LGBTQ themes in Western animation: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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In Western animation, [[LGBTQ]] themes means plotlines and characters which are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer in series produced in [[Western countries]], and not in Japan (i.e. [[anime]]), which can also [[LGBTQ themes in anime and manga|have similar themes]]. Early examples included [[Bugs Bunny]] in [[Drag (entertainment)|drag]], wearing a wig and a dress, as a form of comedy,<ref name="BenshoffGriffin2005" /><ref>{{cite book |last=Pugh |first=Tison |author-link= |date=January 2023 |orig-date=2019 |title=Studies in Medievalism XXVIII: Medievalism and Discrimination |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/studies-in-medievalism-xxviii/FDB59B649859B1C718532360D92B7329 |chapter-url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/studies-in-medievalism-xxviii/cool-and-the-queer-in-bugs-bunnys-middle-ages/D5D3644E30A6B4CE00307FE108DCF8CF |editor-last=Fugelso |editor-first=Karl |chapter=The Cool and the Queer in Bugs Bunny’s Middle Ages |location=[[Martlesham]], Suffolk |publisher=[[Boydell & Brewer]] |pages=33-40 |isbn=9781787444713 |quote=His coolness also accentuates the queerness of other characters enacting outdated gender roles, whether those of the past or of the present.}}</ref> or episodes of ''[[Tom & Jerry]]'',<ref name="olm2018" /> under restrictive moral guidelines like the [[Hays Code]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Atay |first1=Ahmet |date=September 2019 |title=Defining transnational queer media and popular culture |url=https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/qsmpc_00009_2 |journal=Queer Studies in Media & Popular Culture |volume=4 |issue=3 |pages=234 |doi=10.1386/qsmpc_00009_2 }}</ref> with some arguing that animation has "always had a history of queerness."<ref>{{cite thesis |last=Bravo |first=Ann |date=May 2022 |title=A Content Analysis of LGBTQIA+ Representation in Anime & American Animation |url=https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2365&context=caps_thes_all |degree=B.A. |chapter=Introduction |publisher=[[California State University, Monterey Bay]] |docket= |oclc= |access-date=September 19, 2024 |page=4}}</ref> This later evolved into gay-coded characters in Disney films like ''[[Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)|Beauty and the Beast]]'' and ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]]'',<ref>{{cite thesis |last=McLeod |first=Dion Sheridan |date=2016 |title=Unmasking the quillain: queerness and villainy in animated Disney films |url=https://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5824&context=theses |degree=PhD |publisher=[[University of Wollongong]] |docket= |oclc= |access-date=September 19, 2024 |pages=1-2, 20-21, 28, 74, 94, 96 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219073134/https://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5824&context=theses |archive-date=February 19, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite thesis |last=Cowling |first=Ollie |date=July 2024 |title=Queer coding in the Disney renaissance: locating queerness in Disney animated musicals and their remakes |url=https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/78314/1/Cowling%2C%20Ollie%2C%2014320585%2C%20final.pdf |degree=MRes |publisher=[[University of Nottingham]] |docket= |oclc= |access-date=September 19, 2024 |pages=6, 17, 20-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919180627/https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/78314/1/Cowling%2C%20Ollie%2C%2014320585%2C%20final.pdf |archive-date=September 19, 2024}}</ref> and in animated series such as ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and ''[[South Park]]''.<ref name="insidersnydes" /> In later years, other series would more prominently depict same-sex characters and relationships. This would include ''[[Adventure Time]]'', ''[[Steven Universe]]'', ''[[The Legend of Korra]]'', ''[[Gravity Falls]]'', ''[[Clarence (American TV series)|Clarence]]'', ''[[The Loud House]]'', and ''[[Arthur (TV series)|Arthur]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fetters |first1=Ashley |last2=Escobar |first2=Natalie |title=How a Gay Character on Arthur Reflects Changing Norms in the U.S. |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/05/mr-ratburns-gay-wedding-on-arthur-was-quietly-profound/589462/ |website=[[The Atlantic]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308122332/https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/05/mr-ratburns-gay-wedding-on-arthur-was-quietly-profound/589462/ |archive-date=March 8, 2020 |date=May 14, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Such series, and others, have encountered roadblocks, with series creators attempting to make their programs "more welcoming of different characters," and ensure [[all-ages animation]] is no longer "bereft of queer characters."<ref name="Romano">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/09/06/bravest-knight-lgbtq-kids-programming/|title=How The Bravest Knight is turning the tide for LGBTQ kids programming|last1=Romano|first1=Nick|date=September 6, 2019|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly|EW]]|access-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605144635/https://ew.com/tv/2019/09/06/bravest-knight-lgbtq-kids-programming/|archive-date=June 5, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Radulovic|first=Petrana|url=https://www.polygon.com/animation-cartoons/2020/12/15/22174955/2020-animated-shows-lgbtq-representation|title=2020 was animation’s biggest, gayest year so far|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=December 15, 2020|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224211921/https://www.polygon.com/animation-cartoons/2020/12/15/22174955/2020-animated-shows-lgbtq-representation|archive-date=February 24, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Previously, an online database, by [[Insider (website)|Insider]], documented over 250 LGBTQ characters in children's animation dating back to 1983, but the "representation of overtly queer characters" skyrocketed from 2010 to 2020,<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitley-Berry|first=Victoria|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/30/1011310695/after-decades-in-the-background-queer-characters-step-to-the-front-in-kids-media|title=After Decades In The Background, Queer Characters Step To The Front In Kids' Media|website=[[NPR]]|date=June 30, 2021|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418003400/https://www.npr.org/2021/06/30/1011310695/after-decades-in-the-background-queer-characters-step-to-the-front-in-kids-media|archive-date=April 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> with promotion of these series by some streaming platforms, while someother companies were not supportive of thisovert changerepresentation, for one reason or another.<ref>{{cite web|last=White|first=Cindy|url=https://www.avclub.com/ya-animation-tv-shows-lgbtq-representation-1849645915|title=Animated shows are leading the way for LGBTQ+ representation—but will that continue?|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=October 27, 2016|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220211414/https://www.avclub.com/ya-animation-tv-shows-lgbtq-representation-1849645915|archive-date=December 20, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> ▼

For [[LGBTQ themes in Western animation]] page, mentioned [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:History_of_LGBT_characters_in_animation#Page_name_change/purpose? here], it should have the following subsections [apart from intro]:

PAGES USED: [[History of LGBTQ characters in animation]], [[History of LGBTQ characters in animation: 1990s]], [[History of LGBT characters in animation: 2000s]], [[History of LGBT characters in animation: 2010s]], [[History of LGBT characters in animation: 2020s]]

Base upon format/organization of [[LGBTQ themes in anime and manga]] page

▲In Western animation, [[LGBTQ]] themes means plotlines and characters which are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer in series produced in [[Western countries]], and not in Japan (i.e. [[anime]]), which can also [[LGBTQ themes in anime and manga|have similar themes]]. Early examples included [[Bugs Bunny]] in [[Drag (entertainment)|drag]], wearing a wig and a dress, as a form of comedy,<ref name="BenshoffGriffin2005" /><ref>{{cite book |last=Pugh |first=Tison |author-link= |date=January 2023 |orig-date=2019 |title=Studies in Medievalism XXVIII: Medievalism and Discrimination |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/studies-in-medievalism-xxviii/FDB59B649859B1C718532360D92B7329 |chapter-url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/studies-in-medievalism-xxviii/cool-and-the-queer-in-bugs-bunnys-middle-ages/D5D3644E30A6B4CE00307FE108DCF8CF |editor-last=Fugelso |editor-first=Karl |chapter=The Cool and the Queer in Bugs Bunny’s Middle Ages |location=[[Martlesham]], Suffolk |publisher=[[Boydell & Brewer]] |pages=33-40 |isbn=9781787444713 |quote=His coolness also accentuates the queerness of other characters enacting outdated gender roles, whether those of the past or of the present.}}</ref> or episodes of ''[[Tom & Jerry]]'',<ref name="olm2018" /> under restrictive moral guidelines like the [[Hays Code]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Atay |first1=Ahmet |date=September 2019 |title=Defining transnational queer media and popular culture |url=https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/qsmpc_00009_2 |journal=Queer Studies in Media & Popular Culture |volume=4 |issue=3 |pages=234 |doi=10.1386/qsmpc_00009_2 }}</ref> with some arguing that animation has "always had a history of queerness."<ref>{{cite thesis |last=Bravo |first=Ann |date=May 2022 |title=A Content Analysis of LGBTQIA+ Representation in Anime & American Animation |url=https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2365&context=caps_thes_all |degree=B.A. |chapter=Introduction |publisher=[[California State University, Monterey Bay]] |docket= |oclc= |access-date=September 19, 2024 |page=4}}</ref> This later evolved into gay-coded characters in Disney films like ''[[Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)|Beauty and the Beast]]'' and ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]]'',<ref>{{cite thesis |last=McLeod |first=Dion Sheridan |date=2016 |title=Unmasking the quillain: queerness and villainy in animated Disney films |url=https://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5824&context=theses |degree=PhD |publisher=[[University of Wollongong]] |docket= |oclc= |access-date=September 19, 2024 |pages=1-2, 20-21, 28, 74, 94, 96 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219073134/https://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5824&context=theses |archive-date=February 19, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite thesis |last=Cowling |first=Ollie |date=July 2024 |title=Queer coding in the Disney renaissance: locating queerness in Disney animated musicals and their remakes |url=https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/78314/1/Cowling%2C%20Ollie%2C%2014320585%2C%20final.pdf |degree=MRes |publisher=[[University of Nottingham]] |docket= |oclc= |access-date=September 19, 2024 |pages=6, 17, 20-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919180627/https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/78314/1/Cowling%2C%20Ollie%2C%2014320585%2C%20final.pdf |archive-date=September 19, 2024}}</ref> and in animated series such as ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and ''[[South Park]]''.<ref name="insidersnydes" /> In later years, other series would more prominently depict same-sex characters and relationships. This would include ''[[Adventure Time]]'', ''[[Steven Universe]]'', ''[[The Legend of Korra]]'', ''[[Gravity Falls]]'', ''[[Clarence (American TV series)|Clarence]]'', ''[[The Loud House]]'', and ''[[Arthur (TV series)|Arthur]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fetters |first1=Ashley |last2=Escobar |first2=Natalie |title=How a Gay Character on Arthur Reflects Changing Norms in the U.S. |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/05/mr-ratburns-gay-wedding-on-arthur-was-quietly-profound/589462/ |website=[[The Atlantic]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308122332/https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/05/mr-ratburns-gay-wedding-on-arthur-was-quietly-profound/589462/ |archive-date=March 8, 2020 |date=May 14, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Such series, and others, have encountered roadblocks, with series creators attempting to make their programs "more welcoming of different characters," and ensure [[all-ages animation]] is no longer "bereft of queer characters."<ref name="Romano">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/09/06/bravest-knight-lgbtq-kids-programming/|title=How The Bravest Knight is turning the tide for LGBTQ kids programming|last1=Romano|first1=Nick|date=September 6, 2019|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly|EW]]|access-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605144635/https://ew.com/tv/2019/09/06/bravest-knight-lgbtq-kids-programming/|archive-date=June 5, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Radulovic|first=Petrana|url=https://www.polygon.com/animation-cartoons/2020/12/15/22174955/2020-animated-shows-lgbtq-representation|title=2020 was animation’s biggest, gayest year so far|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=December 15, 2020|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224211921/https://www.polygon.com/animation-cartoons/2020/12/15/22174955/2020-animated-shows-lgbtq-representation|archive-date=February 24, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Previously, an online database, by [[Insider (website)|Insider]], documented over 250 LGBTQ characters in children's animation dating back to 1983, but the "representation of overtly queer characters" skyrocketed from 2010 to 2020,<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitley-Berry|first=Victoria|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/30/1011310695/after-decades-in-the-background-queer-characters-step-to-the-front-in-kids-media|title=After Decades In The Background, Queer Characters Step To The Front In Kids' Media|website=[[NPR]]|date=June 30, 2021|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418003400/https://www.npr.org/2021/06/30/1011310695/after-decades-in-the-background-queer-characters-step-to-the-front-in-kids-media|archive-date=April 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> with promotion of these series by some streaming platforms, while some companies were not supportive of this change, for one reason or another.<ref>{{cite web|last=White|first=Cindy|url=https://www.avclub.com/ya-animation-tv-shows-lgbtq-representation-1849645915|title=Animated shows are leading the way for LGBTQ+ representation—but will that continue?|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=October 27, 2016|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220211414/https://www.avclub.com/ya-animation-tv-shows-lgbtq-representation-1849645915|archive-date=December 20, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==

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Gender has always been a component of animation, with scholars Harry Benshoff and Sean Griffin writing that [[History of animation|animation]] has always "hint[ed] at the performative nature of gender."<ref name="BenshoffGriffin2005">{{cite book|last1=Harry Benshoff|last2=Sean Griffin|title=Queer Images: A History of Gay and Lesbian Film in America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DTx7AAAAQBAJ&pg=PA74|access-date=January 1, 2015|date=October 13, 2005|publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield Publishers]]|isbn=978-0-7425-6857-0|pages=74–}}</ref> They specifically cite the example of [[Bugs Bunny]] wearing a wig and a dress, acting as a female rabbit in [[Drag (clothing)|drag]]. Some argued that the [[Walt Disney Company]] played with gender stereotypes in the past. Griffin stated that Disney's cartoon [[Ferdinand the Bull (film)|''Ferdinand the Bull'']] (1939) is "not necessarily gay, but it's definitely queer". The short film depicts a "sleepy eyed bull who doesn't conform to expectations of masculinity".<ref name=":2" /> Nico Lang of ''[[Harper's Bazaar]]'' said Disney's 1941 film [[The Reluctant Dragon (1941 film)|''The Reluctant Dragon'']] "is extremely queer, even if it's not necessarily gay". He also noted the inclusion of a gay couple (two male antelopes) in ''[[Zootopia]]''.<ref name=":2" /> Lang wrote, "in 1937, a group of lesbians in Chicago threw a series of bashes known as 'Mickey Mouse's parties.' These gatherings for like-minded ladies were a reference to the fact that 'Mickey Mouse' was a common term at the time for gay men", according to Griffin.<ref name=":2" /> Animation and popular culture scholar Jo Johnson would later describe [[Bugs Bunny]] as challenging "signifiers of traditional masculinity". Johnson would also argue that ''Looney Tunes'' pulled audiences challenges "the conventional notion of anatomy and gender."{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 247-248}} He also recounted that Bugs Bunny appeared in [[drag (clothing)|drag]] on "At least 45 separate occasions," and his gender ambiguity fluxes, showing masculinity and femininity at different times, even though he is clearly [[heterosexual]].{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 257-258}} Johnson described shorts like "[[What's Opera, Doc?]]" as one of the most "subversive" because Bugs dresses as a woman through the majority of the animated short.{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 261-262}} Another scholar said that Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck kissed male enemies so they could "humiliate and annoy them."{{Sfn | Capsuto | 2001 | p = 330}}

It would later be stated that with Bugs Bunny you could have "a rabbit kiss a man, and that wouldn’t be considered this alarming thing" that would be censored or cut, and it was fine for Bugs Bunny to dress in drag because it was "meant as a form of comedy."<ref nnamename="sun2021">{{cite podcast |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hollywood-remixed-billions-asia-kate-dillon-1235012146/ |title=‘Hollywood Remixed’: ‘Billions’ Star Asia Kate Dillon on How Non-Binary Representation Changes Lives |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter, LLC |host=Rebecca Sun |date=September 11, 2021 |time= |access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> Even so, the [[Hays Code]] was still enforced in the United States, which banned curse words, forbid depiction of interracial relationships, and had a "puritanical view of sex," and was replaced by a film rating system in 1968, with many of its "arbitrary moral guidelines" persisting for decades.<ref name="moen2020">{{cite web |last1=Moen |first1=Matt |title=In Conversation: Rebecca Sugar and Noelle Stevenson |url=https://www.papermag.com/rebecca-sugar-noelle-stevenson-2646446747.html |website=[[Paper Magazine]] |access-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809164913/https://www.papermag.com/rebecca-sugar-noelle-stevenson-2646446747.html |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |date=August 5, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> One scholar, Jo Johnson, argued that Jerry in the ''[[Tom & Jerry]]'' cartoons had an androgynous design, even if feminized, and noted a possible [[homoerotic]] subtext between Jerry and Tom, especially when there is [[cross-dressing]],{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 249, 251}} like the notable 1945 short "Flirty Birdy" where the ending shows the Eagle marries Tom while in drag. Johnson pointed to the 1966 short "[[Jerry-Go-Round]]", by [[Chuck Jones]], as having a [[Queer coding|coded]] same-sex relationship between Jerry, who was gendered by Jones as female, and a female elephant who wears a pink tutu. She argued that the episode's ending could be read as a "prophetic depiction of [[Gay pride|Gay Pride]]."{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 256-277}} Cade M. Olmstead, an interdisciplinary philosophy scholar, built upon Johnson's work. He argued that ''Tom and Jerry'' "subverts normalized gender and sexuality structures" through theatrical play and performance, transgressing the normal construction of gender.<ref name="olm2018">{{cite web |url=https://scholarworks.uni.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&context=ugswork |title=Tom and Jerry: Performative Queerness in Action |last=Olmstead |first=Cade M. |date=2018 |website=Undergraduate Student Work |publisher=[[University of Northern Iowa]] |access-date=September 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318122855/https://scholarworks.uni.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&context=ugswork |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |pages=1–8 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===1960s-1980s===

Despite the [[queer coding]] in "Bugs Bunny" and "Tom & Jerry" cartoons, as scholars Deborah A. Fisher, Douglas L. Hill, Joel W. Grube, and Enid L. Gruber noted, before 1970, almost no gay characters were on television, and they remained relatively absent "until the 1990s."<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fisher |first1=Deborah A. |last2=Hill |first2=Douglas L. |last3=Grube |first3=Joel W. |last4=Gruber |first4=Enid L. |date=2007 |title=Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Content on Television: A Quantitative Analysis Across Two Seasons |journal=Journal of Homosexuality |volume=52 |issue=3–4 |pages=167–168 |doi=10.1300/J082v52n03_08 |pmid=17594976 |pmc=2000838 }}</ref> [[Erika Scheimer]], daughter of [[Filmation]] founder [[Lou Scheimer]], was the Assistant Recording Director for ''[[She-Ra: Princess of Power]]''. She voiced various characters and felt comfortable working as a lesbian at Filmation, while shaping "one of the biggest animated gay icons of all time": [[She-Ra]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peeples |first1=Jase |title=Erika Scheimer and the Queer Appeal of She-Ra |url=http://www.gay.net/tv/2011/10/12/erika-scheimer-and-legacy-she-ra |website=gay.net |access-date=August 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402222401/http://www.gay.net/tv/2011/10/12/erika-scheimer-and-legacy-she-ra |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |date=October 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In later years, animation producer [[ND Stevenson]], the showrunner of the reboot series, ''[[She-Ra and the Princesses of Power]]'', would argue that "the original She-Ra was incredibly gay for a show made in 1987" and the crew who worked on the reboot series tried to incorporate the same themes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Jocelyn |title='Anyone can be a hero': She-Ra creator Noelle Stevenson on LGBT+ representation in animation |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-02-25/anyone-can-be-a-hero-she-ra-creator-noelle-stevenson-on-lgbt-representation-in-animation |website=[[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] |access-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210225212807/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-02-25/anyone-can-be-a-hero-she-ra-creator-noelle-stevenson-on-lgbt-representation-in-animation |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |date=February 25, 2021 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[Ursula (The Little Mermaid)|Ursula]], the [[octopus]]-inspired sea creature from the 1989 film, ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]],'' was inspired by [[Divine (performer)|Divine]], an American actor, singer and [[drag queen]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Lang |first=Nico |date=March 31, 2017 |title=Disney's Long, Complicated History with Queer Characters |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a21506/disney-gay-lgbt-characters-history/ |access-date=April 26, 2023 |website=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213123314/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a21506/disney-gay-lgbt-characters-history/ |archive-date=December 13, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fun fact: Ursula is based on the iconic drag queen Divine |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/pride/fast-lane/article/2016/11/09/fun-fact-ursula-based-iconic-drag-queen-divine |access-date=April 20, 2022 |website=[[Special Broadcasting Service]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326102352/https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/pride/fast-lane/article/2016/11/09/fun-fact-ursula-based-iconic-drag-queen-divine |archive-date=March 26, 2023 }}</ref><ref name="dart2016">{{Cite web |last=Dart |first=Chris |title=Read This: How Divine inspired Ursula The Sea Witch |url=https://www.avclub.com/read-this-how-divine-inspired-ursula-the-sea-witch-1798243255 |access-date=April 20, 2022 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=January 19, 2016 |language=en-us |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308181044/https://www.avclub.com/read-this-how-divine-inspired-ursula-the-sea-witch-1798243255 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 }}</ref> Queer communities welcomed "her with open arms" despite that fact she was a villain,<ref name="insidersnydes">{{cite web|last1=Snyder|first1=Chris|last2=Desiderio|first2=Kyle|url=https://www.insider.com/the-evolution-of-queer-characters-in-kids-animated-tv-shows-2021-6|title=The evolution of queer characters in children's animation|website=[[Insider (website)|Insider]]|date=June 29, 2021|access-date=July 1, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210701050407/https://www.insider.com/the-evolution-of-queer-characters-in-kids-animated-tv-shows-2021-6|archive-date=July 1, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> and her character was later praised by director [[John Waters]].<ref>{{cite magazine| url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1540535,00.html |last=Willman |first=Chris |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|title=DVD Review: The Little Mermaid |date=July 31, 2012 |access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315024435/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1540535,00.html|archive-date=March 15, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> John Musker, a director of ''[[Moana (2016 film)|Moana]]'', and co-director of ''The Little Mermaid'', noted that [[Howard Ashman]], a writer of the film, knew Devine and had one of the principal animators, Rob Menkoff, do drawings based on Devine. The other director of ''Moana'' (and a co-director of ''The Little Mermaid''), Ron Clements, stated that it "just fit the character," while Musker called Ursula a "little mix of Divine and Joan Collins"<ref>{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Stephanie Marie|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/pride/fast-lane/article/2016/11/09/fun-fact-ursula-based-iconic-drag-queen-divine|title=Fun fact: Ursula is based on the iconic drag queen Divine|website=[[Special Broadcasting Service|SBS]]|date=November 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119102330/https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/pride/fast-lane/article/2016/11/09/fun-fact-ursula-based-iconic-drag-queen-divine|archive-date=January 19, 2021|access-date=January 19, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Jeffrey Schwarz]] described the film as "pretty queer".<ref name="hazlitt2016">{{cite web|last1=Pasulka|first1=Nicole|last2=Ferree|first2=Brian|url=https://hazlitt.net/longreads/unearthing-sea-witch|title=Unearthing the Sea Witch|website=Hazlitt|date=January 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305021923/https://hazlitt.net/longreads/unearthing-sea-witch|archive-date=March 5, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1990s===

