  130. ^ Weisman, Greg [@Greg_Weisman] (July 30, 2019). "From Kaldur's POV, he is - at minimum - polysexual, which is not to say that he isn't pansexual, but he's never YET fallen for anyone that didn't/doesn't identify as male or female. He tries not to label. (1 of 2)" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 14, 2020. Retrieved April 8, 2020 – via Twitter.
  131. ^ https://screenrant.com/young-justice-season-3-outsiders-halo-genderqueer/
  132. ^ Melanie Gillman (w), Grace Park (p), Katy Farina (i), Whitney Cogar (col), Mike Fiorentino (let), Whitney Leopard (ed). "Steven Universe" Issue 2 10 (March 22, 2017), New York, NY: KaBoom!
  133. ^ Peterson, Maya [@rrn_tweet] (March 11, 2020). "Word of Saint Paul, I know, but if it hasn't been said by now, Peridot's sendoff episode, it probably never will be said. Peridot's interest in shipping and romance is anthropological, and she's not about fusion. She's the ace and aro rep" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 14, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2020 – via Twitter.
  134. ^ Peterson, Maya [@rrn_tweet] (March 11, 2020). "It means whatever I say is not Word of God, the ultimate authority. As a secondary creator involved in the show, what I say is true of conversations I was in the room for and took part in, but can be negated or clarified by a higher authority" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 14, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2020 – via Twitter.
  135. ^ Peterson, Maya [@rr_tweet] (March 11, 2020). "I know many people read that in her, but not as far as I know. It doesn't mean she's not! Just that the topic hasn't ever come up in my period of employment. But then again, I would think it'd be an important point of discussion for this past ep" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 14, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2020 – via Twitter. In response to the question "Since that's Peridot's send off, could you plz confirm if Peridot really is coded autistic as many fans have interpreted?"
  136. ^ Baron, Reuben (March 14, 2020). "Steven Universe: A Crystal Gem Is Confirmed As Asexual". CBR. Archived from the original on March 15, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
  137. ^ Alptraum, Lux (July 9, 2018). "Steven Universe's message of love is emphatically queer". Polygon. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
  138. ^ Jones-Quartey, Ian [@ianjq] (August 9, 2019). "nah he's pan" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 24, 2019. Retrieved December 24, 2019 – via Twitter.
  139. ^ Jones-Quartey, Ian [@ianjq] (October 13, 2020). "eh no, its canon and they got married (img by @killapede)" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 13, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  140. ^ Jones-Quartey, Ian [@ianjq] (September 6, 2019). "the entire Hue Troop" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 13, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2019 – via Twitter.
  141. ^ Jones, Toby [@tobytobyjones] (September 6, 2019). "Rad is pretty fluid and I think he understands that about himself" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 21, 2019. Retrieved March 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  142. ^ Curda, Glory (June 26, 2020). "Sup! Somewhere between 11-13. -G". Reddit. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020. This was part of a Reddit discussion titled "Adam, Glory and Niki here – ask us anything!" G stands for Glory Curda.
  143. ^ "Watch Adventure Time: Distant Lands". HBO Max. May 26, 2020. Archived from the original on May 26, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  144. ^ In a Reddit Q&A, Curda considered this one of her favorite moments in the episode.
  145. ^ Z Li, Grace (June 25, 2020). "Adventure Time: Distant Lands Recap: BMO the Hero". Vulture. Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  146. ^ a b Radulovic, Petrana (June 25, 2020). "HBO Max's BMO special is a powerful reminder of Adventure Time's big emotions". Polygon. Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  147. ^ Lloyd, Robert (June 25, 2020). "'Adventure Time: Distant Lands' keeps the beloved cartoon's magic intact". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  148. ^ Trumbore, Dave (June 25, 2020). "'Adventure Time: Distant Lands – BMO' Review: Come Along on a Far-Out New Story". Collider. Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  149. ^ Sowa, Alexander (June 26, 2020). "The Anti-Capitalist Message of Adventure Time: Distant Lands - BMO". CBR. Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  150. ^ Matar, Joe (June 25, 2020). "Adventure Time: Distant Lands Episode 1 Review – BMO". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  151. ^ Curda, Glory [@GloryCurda] (June 26, 2020). "yes!! this!! this is something that really stuck out to me in playing Y5. i think Y5's story has a lot of subtext and is very representative of that bigger act of coming out into your own + defining yourself in your own terms WHATEVER they may be. i really hope viewers feel that" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  152. ^ Curda, Glory (June 26, 2020). "Especially after the impact BMO made and all they left behind, I think Y5 spent a lot of time growing and developing as a leader and trailblazer to help save the drift. There was a lot of work to do and I think Y5 never stopped trying to improve the lives of those in the Drift. I also like to think there was some well-deserved family time and some time to just be a kid in there too. Y5's probably either a head inventor or space traveler for the Drift now. -G". Reddit. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020. This was part of a Reddit discussion titled "Adam, Glory and Niki here – ask us anything!" G stands for Glory Curda.
  153. ^ Cuda, Glory (June 26, 2020). "...I started reading it and i just remember my whole brain exploding, because I love adventure time. I had watched almost all of it at that point and had become really attached to it along with other CN shows throughout high school and some of middle school, so I was kind of in a state of disbelief". Reddit. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020. This was part of a Reddit discussion titled "Adam, Glory and Niki here – ask us anything!" G stands for Glory Curda. Also see her comics about a possible Finn-Y5 relationship and how she relates to Y5.
  154. ^ "Kidscreen Awards 2021 Nominees Announced". License Global. November 25, 2020. Archived from the original on February 3, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  155. ^ "Kidscreen Awards 2021 winners". Kidscreen. February 9, 2021. Archived from the original on February 10, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  156. ^ Kelleher, Patrick (June 22, 2021). "Rick and Morty just confirmed a major character is queer". PinkNews. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  157. ^ Opie, David (June 21, 2021). "Rick and Morty season 5 just confirmed a major character is queer". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  158. ^ Aravind, Ajay (June 29, 2020). "10 Best Episodes Of Final Space, According To IMDb". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on August 16, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2020.

Sources[]

Retrieved from ""