Ashman was also, reportedly, a "big fan" of [[John Waters]], and after the film, he got sick, as he was [[HIV positive]], and he died from AIDS before he could accept the [[Academy Award]] for the music selection of ''[[Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)|Beauty and the Beast]]''. Filmmaker [[Jeffrey Schwarz]], who did a [[I Am Divine|documentary on Divine]], thought the film was pretty queer, while Sarah Ashman Gillespie, Ashman's sister, called the film "totally subversive."<ref name="hazlitt2016" /> It was also revealed that earlier designs of Ursula were inspired by the singer [[Patti LaBelle]], with Musker saying that in the early development art for the character, and Menkoff adding that they were "trying to get some of Divine's big, campy, overweight diva" into the design, which was incorporated into the final character.<ref name="acuna2019">{{cite web|last1=Acuna|first1=Kirsten|url=https://www.insider.com/the-little-mermaid-ursula-concept-art-2019-7|title=How 'The Lion King' codirector, a drag queen, and one of Disney's greatest animators helped bring 'The Little Mermaid' villain to life|website=[[Insider (website)|Insider]]|date=July 13, 2019|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210926035538/https://www.insider.com/the-little-mermaid-ursula-concept-art-2019-7|archive-date=September 26, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> She was also described as "[[Mae West]] of the deep sea" and the first plus-size icon in a Disney film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lubitz|first=Rachel|url=https://www.mic.com/articles/146188/the-untold-story-of-ursula-disney-s-first-and-only-plus-size-style-icon|title=The Untold Story of Ursula, Disney's First (and Only) Plus-Size Style Icon|website=[[Mic (website)|Mic]]|date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118093756/https://www.mic.com/articles/146188/the-untold-story-of-ursula-disney-s-first-and-only-plus-size-style-icon|archive-date=January 18, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Akash Nikolas, a former editor for Zap2It, wrote, in a piece for ''[[The Atlantic]]'', pointed to queer subtext and themes in ''The Little Mermaid'', ''Beauty and the Beast'', ''Pocahontas'', ''Dumbo'', ''Pinocchio'', ''Aladdin'', and ''Mulan'', described Disney films as "both traditional and subversive," echoed by Hugh Ryan in [[Vice.com|Vice]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Nikolas|first=Akash|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/04/its-not-just-frozen-disney-has-always-been-subtly-pro-gay/361060/|title=It's Not Just Frozen: Most Disney Movies Are Pro-Gay|website=[[The Atlantic]] |date=April 23, 2014|access-date=September 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126165204/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/04/its-not-just-frozen-disney-has-always-been-subtly-pro-gay/361060/|archive-date=January 26, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ryan|first=Hugh|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/5g9e4d/the-number-of-gay-animated-villains-will-surprise-you-456|title=Why So Many Disney Villains Sound 'Gay'|date=July 14, 2015|website=[[Vice.com|Vice]]|access-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504114957/https://www.vice.com/en/article/5g9e4d/the-number-of-gay-animated-villains-will-surprise-you-456|archive-date=May 4, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> During this decade, characters on [[Fox Broadcasting|Fox]] and [[Comedy Central]] shows comprised most of the LGBTQ characters on television. Shows like ''The Simpsons'' and ''South Park'' especially would be influential on other [[adult animation]]s in the years to come. Continuing from the late 1980s, villains in Disney films which were [[Queer coding|queer coded]] appeared.<ref name="insidersnydes">{{cite web|last1=Snyder|first1=Chris|last2=Desiderio|first2=Kyle|url=https://www.insider.com/the-evolution-of-queer-characters-in-kids-animated-tv-shows-2021-6|title=The evolution of queer characters in children's animation|website=[[Insider (website)|Insider]]|date=June 29, 2021|access-date=July 1, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210701050407/https://www.insider.com/the-evolution-of-queer-characters-in-kids-animated-tv-shows-2021-6|archive-date=July 1, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some argued that cable television, which began to pick up in the 1990s, "opened the door for more representation" even though various levels of approvals remained.<ref name="insidersnydes" /> Animation and popular culture scholar Jo Johnson argued that 1990s [[animated sitcom]]s enabled queer characters to emerge from, in his words, its "relegated position...and drop an anvil on the head of heteronormativity."{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 247-248}} She further argued that shows such as ''[[The Simpsons]]'', ''[[Family Guy]]'', and ''[[King of the Hill]]'' subverted the [[nuclear family]] model and the "stereotypical gender roles assigned to it." He also said that ''The Simpsons'', ''King of the Hill'', and ''[[South Park]]'' satirized American mores and allowed homosexual characters as part of the family.{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 252, 264-265}} Other scholars argued that in the 1990s, animators were determined to remind audiences watching that some cartoons weren't for children, with "gay content" seen as a way to demonstrate a show is hip or sophisticated, with a running gag in ''[[The Critic]]'' that the boss of the title character believes the protagonist is gay. As such, ''The Critic'' and ''[[The Tick (1994 TV series)|The Tick]]'' were said to be two animated shows with gay characters and gay references.{{Sfn | Capsuto | 2001 | p = 313, 370}} ''The Simpsons'' would be noted as having "gay themes and characters" in various episodes.{{Sfn | Gross | 2001 | p = 122-123}}

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In 2010, animation and popular culture scholar Jo Johnson argued that the medium of animation itself is being used to "represent prime-time sexuality and gender in a more progressive way than a live-action show." She went on to say that progress made by animated shows has allowed audiences to laugh with, rather than at, queer characters.{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 270}} The 2010s were a decade which would change LGBT representation in animation going forward in a significant way. This included series such as ''[[The Legend of Korra]]'',<ref name="Vanity Fair 19 December 2014">{{cite magazine|last1=Robinson|first1=Joanna|title=How a Nickelodeon Cartoon Became One of the Most Powerful, Subversive Shows of 2014|url=http://www.vanityfair.com/vf-hollywood/2014/12/korra-series-finale-recap-gay-asami|access-date=December 19, 2014|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=December 19, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219230600/http://www.vanityfair.com/vf-hollywood/2014/12/korra-series-finale-recap-gay-asami|archive-date=December 19, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''[[Steven Universe]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adegoke |first1=Yomi |title=Move over, Disney! Meet the woman leading the LGBT cartoon revolution |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/oct/01/move-over-disney-meet-rebecca-sugar-the-woman-leading-the-lgbt-cartoon-revolution-steven-universe-adventure-time |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=March 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307010029/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/oct/01/move-over-disney-meet-rebecca-sugar-the-woman-leading-the-lgbt-cartoon-revolution-steven-universe-adventure-time |archive-date=March 7, 2020 |date=October 1, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Adventure Time]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fleener |first1=S.E. |title=The Awesome and Unexpected Queering of Adventure Time |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/the-awesome-and-unexpected-queering-of-adventure-time |website=[[Syfy]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617202815/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/the-awesome-and-unexpected-queering-of-adventure-time |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |date=June 17, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''[[She-Ra and the Princesses of Power]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Asher-Perrin |first1=Emmet |title=She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is Freaking Fabulous |url=https://www.tor.com/2018/11/16/she-ra-and-the-princesses-of-power-is-freaking-fabulous/ |website=[[tor.com]] |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212002506/https://www.tor.com/2018/11/16/she-ra-and-the-princesses-of-power-is-freaking-fabulous/ |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |date=November 16, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''[[Arthur (TV series)|Arthur]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sebastian Gorka Is Worried That Mr. Ratburn's Gay Wedding Will Destroy Society |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/7xgk7e/sebastian-gorka-is-worried-that-mr-ratburns-gay-wedding-will-destroy-society |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728073304/https://www.vice.com/en/article/7xgk7e/sebastian-gorka-is-worried-that-mr-ratburns-gay-wedding-will-destroy-society |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |access-date=April 20, 2023 |website=[[Vice.com]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Fetters |first1=Ashley |last2=Escobar |first2=Natalie |date=May 14, 2019 |title=How a Gay Character on 'Arthur' Reflects Changing Norms in the U.S. |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/05/mr-ratburns-gay-wedding-on-arthur-was-quietly-profound/589462/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308122332/https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/05/mr-ratburns-gay-wedding-on-arthur-was-quietly-profound/589462/ |archive-date=March 8, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2022 |website=[[The Atlantic]] |language=en}}</ref> and ''[[Bojack Horseman]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/26/18028908/glaad-report-television-tv-2018-lgbtq-diversity-gay-bisexual-trans-media-representation|work=[[The Verge]]|title=2018 saw record growth in LGBTQ roles on television|last=Liao|first=Shannon|date=October 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606083553/https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/26/18028908/glaad-report-television-tv-2018-lgbtq-diversity-gay-bisexual-trans-media-representation|archive-date=June 6, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[GLAAD]] would report on trends with LGBTQ+ representation during this period. In 2014, the organization would comment that children's programming had been "slow to reflect the diversity its audience is experiencing in its daily life."{{Sfn | GLAAD | 2014 | p = 23}} Later, they would report that in the 2016-2017 broadcast season, the highest number of LGBTQ characters they had recorded yet appeared, and praised the increase of such characters on streaming services the next year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Glass |first1=Joe |title=LGBT characters on TV will make up a larger percentage than ever, study finds |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/nov/03/lgbt-characters-tv-largest-percent-glaad-study |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803074638/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/nov/03/lgbt-characters-tv-largest-percent-glaad-study |archive-date=August 3, 2019 |date=November 3, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref>{{Sfn | GLAAD | 2016 | p = 5, 10}} The organization later praised services such as Netflix,{{Sfn | GLAAD | 2017 | p = 10}} CW Seed,{{Sfn | GLAAD | 2017 | p = 7}}, [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]], and [[Hulu]] for increasing LGBTQ representation, the latter three in "daytime kids and family television."{{Sfn | GLAAD | 2018 | p = 5}}{{Sfn | GLAAD | 2019 | p = 5, 6, 12}} [[Insider (website)|Insider]] later noted that according to their database of LGBTQ characters in children's animations, there was a "more than 200% spike in queer and gender-minority characters in children's animated TV shows" between 2017 and 2019<ref name="insidersnydes" /> In July 2019, Leanne Italie, in an article for [[Associated Press]], argued that LGBTQ diversity on children's television was growing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Italie |first1=Leanne |title=Bandwagon builds for LGBTQ diversity on children's TV |url=https://apnews.com/1d447480a16b4fdcb428cc5f99ec6603 |website=[[Associated Press]] |access-date=March 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211234053/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/bandwagon-builds-lgbtq-diversity-children-s-tv-n1037146 |archive-date=February 11, 2020 |date=July 31, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Others were more critical, calling for more LGBTQ animation<ref name="Mak2017">{{cite web |last1=Mak |first1=Philip |title=In a Heartbeat: Why we need more LGBTQ animation. |url=https://blog.toonboom.com/in-a-heartbeat-why-we-need-more-lgbtq-animation |website=[[Toon Boom Animation|Toon Boom]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405025918/https://blog.toonboom.com/in-a-heartbeat-why-we-need-more-lgbtq-animation |archive-date=April 5, 2020 |date=June 21, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref>{{Sfn | Cook | 2018 | p = 7}} and reported that LGBTQ+ characters in animated television remained somewhat rare.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Segal |first1=Cynthia |title=7 American Kids' Cartoons That Treat Their LGBTQ Characters With Respect |url=https://dotandline.net/lgbtq-american-cartoons-6b1557a4c846/ |website=[[The Dot and the Line#Legacy|The Dot and Line]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327045355/https://dotandline.net/lgbtq-american-cartoons-6b1557a4c846/ |archive-date=March 27, 2020 |date=June 30, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sizer |first1=Artistaeus |title=We Need To Talk About LGBT Representation, Apparently |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/we-need-to-talk-about-lgbt-representation-apparently_b_5a3d4dede4b06cd2bd03da68 |website=[[HuffPost]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419214106/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/we-need-to-talk-about-lgbt-representation-apparently_b_5a3d4dede4b06cd2bd03da68 |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |date=June 30, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===2020s===

Building on the progress in the 2010s, the 2020s held the promise of changing LGBT representation in animation in a significant way, especially when it came to Western animation. In 2020, the ''Steven Universe'' franchise came to an end with the final episodes of ''[[Steven Universe Future|]]''Steven Universe Future'']],<ref name="Baron2020">{{cite web |last1=Baron |first1=Reuben |title=It's Over, Isn't It?: Rebecca Sugar on the End of Steven Universe |url=https://www.cbr.com/rebecca-sugar-interview-on-the-end-of-steven-universe/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329181307/https://www.cbr.com/rebecca-sugar-interview-on-the-end-of-steven-universe/ |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |date=March 27, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> as did ''[[She-Ra and the Princesses of Power]]''.<ref name="digitalspy">{{cite web |last1=Opie |first1=David |title=She-Ra's season 5 finale just changed TV forever with a groundbreaking moment |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32459679/she-ra-season-5-finale-lgbtq-queer-kiss/ |magazine=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=May 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516175744/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32459679/she-ra-season-5-finale-lgbtq-queer-kiss/ |archive-date=May 16, 2020 |date=May 15, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The 2020s also included series with LGBTQ characters, such as ''[[The Hollow (TV series)|The Hollow]]'',<ref name="Trumbore">{{cite web |last1=Trumbore |first1=Dave |title='The Hollow' Season 2 Review: Netflix's Underrated Animated Series Levels Up |url=https://collider.com/the-hollow-season-2-netflix-review/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |access-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508223553/https://collider.com/the-hollow-season-2-netflix-review/ |archive-date=May 8, 2020 |date=May 8, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''[[DuckTales (2017 TV series)|DuckTales]]'',<ref name="Morrison">{{cite web |last1=Morrison |first1=Matt |title=DuckTales Season 3 Reveals Violet Has Two Dads |url=https://screenrant.com/ducktales-season-3-violet-two-dads/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410173852/https://screenrant.com/ducktales-season-3-violet-two-dads/ |archive-date=April 10, 2020 |date=April 4, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''[[Harley Quinn (TV series)|Harley Quinn]]'',<ref name="Knight">{{cite web |last1=Knight |first1=Rosie |title=Harley Quinn Season 2 Episode 7 Review: There's No Place to Go But Down |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/harley-quinn-season-2-episode-7-review-theres-no-place-to-go-but-down/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |access-date=May 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516185219/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/harley-quinn-season-2-episode-7-review-theres-no-place-to-go-but-down/ |archive-date=May 16, 2020 |date=May 15, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and ''[[Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts]]''.<ref name="Duffy">{{cite web |last1=Duffy |first1=Nick |title=Netflix's new animated series Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts features a beautiful coming out moment |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/01/16/netflixs-new-animated-series-kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-beautiful-coming-out-moment/ |website=[[PinkNews]] |access-date=April 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117144432/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/01/16/netflixs-new-animated-series-kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-beautiful-coming-out-moment/ |archive-date=January 17, 2020 |date=January 16, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> In their 2020–2021 [[GLAAD]] report praised representation in ''DuckTales'', ''The Owl House'', ''The Loud House'', and ''Harley Quinn''. The organization also pointed to representation in ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]'', ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', and ''[[Adventure Time: Distant Lands]]''.<ref name="glaad20202">{{cite report |date=January 2021 |title=Where We Are on TV: 2020–2021 |url=https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/GLAAD%20-%20202021%20WHERE%20WE%20ARE%20ON%20TV.pdf |publisher=[[GLAAD]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115060919/https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/GLAAD%20-%20202021%20WHERE%20WE%20ARE%20ON%20TV.pdf |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=January 20, 2021 |page=15, 40 }}</ref> In August 2021, [[Insider (website)|Insider]] found that in their analysis of 259 LGBTQ cartoon characters, stretching back to the 1980s, that "only 10 out of just 70 identified people of color...had leading roles" and a significant proportion lacked "explicit racial specificity."<ref name="whiabchikal2021">{{cite web|last1=White|first1=Abbey|last2=Chik|first2=Kalai|url=https://www.insider.com/lgbtq-creatives-of-color-discrimination-kids-animation-cartoons-2021-8|title=LGBTQ characters of color are making animation history — but creatives of color can't escape the industry's discriminatory past|website=[[Insider (website)|Insider]]|date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210831153307/https://www.insider.com/lgbtq-creatives-of-color-discrimination-kids-animation-cartoons-2021-8|archive-date=August 31, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2021, [[Insider (website)|Insider]] reporter Abbey White, said that children's animation is "arguably at the forefront of our conversations about non-binary identity and gender non-conforming identities," breaking down gender binaries reinforced in the media, and noted the animated series which are stepping up.<ref>{{cite podcast |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hollywood-remixed-billions-asia-kate-dillon-1235012146/ |title=‘Hollywood Remixed’: ‘Billions’ Star Asia Kate Dillon on How Non-Binary Representation Changes Lives |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |host=Rebecca Sun |date=September 11, 2021 |time= |access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref>

==Distribution, censorship and changes==

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===Censorship and broadcast standards===

[[File:Rebecca Sugar Speaking at New York Comic Con 2014 - Peter Dzubay (cropped).jpeg|thumb|[[Rebecca Sugar]] in 2014; she would first work on ''Adventure Time'' and would later create her own show, ''Steven Universe'']]

In the 2000s, ''[[Static Shock]]'', ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'', and ''[[The Proud Family]]'' were impacted by standards, censorship, and occasional protests by [[Christian fundamentalists]].

Richard "Richie" Osgood Foley, best friend of Static/Virgil, Richie, also known as Gear, who appeared in [[Kids' WB]]'s ''[[Static Shock]]'' was based on an openly gay character named Rick Stone from the original comic. [[Dwayne McDuffie]], one of the show's creators, said he dealt with the homosexuality of Richie by writing him "aggressively and unconvincingly announcing his heterosexuality whenever possible...while Virgil rolled his eyes at the transparency of it" but it never came up in the show because it was rated Y-7.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dar|first=Taimur|url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/marvels-earliest-gay-characters-introduced-in-don-mcgregors-black-panther-comics/|title=Marvel's Earliest Gay Characters Introduced in Don McGregor's Black Panther Comics|website=ComicsBeat|date=February 12, 2018|access-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128094954/https://www.comicsbeat.com/marvels-earliest-gay-characters-introduced-in-don-mcgregors-black-panther-comics/|archive-date=January 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the 2000s, Christian fundamentalist groups, such as [[Focus on the Family]], criticized SpongeBob SquarePants, claiming that Spongebob was gay and that the series was spreading "homosexual propaganda," leading series creator [[Stephen Hillenburg]] to describe SpongeBob as asexual, rather than gay.<ref name="bbc2002">{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=Camp cartoon star 'is not gay' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2313221.stm |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419032503/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2313221.stm |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |date=October 9, 2002 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=Camp cartoon star 'is not gay' |url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/spongebob-is-asexual-says-creator-20050129-gdzgke.html |website=[[The Age]] |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425191712/https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/spongebob-is-asexual-says-creator-20050129-gdzgke.html?js-chunk-not-found-refresh=true |archive-date=April 25, 2020 |date=January 29, 2005 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Emmett |first1=Neil |title=A History of the 'Gay Agenda' in Animation |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/ideas-commentary/a-history-of-the-gay-agenda-in-animation-105951.html |website=[[Cartoon Brew]] |access-date=April 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318042828/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/ideas-commentary/a-history-of-the-gay-agenda-in-animation-105951.html |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |date=November 20, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Another scholar argued that characters like ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'' challenged the "signifiers of traditional masculinity," and noted that Spongebob was "primarily asexual," but has a traditional wardrobe, and his design uses masculine and feminine signifiers at the same time, and able to fluctuate between "masculine aggression and...feminine positivity."{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 247, 250-251, 258, 270}} In February 2021, [[Ralph Farquhar]] revealed that in ''[[The Proud Family]]'', which aired on the [[Disney Channel]] from 2001 to 2005, they had to use "code to talk about if Michael was gay, to talk about sexuality" and to be "sort of underhanded about it," and said this changed with the revival/reboot ''[[The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wolfe|first=Jennifer|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/the-proud-family-returns-to-screens-louder-prouder-even-more-authentic/|title='The Proud Family' Returns to Screens Louder, Prouder & Even More Authentic!|website=[[Animation Magazine]]|date=February 4, 2022|access-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204183522/https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/the-proud-family-returns-to-screens-louder-prouder-even-more-authentic/|archive-date=February 4, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

Line 48 ⟶ 43:

On March 10, 2022, [[Pixar]] employees argued that "nearly every moment" of openly gay affection was cut due to demands from Disney executives, even if creative teams and Pixar executives objected, arguing that these employees are being barred from creating queer content in animated films.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cumber|first=Joseph|url=https://screenrant.com/disney-pixar-movies-lgbtq-inclusive-content-staff-statement/|title=Pixar Employees Say Disney Censored LGBTQ+ Inclusive Content Efforts|website=[[Screen Rant]]|date=March 10, 2022|access-date=March 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315221814/https://screenrant.com/disney-pixar-movies-lgbtq-inclusive-content-staff-statement/|archive-date=March 15, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=White|first=Abbey|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/pixar-employees-disney-statement-lgbtq-community-hollow-1235108281/|title=Pixar Employees Say Disney's Statement on Commitment to LGBTQ Community Rang Hollow|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=March 9, 2022|access-date=March 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316194455/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/pixar-employees-disney-statement-lgbtq-community-hollow-1235108281/|archive-date=March 16, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220318-florida-don-t-say-gay-bill-spells-headache-for-disney|title=Florida 'Don't say gay' bill spells headache for Disney|website=[[France 24]]|date=March 20, 2022|publisher=[[Agence-France Presse]]|access-date=March 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318050717/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220318-florida-don-t-say-gay-bill-spells-headache-for-disney|archive-date=March 18, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Some critics countered that Pixar also downplayed queer moments in films like ''[[Luca (2021 film)|Luca]]'' and ''[[Turning Red]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/turning-red-confirms-pixar-lgbt-problem/|last=Metadeen|first=Renaldo|title=Turning Red Confirms Pixar's LGBT Problem Is Real|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=March 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318092314/https://www.cbr.com/turning-red-confirms-pixar-lgbt-problem/|archive-date=March 18, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Previously, A.O. Scott argued that the film felt "gay" even if not "explicitly queer," and more ambiguous,<ref>{{cite web|last=Scott|first=A.O.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/movies/luca-review.html|title=‘Luca’ Review: Calamari by Your Name|website=[[New York Times]]|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=March 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702085440/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/movies/luca-review.html|archive-date=July 2, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> while the film's director, [[Enrico Casarosa]], said this was unintentional and that his original vision for the film was to explore the time in a child's life before romance,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.out.com/film/2021/6/22/luca-director-says-film-about-pre-romance-time-boys-lives|title=Luca Director Says Film Is About the 'Pre-Romance' Time in Boys' Lives|website=[[Out (magazine)|Out]]|date=June 22, 2021|access-date=March 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226165439/https://www.out.com/film/2021/6/22/luca-director-says-film-about-pre-romance-time-boys-lives|archive-date=February 26, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> but welcomed the interpretation after the film's release, also stating: "while I identify with pronouns he/him and I am a straight man, the themes of diversity, acceptance and inclusion in our movie are dear to my heart".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cupofgreentea.it/luca-disney-coming-out/ |title= Luca (2021): il nuovo film della Disney parla di un coming out? |website= cupofgreentea.it |language=Italian |date=June 23, 2023|access-date=March 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929232259/https://cupofgreentea.it/luca-disney-coming-out/|archive-date=September 29, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later reported that a same-sex kiss in ''[[Lightyear (film)|Lightyear]]'', was reinstated, with the film featuring the studio's "first-ever on-screen kiss between two characters of the same gender" between Alisha Hawthorne and her wife Kiko.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/disneysaygay-developments-lightyear-same-sex-kiss-reinstated-blue-sky-staff-notes-nimona-pushback/|title=#DisneySayGay Updates: 'Lightyear' Same-Sex Kiss Reinstated, Blue Sky Staff Reveals 'Nimona' Pushback|website=[[Animation Magazine]]|date=March 18, 2022|access-date=March 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320193906/https://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/disneysaygay-developments-lightyear-same-sex-kiss-reinstated-blue-sky-staff-notes-nimona-pushback/|archive-date=March 20, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> It would later be reported that Disney executives blamed the film's financial failure on the "queer kiss" between two characters.<ref name="ign2024" />

In September 2024, [[IGN]] spoke to ten former [[Pixar]] employees, who revealed internal struggles to "avoid LGBTQ themes" in ''[[Inside Out 2]]'', requiring edits to the film. Multiple employees, recalled notes given to make the main character in the film, Riley Andersen, appear "less gay," with special care to indicate that the relationship between Val and Riley seemed [[Platonic love|platonic]] rather than having any "romantic chemistry." One employee even recalled changes to tone and lighting of specific scenes, saying it was a "lot of extra work to make sure that no one would potentially see them as not straight." The same source added that canonically, Riley is not gay, but it is "kind of inferred based on certain contexts" and that executives tried to play this down at multiple points" in the film, with another former employee saying some executives were "uncomfortable" with queer themes, with insistence these things remain out of the film. Another source said that many of those working at Pixar accepted the fact that there "may never" be a "major gay character in a Pixar movie."<ref name="ign2024">{{cite web|last=Stedman|first=Alex|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/inside-out-2-was-the-hit-pixar-needed-but-the-laid-off-employees-who-crunched-on-it-are-still-hurting|title=Inside Out 2 Was the Hit Pixar Needed, but the Laid-Off Employees Who Crunched on It Are Still Hurting|website=[[IGN]]|date=September 17, 2024|orig-date=September 16, 2024|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917132945/https://www.ign.com/articles/inside-out-2-was-the-hit-pixar-needed-but-the-laid-off-employees-who-crunched-on-it-are-still-hurting|archive-date=September 17, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the film, some felt [[queerbaited|baited]] by film's post-credits scene, which did not reveal that Riley is gay,<ref>{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Nate|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/inside-out-2-whats-rileys-deep-dark-secret.html|title=Were You Also Baited by the Inside Out 2 Post-Credits Scene?|website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|date=June 17, 2024|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916230550/https://www.vulture.com/article/inside-out-2-whats-rileys-deep-dark-secret.html|archive-date=September 16, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> but rather that she burned a rug once.<ref name="pitman2024">{{cite web|last=Pitman|first=Robert|url=https://screenrant.com/inside-out-2-riley-deep-dark-secret-not-lgbtq-theory/|title=Riley's Deep Dark Secret Reveal Makes A Popular Inside Out Theory Less Likely|website=[[ScreenRant]]|date=June 21, 2024|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621230411/https://screenrant.com/inside-out-2-riley-deep-dark-secret-not-lgbtq-theory/|archive-date=June 21, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Another reviewer, for [[The Guardian]], stated that "sexuality is entirely absent in the film."<ref>{{cite web|last=Shoard|first=Catherine|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jun/17/inside-out-2-joy-v-anxiety-puberty-and-the-big-secret-discuss-with-spoilers|title=Inside Out 2: Joy v Anxiety, puberty, and the big secret – discuss with spoilers|website=[[The Guardian]]|date=June 17, 2024|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617162045/https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jun/17/inside-out-2-joy-v-anxiety-puberty-and-the-big-secret-discuss-with-spoilers|archive-date=June 17, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Previously, some fans had speculated that Riley would be gay in the film and others believed there was canonical evidence to support this headcanon, once the film had released.<ref>{{cite web|last=Laguerre-Lewis|first=Kayla|url=https://screenrant.com/inside-out-riley-lgbtq-evidence-hints/|title=All The Evidence Riley Is LGBTQ+ In The Inside Out Movies|website=[[ScreenRant]]|date=June 25, 2024|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625092815/https://screenrant.com/inside-out-riley-lgbtq-evidence-hints/|archive-date=June 25, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="pitman2024" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Perry|first=Sophie|url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/06/07/inside-out-2-trailer-riley-gay-lgbtq-lgbt/|title=Is Riley LGBTQ+ in Inside Out 2? Sapphic Twitter detectives certainly think so|website=[[PinkNews]]|date=June 7, 2024|access-date=September 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607103711/https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/06/07/inside-out-2-trailer-riley-gay-lgbtq-lgbt/|archive-date=June 7, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Stereotypes and tropes===

Many Western animated series and films have featured stereotypes and tropes over the years. This included ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Alladin]]'', ''[[Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)|The Beauty and the Beast]]'', ''[[The Lion King]]'', and ''[[Hercules (1997 film)|Hercules]]'', ''[[The Ambiguously Gay Duo]]'', ''[[South Park]]'', ''[[Family Guy]]'', and ''[[Voltron: Legendary Defender]]''.

Some critics have noted the "sliver of representation" in Disney's film, ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'', embodied in characters such as [[List of Disney's Aladdin characters|Jafar]], created by gay animator [[Andreas Deja]], and singing music by another gay man, [[Howard Ashman]].<ref name="insidersnydes" /> Some, like filmmaker [[David Thorpe]], would argue that this film associated gay men with villainy, while others would describe Jafar as queer-coded, "polished, sophisticated, and bitingly funny."<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Samantha|url=http://www.newnownext.com/disney-queer-coded-animated-villains/07/2019/|title=I Miss Disney’s Queer-Coded Villains—But the Next Generation Won’t|website=[[NewNowNext]]|date=July 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719204210/http://www.newnownext.com/disney-queer-coded-animated-villains/07/2019/ |archive-date=July 19, 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gaston previously designed [[Gaston (Disney)|Gaston]] and LeFou in ''[[Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)|The Beauty and the Beast]]'' (1991).<ref name="craig2000">{{cite magazine | first=Craig | last=Seymour | title=Yep, They're Gay | url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,277857_2,00.html | date=6 October 2000 | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110135751/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,277857_2,00.html|archive-date=November 10, 2011}}</ref> This queer coding, however, had its disadvantages, with networks not wanting to show overt representation. [[Rebecca Sugar]] argued that it is "really heavy" for a kid to only exist "as a villain or a joke" in an animated series.<ref name="insidersnydes" /> Other critics argued that such queer-coded villains as contributing to "homophobic discourse" and equating queerness with evil itself.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gates |first1=Meggie |title=Once Again, Disney Attempts to Co-opt Pride Month |url=https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/disney-rebrands-pride-no-lgbtq-support |website=[[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]] |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712054914/https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/disney-rebrands-pride-no-lgbtq-support |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |date=July 18, 2021 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Weir |first1=John |title=FILM; Gay-Bashing, Villainy and the Oscars |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/29/movies/film-gay-bashing-villainy-and-the-oscars.html |website=[[New York Times]] |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122220051/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/29/movies/film-gay-bashing-villainy-and-the-oscars.html |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |date=March 29, 1992 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> He would later design Scar in ''[[The Lion King]]'' (1994),<ref name=":2" /> and the title character of ''[[Hercules (1997 film)|Hercules]]'' (1997).<ref name="craig2000" /> Others would also describe Scar and John Ratcliffe in ''[[Pocahontas (1995 film)|Pocahontas]]'' as "queer-coded villains"<ref>{{cite web|last=Salandra|first=Alex|url=http://www.newnownext.com/disney-gay-characters/03/2017/|title=11 Disney Animated Characters Who Were Definitely Queer|date=March 16, 2017|website=[[NewNowNext]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518064926/http://www.newnownext.com/disney-gay-characters/03/2017/|archive-date=May 18, 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref> and state that Deja's work on Scar and Hercules would be influential in development of some Disney characters.<ref>{{cite book | first1=Gail | last1=Dines | first2=Jean | last2=McMahon Humez | title=Gender, Race, and Class in Media: A Text-reader | page=[https://archive.org/details/genderraceclassi0000unse/page/209 209] | date=August 2002 | publisher=Sage Publications | isbn=978-0-7619-2261-2 | url=https://archive.org/details/genderraceclassi0000unse/page/209 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | first=Peter | last=Schweizer | title=The Mouse Betrayed | page=[https://archive.org/details/disneymousebetra00schw/page/148 148] | publisher=Regnery Publishing | date=September 1998 | isbn=0-89526-387-4 | url=https://archive.org/details/disneymousebetra00schw/page/148 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | first=Tom | last=Provenzano | title=The Lion in Summer | journal=The Advocate | page=66 | date=28 June 1994}}</ref>

The 1990s also featured series such as ''[[The Ambiguously Gay Duo]]'', which created by [[Robert Smigel]] and [[J. J. Sedelmaier]], and premiered on ''[[The Dana Carvey Show]]''. The show follows the adventures of Ace and Gary, voiced by [[Stephen Colbert]] and [[Steve Carell]], respectively, two [[superhero]]es whose [[sexual orientation]] is a matter of dispute, and a cavalcade of characters preoccupied with the question,<ref name="jjinterview">{{cite interview | subject=J.J. Sedelmaier | interviewer=Terry Gross | title=Animation director J.J. Sedelmaier | url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1125042 | type=Interview: Audio |format=MP3 | work=Fresh Air | publisher=NPR | date=June 27, 2001 | access-date=May 10, 2021}}</ref> and is a [[parody]] of the stereotypical [[comic book]] superhero duo done in the style of [[Saturday-morning cartoon|Saturday morning cartoons]] like ''[[Super Friends]]''. The shorts are intended to satirize suggestions that early [[Batman]] comics implied a [[Homosexuality in the Batman franchise|homosexual relationship]] between the eponymous title character and his [[sidekick|field partner]] and [[protégé]] [[Dick Grayson|Robin]], a charge most infamously leveled by [[Fredric Wertham]] in his 1954 book, ''[[Seduction of the Innocent]]'',<ref>{{cite book | last=Wertham | first=Fredric | title=Seduction of the Innocent | edition=First | location=New York | publisher=Rinehart & Company, Inc | year=1954 | isbn=9780848816575 | oclc=10526406}}</ref> the research methodology for which was later discredited.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/books/flaws-found-in-fredric-werthams-comic-book-studies.html?_r=0|title=Flaws Found in Fredric Wertham's Comic-Book Studies|first=Dave|last=Itzkoff|date=February 19, 2013|website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> This superhero show aired at the time there were other queer-themed live-action segments, like one of a gay weightlifting pair (Hans and Carvey), the "It's Pat" sketch from 1990-1994, which derived much of its humor from "speculation about Pat's gender and sexuality," and comic [[Terry Sweeney]] having a role on SNL, becoming the first regular gay performer in television.<ref>{{cite book|last=Tipton |first=Nathan G. |editor-last=Summers |editor-first=Claude |date=2012 |title=The Queer Encyclopedia of Film and Television |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nwFuDwAAQBAJ |chapter=American Television: Situation Comedies |location=San Francisco, California |publisher=Cleis Press Start |isbn=9781573448826 |page=39}}</ref>

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Other series that would not be renewed for additional seasons included ''[[Twelve Forever]]'', ''[[The Hollow (TV series)|The Hollow]]''<ref>{{cite web|title='The Hollow' Season 3: Canceled at Netflix After 2 Seasons|url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/the-hollow-season-3-canceled-at-netflix/|website=What's on Netflix|date=September 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008185136/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/the-hollow-season-3-canceled-at-netflix/|archive-date=October 8, 2020|access-date=May 15, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Hoops (TV series)|Hoops]]''. In September 2018, Petosky, one of the executive producers of ''Twelve Forever'' would state that because of the show abrupt ending, [[Shadi Petosky]], they won't be able to further explore the queer identity of the protagonist, Reggie.<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Petosky |first=Shadi |author-link=Shadi Petosky |user=shadipetosky |number=1174404144368517121 |date=September 18, 2019 |title=Our Netflix show Twelve Forever has a canon queer pre-teen main character. I am bummed we don't have future seasons to explore it, but we did it, and it's possible. |website=[[Twitter]] |access-date=December 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918200915/https:/twitter.com/shadipetosky/status/1174404144368517121 |archive-date=September 18, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Hoops (TV series)|Hoops]]'', which had a gay character named Scott on the school's basketball team,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Patton |first1=Rebecca |title=This New Netflix Show Is Basically One Big New Girl Reunion |url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/the-hoops-voice-cast-new-girl-reunion |website=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]] |access-date=August 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822195814/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/the-hoops-voice-cast-new-girl-reunion |archive-date=August 22, 2020 |date=August 21, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> would be cancelled by Netflix after its first season received low ratings and negative reviews.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ausiello |first1= Michael |date=December 12, 2020 |title=Hoops Cancelled at Netflix |url=https://tvline.com/2020/12/08/hoops-cancelled-netflix-season-2/ |url-status=live |work=TVLine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208225010/https://tvline.com/2020/12/08/hoops-cancelled-netflix-season-2/ |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |access-date=December 13, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |date=December 12, 2020 |title='Hoops' Canceled at Netflix After One Season (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/hoops-canceled-netflix-1234848791/ |url-status=live |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211002652/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/hoops-canceled-netflix-1234848791/ |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |access-date=December 13, 2020 }}</ref> Additional series which were not renewed included ''[[Q-Force]]'', a mature comedy about a group of undervalued [[LGBT]] superspies, and is centered on a [[gay]] secret agent,<ref>{{cite report |date=January 2021 |title=Where We Are on TV: 2020-2021 |url=https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/GLAAD%20-%20202021%20WHERE%20WE%20ARE%20ON%20TV.pdf |publisher=[[GLAAD]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115060919/https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/GLAAD%20-%20202021%20WHERE%20WE%20ARE%20ON%20TV.pdf |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=January 18, 2021 |page=19 }}</ref> which was not renewed for a second season (and widely panned by critics),<ref name="out2022">{{cite web|last=Sim|first=Bernardo|url=https://www.out.com/television/2022/6/29/netflix-just-cancelled-queer-animated-comedy-series-q-force|title=Netflix Just Cancelled Queer Animated Comedy Series Q-Force|website=[[Out (magazine)|Out]]|date=June 29, 2022|access-date=June 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629201643/https://www.out.com/television/2022/6/29/netflix-just-cancelled-queer-animated-comedy-series-q-force|archive-date=June 29, 2022|url-status=live|quote=The series was largely panned by critics }}</ref> and ''[[The Venture Bros.]]'', which had been slated to be renewed for an eighth and final season, which was later confirmed by series creator [[Jackson Publick]], with season 8 being axed.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1303102212193705985|user=jacksonpublick|title=Unfortunately, it's true: #VentureBros has been canceled. We got the highly disappointing news a few months ago, while we were writing what would have been season 8. We thank you, our amazing fans, for 17 years of your kind (and patient) attention. And, as always, We Love You.|first=Jackson|last=Publick|date=September 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907230240/https://twitter.com/jacksonpublick/status/1303102212193705985|archive-date=September 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name="morjor2020">{{Cite web|last=Moreau|first=Jordan|date=September 8, 2020|title='The Venture Bros.' Canceled at Adult Swim After Seven Seasons|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/venture-bros-canceled-adult-swim-1234761672/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909163213/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/venture-bros-canceled-adult-swim-1234761672/|archive-date=September 9, 2020|access-date=September 8, 2020|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|language=en}}</ref>

On September 7, 2020, [[Adult Swim]] stated that they were working to "find another way to continue the ''Venture Bros.'' story"."<ref name=AdultSwimCancellationstatement>{{cite tweet |user=AdultSwim |number=1303162122520723456 |date=September 7, 2020 |title=We also want more Venture Bros. and have been working with Jackson and Doc to find another way to continue the Venture Bros. story.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909163220/https://twitter.com/adultswim/status/1303162122520723456|archive-date=September 9, 2020}}</ref> A number of creators weighed in on the decision. For instance, ''Owl House'' creator [[Dana Terrace]] criticized the cancellation, as did animator [[Bryan Brinkman]], ''[[DuckTales (2017 TV series)|DuckTales]]'' producer Frank Angones, and other fans of the show.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burton|first1=Bonnie|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/adult-swim-cancels-the-venture-bros-after-17-years/|title=Adult Swim cancels The Venture Bros after 17 years|website=[[CNET]]|date=September 7, 2020|access-date=September 9, 2020|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908170911/https://www.cnet.com/news/adult-swim-cancels-the-venture-bros-after-17-years/|archive-date=September 8, 2020}}</ref> A direct-to-video film continuation ''[[The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart]]'' was released on July 25, 2023.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=2021-05-May 12, 2021|title=Adult Swim Orders 'Venture Bros.', 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force', 'Metalocalypse' Movies|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/venture-bros-aqua-teen-hunger-force-movies-1234952010/|access-date=May 12, 2021|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Broadcast series ==

=== ''The Simpsons'' ===

{{Main|LGBT representation in The Simpsons}}

[[File:Matt Groening by Gage Skidmore -retouch.jpg|thumb|Matt Groening, who created ''[[Futurama]]'' and ''[[The Simpsons]]'', at the 2009 Comic Con in San Diego]]

On December 17, 1989, the first episode of ''[[The Simpsons]]'' featured a gay character, Waylon Smithers, named after gay puppeteer [[Wayland Flowers]].<ref name="Jeff Martin">{{cite podcast|last1=Goertz|first1=Allie|last2=Prescott|first2=Julia|title=I Married Marge (with Jeff Martin)|publisher=Maximum Fun|date=8 August 2016|time=61:28|url=http://podbay.fm/show/979023994/e/1470639600|access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref> He was the first gay character to appear on a U.S. animated show.<ref name="sprcon">{{cite book |last1=Reiss |first1=Mike |last2=Klickstein |first2=Mathew |title=Springfield confidential: jokes, secrets, and outright lies from a lifetime writing for the Simpsons |date=2018 |publisher=Dey Street Books |isbn=978-0-06-274803-4 |page=103|location=New York City}}</ref> However, like other shows at the time, ''The Simpsons'' approached the subject gingerly, not drawing much attention to the sexuality of Smithers,<ref name="ReissTTH">{{cite video | people=[[Al Jean|Jean, Al]]|date=2001|title=The Simpsons season 1 DVD commentary for the episode 'The Telltale Head'| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox|location=Los Angeles, California}}</ref> as he remained [[Closeted|in the closet]], officially, until 2016.<ref name="Siegel">{{cite web |last1=Siegel |first1=Alan |title=When 'The Simpsons' Came Out of the Closet |url=https://www.theringer.com/2017/2/8/16038570/simpsons-homers-phobia-john-waters-gay-lgbt-representation-tv-849196024467 |website=The Ringer |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216161834/https://www.theringer.com/2017/2/8/16038570/simpsons-homers-phobia-john-waters-gay-lgbt-representation-tv-849196024467 |archive-date=February 16, 2020 |date=February 8, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> One scholar would call ''The Simpsons'' "subversive" for satirizing and challenging social norms, traditional values, and LGBTQ representations.{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 247}} Even so, it was noted that Smithers is frequently dubbed as "Burns-sexual," which is used to hide his sexuality, and he has been passing his whole life, with his remaining in the closet a focus of many sketches and jokes in the show.{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 268}} He would also be described as a weird man who sticks to "his cartoonish closet" and as a person who is infatuated with a "vaguely homophobic" Mr. Burns, with illusions to this attraction beginning to be shown in the show's first season.{{Sfn |Walters | 2001 | p = 99}}{{Sfn | Capsuto | 2001 | p = 312-313}} Another scholar said that the sexuality of Smithers was clear from innuendos, although not explicitly stated, like him kissing Mr. Burns when everyone thinks the world is ending, in the November 1997 episode "[[Lisa the Skeptic]]".<ref>{{Cite book|title = The prime time closet : a history of gays and lesbians on TV |last = Tropiano|first = Stephen|publisher = Applause Theatre & Cinema Books|year = 2002|isbn = 9781557835574|location = New York|access-date = September 18, 2024|url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/primetimecloseta00trop/mode/2up |chapter="Not That There's Anything Wrong With It": Homosexuality and Television Comedy |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/primetimecloseta00trop/page/238/mode/2up|page=239 }}</ref>

Many other characters in ''The Simpsons'' were secondary and rarely in positions of power. Waylon Smithers and Patty Bouvier were the only recurring gay characters.{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 255-256}} In October 1990, a ''Simpsons'' episode, titled "[[Simpson and Delilah]]," featured a stylish assistant, Karl,{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 255}} who helped Homer, whose sexuality is never mentioned, even though the person voicing him ([[Harvey Fierstein]]) is a gay playwright.<ref name="Jean">{{cite video |people=Jean, Al |date=2002 |title=Commentary for the episode "Simpson and Delilah". The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref><ref name="Ortved">{{cite book |last=Ortved |first=John |title=The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History |year=2009 |publisher=Greystone Books |isbn=978-1-55365-503-9 |pages=248&ndash;250}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Springfield of Dreams: 16 Great 'Simpsons' Guest Stars |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=May 11, 2008 |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20049408_6,00.html |access-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514192211/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20049408_6,00.html|archive-date=May 14, 2008|url-status=dead }} He is relisted in [https://ew.com/gallery/simpsons-21-great-guest-stars/?slide=384099#384099 a 2010 article] on Simpsons guest stars as well</ref> In the episode, Karl and Homer kiss in what some say is the first animated male-male kiss to air on network television.<ref name="ew2000">{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2000/06/09/sweeps-brings-smooches/ |title=Sweeps brings smooches |first=Ken |last=Tucker |access-date=January 11, 2021 |date=June 9, 2000 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403152014/https://ew.com/article/2000/06/09/sweeps-brings-smooches/|archive-date=April 3, 2015|url-status=live }}</ref>{{Sfn | Capsuto | 2001 | p = 331}}

Line 93 ⟶ 88:

A February 16, 1997 ''[[The Simpsons|Simpsons]]'' episode, titled "[[Homer's Phobia]]", featured [[John Waters]], a gay filmmaker, as a gay man who helps Homer Simpson confront his homophobia.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Silver |first1=Stephen |title=Gayest Episode Ever: How John Waters Helped 'The Simpsons' Get LGBT Representation Right |url=https://hornet.com/stories/gay-simpsons-episode/ |website=Hornet |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515020624/https://hornet.com/stories/gay-simpsons-episode/ |archive-date=May 15, 2020 |date=April 23, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 255}} The episode also pokes at general homophobia in U.S. society as a whole.<ref name="Siegel"/> The episode, came during a time there were unspoken limits on what LGBTQ content could be shown on TV,<ref name="Siegel" /> with some arguing that "Homer's Phobia" did more, in terms of awareness and exposing intolerance, than "any live action show at the time."<ref name="openculture2019">{{cite web |last1=Mills |first1=Ted |title=When John Waters Appeared on ''The Simpsons'' and Changed America's LGBTQ Views (1997) |url=http://www.openculture.com/2019/05/when-john-waters-appeared-on-the-simpsons-and-changed-americas-lgbtq-views-1997.html |website=Open Culture |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215054901/http://www.openculture.com/2019/05/when-john-waters-appeared-on-the-simpsons-and-changed-americas-lgbtq-views-1997.html |archive-date=February 15, 2020 |date=May 23, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Others stated that in the episode Homer learned a "valuable lesson about tolerance" as he said he would okay with any of Bart's lifestyle choices, and that it took on stereotypes and employing them "even when it foregrounds their patent silliness," including visiting a gay [[steel mill]], only respecting John as a gay man after he saves Bart from an angry [[reindeer]].<ref>{{Cite book|title = Gay characters in theatre, movies, and television: new roles, new attitudes |last = Seba |first = Jaime |publisher = Mason Crest Publishers |year = 2011|isbn = 9781422220122|location = Broomall, Pennsylvania |chapter-url = https://archive.org/details/gaycharactersint0000seba/page/48/mode/2up |access-date = September 24, 2021|chapter = Out on the Small Screen |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/gaycharactersint0000seba |page=51-52}}</ref>{{Sfn |Walters | 2001 | p = 72-74, 97}} {{Sfn | Capsuto | 2001 | p = 313, 370}} One scholar, Stephen Tropiano, even rated it as one of the funniest sitcom episodes with LGBTQ themes.<ref>{{Cite book|title = The prime time closet : a history of gays and lesbians on TV |last = Tropiano|first = Stephen|publisher = Applause Theatre & Cinema Books|year = 2002|isbn = 9781557835574|location = New York|access-date = September 25, 2021|url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/primetimecloseta00trop/mode/2up |chapter=Appendix: Gay /Lesbian / Bisexual / Transgender TV Episode Guide |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/primetimecloseta00trop/page/312/mode/2up|page=313 }}</ref>

=== ''Adventure Time'' ===

''[[Adventure Time]]'' began airing on [[Cartoon Network]] in April 2010. The show introduced viewers to two queer characters: [[Marceline the Vampire Queen]] and [[Princess Bubblegum]], with [[Rebecca Sugar]] trying to foster the relationship between these two characters through her work on the show,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Costa |first1=Bo |title=Six Degrees of Rebecca Sugar: The Long Road to Bubbline and Beyond |url=https://www.thefandomentals.com/six-degrees-of-rebecca-sugar-the-long-road-to-bubbline-and-beyond/ |website=The Fandomentals |access-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412021810/https://www.thefandomentals.com/six-degrees-of-rebecca-sugar-the-long-road-to-bubbline-and-beyond/ |archive-date=April 12, 2020 |date=September 18, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Sugar would face pushback for years from the [[Cartoon Network Studio]] for having [[Marceline the Vampire Queen]] and [[Princess Bubblegum]] in ''[[Adventure Time]]'' together, as the studio was concerned about "distribution in countries where being gay or lesbian was censored in media and considered a crime."<ref name="insidersnydes" /> On September 26, 2011, ''Adventure Time'' began hinting at romantic subtext<ref name="nichbrit2011">{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Brittani |title="Adventure Time"'s Animated Lesbian Subtext Is Too Hot for TV' |url=https://www.autostraddle.com/adventure-time-censored-for-exploring-lesbian-subtext-112941/ |website=[[Autostraddle]] |access-date=November 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505050528/https://www.autostraddle.com/adventure-time-censored-for-exploring-lesbian-subtext-112941/ |archive-date=May 5, 2020 |date=September 30, 2011 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref><!--While there has been some debate about this source in the past, with users JSH-alive claiming it "doesn't fit Wikipedia's RS policy" or Fladrif declaring it is unreliable, as noted [[Wikipedia:Reliable sources/Noticeboard/Archive 145#Was that really notable outside the fandom?|here]] and [[Wikipedia:Reliable sources/Noticeboard/Archive 144#Was that really notable outside the fandom?|here]], it was stated in October 2011 in the [[Wikipedia:Reliable sources/Noticeboard/Archive 106#Sources cited in Adventure Time article|Sources cited in Adventure Time article]] section that "I believe autostraddle to be a decent, reliable and rather well-known source of news," with the other editor at the time agreeing with that belief. This article agrees with that assessment, in line with [[WP:RSPUSE]], which states that "Context matters tremendously when determining the reliability of sources, and their appropriate use on Wikipedia...other content may be merely opinion pieces, which mainly represent the personal views of the author, and depend on the author's personal reliability as a source...Consider also the weight of the claims you are supporting, which should be evaluated alongside the reliability of the sources cited. Mundane, uncontroversial details have the lowest burden of proof, while information related to biomedicine and living persons have the highest." I would say this source fulfills that burden.--> between two characters, Marcy and Bonnie, called "Bubbline" by fans, with the airing of the episode "[[What Was Missing]]".<ref name="Ewart">{{cite web |last1=Ewart |first1=Asia |title=Four cartoons that are leading the way in LGBT visibility |url=https://www.metro.us/entertainment/four-cartoons-that-are-leading-the-way-in-lgbt-visibility/ |website=[[Metro (Philadelphia newspaper)|Metro]] |access-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704172142/http://www.metro.us/entertainment/four-cartoons-that-are-leading-the-way-in-lgbt-visibility/zsJogi---ekjB9tKntGMWg |archive-date=July 4, 2016 |date=July 10, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=September 2024}}

On September 3, 2018, the season finale of ''[[Adventure Time]]'', "[[Come Along with Me (Adventure Time)|Come Along With Me]]" aired on [[Cartoon Network]], which confirmed Marcy and Bonnie as a couple, as they kissed in the episode.<ref name="Adegoke">{{cite web |last1=Adegoke |first1=Yomi |title=Move over, Disney! Meet the woman leading the LGBT cartoon revolution |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/oct/01/move-over-disney-meet-rebecca-sugar-the-woman-leading-the-lgbt-cartoon-revolution-steven-universe-adventure-time |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=March 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307010029/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/oct/01/move-over-disney-meet-rebecca-sugar-the-woman-leading-the-lgbt-cartoon-revolution-steven-universe-adventure-time |archive-date=March 7, 2020 |date=October 1, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> After the episode aired, some would argue that the on-screen confirmation of the same-sex romance showed that the "cartoon landscape has changed during Adventure Time's run,"<ref name="Sava">{{cite web |last1=Sava |first1=Oliver |title=Adventure Time concludes with a celebration of what makes it so special |url=https://tv.avclub.com/adventure-time-concludes-with-a-celebration-of-what-mak-1828785830 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220070929/https://tv.avclub.com/adventure-time-concludes-with-a-celebration-of-what-mak-1828785830 |archive-date=February 20, 2020 |date=September 3, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Some said the episode invited viewers to re-examine the past interactions of Bonnie and Marcy "through a queer lens" while impacting the animation world and TV industry.<ref name="Harris">{{cite web |last1=Harris |first1=Darrell |title=The Changing Representation of LGBTQ Cartoon Characters |url=https://csusaber.com/opinion/the-changing-representation-of-lgbtq-cartoon-characters/ |website=The Saber |publisher=[[Columbus State University]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327045352/https://csusaber.com/opinion/the-changing-representation-of-lgbtq-cartoon-characters/ |archive-date=March 27, 2020 |date=November 12, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> One reviewer, Mey Rude of ''.them'', argued that without the show, there would be no ''Steven Universe'', ''Clarence'', ''Summer Camp Island'', or ''Rick and Morty''.<ref name="Rude2018">{{cite web |last1=Rude |first1=Mey |title=Bubbline Is CANON: 7 Gayest Moments From Adventure Time's Cutest Relationship |url=https://www.them.us/story/bubbline-is-canon-adventure-time |website=[[Them (website)|THEM]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115180337/https://www.them.us/story/bubbline-is-canon-adventure-time |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |date=September 3, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Other critics praised the kiss between Marceline and Bubblegum, calling it "historic" and saying the finale was "more than [[queerbaiting]]" but rather a "true romantic relationship."<ref name="queernessshines"/><ref name="NBCUniversal">{{cite web |last1=Fleener |first1=S.E. |title=The Awesome and Unexpected Queering of Adventure Time |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/the-awesome-and-unexpected-queering-of-adventure-time |website=[[Syfy]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617202815/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/the-awesome-and-unexpected-queering-of-adventure-time |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |date=June 17, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

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The ''[[Adventure Time: Distant Lands]]'' series, the name for four hour-long [[streaming television]] specials based on the American animated television series ''[[Adventure Time]]'', which began streaming on [[HBO Max]], expanded on the story of Marceline and Bonnibel. The second episode of that series, "Obsidian," brought together Marceline, Princess Bubblegum, and Glassboy, the latter who is voiced by [[Michaela Dietz]], who voiced Amethyst in ''[[Steven Universe]]''.<ref name=ign_ob>{{cite web |last1=Prudom |first1=Laura |title=Adventure Time: Distant Lands - Obsidian: Exclusive Release Date and Trailer Reveal |date=November 9, 2020 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/adventure-time-obsidian-release-date-trailer |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109190150/https://www.ign.com/articles/adventure-time-obsidian-release-date-trailer |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> In this special, Marcy, living with Bonnie, is anxious about revisiting the Glass Kingdom as it holds bad memories, but she and Bonnie are forced to confront this "rocky past" as they face off against an ancient, dangerous, and powerful dragon. Some critics, such as Laura Prudom for [[Pride.com]], described Bonnie and Marcy living a "happy, gay life together" which they always deserved, and predicted that the series would be full of "action, brand new songs, and classic Adventure Time weirdness and heart".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Prudom |first1=Laura |title=Marceline & Bubblegum Are Back in Adventure Time: Obsidian |date=November 10, 2020 |url=https://www.pride.com/geek/2020/11/10/marceline-bubblegum-are-back-adventure-time-obsidian |publisher=[[Pride.com]] |access-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110155540/https://www.pride.com/geek/2020/11/10/marceline-bubblegum-are-back-adventure-time-obsidian |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rebecca Long wrote, for [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]], that the episode gives fans the "emotional payoff and answers" they have been yearning for and that the special uses the plot to explore Marceline's childhood trauma, her romantic history with Bubblegum, how the two are interconnected, and fills in gaps about her past.<ref name="polygon">{{Cite web |language=en-US |last=Long |first=Rebecca |date=November 19, 2020 |access-date=November 20, 2020 |url=https://www.polygon.com/animation-cartoons/2020/11/19/21575677/adventure-time-distant-lands-obsidian-review-bubbline |publisher=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |title=The new Adventure Time special is the scary, sad, sweet payoff that fans demanded |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120142827/https://www.polygon.com/animation-cartoons/2020/11/19/21575677/adventure-time-distant-lands-obsidian-review-bubbline |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Other critics, such as Rosie Knight for [[IGN]], gave a similar assessment.<ref name="ignknight">{{Cite web |language=en-US |last=Knight |first=Rosie |date=November 19, 2020 |access-date=November 20, 2020 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/adventure-time-distant-lands-obsidian-review-hbo-max |publisher=[[IGN]] |title=HBO Max's Adventure Time: Distant Lands - Obsidian Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120143754/https://www.ign.com/articles/adventure-time-distant-lands-obsidian-review-hbo-max |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Steven Universe'' ===

In November 2013, ''[[Steven Universe]]'' began airing on [[Cartoon Network]]. The show would focus on a half-alien, half-Gem child named Steven Universe, who is raised by three non-binary space aliens:<ref name="Ewart"/> Pearl, Garnet (a fusion of Ruby and Sapphire), and Amethyst, which are female-presenting, using she/her pronouns, in a non-traditional family,<ref name="Michele">{{cite web |last1=Kirichanskaya |first1=Michele |title=Steven Universe, She-Ra, & Voltron: LGBTQIA+ Successes, Failures, and Hopes for the Future in Children's Animation |url=https://www.themarysue.com/steven-universe-she-ra-voltron-lgbtqia-rep/ |website=[[The Mary Sue]] |access-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321095108/https://www.themarysue.com/steven-universe-she-ra-voltron-lgbtqia-rep/ |archive-date=March 21, 2020 |date=February 7, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> with a Steven's father, Greg, living in a van and running a car wash. While Rebecca Sugar, whose series built upon her work on ''[[Adventure Time]]'' in the years prior, had received direct notes about LGBTQ characters in her show, ''[[Steven Universe]]'' in previous years, in 2015, the studio executives told her that while she had a choice to make Ruby and Sapphire LGBTQ, some countries might pull back the series and the series itself could be cancelled.<ref name="insidersnydes" /> In 2016, Sugar came out as bisexual at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] and started to speak more openly on LGBTQ issues in ''Steven Universe'' and in the industry. She later said she had to come out because it was hard for her to "try and make heteronormative art."<ref name="insidersnydes" /> As a result, Sugar began advocating more for her characters.

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Amethyst and Steven work together to get her memories back, including Amethyst transforming into Rose, who she calls Pearl's "love of her life."

=== ''Legend of Korra'' ===

On December 19, 2014, ''[[The Legend of Korra]]'', a [[Nickelodeon]] show, aired their season finale, which showed [[Korra]] and [[Asami Sato|Asami]] holding hands,<ref name="konbry2014">{{cite web |last1=Konietzko |first1=Bryan |title=Korrasami is canon. |url=https://bryankonietzko.tumblr.com/post/105916338157/korrasami-is-canon-you-can-celebrate-it-embrace |website=[[Tumblr]] |access-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208061839/https://bryankonietzko.tumblr.com/post/105916338157/korrasami-is-canon-you-can-celebrate-it-embrace |archive-date=February 8, 2020 |date=December 22, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> showing they are in a relationship.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chirdo |first1=Maggie |title=Feeling Sapphic: How Velma Shaped Lesbian Culture |url=https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/scooby-doo-velma-influenced-lesbian-culture |website=[[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]] |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914234648/https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/scooby-doo-velma-influenced-lesbian-culture |archive-date=September 14, 2021 |date=July 21, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Mak">{{cite web |last1=Mak |first1=Philip |title=Five family-friendly LGBTQ animated series for Pride Month |url=https://blog.toonboom.com/lgbtq-family-friendly-animated-series-pride-month |website=Toon Boom |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713120757/https://blog.toonboom.com/lgbtq-family-friendly-animated-series-pride-month |archive-date=July 13, 2019 |date=March 26, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> As such, the show became one of the first western children's animation series to not only feature major LGBT characters, but also a lead LGBT character.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Joanna|title=How a Nickelodeon Cartoon Became One of the Most Powerful, Subversive Shows of 2014|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/vf-hollywood/2014/12/korra-series-finale-recap-gay-asami|access-date=19 December 2014|work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]|date=19 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712194716/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/12/korra-series-finale-recap-gay-asami|archive-date=July 12, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=IGN Staff|title=The Legend of Korra: IGN Editors React to the Ending and Korrasami|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/24/the-legend-of-korra-ign-editors-react-to-the-ending-and-korrasami|access-date=25 December 2014|work=[[IGN]]|date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328132502/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/24/the-legend-of-korra-ign-editors-react-to-the-ending-and-korrasami|archive-date=March 28, 2019}}</ref> One of the show creators, [[Michael Dante DiMartino]] confirmed Korra and Asami as having romantic feeling together, while the other show creator [[Bryan Konietzko]] said he was "very proud' of the ending, and that while he loved "how their relationship arc took its time," there was a limit to how much they could go with in the show. He also hoped that the show would move LGBTQ representation forward.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ehrhardt|first=Michelle|url=https://www.out.com/popnography/2014/12/23/understanding-legend-korras-queer-ending|title=Understanding Korra's Queer Ending|website=[[Out (magazine)|Out]]|date=December 23, 2014|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810080437/https://www.out.com/popnography/2014/12/23/understanding-legend-korras-queer-ending|archive-date=August 10, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the aftermath of series finale, which aired on Nickelodeon and [[Nick.com]], there were debates about "queer representation in children's media."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kang |first1=Aiyi |title=The effect of LGBT characters in our generation |url=https://sundial.csun.edu/88642/cultureclash-lifestyle/the-effect-of-lgbt-characters-in-our-generation/ |website=The Sundial |publisher=California State University Northridge |access-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318042829/https://sundial.csun.edu/88642/cultureclash-lifestyle/the-effect-of-lgbt-characters-in-our-generation/ |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |date=March 4, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Some, such as Mey Rude of [[Autostraddle]], noted that while the relationship between two bisexual characters, Korra and Asami, was built up during the course of the series, the words "I love you" were never uttered, nor did the characters kiss.<ref name="RudeSU">{{cite web |last1=Rude |first1=Mey |title="Steven Universe" and the Importance of All-Ages Queer Representation |url=https://www.autostraddle.com/steven-universe-and-the-importance-of-all-ages-queer-representation-281482/ |website=[[Autostraddle]]|access-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408231750/https://www.autostraddle.com/steven-universe-and-the-importance-of-all-ages-queer-representation-281482/ |archive-date=April 8, 2020 |date=March 13, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Lena Dean of [[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]] described the episode "a romantic ending for...a canon couple made up of two bisexual women": Korra and Asami, but criticized that while a kiss was implied, it was "not allowed on screen by Nickelodeon."<ref name="queernessshines"/> The relationship between Korra and Asami was also portrayed in the later comics, such as ''[[The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars]]'',<ref name="holchr2019">{{cite magazine|last=Holub|first=Christian|url=https://ew.com/books/2019/07/16/the-rise-of-kyoshi-avatar-the-last-airbender/|title=How The Rise of Kyoshi YA novel finds new things to love about Avatar: The Last Airbender|date=July 16, 2019|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly|EW]]|access-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603113743/https://ew.com/books/2019/07/16/the-rise-of-kyoshi-avatar-the-last-airbender/|archive-date=June 3, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> with commenters and reviewers, such as Doug Madison of the [[Washington Post]] and Zosha Millman of [[Vulture (website)|Vulture]], stating that the series paved the path for further queer representation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/09/16/how-legend-korra-changed-landscape-queer-representation-animated-shows/|title=How 'The Legend of Korra' changed the landscape of queer representation in animated shows|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|first=Madison|last=Dong|date=September 16, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210203165632/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/09/16/how-legend-korra-changed-landscape-queer-representation-animated-shows/?arc404=true|archive-date=February 3, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/legend-of-korra-korrasami-queer-characters-kids-tv-legacy.html|title=Legend of Korra Walked So Queer Characters on Kids' TV Could Kiss|website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|date=August 19, 2020|first=Zosha|last=Millman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203170155/https://www.vulture.com/article/legend-of-korra-korrasami-queer-characters-kids-tv-legacy.html|archive-date=February 3, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''The Owl House'' ===

In January 2020, ''[[The Owl House]]'' began airing on the [[Disney Channel]]. The show dropped subtext and hints that several characters within the show are [[LGBT|LGBTQ+]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adams |first1=Tim |title=The Owl House: Disney Animated Series' LGBTQ+ Relationship is No Longer Subtext |url=https://www.cbr.com/owl-house-disney-lgbtq-relationship/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |access-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810013018/https://www.cbr.com/owl-house-disney-lgbtq-relationship/ |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |date=August 9, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Tracy |title=The five TV shows you should be watching this week – "The Owl House" (Disney Channel) |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-08-10/the-owl-house-star-trek-lower-decks-handmaids-tale-homeland-the-other-one |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200812130841/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-08-10/the-owl-house-star-trek-lower-decks-handmaids-tale-homeland-the-other-one |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |date=August 10, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The series openly presented and confirmed Disney's first animated LGBT+ female non-[[recurring character]]: [[Luz Noceda]]. She would later enter a relationship with [[Amity Blight]], as shown in episodes like "Through the Looking Glass Ruins" and "Knock, Knock, Knockin' on Hooty's Door", with both praised as "fleshed-out characters" by Mey Rude of [[Out (magazine)|Out]] and Jade King of [[The Gamer]]<ref name="rudeout2021">{{cite web|last=Rude|first=Mey|url=https://www.out.com/television/2021/7/12/owl-houses-luz-amity-just-had-their-gayest-episode-yet|title=The Owl House's Luz & Amity Just Had Their Gayest Episode Yet|website=[[Out (magazine)|Out]]|date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712220742/https://www.out.com/television/2021/7/12/owl-houses-luz-amity-just-had-their-gayest-episode-yet|archive-date=July 12, 2021|access-date=July 12, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="kinjad2021">{{cite web|last=King|first=Jade|url=https://www.thegamer.com/the-owl-house-season-3/|title=The Owl House Isn't Getting A Full Third Season And That Sucks|date=July 16, 2021|website=[[The Gamer]]|access-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718015016/https://www.thegamer.com/the-owl-house-season-3/|archive-date=July 18, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=GLAAD |authorlink=GLAAD |user=glaad |number=1421901689590894593 |date=August 1, 2021 |title=We absolutely loved this week's episode of #TheOwlHouse! We're excited to see the series continue to explore Luz and Amity's relationship and for younger LGBTQ viewers to see this wonderful and affirming message in their favorite show. Check out a special clip! @DisneyChannel |access-date=August 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801235832/https://twitter.com/glaad/status/1421901689590894593 |archive-date=August 1, 2021 |url-status=live|ref=none}}</ref> Luz would later come out to her mother as bisexual in the third season episode "[[Thanks to Them]]".<ref>{{cite web|last=King|first=Jade|url=https://www.thegamer.com/the-owl-house-new-york-comic-con-panel-season-3-thanks-to-them/|title=The Owl House New York Comic Con Panel Was A Bittersweet Return For A Beloved Show|website=[[The Gamer]]|date=October 7, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917160515/https://www.thegamer.com/the-owl-house-new-york-comic-con-panel-season-3-thanks-to-them/|archive-date=September 17, 2024}}</ref><ref name="theowlhousegay">{{cite web|last=King|first=Jade|url=https://www.thegamer.com/the-owl-house-thanks-to-them-review/|title=The Owl House: Thanks To Them Review - This Mama Wasn't Ready For Trauma|website=[[The Gamer]]|date=October 14, 2022|access-date=October 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603120105/https://www.thegamer.com/the-owl-house-thanks-to-them-review/|archive-date=June 3, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

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== Streaming series ==

=== ''Bojack Horseman'' ===

''[[Bojack Horseman]]'', airing from 2014 to 2020 on Netflix, featured a number of LGBTQ+ characters. For instance, Hollyhock, a female teenage horse and Bojack's sister, has eight adoptive fathers (Dashawn Manheim, Steve Mannheim, Jose Guerrero, Cupe Robinson III, Otto Zilberschlag, Arturo "Ice Man" Fonzerelli, Gregory Hsung, and Quackers McQuack) in a polyamorous gay relationship.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nickalls|first=Sammy|title=The Tricky Problem With Hollyhock in 'BoJack Horseman' Season 4|url=https://dotandline.net/hollyhock-bojack-horseman-season-4-456f9384f8b9/|newspaper=[[The Dot and the Line#Legacy|The Dot and Line]]|date=September 21, 2017|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327045505/https://dotandline.net/hollyhock-bojack-horseman-season-4-456f9384f8b9/|archive-date=March 27, 2020}}</ref> [[Todd Chavez]] in the season 3 finale, "That Went Well," Todd confides in his friend Emily that he doesn't think he is either straight or gay, and in fact "might be nothing". He explores the identity further in season 4 and accepts his asexuality, while meeting others who share his orientation.<ref name="dotandline">{{cite web|last1=Nickalls|first1=Sammy|title=Todd Chavez Is TV's First Out-and-Proud Asexual Icon|url=https://dotandline.net/todd-chavez-asexual-bojack-horseman-season-4-8e426437c2b4|website=[[The Dot and the Line#Legacy|The Dot and Line]]|date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190317201221/https://dotandline.net/todd-chavez-asexual-bojack-horseman-season-4-8e426437c2b4?gi=f191fc62949e|archive-date=March 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Aaron Paul (29734396088) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|[[Aaron Paul]] in 2018; Paul voiced Todd Chavez in ''Bojack Horseman'']]

Todd's character was received positively. [[Them (website)|Them]] called the character "deeply relatable" and said the series was willing to "examine asexuality in an unprecedented way", including the inclusion of Yolanda Buenaventura as another asexual character, and they enter a relationship with one another, while shedding some light on "some of the nuances of asexuality and dating," then their relationship later ends.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cuby|first=Michael|url=https://www.them.us/story/bojack-horseman-asexuality|title=https://www.them.us/story/bojack-horseman-asexuality|title=Why I Find BoJack Horseman’s Depiction of Asexuality Deeply Relatable|website=[[Them (website)|Them]]|date=September 26, 2018|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603034035/https://www.them.us/story/bojack-horseman-asexuality|archive-date=June 3, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] described Todd as "unique and meaningful representation", opposing harmful asexual stereotypes present in ''Sherlock'' and ''Dexter'', and addresses "preexisting assumptions" about asexual people.<ref>{{cite web|last=Power|first=Brian|url=https://www.cbr.com/bojack-horseman-netflix-todd-asexual-representation/|title=How Bojack Horseman's Todd Was Unique for Asexual Representation|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|date=June 16, 2023|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621082926/https://www.cbr.com/bojack-horseman-netflix-todd-asexual-representation/|archive-date=June 21, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> [[The Mary Sue]] praised Todd for being a realistic portrayal of sexuality, calling it "nothing short of mind-boggling" and argued there was "still a lot of room to explore Todd’s asexuality".<ref>{{cite web|author=Nico W.|url=https://www.themarysue.com/bojack-horseman-asexual-representation/|title= BoJack Horseman Delivers the Asexual Representation We Need|website=[[The Mary Sue]]|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423015918/https://www.themarysue.com/bojack-horseman-asexual-representation/|archive-date=April 23, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Affinity Magazine'' argued that the series thoughtfully portrayed asexuality, specifically through Todd's character, and stated that series brought asexual issues to the fore "because asexual people have stories that deserve to be told."<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Grace|url=https://culture.affinitymagazine.us/how-netflixs-bojack-horseman-thoughtfully-portrays-asexuality/|title=How Netflix’s ‘BoJack Horseman’ Thoughtfully Portrays Asexuality|website=Affinity Magazine|date=October 8, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425042654/https://culture.affinitymagazine.us/how-netflixs-bojack-horseman-thoughtfully-portrays-asexuality/|archive-date=April 25, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> ▼

▲Todd's character was received positively. [[Them (website)|Them]] called the character "deeply relatable" and said the series was willing to "examine asexuality in an unprecedented way", including the inclusion of Yolanda Buenaventura as another asexual character, and they enter a relationship with one another, while shedding some light on "some of the nuances of asexuality and dating," then their relationship later ends.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cuby|first=Michael|url=https://www.them.us/story/bojack-horseman-asexuality|title=https://www.them.us/story/bojack-horseman-asexuality|title=Why I Find BoJack Horseman’s Depiction of Asexuality Deeply Relatable|website=[[Them (website)|Them]]|date=September 26, 2018|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603034035/https://www.them.us/story/bojack-horseman-asexuality|archive-date=June 3, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] described Todd as "unique and meaningful representation", opposing harmful asexual stereotypes present in ''Sherlock'' and ''Dexter'', and addresses "preexisting assumptions" about asexual people.<ref>{{cite web|last=Power|first=Brian|url=https://www.cbr.com/bojack-horseman-netflix-todd-asexual-representation/|title=How Bojack Horseman's Todd Was Unique for Asexual Representation|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|date=June 16, 2023|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621082926/https://www.cbr.com/bojack-horseman-netflix-todd-asexual-representation/|archive-date=June 21, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> [[The Mary Sue]] praised Todd for being a realistic portrayal of sexuality, calling it "nothing short of mind-boggling" and argued there was "still a lot of room to explore Todd’s asexuality".<ref>{{cite web|author=Nico W.|url=https://www.themarysue.com/bojack-horseman-asexual-representation/|title= BoJack Horseman Delivers the Asexual Representation We Need|website=[[The Mary Sue]]|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423015918/https://www.themarysue.com/bojack-horseman-asexual-representation/|archive-date=April 23, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Affinity Magazine'' argued that the series thoughtfully portrayed asexuality, specifically through Todd's character, and stated that series brought asexual issues to the fore "because asexual people have stories that deserve to be told."<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Grace|url=https://culture.affinitymagazine.us/how-netflixs-bojack-horseman-thoughtfully-portrays-asexuality/|title=How Netflix’s ‘BoJack Horseman’ Thoughtfully Portrays Asexuality|website=Affinity Magazine|date=October 8, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425042654/https://culture.affinitymagazine.us/how-netflixs-bojack-horseman-thoughtfully-portrays-asexuality/|archive-date=April 25, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[MovieWeb]], [[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]], and [[Vox (website)|Vox]] were praiseworthy, saying the series handles asexuality "perfectly", is a "realistic, understated depiction," and "changed asexual representation forever", while comparing it to other series, noting that Todd finds a support group "once he comes out".<ref>{{cite web|last=Abdi|first=Parvanae|url=https://movieweb.com/bojack-horseman-todd-asexual-icon/|title=Bojack Horseman: How Todd Became an Asexual Icon|website=[[MovieWeb]]|date=July 9, 2023|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614155825/https://movieweb.com/bojack-horseman-todd-asexual-icon/|archive-date=June 14, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kliegman|first=Julie|url=https://www.theringer.com/2016/8/12/16046836/bojack-horseman-asexual-representation-netflix-3c9d6c80d49d|title=A Quiet Revolution on ‘BoJack Horseman’|website=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]|date=July 9, 2023|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713100431/https://www.theringer.com/2016/8/12/16046836/bojack-horseman-asexual-representation-netflix-3c9d6c80d49d|archive-date=July 13, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ghaleb|first=Sara|url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/3/26/16291562/asexuality-tv-history-bojack-shadowhunters-game-of-thrones|title=Asexuality is still hugely misunderstood. TV is slowly changing that.|website=[[Vox (website)|Vox]]|date=July 9, 2023|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824131948/https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/3/26/16291562/asexuality-tv-history-bojack-shadowhunters-game-of-thrones|archive-date=August 24, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Spotlight Journal'' was more critical, saying that asexual characters in the series "perpetuate some of the most common and unreasonable stereotypes of asexual people, distorting the public’s perspective", such as Todd's girlfriend, Yolanda, and second partner Maude, both of which are asexual, calling them "manic pixie dream girls" and saying that Todd's character reinforces some stereotypes.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fijman |first1=Sophia |date=May 2, 2022 |title=Misguided Monoliths: BoJack Horseman and the Reality of Asexuality |url=https://www.spotlightjournal.org/issue-iii/c8wrpyaklih2spq3xqebzij6qd8c2s |journal=Spotlight Journal |volume= |issue=3 |pages= |doi= |access-date=September 18, 2024}}</ref> The voice actor of Todd, [[Aaron Paul]], also told [[BuzzFeed]] that he was proud to represent the asexual community and noted asexual fans of the show who were grateful for hia character.<ref>{{cite web|last=Saint Thomas|first=Sophie|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/davidmack/aaron-paul-bojack-horseman-asexual-el-camino-breaking-ba|title=Aaron Paul Revealed The Touching Response To His "BoJack" Character's Sexuality|website=[[BuzzFeedNews]]|date=October 24, 2019|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206191140/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/davidmack/aaron-paul-bojack-horseman-asexual-el-camino-breaking-bad|archive-date=December 6, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Vivienne Medrano]], creator of ''[[Hazbin Hotel]]'' and ''[[Helluva Boss]]'', in an interview with [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]], said that the series changed how she thought about expressing themes and character development in mature animation.<ref>{{cite interview |last=Medarno |first=Vivienne |interviewer= Petrana Radulovic |title=Hazbin Hotel creator says BoJack Horseman showed her what adult animation could be |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=January 19, 2024 |url=https://www.polygon.com/24043306/hazbin-hotel-vivziepop-adult-animation-tv-interview |access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329035705/https://www.polygon.com/24043306/hazbin-hotel-vivziepop-adult-animation-tv-interview|archive-date=March 29, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Big Mouth'' ===

In October 2018, a protagonist in ''[[Big Mouth (American TV series)|Big Mouth]]'', Jay Bilzerian, came out as bisexual.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Villarreal |first1=Daniel |title=One of the kids on Netflix's puberty comedy 'Big Mouth' came out as bi |url=https://www.queerty.com/one-kids-netflixs-puberty-comedy-big-mouth-came-bi-20181015/ |website=[[Queerty]] |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324225709/https://www.queerty.com/one-kids-netflixs-puberty-comedy-big-mouth-came-bi-20181015 |archive-date=March 24, 2020 |date=October 15, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The same year, Ali, a pansexual character, was introduced. Some, like Emily L. Stephen of [[The A.V. Club]], criticized Ali's character as an oversimplification of the "relationship between private parts and gender identity," even as her existence was praised as putting the show ahead of "most television representations of sexual expression"<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stephen |first1=Emily L. |title=Big Mouth's third season is bigger and mouthier than ever |url=https://tv.avclub.com/big-mouth-is-bigger-and-mouthier-than-ever-and-even-mo-1838723434 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329113041/https://tv.avclub.com/big-mouth-is-bigger-and-mouthier-than-ever-and-even-mo-1838723434 |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |date=October 4, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Others, such as Addissyn House of [[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]]|, praised the show has talking "honestly about sexuality, puberty, and desire for all genders",<ref>{{cite web|last=House|first=Addissyn|url=https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/when-sex-ed-fails-we-turn-to-pop-culture|title=Better Than Sex Ed: Pop Culture Is Teaching Teens About Sex|website=[[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]]|date=August 13, 2021|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825070656/https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/when-sex-ed-fails-we-turn-to-pop-culture|archive-date=August 25, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Following a negative audience response, in October 2019, series co-creator [[Andrew Goldberg (director)|Andrew Goldberg]] took responsibility for their misstep in the episode, saying they "missed the mark here with this definition of bisexuality vs. pansexuality" and said that thanked the trans, pan, and bi communities for "further opening our eyes to these important and complicated issues of representation" and said that he, and the other crew "are listening and we look forward to delving into all of this in future seasons."<ref>{{cite web|last=Ramos|first=Dino-Ray|url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/big-mouth-co-creator-andrew-goldberg-netflix-pansexuality-bisexuality-lgbtq-1202756202|title=‘Big Mouth’ Creators Admit Series “Missed The Mark” With Definition Of Pansexuality|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=October 9, 2019|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318205952/https://deadline.com/2019/10/big-mouth-co-creator-andrew-goldberg-netflix-pansexuality-bisexuality-lgbtq-1202756202/|archive-date=March 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Warner|first=Sam|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a29396807/big-mouth-lgbtq-controversy-ali-wong/|title=Big Mouth creator responds to LGBTQ+ controversy and admits "we missed the mark"|website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=October 8, 2019|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918145852/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a29396807/big-mouth-lgbtq-controversy-ali-wong/|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

The series LGBTQ representation received a mixed reception. Rachel Charlene Lewis of [[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]], criticized the show for misrepresenting pansexuality,<ref>{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Rachel Charlene|url=https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/big-mouth-season-three-bisexual-pansexual-representation|title="Big Mouth" Endlessly Explores Sexuality, but Still Stumbles on Queerness|website=[[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]]|date=October 13, 2019|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527050124/https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/big-mouth-season-three-bisexual-pansexual-representation|archive-date=May 27, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, she stated that the fourth season made up for past "queer missteps", noted that the series "embraced LGBTQ storylines" from the beginning, and called it "one of the best queer series on TV right now."<ref>{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Rachel Charlene|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/netflix-s-big-mouth-season-4-makes-past-queer-missteps-ncna1250065|title=Netflix's 'Big Mouth' Season 4 makes up for past queer missteps in a rollicking return to form|website=[[NBC News]]|date=December 5, 2020|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025053108/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/netflix-s-big-mouth-season-4-makes-past-queer-missteps-ncna1250065|archive-date=October 25, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> [[SYFY]]'s Kayleigh Donaldson said that although the series had a "great depiction of discovering one's bisexuality" in the third season, the introduction of Ali, and her explanation of pansexuality was "neither funny nor accurate."<ref>{{cite web|last=Donaldson|first=Kayleigh|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/what-big-mouth-gets-right-and-wrong-about-bisexuality|title=What Big Mouth gets right and wrong about bisexuality|website=[[SYFY]]|date=October 11, 2019|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519132722/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/what-big-mouth-gets-right-and-wrong-about-bisexuality|archive-date=May 19, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Justin Kirkland praised, in [[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]], the gay character of Matthew (voiced by [[Andrew Rannells]]), saying the series managed to make his character and realistic, calling it "a feat in itself for an animated series."<ref>{{cite web|last=Kirkland|first=Justin|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a29254707/big-mouth-season-3-matthew-andrew-rannells/|title=Big Mouth's Matthew Is the Kind of Gay TV Character I Wish I'd Had as a Kid|website=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|date=October 6, 2019|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102160849/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a29254707/big-mouth-season-3-matthew-andrew-rannells/|archive-date=November 2, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

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Reviewers responded more positively to the show's fourth season. Samantha Lewis of [[Them (website)|Them]] called the trans character Natalie, a "close-to-ideal representation of trans life on screen."<ref>{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Samantha|url=https://www.them.us/story/big-mouth-season-four-josie-totah-patti-harrison-transgender-character|title=I Didn’t Expect Much from Big Mouth’s New Trans Character — But She’s Amazing|website=[[Them (website)|Them]]|date=December 4, 2020|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802011054/https://www.them.us/story/big-mouth-season-four-josie-totah-patti-harrison-transgender-character|archive-date=August 2, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Natalie's voice actor, [[Josie Totah]], later told the same publication that it was an "amazing privilege" to tell Natalie's story "so authentically and beautifully and in a funny way," pushing back against casual [[transphobia]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Samantha|url=https://www.them.us/story/josie-totah-big-mouth-season-four-interview|website=[[Them (website)|Them]]|title=How Josie Totah Brought Big Mouth’s First Trans Character to Life|date=December 8, 2020|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811121129/https://www.them.us/story/josie-totah-big-mouth-season-four-interview|archive-date=August 11, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Diane Anderson-Minshall of [[The Advocate (magazine)|The Advocate]] highlighted the work of [[Brandon Kyle Goodman]], a Black non-binary writer for the series, and noted he will write for the series spin-off Human Resources, and voice a character on that series, with Goodman explaining how was drawn to the series, and saw it as a place to unpack trauma of being "a Black queer teenager in a lot of cis, het, white spaces."<ref>{{cite web|last=Anderson-Minshall|first=Diane|url=https://www.advocate.com/exclusives/2021/2/23/big-mouths-brandon-kyle-goodman-nonbinary-representation|title=Big Mouth's Brandon Kyle Goodman on Nonbinary Representation|website=[[The Advocate (magazine)|The Advocate]]|date=February 23, 2021|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918154241/https://www.advocate.com/exclusives/2021/2/23/big-mouths-brandon-kyle-goodman-nonbinary-representation|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[New York Times]] also did a profile on Goodman, noting that he voices a "queer lovebug" named Walter in the series, and quoted him as saying that wanted the chance to "]lay with all the colors in the crayon box of humanity instead of being sidelined as a trope."<ref>{{cite web|last=Holt|first=Brianna|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/26/style/brandon-kyle-goodman-big-mouth.html|title=Brandon Kyle Goodman, a Nonbinary Voice of ‘Big Mouth’|website=[[New York Times]]|date=November 26, 2021|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312204409/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/26/style/brandon-kyle-goodman-big-mouth.html|archive-date=March 12, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Harley Quinn'' ===

The series ''[[Harley Quinn (TV series)|Harley Quinn]]'' included various LGBTQ characters. In the May 2020 episode of the series, "There's No Place to Go But Down", Harley Quinn saved her partner-in-crime, Poison Ivy, both kissed each other after they escaped from prison.<ref name="knight">{{cite web |last1=Knight |first1=Rosie |title=Harley Quinn Season 2 Episode 7 Review: There's No Place to Go But Down |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/harley-quinn-season-2-episode-7-review-theres-no-place-to-go-but-down/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |access-date=May 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516185219/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/harley-quinn-season-2-episode-7-review-theres-no-place-to-go-but-down/ |archive-date=May 16, 2020 |date=May 15, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The critic who reviewed the episode, Renaldo Metadeen of [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]], stated that Harley and Poison's romance is "slow burn" one, adding that this love affair could turn into a "more realistic exploration of how it feels to fall in love with a friend or to have an awkward hookup with a workmate." In another episode, Clayface, a member of Harley's villain crew, was revealed as gay character who had a crush on a male student.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Metadeen |first1=Renaldo |title=DC Universe's Harley Quinn Reveals a Major Batman Villain Is Gay |url=https://www.cbr.com/dc-universe-harley-quinn-batman-villain-gay/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414065029/https://www.cbr.com/dc-universe-harley-quinn-batman-villain-gay/ |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |date=April 13, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=West |first1=Amy |title=Harley Quinn series reveals major Batman villain is queer |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32141766/harley-quinn-series-clayface-queer/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415131110/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32141766/harley-quinn-series-clayface-queer/ |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |date=April 14, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Previously, in the [[DC Universe]], [[Harley Quinn]] (Dr. Harleen Quinzel) and [[Poison Ivy (character)|Poison Ivy]] (Dr. Pamela Isley) started as friends,<ref name=":0">{{cite web|date=April 5, 2020|title=How Did Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy's Romance First Start?|url=https://screenrant.com/harley-quinn-poison-ivy-romance-origin/|access-date=September 19, 2024|website=[[ScreenRant]]|language=en-US|archive-date=August 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230808144122/https://screenrant.com/harley-quinn-poison-ivy-romance-origin/|url-status=live}}</ref> but after Harley and Ivy referred to themselves with nicknames, writers gave them more intimate moments together, but did not make them a romantic couple.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|date=August 21, 2021|title=How Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy's Romance Began In DC Comics|url=https://screenrant.com/harley-poison-ivy-romance-began-dc-comics/|access-date=September 19, 2024|website=[[ScreenRant]]|language=en-US|archive-date=August 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230808144647/https://screenrant.com/harley-poison-ivy-romance-began-dc-comics/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2020, the season 2 finale of the series, Poison Ivy had her wedding with Kite Man, a person she didn't love, interrupted. By the end of the episode, Harley Quinn and Ivy realize their feelings for each other, kissing and "finally embracing that they're soul mates" as Renaldo Metadeen of [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] put it.<ref name="Metadeen">{{cite web |last1=Metadeen |first1=Renaldo |title=Harley Quinn Season 2's Ending, Explained |url=https://www.cbr.com/harley-quinn-season-2s-ending-explained/ |magazine=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |access-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630155335/https://www.cbr.com/harley-quinn-season-2s-ending-explained/ |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |date=June 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Heather Hogan at [[Autostraddle]] added that the bisexual love of Poison and Harley is canon, calling the second season "one of the most gratifying gay seasons of television" she has ever watched.<ref name="hoghea">{{cite web |last1=Hogan |first1=Heather |title="Harley Quinn" Season 2: Harley and Ivy Ride Off Into The Sunset in Canonical Bisexual Love |url=https://www.autostraddle.com/harley-quinn-season-2-harley-and-ivy-ride-off-into-the-sunset-in-canonical-bisexual-love/ |magazine=[[Autostraddle]] |access-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630155558/https://www.autostraddle.com/harley-quinn-season-2-harley-and-ivy-ride-off-into-the-sunset-in-canonical-bisexual-love/ |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |date=June 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Another reviewer, Sophie Perry, writing for a lesbian lifestyle magazine, [[Curve (magazine)|Curve]], noted how that ''[[She-Ra and the Princesses of Power]]'' and ''Harley Quinn'' both had same-sex kisses, happening within stories which could have turned out to be "typical queerbaiting" but did not.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Perry |first1=Sophia |title=Is Queerbaiting Finally Being Put To Bed? |url=https://www.curvemag.com/opinion/readers-voice/is-queerbaiting-finally-being-put-to-bed/ |website=[[Curve (magazine)|Curve]] |access-date=May 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524140041/https://www.curvemag.com/opinion/readers-voice/is-queerbaiting-finally-being-put-to-bed/ |archive-date=May 24, 2020 |date=May 22, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

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In 2021, the series was nominated for a [[32nd GLAAD Media Awards|GLAAD Media Award]] for Outstanding Comedy Series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/2021-glaad-media-awards-winners-list-4163402/ |title=GLAAD Media Awards: 'Schitt's Creek,' 'Happiest Season,' Sam Smith Take Top Prizes |last=Gardner |first=Chris |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=PMRC |date=April 8, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182856/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/2021-glaad-media-awards-winners-list-4163402/|archive-date=July 9, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Other reviewers, like Carly Lane of [[SYFY]], noted that before the series the "will-they-won't-they, on-again-off-again dynamic" defined the relationship between Harley and Ivy, but that this series evolves the relationship between them gradually and becoming a romance, describing this as "more refreshing."<ref>{{cite web|last=Lane|first=Carly|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/harley-quinn-gave-us-one-of-the-best-queer-romances-of-the-year|title=Harley Quinn gave us one of the best queer romances of the year|website=[[SYFY]]|date=July 9, 2020|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428070714/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/harley-quinn-gave-us-one-of-the-best-queer-romances-of-the-year|archive-date=April 28, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Stacey Henley of [[The Gamer]] later described the series as "for the gays" and [[Seattle Times]] said the series got some of the most attention of DC titles,, as Harley "navigates her...relationship with Poison Ivy" and an associated comic book title.<ref>{{cite web|last=Talbott|first=Chris|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/from-supermans-bisexual-son-to-harley-quinn-and-poison-ivy-lgbtq-representation-is-increasing-in-mainstream-comics/|title=From Superman’s bisexual son to Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, LGBTQ+ representation is increasing in mainstream comics|website=[[Seattle Times]]|date=December 1, 2021|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115025639/https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/from-supermans-bisexual-son-to-harley-quinn-and-poison-ivy-lgbtq-representation-is-increasing-in-mainstream-comics/|archive-date=January 15, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Henley|first=Stacey|url=https://www.thegamer.com/harley-quinn-show-season-three-teaser-gay-lesbian-lgbt/|title=The Harley Quinn Show Knows It’s For The Gays|website=[[The Gamer]]|date=October 22, 2021|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603144620/https://www.thegamer.com/harley-quinn-show-season-three-teaser-gay-lesbian-lgbt/|archive-date=June 3, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Amanda Hurwitz of [[GLAAD]] described the series as "must-see LGBTQ TV," with the third season following "the escapades of...Harley...and her partner-in-crime Poison Ivy...as they rise to power in Gotham, and ultimately, fall in love," with the third season having them as the "new power couple of DC villainy."<ref>{{cite web|last=Hurwitz|first=Amanda|url=https://glaad.org/must-see-lgbtq-tv-harley-quinn-season-three-and-pretty-little-liars-original-sin-premiere/|title=Must-See LGBTQ TV: ‘Harley Quinn’ season three and ‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin’ premiere on Thursday, ‘Paper Girls’ and ‘Uncoupled’ debut on Friday!|website=[[GLAAD]]|date=July 24, 2022|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529010631/https://glaad.org/must-see-lgbtq-tv-harley-quinn-season-three-and-pretty-little-liars-original-sin-premiere/|archive-date=May 29, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Arcane'' ===

On November 7, 2021, ''[[Arcane (TV series)|Arcane]]'', premiered on Netflix. In the series, Caitlyn Kiramman, a recurring character, is attracted to Vi, a woman from the undercity, despite their different circumstances. Show writer Amanda Overton said that the relationship between Caitlyn and Vi is "naturally developing," with writers honoring the lived experiences of both characters,<ref>{{cite web|last=Overton|first=Amanda|url=https://old.reddit.com/r/arcane/comments/qumn0d/arcane_does_femalelgbt_representation_perfectly/hl9kbpi/|title=I know this won't change the frustration you've felt over the many years of investment in Vi and Caitlyn, and I'm sorry it made you so tired, especially when you seem to love them so much...|website=/r/Arcane|publisher=[[Reddit]]|date=November 19, 2021|access-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211121054622/https://old.reddit.com/r/arcane/comments/qumn0d/arcane_does_femalelgbt_representation_perfectly/hl9kbpi/|archive-date=November 21, 2021|url-status=live}} She confirmed that this is her account [https://twitter.com/leeloo104/status/1461611154753523717 on Twitter]</ref> and noted that in Piltover, where Caitlyn lives, there is no word for describing those who are gay or any [[homophobia]], meaning that Caitlyn could "marry any gender or race suitor."<ref>{{cite web|last=Overton|first=Amanda|url=https://old.reddit.com/r/arcane/comments/qumn0d/arcane_does_femalelgbt_representation_perfectly/hl2ws5g/|title=Another fun fact for you (since I happen to know the "unknowns" in your very thoughtful comment), Caitlyn's Kiramman name and house is inherited matrilineally...|website=/r/Arcane|publisher=[[Reddit]]|date=November 19, 2021|access-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211121055135/https://old.reddit.com/r/arcane/comments/qumn0d/arcane_does_femalelgbt_representation_perfectly/hl2ws5g/|archive-date=November 21, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> She also noted that when Vi tells Caitlyn "you're hot, Cupcake" in the episode "Everybody Wants to Be My Enemy", this was added to bring clarity to her character and showed that she loves women.<ref>{{cite web|last=Overton|first=Amanda|url=https://old.reddit.com/r/arcane/comments/qumn0d/arcane_does_femalelgbt_representation_perfectly/hkykdeg/|title=Hey there! Thanks so much for this post, it means the world to me...|website=/r/Arcane|publisher=[[Reddit]]|date=November 19, 2021|access-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121055258/https://old.reddit.com/r/arcane/comments/qumn0d/arcane_does_femalelgbt_representation_perfectly/hkykdeg/|archive-date=November 21, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Vi later moves in with Caitlyn, and in the show's ninth episode, Vi's sister, Jinx, describes Caitlyn as Vi's girlfriend. The show was renewed for a second season on November 20.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bankhurst|first=Adam|title=Arcane, Netflix's League of Legends Animated Series, Is Officially Getting a Second Season|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/arcane-season-2-announced-at-netflix-league-of-legends|access-date=November 20, 2021|website=[[IGN]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121012715/https://www.ign.com/articles/arcane-season-2-announced-at-netflix-league-of-legends|archive-date=November 21, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

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Jade King of [[The Gamer]] said the connection between Vi and Caitlyn becomes a "serious queer relationship," and praised the show's final act for "developing their romantic bond," while also saying that the show's fandom is by and for gay people, and positively receiving the third act of the show's first season.<ref>{{cite web|last=King|first=Jade|url=https://www.thegamer.com/arcane-gay-vi-caitlyn-romance-season-2/|title=Arcane Is Gayer Than I Ever Expected It To Be|website=[[The Gamer]]|date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224005252/https://www.thegamer.com/arcane-gay-vi-caitlyn-romance-season-2/|archive-date=February 24, 2023|access-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=King|first=Jade|url=https://www.thegamer.com/arcane-fandom-gay-vi-caitlyn/|title=Arcane's Fandom Is Made By The Gays And For The Gays|website=[[The Gamer]]|date=December 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110180122/https://www.thegamer.com/arcane-fandom-gay-vi-caitlyn/|archive-date=November 10, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=King|first=Jade|url=https://www.thegamer.com/arcane-act-3-review/|title=Arcane Act 3 Review: A Gay, Stylish, And Emotional Conclusion To Riot's Animated Show|website=[[The Gamer]]|date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812130723/https://www.thegamer.com/arcane-act-3-review/|archive-date=August 12, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Chloe Barnes of [[Collider (website)|Collider]] said that the series delivered "on the foundations of LGBT characters"<ref>{{cite web|last=Barnes|first=Chloe|url=https://collider.com/arcane-reasons-it-deserves-all-the-emmys/|title=Arcane: 10 Reasons It Deserves All The Emmys|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506210354/https://collider.com/arcane-reasons-it-deserves-all-the-emmys/|archive-date=May 6, 2024|access-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Arianne Binette of ''Film-Cred'' said that although there was discussion that some believed that the series was "queerbaiting the queer audience," because their relationship wasn't directly stated from the start, that this claim is inaccurate.<ref>{{cite web|last=Binette|first=Arianne|url=https://film-cred.com/no-arcane-was-not-queerbaiting-you/|title=No, ‘Arcane’ Was Not Queerbaiting You|website=Film-Cred|date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108190406/https://film-cred.com/no-arcane-was-not-queerbaiting-you/|archive-date=January 8, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Xan Indigo of [[ScreenRant]] argued that the "touching romance between two women" during the series fixes issues from the [[League of Legends]] video games.<ref>{{cite web|last=Indigo|first=Xan|url=https://screenrant.com/arcane-lgbtq-vi-caitlyn-relationship-design-not-sexualized/|title=Arcane’s LGBTQ+ Representation Fixes A Problem With The Video Games|website=[[ScreenRant]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711235256/https://screenrant.com/arcane-lgbtq-vi-caitlyn-relationship-design-not-sexualized/|archive-date=July 11, 2023|access-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''She-Ra and the Princesses of Power'' ===

In November 2018, ''[[She-Ra and the Princesses of Power]]'' premiered on [[Netflix]]. Prior to its release, it was announced this reboot of ''[[She-Ra: Princess of Power]]'' would include [[LGBTQ]] characters,<ref>{{cite news |title=Netflix's She-Ra Reboot Confirmed To Include LGBT Characters |url=https://screenrant.com/she-ra-reboot-lgbt-characters/ |access-date=November 7, 2018 |work=[[Screen Rant]] |date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009164233/https://screenrant.com/she-ra-reboot-lgbt-characters/ |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Reviewers for [[Tor.com]], [[Toon Boom Animation|Toon Boom]], and [[Entertainment Weekly|EW]] would describe the series reading "utterly [[queer]] in just about every aspect" and the "queer romance" manifested by the Adora-Catra relationship.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Asher-Perrin |first1=Emmet |title=She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is Freaking Fabulous |url=https://www.tor.com/2018/11/16/she-ra-and-the-princesses-of-power-is-freaking-fabulous/ |access-date=November 16, 2018 |work=[[Tor.com]] |date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116215534/https://www.tor.com/2018/11/16/she-ra-and-the-princesses-of-power-is-freaking-fabulous/ |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Mak">{{cite web |last1=Mak |first1=Philip |title=Five family-friendly LGBTQ animated series for Pride Month |url=https://blog.toonboom.com/lgbtq-family-friendly-animated-series-pride-month |website=[[Toon Boom Animation|Toon Boom]] |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713120757/https://blog.toonboom.com/lgbtq-family-friendly-animated-series-pride-month |archive-date=July 13, 2019 |date=March 26, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Franich |first1=Darren |title=She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is a funny-wonderful pop fantasy |url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/11/07/she-ra-princesses-of-power-netflix-review/ |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly|EW]] |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108040205/https://ew.com/tv/2018/11/07/she-ra-princesses-of-power-netflix-review/ |archive-date=November 8, 2019 |date=November 7, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The series would also be praised for its transgender characters, like Double Trouble, who was voiced by [[Jacob Tobia|Double Trouble's voice actor]] is [[non-binary]], like the character,<ref name="fisher">{{cite web|last1=Fisher|first1=Owl|last2=Fisher|first2=Fox|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/jun/30/it-takes-away-the-stigma-five-of-the-best-cartoons-with-transgender-characters|title='It takes away the stigma': five of the best cartoons with transgender characters|website=[[The Guardian]]|date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104182314/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/jun/30/it-takes-away-the-stigma-five-of-the-best-cartoons-with-transgender-characters|archive-date=January 4, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=May 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/jacob-tobia-she-ra-and-the-princesses-of-power-non-binary-double-trouble-lgbtq-netflix-1202765255/|title=Jacob Tobia Joins 'She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power' As Non-Binary Character|last=Ramos|first=Dino-Ray|date=October 21, 2019|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|language=en|access-date=October 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022124258/https://deadline.com/2019/10/jacob-tobia-she-ra-and-the-princesses-of-power-non-binary-double-trouble-lgbtq-netflix-1202765255/|archive-date=October 22, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

and its "multiseason queer story arc", which were seeded throughout the series by Stevenson, so it would be "too late for higher-ups to stop it."<ref name="queernessshines" /><ref name="insidersnydes" />

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In an interview with ''Nerdist'' in May 2021, Stevenson said that he wanted to represent points of view not usually seen in media, trying to explore them while being as "honest and as real as possible," adding that although crafting queer representation is different from "studio to studio, show to show," people who want such representation have to approach it "without any fear," and added that sometimes people hold back because they are scared and called for increased LGBTQ+ representation.<ref name="nerdist">{{cite web |last1=Knight |first1=Rosie |title=Noelle Stevenson on the Legacy of SHE-RA |url=https://nerdist.com/article/she-ra-finale-legacy-noelle-stevenson-interview/ |magazine=[[Nerdist News]] |access-date=May 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516174306/https://nerdist.com/article/she-ra-finale-legacy-noelle-stevenson-interview/ |archive-date=May 16, 2020 |date=May 15, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2021, Stevenson told [[Insider (website)|Insider]] that while the show's staff had a "good number of trans and nonbinary crew," criticism from some of Double Trouble as a villain and a "nonbinary character whose gender nonconformity was conflated with...alienness," blindsided him, admitting he "might have done some things differently," had he known of this perspective.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chik|first1=Kalai|last2=White|first2=Abbey|url=https://www.insider.com/queer-women-transgender-nonbinary-kids-animation-cartoons-2021-6|title=Animation's queer women, trans, and nonbinary creatives are pushing gender boundaries in kid's cartoons their counterparts couldn't — or wouldn't dare|date=June 30, 2021|work=[[Insider Inc.#Insider|Insider]]|publisher=[[Insider Inc.]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210702034400/https://www.insider.com/queer-women-transgender-nonbinary-kids-animation-cartoons-2021-6|archive-date=July 2, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts'' ===

''[[Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts]]'' aired on Netflix from January to October 2020. It became a shining example of expanded representation.<ref name="Duffy">{{cite web |last1=Duffy |first1=Nick |title=Netflix's new animated series Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts features a beautiful coming out moment |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/01/16/netflixs-new-animated-series-kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-beautiful-coming-out-moment/ |website=[[PinkNews]] |access-date=April 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117144432/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/01/16/netflixs-new-animated-series-kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-beautiful-coming-out-moment/ |archive-date=January 17, 2020 |date=January 16, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the first season of ''Kipo'', which streamed on January 10, 2020, Benson said he was gay, noting he only liked the series protagonist, Kipo, in a [[platonic love|platonic]] way.<ref name="Radulovic">{{cite web |last1=Radulovic |first1=Petrana |title=Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts treats coming out like just another part of life |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/1/15/21067505/kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-coming-out-scene |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=January 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404051227/https://www.polygon.com/2020/1/15/21067505/kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-coming-out-scene |archive-date=April 4, 2020 |date=January 19, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> He developed a crush on a male character, Troy, in the show's 10th episode.<ref name="denofgeek.com">{{cite web |last1=Kelley |first1=Shamus |title=Kipo and the Age of the Wonderbeasts' Casual Diverse Queerness |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/kipo-and-the-age-of-the-wonderbeasts-casual-diverse-queerness/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |access-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627032721/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/kipo-and-the-age-of-the-wonderbeasts-casual-diverse-queerness/ |archive-date=June 27, 2020 |date=June 25, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Benson has been described as the "first kids' animated character to directly identify as gay in dialogue."<ref name="insidersnydes">{{cite web|last1=Snyder|first1=Chris|last2=Desiderio|first2=Kyle|url=https://www.insider.com/the-evolution-of-queer-characters-in-kids-animated-tv-shows-2021-6|title=The evolution of queer characters in children's animation|website=[[Insider (website)|Insider]]|date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:https://www.insider.com/the-evolution-of-queer-characters-in-kids-animated-tv-shows-2021-6|archive-date=June 30, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Insider (website)|Insider]]'' also stated that Benson became the "first Black lead character" and the second-known animated kids character, apart from a character in ''[[6teen]]'', to identify as gay "in dialogue."<ref name="whiabchikal2021"/> Later, show creator Rad Sechrist also hinted at Troy being pansexual, but it was never confirmed in the show.<ref name="denofgeek.com" />

Reviewers have critically examined the show's LGBTQ characters and themes. Charles Pulliam-Moore of [[Gizmodo]] described the show as having "casual queerness," with Kipo not seeing him coming out as "major turning point" in her friendship with Benson, and states that the show's queerness differs from ''[[Steven Universe]]'' in that it is not "central to the story being told."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pulliam-Moore |first1=Charles |title=Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts' Casual Queerness Is Fantastic |url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-casual-queerness-is-fa-1841157244 |website=[[io9]] |access-date=June 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124155218/https://io9.gizmodo.com/kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-casual-queerness-is-fa-1841157244 |archive-date=January 24, 2020 |date=January 23, 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Laura Dale of [[SYFY]] described Benson coming out directly and saying he is gay as "an all-too-rare occurrence" in children's animation, comparing it to depictions in ''[[Steven Universe]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Korra]]'' ending, arguing that Benson's moment isn't a hug deal, but not completely ignored by Kipo, who supports her friend and acknowledges his gay identity, and notes that the series doesn't stop from showing Benson having "romantic feelings on screen" for another male character.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dale|first=Laura|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-makes-coming-out-as-gay-simple-and-direct|title=Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts makes coming out as gay simple and direct|website=[[SYFY]]|date=March 6, 2020|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151850/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-makes-coming-out-as-gay-simple-and-direct|archive-date=March 2, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Renaldo Metadeen of [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] argued that the LGBTQ arc in ''Kipo'' is better than the arcs in ''[[Voltron: Legendary Defender]]'' involving Shiro and Adam, and ''[[She-Ra and the Princesses of Power]]'' as related to Catra and Adora, stating that the relationship between Troy and Benson develops and they begin dating, celebrating and enjoying each other, without their characters "falling into stereotypes."<ref>{{cite web|last=Metadeen|first=Renaldo|url=https://www.cbr.com/kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-lgbt-arc-better-she-ra-voltron/|title=Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts' LGBT Arc Is WAY Better Than She-Ra's or Voltron's|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|date=October 25, 2020|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119160852/https://www.cbr.com/kipo-and-the-age-of-wonderbeasts-lgbt-arc-better-she-ra-voltron/|archive-date=November 19, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''High Guardian Spice'' ===

In October 2021, the creator of ''[[High Guardian Spice]]'', Raye Rodriguez, a [[Cuban-American]] [[trans man]], was described as being "passionate about telling diverse and inclusive stories" and noted as wanting to share "fantastical stories about queer, diverse and relatable characters," implying that such characters would be in the series.<ref name="milmer2021">{{cite web|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/anime/exclusive-images-a-bts-taste-of-crunchyrolls-latest-original-high-guardian-spice/|title=Exclusive Images: A BTS Taste of Crunchyroll's Latest Original 'High Guardian Spice'|website=[[Animation Magazine]]|date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025231542/https://www.animationmagazine.net/anime/exclusive-images-a-bts-taste-of-crunchyrolls-latest-original-high-guardian-spice/|archive-date=October 25, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The series included various LGBTQ characters. Most prominently this included Professor Caraway, a professor at the High Guardian Academy. Voiced by Rodriguez, he reveals in the third episode "Transformations", that he is a [[trans man]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gaymingmag.com/2021/10/high-guardian-spice-wows-fans-with-its-openly-trans-character/|title=High Guardian Spice wows fans with its openly trans character|website=Gayming Magazine|date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211027172245/https://gaymingmag.com/2021/10/high-guardian-spice-wows-fans-with-its-openly-trans-character/|archive-date=October 27, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |last=Rodriguez |first=Raye |user=dinoraye |number=1453175622419685381 |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Yeah! I'm Professor Caraway |language=en |access-date=October 27, 2021 |link=https://twitter.com/dinoraye/status/1453175622419685381 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027014425/https://twitter.com/dinoraye/status/1453175622419685381 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 }}</ref> The show also includes LGBTQ cast members like trans woman [[Julia Kaye]] (who voices Snapdragon), gay man named [[Cam Clarke]] (who voices Neppy Cat and Sorrel), and ambiguously queer [[Julian Koster]] (who voices Slime Boy).<ref name="lustercastlist">{{cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2021/10/10-1/high-guardian-spice-soars-to-crunchyroll-with-new-trailer-and-premiere-date|last=Luster|first=Joseph|title=High Guardian Spice Soars to Crunchyroll with New Trailer and Premiere Date|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=October 10, 2021|access-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010182237/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2021/10/10-1/high-guardian-spice-soars-to-crunchyroll-with-new-trailer-and-premiere-date|archive-date=October 10, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a November 2021 interview, Rodriguez noted the importance of representation, and voiced optimism for inclusivity in animation, praising ''[[Steven Universe]]'' for breaking "so many boundaries." He also stated that the series centers on four girls who aren't princesses or chosen ones, but go on adventures, and said it is inspired by a lot of his close friendships. He further praised Crunchyroll for not having any pushback to LGBTQ representation in the show, even though there is homophobia and transphobia in the show's world, adding that in that world, "people are generally a lot more chill about LGBTQ+ people than they are in real life."<ref name="rodriguezinterview2021">{{cite interview |last=Rodriguez |first=Ray |interviewer=Jade King |title=High Guardian Spice Interview: Raye Rodriguez On Creating A Queer Crunchyroll Original |work=The Gamer |date=November 3, 2021 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/high-guardian-spice-interview-raye-rodriguez-crunchyroll/ |format=Online |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211103185715/https://www.thegamer.com/high-guardian-spice-interview-raye-rodriguez-crunchyroll/ |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=November 3, 2021}}</ref>

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Previously, creator Sara Eissa talked about a pitch for her show, ''Astur's Rebellion'', an action-adventure, claiming it was rejected "due to bias against elements of diversity such as POC and LGBTQ+ main characters." She implied that she was talking about [[Crunchyroll]], and its then-upcoming show ''[[High Guardian Spice]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Sarantos|first1=Constance|url=https://www.cbr.com/crunchyroll-should-release-high-guardian-spice-now/|title=Crunchyroll - Now is the PERFECT Time to Release High Guardian Spice|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|date=November 15, 2020 |language=en|access-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201116182705/https://www.cbr.com/crunchyroll-should-release-high-guardian-spice-now/|archive-date=November 16, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> She also talked about discourse around "diverse" in the [[animation industry]], especially those pitching "future shows," stating that the company (presumably [[Crunchyroll]]) would look at a show with "diversity" like people of color, female cast, brighter tones, and "not give it a chance" because it won't be profitable.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Morrissy|first1=Kim|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2020-08-24/aspiring-animation-creator-alleges-corporate-bias-against-diverse-creators/.163228|title=Aspiring Animation Creator Alleges Corporate Bias Against Diverse Creators|website=[[Anime News Network]]|language=en|access-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210084638/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2020-08-24/aspiring-animation-creator-alleges-corporate-bias-against-diverse-creators/.163228|archive-date=December 10, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Dead End: Paranormal Park'' ===

On August 17, 2020, Margaret Evans interviewed Hamish Steele, creator of ''[[Dead End: Paranormal Park]]'', about LGBTQ characters in his show. Steele explained that he is grateful for showrunners who fought for LGBTQ characters in their shows, adding that there was "absolutely no pushback from Netflix about representation," while describing Barney Guttman as a trans male character.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Margaret |title=Interview: DeadEndia Creator Hamish Steele on Bringing More LGBTQ+ Animation to Netflix |url=https://www.themarysue.com/deadendia-netflix-hamish-steele-interview/ |website=[[The Mary Sue]] |access-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200823160026/https://www.themarysue.com/deadendia-netflix-hamish-steele-interview/ |archive-date=August 23, 2020 |date=August 21, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also hoped that the show will help out "more trans creators getting their chance to tell their stories" while hinting at other LGBTQ characters in the show apart from Barney, noting the performance of [[Miss Coco Peru]] on the show as Pauline Phoenix.

After the series had released, in June 2022, on [[Netflix]], Steele described the series as "a YA kids’ show," said they tried their best to "cast authentically," and said that unlike other series, ''Dead End'' treats bigotry as a "serious issue" that affects people, and that they explored the nuances of queer relationships.<ref>{{cite web|last=White|first=Abbey|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/netflix-dead-end-paranormal-park-hamish-steele-interview-1235165517/|title=‘Dead End: Paranormal Park’ Creator Hamish Steele on Crafting the Animated YA LGBTQ-Inclusive Horror Series|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=June 16, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412184251/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/netflix-dead-end-paranormal-park-hamish-steele-interview-1235165517/|archive-date=April 12, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> He later told ''Gayming'' magazine that although Barney's identity is important, he doesn't want to be seen as "the trans show," added that Netflix was only channel "looking to make a show with a trans lead" but that he disagrees with the streaming service's push for specials by [[Dave ChapelleChappelle]] and [[Ricky Gervais]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hart|first=Aimee|url=https://gaymingmag.com/2022/07/hamish-steele-on-dead-end-paranormal-park-working-with-netflix-and-trans-representation/|title=Hamish Steele on Dead End: Paranormal Park, working with Netflix, and trans representation|website=Gayming Magazine|date=July 21, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220222119/https://gaymingmag.com/2022/07/hamish-steele-on-dead-end-paranormal-park-working-with-netflix-and-trans-representation/|archive-date=February 20, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In another interview, he stated that Netflix pushed them to make the show the crew wanted, adding it was "not a compromised vision in any way."<ref>{{cite web|last=Opie|first=David|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a40300139/dead-end-netflix-musical-queer-lgbtq/|title=Dead End: Paranormal Park's Hamish Steele on queer animation and *that* musical episode|website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=June 16, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204143343/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a40300139/dead-end-netflix-musical-queer-lgbtq/|archive-date=December 4, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with [[Zach Barack]], who voices Barney, he said he loves being trans, glad his [[Twitter]] timeline was "flooded with kind things about trans people and what it meant to them" and that it was cool for his "mentions to be so wonderful for a while," said he would work with Steele again, noted that the show's writers, from what he heard, "mostly queer and created a really wonderful space together," and talked about his experience preparing for Barney's scene in which he comes out as trans to Norma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/zach-barack-interview-spider-man-dead-end-netflix-lgbtq-1849367551|title=Dead End: Paranormal Park‘s Zach Barack on What It Means to Be a Trans Lead in 2022|website=[[Gizmodo]]|date=August 4, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324120403/https://gizmodo.com/zach-barack-interview-spider-man-dead-end-netflix-lgbtq-1849367551|archive-date=March 24, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the series release, the series was praised for its LGBTQ representation. Laura Zornosa of [[Time Magazine]] noted that the series, and ''[[Wendell & Wild]]'', both featured the use of animation to reclaim horror genre for trans and queer people, noting that in ''Dead End'', the Paranormal Park is the safe haven for the protagonist, Barney, ad that he meets many other odd characters at the park, including Logan “Logs” Nguyen, who has a mutual crush on him, with most of the characters "either overtly queer or queer-coded," with many trans people, such as story revisionist Ash Wu, working on the series to ensure it portrays their stories accurately.<ref name="zor2022" /> Jade King of [[The Gamer]] described the series as "delightfully queer" while criticizing Netflix for canceling queer shows, while Kristy Puchko of [[Mashable]] said the series is a "kinetic and heartwarming adventure cartoon" which is proudly queer, and compared it to ''[[Gravity Falls]]'', as did Dana da Silva of [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]].<ref>{{cite web|last=King|first=Jade|url=https://www.thegamer.com/dead-end-paranormal-park-netflix-queer-lgbt-representation/|website=[[The Gamer]]|title=Dead End: Paranormal Park Is A Spooky, Fun, And Super Queer Adventure|date=June 17, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206202217/https://www.thegamer.com/dead-end-paranormal-park-netflix-queer-lgbt-representation/|archive-date=February 6, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Puchko|first=Kristy|url=https://mashable.com/article/dead-end-paranormal-park-review-netflix|title='Dead End: Paranormal Park' review: If the gay Babadook made a kids' show, it might look like this|website=[[Mashable]]|date=June 17, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917171911/https://mashable.com/article/dead-end-paranormal-park-review-netflix|archive-date=September 17, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=da Silva|first=Dana|url=https://www.cbr.com/dead-end-paranormal-park-gravity-falls-queer-netflix/|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|title=Dead End: Paranormal Park Gives off Queer Gravity Falls Vibes|date=July 1, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711090736/https://www.cbr.com/dead-end-paranormal-park-gravity-falls-queer-netflix/|archive-date=July 11, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Charles Pulliam-Moore of [[The Verge]] described the show's first season as an example of what queer creators can do when "given the resources and freedom to tell their own stories."<ref>{{cite web|last=Pulliam-Moore|first=Charles|url=https://www.theverge.com/23171056/dead-end-paranormal-park-review-netflix|title=Dead End: Paranormal Park’s one of those fantastic queer cartoons you’re always hearing about|website=[[The Verge]]|date=June 16, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805212533/https://www.theverge.com/23171056/dead-end-paranormal-park-review-netflix|archive-date=August 5, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Barry Levitt of [[The Daily Beast]] argued that the series "repudiates stereotypical representations of gender dysphoria," while Nathan Maizels of [[Collider (website)|Collider]] called the series a "queer Scooby-Doo", echoing themes in ''[[Scooby-Doo Where Are You!]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Levitt|first=Barry|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/netflixs-dead-end-is-the-kind-of-trans-representation-weve-been-waiting-for|title=Netflix’s ‘Dead End’ Is the Kind of Trans Representation We’ve Been Waiting For|website=[[The Daily Beast]]|date=June 17, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215225359/https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/netflixs-dead-end-is-the-kind-of-trans-representation-weve-been-waiting-for|archive-date=December 15, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Maizels|first=Nathan|url=https://collider.com/dead-end-paranormal-park-queer-scooby-doo/|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|title='Dead End: Paranormal Park' Is the Queer Scooby-Doo You Didn't Know You Needed|date=June 24, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116004450/https://collider.com/dead-end-paranormal-park-queer-scooby-doo/|archive-date=January 16, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Mike Deitz of [[Salon (website)|Salon]] said that the series explores theme parks as "queer getaways" and ripping away "gender norms and presentations".<ref>{{cite web|last=Deitz|first=Mike|url=https://www.salon.com/2022/08/07/end-paranormal-park-theme-parks-queer-getaways/|website=[[Salon (website)|Salon]]|date=August 7, 2022|title="Dead End: Paranormal Park" explores theme parks as queer getaways|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806134546/https://www.salon.com/2022/08/07/end-paranormal-park-theme-parks-queer-getaways/|archive-date=August 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''RWBY'' ===

''[[RWBY]]'' has featured various LGBTQ characters. This included Yang Xiao Long and her teammate Blake Belladonna, who previously had an abusive boyfriend named Adam Taurus,<ref name="darcy2023" /> who they kill together.<ref name="darcy2022b">{{cite web |last1=Darcy |first1=Diane |title=RWBY Ice Queendom's Big Bumbleby Moment Foreshadows Defining Battle In Vol. 6 |url=https://www.cbr.com/rwby-ice-queendom-episode-11-spoilers-bumbleby-foreshadows-adam-fight/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |access-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929150618/https://www.cbr.com/rwby-ice-queendom-episode-11-spoilers-bumbleby-foreshadows-adam-fight/ |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |date=September 12, 2022 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Both grow romantically closer as the series continued,<ref name="yangsister">{{cite web|last=Darcy|first=Diane|url=https://www.cbr.com/rwby-ice-queendom-episode-5-spoilers-yang-bumbleby-sister/|title=RWBY Ice Queendom Teases Bumbleby and Captures Yang's Sisterly Qualities|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|date=August 3, 2022|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020102414/https://www.cbr.com/rwby-ice-queendom-episode-5-spoilers-yang-bumbleby-sister/|archive-date=October 20, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> and confessed to each other in the [[List of RWBY episodes#Volume 9 (2023)|Volume 9]] episode "Confessions Within Cumulonimbus Clouds", confesses her own feelings, and both kiss.<ref name="cloudsinterview2023">{{cite interview |last=Dunkelman |first=Barbara |subject-link=Barbara Dunkelman |last2=Rivas |first2=Eddy |subject-link2=Eddy Rivas |last3=Shawcross |first3=Kerry |subject-link3=Kerry Shawcross |last4=Jones |first4=Lindsey |subject-link4=Lindsay Jones (actor) |last5=Winn |first5=Erin |subject-link5=Erin Winn |interviewer=Jack Pattillo |title= Blake and Yang Hold Nothing Back |type=Online |work=Rooster Teeth Animation |date=March 28, 2023 |publisher=[[YouTube]]/[[RoosterTeeth]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT2D8d_BngQ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/WT2D8d_BngQ |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=March 29, 2023}}</ref><ref name="zechinterview">{{cite interview |last=Zech |first=Arryn |subject-link=Arryn Zech |interviewer=[[Barbara Dunkelman]] |title= The Voices of Blake and Yang from RWBY talk Bumbleby - Always Open |type=Online |work=All Good No Worries |date=March 28, 2023 |publisher=[[YouTube]]/[[Rooster Teeth]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyhtrJy0jo0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/MyhtrJy0jo0 |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=March 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Darcy|first=Diane|url=https://www.cbr.com/blake-yang-kiss-wlw-romance/|title=RWBY's Blake and Yang Is WLW Romance Done Right - Here's How TV Can Learn From Them|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|date=March 31, 2023|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901115218/https://www.cbr.com/blake-yang-kiss-wlw-romance/|archive-date=September 1, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

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Otherwise, Kdin Jenzen, the voice actor for May Marigold, talked about confirmation of May as trans on screen in the December 19, 2020 ''[[RWBY]]'' episode, "War", the eighth episode of [[List of RWBY episodes#Volume 8 (2020–21)|Volume 8]] of ''[[RWBY]]''.<ref name="jenkid">{{cite tweet |last=Jenzen |first=Kdin |user=KdinJenzen |number=1342887719169626113 |date=December 26, 2020 |title=So hey, whatcha know about that? Canon trans May Marigold confirmation on screen! As Kerry and I mentioned on Stay Zen, this was always the plan and May being a transwoman is something that predates my being cast. Ya love to see it. |access-date=January 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226173938/https://twitter.com/KdinJenzen/status/1342887719169626113 |archive-date=December 26, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |last=Jenzen |first=Kdin |user=KdinJenzen |number=1206990507584262144 |date=December 17, 2019|title=As the voice of May Marigold I'm honored to present to you her concepts done by the talented @ErinMWinn! I'm also here to confirm: YES, May IS Henry Marigold's cousin! But more importantly, May Marigold is the very first onscreen trans character for RWBY! #RWBY7 #RWBY7Spoilers |access-date=December 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210191905/http://twitter.com/KdinJenzen/status/1206990507584262144 |archive-date=February 10, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> "I think my favorite part of May Marigold's story, overall, is that she found herself before ''she'' found ''herself''," Jenzen, who is a trans woman herself, told [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] in January 2021.<ref name="cbr2021">{{Cite news|last=Dominguez|first=Noah|date=January 3, 2021|title=RWBY's Kdin Jenzen Talks Voicing the Show's First Transgender Character|work=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|url=https://www.cbr.com/rwby-kdin-jenzen-talks-may-marigold-first-transgender-character/|url-status=live|access-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108031433/https://www.cbr.com/rwby-kdin-jenzen-talks-may-marigold-first-transgender-character/|archive-date=January 8, 2021}}</ref>

=== ''Hazbin Hotel'' and ''Helluva Boss'' ===

In October 2019, [[Vivienne Medrano|Vivienne "VivziePop" Medrano]] released an animated production with LGBTQ+ characters. The first of these productions was ''[[Hazbin Hotel]]'' which introduced a gay pornstar named Angel Dust, a bisexual character named Charlie, a lesbian character named Vaggie, and an asexual character named Alastor.<ref name="Medrano">{{cite tweet|last=Medrano|first=Vivienne|user=vivziepop|number=1050498176019353601|date=October 11, 2018|title=Angel and Alastor are old men who don't understand anything anymore 👍 I hope everyone on this #NationalComingOutDay2018 stays safe and stays proud 🥰|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127093437/http://twitter.com/vivziepop/status/1050498176019353601|archive-date=January 27, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="milligan2019">{{Cite web |last1=Millgan |first1=Mercedes |title=News Bytes: 'Sarah & Duck' Quacks Back in US, Check in to 'Hazbin Hotel,' Tellys Get Immersive & More |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/news-bytes-sarah-duck-quacks-back-in-us-check-in-to-hazbin-hotel-tellys-get-immersive-more/ |website=[[Animation Magazine]] |access-date=April 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108020837/https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/news-bytes-sarah-duck-quacks-back-in-us-check-in-to-hazbin-hotel-tellys-get-immersive-more/ |archive-date=January 8, 2020 |date=October 30, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Rupnarine|first1=Nerissa|url=https://www.cbr.com/dr-stone-senku-asexual-anime-representation/|title=Dr. Stone's Senku Could Be Groundbreaking for Asexual Anime Representation|date=July 24, 2020|access-date=November 5, 2020|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916212025/https://www.cbr.com/dr-stone-senku-asexual-anime-representation/|archive-date=September 16, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

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== Animated films ==

=== ''Mulan'' ===

In June 1998, ''[[Mulan (1998 film)|Mulan]]'', an [[animated cartoon|animated]] [[musical film|musical]] [[adventure film]] would begin showing in theaters. The film would include a bisexual captain [[List of Disney's Mulan characters#Li Shang|Li Shang]] (voiced by [[BD Wong]]). Shang, in the film, loved Mulan when she was disguised as a male [[alter ego]] named Ping, and in her true form as a woman.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hough|first=Soren|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/features/how-disneys-mulan-brazenly-challenges-gender-and-sexuality|title=How Disney’s “Mulan” Brazenly Challenges Gender and Sexuality|website=[[Rogerebert.com]]|date=December 28, 2016|access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625032958/https://www.rogerebert.com/features/how-disneys-mulan-brazenly-challenges-gender-and-sexuality|archive-date=June 25, 2020|url-status=live|quote=Successful training is indeed how she captures Shang’s attention...As Ping continues to try and blend in with her peers and prove herself to the captain, Shang becomes increasingly affectionate...his affection is also likely the deeper reason for him sparing her life...Shang appears to be attracted to the person regardless of gender...There is some level of ambiguity about Shang’s sexuality}}</ref> However, Shang was not included in the 2020 [[Mulan (2020 film)|live-action remake]]. One of the film's producers, Jason Reed, said that Shang was dropped in response to the [[Me Too movement]], arguing that "having a commanding officer that is also the sexual love interest was very uncomfortable and we didn't think it was appropriate".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Szany |first=Wendy Lee |date=February 27, 2020 |title='Mulan': Why Captain Li Shang Isn't in the Live-Action Remake |work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |url=https://collider.com/mulan-li-shang-not-in-live-action-remake-reason-why/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229041523/https://collider.com/mulan-li-shang-not-in-live-action-remake-reason-why/ |archive-date=February 29, 2020}}</ref> This was met with social media backlash from fans of the original film and members of the [[LGBTQ]] community, with Reed initially surprised by criticism of Shang's removal, but acknowledged that the character had become an "LGBTQ icon."<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Mulan: Disney drop character following #MeToo movement |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-51707188 |url-status=live |access-date=March 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302225205/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-51707188 |archive-date=March 2, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Vogue">{{Cite news |last=Rearick |first=Lauren |date=February 28, 2020 |title=Mulan" Love Interest Li Shang Was Reportedly Split Into Two Characters Because of MeToo |work=[[Teen Vogue]] |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/mulan-love-interest-li-shang-reportedly-split-two-characters-metoo |url-status=live |access-date=March 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303032415/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/mulan-love-interest-li-shang-reportedly-split-two-characters-metoo |archive-date=March 3, 2020}}</ref> He added that Shang's role would be served by two new characters, Commander Tung and Chen Honghui.<ref name="Vogue" />

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Even so, some reviewers, like Cynthia Vinney of [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]], called the interactions between Honghui and Mulan "more homoerotic" than Li Shang's in the animated version and "can be read as bisexual" while Lauren Puckett of [[Harper's Bazaar]] criticized Reed's reasoning as incorrect.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vinney |first=Cynthia |date=September 5, 2020 |title=Disney's Mulan Is Even MORE Homoerotic in Live-Action, if That's Possible |url=https://www.cbr.com/disney-mulan-more-homoerotic-in-live-action/ |access-date=September 19, 2020 |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116202428/https://www.cbr.com/disney-mulan-more-homoerotic-in-live-action/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="harperbazaar">{{Cite web |last=Puckett |first=Lauren |date=September 4, 2020 |title=Why Is Li Shang Not in Disney's Live-Action 'Mulan?' |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a33928432/why-li-shang-is-not-in-mulan-live-action/ |access-date=September 19, 2020 |website=[[Harper's Bazaar]]|archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116202429/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a33928432/why-li-shang-is-not-in-mulan-live-action/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Scholar Jo Johnson described ''Mulan'' as having a character, Mulan herself, who could "successfully 'pass' as the opposite sex" and as subverting her traditionally assigned gender signifiers, while having an "unusually masculine body." It was further stated that as a result, Mulan was the "perfect embodiment of a [[drag king]]" even though she maintains her [[heterosexuality]] as she is attracted to Li Sheng, comparing Mulan's interpretation of her sexuality to that of [[Bugs Bunny]].{{Sfn |Johnson | 2010 | p = 247, 255, 259-261}} Furthermore, gay playwright [[Harvey Fierstein]] voiced a character in Mulan, and only accepted the part after confirming that the rest of the cast was Asian so he would not take work away from an Asian actor.<ref>{{cite book|last=Rapp |first=Linda |editor-last=Summers |editor-first=Claude |date=2012 |title=The Queer Encyclopedia of Film and Television |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nwFuDwAAQBAJ |location=San Francisco, California |chapter=Fierstein, Harvey (b. 1954) |publisher=Cleis Press Start |isbn=9781573448826 |page=140}}</ref>

=== ''ParaNorman'' ===

In August 2012, ''[[ParaNorman]]'', a [[stop-motion]] [[Animation|animated]] [[dark fantasy]] [[comedy horror|comedy horror film]], would be released in the United States. In the film, Courtney has a crush on Mitch Downe and invites him to watch a [[Horror film|horror movie]]. She, however, discovers that he is gay and already in a relationship when he says, "You know, you're gonna love my boyfriend. He's like a total [[chick flick]] nut!"<ref>{{cite web|last=Woods|first=Ashley|url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/paranorman-s-mitch-first-family-friendly-gay-animated-character|title= 'ParaNorman’s' Mitch: The First Family-Friendly Gay Animated Character|website=[[Animation World Network]]|date=May 15, 2013|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602081817/https://www.awn.com/animationworld/paranorman-s-mitch-first-family-friendly-gay-animated-character|archive-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ryan/paranorman-the-movie-you-should-see_b_1773721.html | title='ParaNorman': The Movie You May Not Be Planning To See, Though You Should | first=Mike |last= Ryan | work= [[The Huffington Post]] | date=August 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305084439/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ryan/paranorman-the-movie-you-should-see_b_1773721.html |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Co-director [[Chris Butler (filmmaker)|Chris Butler]] said that the character's sexual orientation was explicitly connected with the film's message: "If we're saying to anyone that watches this movie don't judge other people, then we've got to have the strength of our convictions."<ref>{{cite web|title=The Film Strip: 'ParaNorman' Says You Can be Weird but Bullying is Not Ok.|url=http://www.eurweb.com/2012/08/the-film-strip-paranorman-says-you-can-be-weird-but-bullying-is-not-ok/|publisher=Eurweb.com|access-date=January 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811185400/http://www.eurweb.com/2012/08/the-film-strip-paranorman-says-you-can-be-weird-but-bullying-is-not-ok/ |archive-date=August 11, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In an interview with the Butler and co-director Sam Fell, they talked about the importance of telling a story about intolerance, bullying, and making family entertainment while "push[ing] the boundaries," with a gay protagonist.<ref>{{cite web|last=Anderson-Minshall|first=Diane|title=Why ParaNorman Featured the First Gay Character in an Animated Film|url=https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/dvds/2012/11/29/why-paranorman-featured-first-gay-character-animated-film|website=[[The Advocate (magazine)|The Advocate]]|date=November 29, 2012|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415144253/https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/dvds/2012/11/29/why-paranorman-featured-first-gay-character-animated-film|archive-date=April 15, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

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Ten years after the release of ''Paranorman'', Cameron Sheetz of [[Queerty]] called said the film had the horror genre's "first gay himbo character": Mitch.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sheetz|first=Cameron|url=https://www.queerty.com/paranorman-made-history-animations-first-ever-openly-gay-himbo-10-years-ago-today-20220817|title='ParaNorman' made history with animation’s first-ever openly gay himbo 10 years ago today|orig-date=August 17, 2022|date=January 26, 2024|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918205309/https://www.queerty.com/paranorman-made-history-animations-first-ever-openly-gay-himbo-10-years-ago-today-20220817|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, Randy Jones of [[FOX 10 Phoenix]] would describe the film as a "trailblazer" and note the film's "groundbreaking LGBTQ representation."<ref>{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Randy|url=https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/paranorman-anniversary-first-lgbtq-character-laika-how-to-watch-stream-free|title=‘ParaNorman’ at 10: A spooky, progressive animated trailblazer|website=[[FOX 10 Phoenix]]|date=August 22, 2022|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524043937/https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/paranorman-anniversary-first-lgbtq-character-laika-how-to-watch-stream-free|archive-date=May 24, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> One year later, Ray Clough and Callum Jones of [[MovieWeb]] argued the film's creators did not want to portray a gay male character stereotypically, and noted that film fans would praise "the team for making Mitch's sexuality...a tiny story beat and not using it as a plot hook."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clough|first1=Ray|last2=Jones|first2=Callum|url=https://movieweb.com/iconic-lgbtq-characters-from-horror-movies/|title=Iconic LGBTQ+ Characters from Horror Movies|website=[[MovieWeb]]|orig-date=May 8, 2023|date=October 21, 2023|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921005111/https://movieweb.com/iconic-lgbtq-characters-from-horror-movies/|archive-date=September 21, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''In a Heartbeat'' ===

In July 2017, ''[[In a Heartbeat (film)|In a Heartbeat]]'', aan [[computer animation|computer-animated]] [[short film]] produced by [[Ringling College of Art and Design]] and funded through [[Kickstarter]], was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slashfilm.com/short-film-in-a-heartbeat/|title=LGBT Animated Short 'In A Heartbeat' is a Tender Love Story That Could Rival Pixar Shorts|last=Bui|first=Hoai-Tran|website=[[Slash Film]]|date=August 2, 2017|access-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601131306/https://www.slashfilm.com/552462/short-film-in-a-heartbeat/|archive-date=June 1, 2022}}</ref><ref name="trukev2017" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Bergado|first=Gabe|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/in-a-heartbeat-short-film-gay-crush|title="In a Heartbeat" Short Film Features a Boy's Heart Chasing the Guy of His Dreams|website=[[Teen Vogue]]|date=May 17, 2017|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918184148/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/in-a-heartbeat-short-film-gay-crush|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> The short film concerns a closeted gay boy, Sherwin who has a crush on another boy named Jonathan and his heart desires to be with him. The film went [[Viral video|viral]], receiving tens of millions of views on [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pant |first1=Priyanka |title='In A Heartbeat': Over 14 Million Views For This Animated Short Film |url=https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/in-a-heartbeat-over-14-million-views-for-this-animated-short-film-1733616 |website=[[NDTV]] |access-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101950/https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/in-a-heartbeat-over-14-million-views-for-this-animated-short-film-1733616 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |date=August 14, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="tensley2017" /><ref name="chrcar2017">{{cite web|last=Caron|first=Christina|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/in-a-heartbeat-youtube-beth-david-esteban-bravo-a-monster-calls-ja-bayona-a7881126.html|title=In a Heartbeat: How an animated short by two students became an overnight YouTube sensation|website=[[The New York Times]]|publisher=[[The Independent]]|date=August 9, 2017|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918203903/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/in-a-heartbeat-youtube-beth-david-esteban-bravo-a-monster-calls-ja-bayona-a7881126.html|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Since its release, the film received numerous awards and was shown at numerous LGBT events and film festivals. It got shortlisted at the [[Academy Awards]] for [[Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film|Best Animated Short Film]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Vilvens|first=Sheila|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2017/12/06/whats-boy-do-when-his-heart-outs-him-boy-his-dreams-short-film-co-created-mother-mercy-graduate-beth/927124001/|title='In a Heartbeat' on shortlist for Best Animated Short Film Oscar|date=December 6, 2017|website=[[Cincinnati.com]]|publisher=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810115915/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2017/12/06/whats-boy-do-when-his-heart-outs-him-boy-his-dreams-short-film-co-created-mother-mercy-graduate-beth/927124001/|archive-date=August 10, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> but did not get a nomination.

Co-creator Esteban Bravo later told [[NBC News]] that with the short film, they wanted "to challenge the preconceived notion that LGBTQ content is not appropriate or suitable for younger audiences" and that LGBTQ themes are "front and center" but that the film is "ultimately...a story about a crush," while co-creator Beth David said they tried to tell the story "from a genuine place and be as emotionally honest" as they could.<ref name="trukev2017">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/heartbeat-animated-short-about-same-gender-crush-goes-viral-n788426|last=Truong|first=Kevin|title='In a Heartbeat': Animated Short About Same-Gender Crush Goes Viral|website=[[NBC News]]|date=August 1, 2017|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918184148/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/heartbeat-animated-short-about-same-gender-crush-goes-viral-n788426|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with [[The Guardian]], Bravo said he understood why studios are "afraid to portray LGBT characters" due to a part of the population not accepting of LGBTQ people, but said that he, and David believe it is "really important for them to represent these people", because otherwise it leads to a "lot of internalized confusion" for children as they are growing up.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nevins|first=Jack|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/aug/04/in-a-heartbeat-short-film-youtube|title=In a Heartbeat: the story behind the animated gay love short that's gone viral|website=[[The Guardian]]|date=August 4, 2017|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918184138/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/aug/04/in-a-heartbeat-short-film-youtube|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

The film was positively received for its LGBTQ themes. Matt Donnelly of [[The Wrap]] said the short film had the internet "swooning over its tenderness and timely LGBT inclusion."<ref>{{cite web|last=Donnelly|first=Matt|url=https://www.thewrap.com/in-a-heartbeat-lgbt-animated-short-internet-crying-tears-of-joy-video/|title=‘In a Heartbeat’: Watch the LGBT Animated Short That Has Internet Crying Tears of Joy (Video)|website=[[The Wrap]]|date=July 31, 2017|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918203742/https://www.thewrap.com/in-a-heartbeat-lgbt-animated-short-internet-crying-tears-of-joy-video/|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Brandon Tensley of [[Pacific Standard]] argued that the film "installs gay love in the canon of romances that established these clichés in the first place," and called it, in its own way, a "masterful piece of subversive storytelling."<ref name="tensley2017">{{cite web|last=Tensley|first=Brandon|url=https://psmag.com/social-justice/in-a-heartbeat-short-film/|title=How ‘In a Heartbeat’ Places Gay Love in the Romantic Canon|website=[[Pacific Standard]]|date=August 9, 2017|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918194733/https://psmag.com/social-justice/in-a-heartbeat-short-film/|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Hoai-Tran Bui of [[Slash Film]] called the film a "tender lover story" which could rival shorts by [[Pixar]], comparing it ''[[Paperman]]'' (2012) and ''[[Inner Workings]]'' (2016), two short films, and hoped it was a matter of time before Disney and Pixar "produce a feature film with a gay lead character."<ref>{{cite web|last=Bui|first=Hoai-Tran|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/552462/short-film-in-a-heartbeat/|title=LGBT Animated Short 'In A Heartbeat' Is A Tender Love Story That Could Rival Pixar Shorts|website=[[Slash Film]]|date=August 2, 2017|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813211611/https://www.slashfilm.com/552462/short-film-in-a-heartbeat/|archive-date=August 13, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Christina Caron of [[The Independent]] said that the charm of the film is that it is "told without words, just music and animation."<ref name="chrcar2017" /> Jack Shepard of the same publication described the animated short as done in the Pixar style, and received a "hugely positive reaction" including from groups such as the [[Human Rights Campaign]], and from others, who drew [[fan art]] of the characters.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shepard|first=Jack|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/in-a-heartbeat-animated-short-film-lgbt-gay-pixar-disney-a7872111.html|title=In a Heartbeat: The animated short film warming the Internet's heart|website=[[The Independent]]|date=August 2, 2017|access-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918203904/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/in-a-heartbeat-animated-short-film-lgbt-gay-pixar-disney-a7872111.html|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling'' ===

In August 2019, Nickelodeon released ''[[Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling]]'', a [[television film]] and sequel to their[[Nickelodeon]]'s 1993 series ''[[Rocko's Modern Life]]'', throughbegan airing on [[Netflix]]. The producers worked with GLAAD to endure that the transgender character, in the form of cartoonist frog Rachel Bighead (known asby Ralpha Bigheaddifferent name in the original series) as well as a plotline involving her coming out to her parents, Ed and Bev Bighead, was respectful to the LGBTQ+ community and fit within the show itself.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Romano |first1=Nick |title=''Rocko's Modern Life'' Netflix movie will feature prominent trans story arc |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/08/07/rockos-modern-life-movie-trans-rachel/ |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly|EW]] |access-date=May 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404212846/https://ew.com/tv/2019/08/07/rockos-modern-life-movie-trans-rachel/ |archive-date=April 4, 2020 |date=August 7, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Previously, The''Rocko's sameModern month,Life'' was reported to have a "subversive coming out allegory" in an episode of the voiceseries actorwhich forcame Danaout Dufresnein 1996, Maddieentitled Taylor"Closet Clown."<ref>{{cite web|last=Dry|first=Jude|url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/rockos-modern-life-netflix-trans-character-lgbt-1202164114|title=Netflix’s ‘Rocko’s Modern Life’ Revival to Feature Prominent Trans Character Arc|website=[[IndieWire]]|date=August 7, revealed2019|access-date=September that24, her2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918194814/https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/rockos-modern-life-netflix-trans-character-lgbt-1202164114/|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with [[SYFY]], the creator of ''LoudRocko's HouseModern Life'', Joe Murray said that changing Rachel's character hadin transitionedthe fromfilm was like a man"natural toprogression," a transchange woman,better likefor herself,her and said"how thatthese thecommunities character wouldare returnrepresented in anothermodern episodeday" withinand seasonsays 4something like this would never had happened in the 1990s.<ref>{{cite tweetinterview |firstlast=MaddieMurray |lastfirst=TaylorJoe |authorsubject-link=MaddieJoe Murray (animator) Taylor|userinterviewer=MaddieTaylor418|number=1159555234701537280|date=AugustJosh 8,Weiss 2019|title=Figured IRocko'ds letModern youLife allreturns know.on @NickelodeonNetflix iswith doinga goodmodern stuffday inspin, transwith andGLAAD's LGBTclose representation.help Very|work=[[SYFY]] proud|date=August of6, this.2019 #TransIsBeautiful #transpride #Nickelodeon #loudhouse #animation|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/rockos-modern-life-creator-interview |access-date=AprilSeptember 2224, 20202024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2019083101373720220128050323/https://twitterwww.syfy.com/MaddieTaylor418syfy-wire/status/1159555234701537280rockos-modern-life-creator-interview |archive-date=AugustJanuary 3128, 2019|url-status=live2022 }}</ref> HoweverIn another interview, Seasonwith 4[[Collider concluded(website)|Collider]], onMurray Julysaid 23they thought it would "be a natural thing" for Rachel's character to transition, 2020that andhe nothought suchit episodewas ora even"great appearanceidea" ofbut Danathat Nickelodeon was showna little shocked and hesitant at first, with Nickelodeon president [[Cyma Zarghami]] suggesting they get [[GLAAD]] involved, and the crew agreed.<ref>{{cite interview |last=Murray |first=Joe |subject-link=Joe Murray (animator) |interviewer=Dave Trumbore |title='Rocko's Modern Life' Creator Joe Murray on "Static Cling", Rachel's Transition, & More |work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=August 9, 2019 |url=https://collider.com/rockos-modern-life-netflix-joe-murray-interview/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807044829/https://collider.com/rockos-modern-life-netflix-joe-murray-interview/ |archive-date=August 7, 2024 }}</ref>

The film was praised for centering on LGBTQ life by Devin Randall for ''Instinct Magazine'', calling making Rachel a trans character would be "true LGBTQ representation" while Taylor Hosking of [[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] described the film as a "huge step forward," noting that previously cartoons had generally "hinted at LGBTQ characters with coded references only parseable by adults," noting examples such as [[Betty DeVille]] as a [[Butch (lesbian slang)|butch]] character in ''[[Rugrats]]'', and queer-coded villains in ''[[The Lion King]]'' (Scar) and ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (Jafar).<ref>{{cite web|last=Randall|first=Devin|url=https://instinctmagazine.com/new-rockos-modern-life-centers-on-lgbt-life/|title=New “Rocko’s Modern Life” Centers On LGBT Life|website=Instinct Magazine|date=August 9, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918203903/https://instinctmagazine.com/new-rockos-modern-life-centers-on-lgbt-life/|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hosking|first=Taylor|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-trans-character-in-the-rockos-modern-life-reboot-is-a-huge-step-forward/|title=The Trans Character in the ‘Rocko’s Modern Life’ Reboot Is a Huge Step Forward|website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]|date=August 9, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916173048/https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-trans-character-in-the-rockos-modern-life-reboot-is-a-huge-step-forward/|archive-date=September 16, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Jacob Oller of [[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] said that the LGBTQ themes become "a major plot point" and changes the story from a "self-referential one-note one-liner."<ref>{{cite web|last=Oller|first=Jacob|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/rockos-modern-life/rockos-modern-life-static-cling-netflix-review/|title=Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling Is More than a Nostalgia Play|website=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]|date=August 9, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918184131/https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/rockos-modern-life/rockos-modern-life-static-cling-netflix-review|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Polly Conway of [[Common Sense Media]] said the film has positive message about unconditional love and accepting change, saying this is mainly explored "through a transgender main character's transition from male to female."<ref>{{cite web|last=Conway|first=Polly|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/rockos-modern-life-static-cling|title=Parents' Guide to Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling|website=[[Common Sense Media]]|date=February 18, 2023|access-date=September 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921114528/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/rockos-modern-life-static-cling|archive-date=September 21, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Joe Matar of [[Den of Geek]] said that LGBTQ issues are the main theme of the film and handled "in a smart, graceful, and surprisingly poignant way."<ref>{{cite web|last=Matar|first=Joe|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/rocko-s-modern-life-static-cling-review/|website=[[Den of Geek]]|title=Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling Review (Spoiler-Free)|date=August 7, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918203741/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/rocko-s-modern-life-static-cling-review/|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

https://instinctmagazine.com/new-rockos-modern-life-centers-on-lgbt-life/, https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-trans-character-in-the-rockos-modern-life-reboot-is-a-huge-step-forward/, https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/rockos-modern-life-netflix-trans-character-lgbt-1202164114/, https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/rockos-modern-life/rockos-modern-life-static-cling-netflix-review, https://collider.com/rockos-modern-life-netflix-joe-murray-interview/, https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/rockos-modern-life-static-cling, https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/rocko-s-modern-life-static-cling-review/, https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/rockos-modern-life-creator-interview

=== ''Wendell & Wild'' ===

On October 28, 2022, ''[[Wendell & Wild]]'' was released on [[Netflix]]. The film features Raúl Cocolotl, a transgender boy in an all-girls Catholic school.<ref>{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Tasha |date=October 28, 2022 |title=Netflix's Key & Peele reunion Wendell & Wild is a crafting miracle with a big story problem| url=https://www.polygon.com/23426753/wendell-and-wild-review-henry-selick-keegan-michael-key-jordan-peele |access-date=September 18, 2024| website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101010551/https://www.polygon.com/23426753/wendell-and-wild-review-henry-selick-keegan-michael-key-jordan-peele|archive-date=November 1, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> He is the first transgender male character in a major animated film. Raúl is voiced by transgender actor [[Sam Zelaya]]. In an interview with [[Them (website)|Them]], Zelaya said there was pressure in representing something beyond himself, said he hoped that people liked what he had done, describing his voice work as "for the community as much as it is for me." He also said it was "really cool" to voice Raúl, noted that that character partially resembles him in real life, and hoped that LGBTQ children "feel seen in a way that they might not have before."<ref>{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Rendy|url=https://www.them.us/story/sam-zelaya-wendell-and-wild-interview|title=Sam Zelaya Is Making Trans History in the Stop-Motion Animated Movie Wendell & Wild|website=[[Them (website)|Them]]|date=October 28, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603024622/https://www.them.us/story/sam-zelaya-wendell-and-wild-interview|archive-date=June 3, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> He also said that he was glad the film "doesn’t talk down to kids" and handles many issues, including those related to trans people, well.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dry|first=Jude|url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/wendell-wild-sam-zelaya-netflix-trans-characters-1234774393/|title=‘Wendell & Wild’ Star Sam Zelaya Proves Kids’ Movies Are the Perfect Place for Trans Characters|website=[[IndieWire]]|date=October 20, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918232356/https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/wendell-wild-sam-zelaya-netflix-trans-characters-1234774393/|archive-date=September 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> The film's director, [[Henry Selick]], told ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' said that the decision to make Raúl a trans character was decided when he was conceiving the film with [[Jordan Peele]], in 2016, with the character inspired by Peele's life experience. He also said he cared "deeply about representation" and described it as "fact of life of people I respect and care a lot about."<ref>{{cite web|last=White|first=Abbey|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/wendell-and-wild-henry-selick-sam-zelaya-1235257835/|title=‘Wendell & Wild’ Director Henry Selick and Voice Star Sam Zelaya on Crafting the Film’s Trans Hero|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=November 16, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118071122/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/wendell-and-wild-henry-selick-sam-zelaya-1235257835/|archive-date=January 18, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

Reviewers praised the film. Laura Zornosa of [[Time (magazine)|Time]] said the film quickly and seamlessly reveals that Raúl is a trans character, noted that the film's assistant editor, Sarah Ligatich, is a trans woman, and gave notes to Selick directly, and stated that his character, along with Barney in ''[[Dead End: Paranormal Park]]'', are primary examples of creators udng animation to "reclaim horror for queer and trans people."<ref name="zor2022">{{cite web|last=Zornosa|first=Laura|url=https://time.com/6226230/wendell-and-wild-paranormal-park-trans-representation/|title=How Animation Is Changing a History of Trans Marginalization in Horror|website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=October 28, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706170233/https://time.com/6226230/wendell-and-wild-paranormal-park-trans-representation/|archive-date=July 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Charles Pulliam-Moore of [[Collider (website)|Collider]] noted that mention of Raul sort of [[gender transitioning]] is presented as "part of the broader story and the multifaceted character in a manner that rings true."<ref>{{cite web|last=Pulliam-Moore|first=Charles|url=https://collider.com/wendell-and-wild-review-jordan-peele-keegan-michael-key-henry-selick/|title=‘Wendell & Wild’ Review: Key & Peele Reunite for Henry Selick’s Spectacular Stop-Motion Vision|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|date=October 28, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116221223/https://collider.com/wendell-and-wild-review-jordan-peele-keegan-michael-key-henry-selick/|archive-date=November 16, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Strange World'' ===

''[[Strange World (film)|Strange World]]'' which was released on November 23, 2022, features Ethan Clade, who is the first gay lead character in a Disney animated film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/events/disney-offers-exclusive-looks-at-strange-world-baymax-zootopia-at-annecy/|title=Disney Offers Exclusive Looks at 'Strange World,' 'Baymax!' & 'Zootopia+' at Annecy|website=[[Animation Magazine]]|first=Alex|last=Dudok De Wit|date=June 17, 2022|access-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620182835/https://www.animationmagazine.net/events/disney-offers-exclusive-looks-at-strange-world-baymax-zootopia-at-annecy/|archive-date=June 20, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Quintiliano|first=Daniel|url=https://movieweb.com/disneys-strange-world-gay-romance-storyline/|title=Disney's Strange World Will Have a Gay Romance in its Storyline|website=[[MovieWeb]]|date=November 18, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925000841/https://movieweb.com/disneys-strange-world-gay-romance-storyline/|archive-date=September 25, 2023|url-status=live|quote=This is the first time a gay teen has been portrayed in a Disney cartoon, showing Disney's commitment to the representation of LGBTQ people.}}</ref> Ethan Clade is voiced by gay comedian [[Jaboukie Young-White]]. Prior to the film's release, cast and crew, such as the film's director (Don Hall) and co-writer (Qui Nguyen), spoke about Ethan's character to [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]], describing his relationship with Diazo, his crush, as organic, relatable, understandable, and noting that the character is well-rounded.<ref>{{cite web|last=Zee|first=Michaela|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/strange-world-gay-biracial-character-jaboukie-young-white-1235432785/|title=‘Strange World’ Cast and Creators on the Disney Film’s Biracial, LGBTQ Character: ‘You Don’t Have to Normalize Normal. It Just Is’|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=November 15, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417002207/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/strange-world-gay-biracial-character-jaboukie-young-white-1235432785/|archive-date=April 17, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Gabrielle Union, who voices Meridian Clade in the film, told ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', was "absolutely honored" to be part of telling a story of a loving and affectionate family, that the Ethan's gay identity is only one aspect of his character and not "a big deal" in the film, and commented that it would "be sad" if the film was banned in certain countries, adding it only denies people "information that we exist."<ref>{{cite web|last=White|first=Abbey|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/strange-world-gabrielle-union-international-bans-gay-lead-1235264165/|title=Gabrielle Union Says International Bans of ‘Strange World’ Over Gay Lead Would Be “Denying Reality”|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=November 17, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129033849/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/strange-world-gabrielle-union-international-bans-gay-lead-1235264165/|archive-date=November 29, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Jake Gyllenhaal who voices Searcher Clade in the film, said that the film helps to "normalize the normal" and said that is "exactly how every movie should be."<ref>{{cite web|last=Pacheco Muñoz|first=Daniel|url=https://gamerant.com/jake-gyllenhaal-gabrielle-union-strange-world-lgbt-representation/|title=Jake Gyllenhaal, Gabrielle Union, And More Praise Strange World's LGBTQ+ Representation|website=[[Game Rant]]|date=November 19, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119151157/https://gamerant.com/jake-gyllenhaal-gabrielle-union-strange-world-lgbt-representation/|archive-date=November 19, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

Reviewers praised the film for featuring a gay couple as protagonists. Javier Ocaña of [[El Pais]], while criticizing the film in some ways, still noted that although the characters don't kiss onscreen, their relationship is shown naturally, and is a "historic gesture" from Disney, creating a world that is "LGBT+ friendly and villain-less."<ref>{{cite web|last=Ocaña|first=Javier|url=https://english.elpais.com/culture/2022-11-29/strange-world-disney-finally-features-a-gay-couple-as-protagonists.html|title=‘Strange World’: Disney finally features a gay couple as protagonists|website=[[El Pais]]|date=November 29, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413133653/https://english.elpais.com/culture/2022-11-29/strange-world-disney-finally-features-a-gay-couple-as-protagonists.html|archive-date=April 13, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Kristy Puchko of [[Mashable]] said that the film feels like "worthwhile representation" and acknowledges that gay kids can "just exist in media and not have their identity treated like grounds for a teachable moment."<ref>{{cite web|last=Puchko|first=Kristy|url=https://mashable.com/article/strange-world-gay-hero|title=How one line in 'Strange World' shows Disney is finally getting queer representation right|website=[[Mashable]]|date=November 25, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917165446/https://mashable.com/article/strange-world-gay-hero|archive-date=September 17, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Renaldo Metadeen of [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] lauded the film for making "huge leaps in terms of queer inclusivity," despite Disney minimally promoting the film, and argued that film is filled with "messages of acceptance in a very authentic, welcoming manner."<ref>{{cite web|last=Metadeen|first=Renaldo|url=https://www.cbr.com/strange-world-disney-inclusive-movie/|title=Strange World Is Disney's Biggest Step Toward Inclusivity - For Real, This Time|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|date=November 29, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110195250/https://www.cbr.com/strange-world-disney-inclusive-movie/|archive-date=January 10, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Allegra Frank of [[The Daily Beast]] described the film as staring a "queer teen lead", with the link between his interracial family and queerness at the film's center, and is "shockingly progressive" for Hollywood family films.<ref>{{cite web|last=Frank|first=Allegra|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/disneys-strange-world-is-its-first-animated-movie-with-a-gay-lead-why-is-it-being-buried|title=‘Strange World’ Is Disney’s First Animated Movie With a Gay Lead. Why Is It Being Buried?|website=[[The Daily Beast]]|date=November 26, 2022|orig-date=November 23, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523063527/https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/disneys-strange-world-is-its-first-animated-movie-with-a-gay-lead-why-is-it-being-buried|archive-date=May 23, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Jade King of [[The Gamer]] argued that the film is undermined by Disney's previous failures with representation of LGBTQ people, while the film shows Ethan's identity and acceptance as "unexpectedly normal."<ref>{{cite web|last=King|first=Jade|url=https://www.thegamer.com/strange-world-ethan-clade-gay-romance-disney/|title=Strange World’s Excellent Gay Romance Is Undermined By Disney’s Past Failures|website=[[The Gamer]]|date=November 21, 2022|access-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231112146/https://www.thegamer.com/strange-world-ethan-clade-gay-romance-disney/|archive-date=December 31, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Nimona'' ===

In February 2021, Deadline reported that the film adaptation of ''[[Nimona]]'' was cancelled due to the shutdown of Blue Sky Studios.<ref name="Deadline2">{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/blue-sky-studios-closing-disney-ice-age-franchise-animation-1234690310/|title=Disney Closing Blue Sky Studios, Fox's Once-Dominant Animation House Behind 'Ice Age' Franchise|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=February 4, 2021|access-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209175505/https://deadline.com/2021/02/blue-sky-studios-closing-disney-ice-age-franchise-animation-1234690310/|archive-date=February 9, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Sources told [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] that the film was "75% complete".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Laman|first=Douglas|date=February 10, 2021|title=Disney's Blue Sky Shut Down Leaves Nimona Film 75% Completed|url=https://www.cbr.com/nimona-film-abandoned-disney-blue-sky-shut-down/|access-date=September 18, 2024|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705112408/https://www.cbr.com/nimona-film-abandoned-disney-blue-sky-shut-down/|archive-date=July 5, 2023}}</ref> Anonymous staffers at Blue Sky interviewed by [[Business Insider]] bemoaned the cancellation of the film, calling it "heartbreaking," arguing that the film "didn't look like anything else in the animated world," and saying that they believe it will never "be completed and released."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Clark|first=Travis|date=February 18, 2021|title=Staffers at the animation studio Blue Sky say it's 'heartbreaking' that Disney canceled its final movie, 'Nimona'|url=https://news.yahoo.com/staffers-animation-studio-blue-sky-184530034.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218233403/https://news.yahoo.com/staffers-animation-studio-blue-sky-184530034.html|archive-date=February 18, 2021|access-date=February 19, 2021|website=[[Yahoo! News]]|publisher=[[Business Insider]]|language=en}}</ref> A few staffers confirmed to [[BuzzFeed News]] that the film had an "I love you" scene between Blackheart and Goldenloin.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Strapagiel|first=Lauren|date=February 24, 2021|title=Disney's First Feature Animated Movie With Queer Leads May Never Be Released|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/disney-nimona-movie-lgbtq-characters|url-status=live|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210225194629/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/disney-nimona-movie-lgbtq-characters|access-date=February 25, 2021|website=[[BuzzFeed News]]|language=en}}</ref> In June 2021, Mey Rude, a writer for ''[[Out (magazine)|Out]]'', said she still held out "hope that this film...will find its way back to life somehow."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.out.com/film/2021/7/01/9-new-upcoming-queer-animated-films-shorts-were-dying-see#media-gallery-media-6|title=9 New, Upcoming Queer Animated Films & Shorts We're Dying to See|date=July 1, 2021|access-date=July 2, 2021|website=[[Out (magazine)|Out]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701202121/https://www.out.com/film/2021/7/01/9-new-upcoming-queer-animated-films-shorts-were-dying-see|archive-date=July 1, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2021, Meggie Gates in [[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]], said the film would have been Disney's first "legitimately queer film" and could have been a turning point "for how the corporation handles queerness" but that the Disney chose to "bury its gays" by cancelling the film, a blow to queer Disney fans.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gates |first1=Meggie |title=Once Again, Disney Attempts to Co-opt Pride Month |url=https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/disney-rebrands-pride-no-lgbtq-support |website=[[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]] |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712054914/https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/disney-rebrands-pride-no-lgbtq-support |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |date=July 18, 2021 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In April 2022, it was announced [[Netflix]] revived the film and will be releasing it in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/23020252/nimona-movie-netflix-blue-sky-nd-stevenson-disney|title=Nimona movie finds a second life at Netflix|first1=Petrana|last1=Radulovic|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=April 11, 2022|access-date=April 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023163816/https://www.polygon.com/23020252/nimona-movie-netflix-blue-sky-nd-stevenson-disney|archive-date=October 23, 2023}}</ref>

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==See also==

* [[LGBT themes in anime and manga]]

* [[Cartoon Network and LGBT representation]]

* [[Disney and LGBT representation in animation]]

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* [https://queeranimation.omeka.net/ Queer Animation] Database

[{LGBT{LGBTQ fiction}]}▼

categories:

▲[{LGBT fiction}]

[[Category:1960s animated television series]]

[[Category:1970s animated television series]]

[[Category:1980s animated television series]]

[[Category:1990s animated television series]]

[[Category:2000s animated television series]]

[[Category:2010s animated television series]]

[[Category:2020s animated television series]]

[[Category:LGBTLGBTQ portrayals in mass media]]

[[Category:LGBTLGBTQ-related animated series| ]]

[[Category:History of animation]]

[[Category:LGBTLGBTQ history]]

[[Category:Animated television series]]

[[Category:1990s timelines|LGBT characters in animation]]

[[Category:2000s timelines|LGBT characters in animation]]

[[Category:2010s timelines|LGBT characters in animation]]

[[Category:2020s timelines|LGBT characters in animation]]