LGBTQ+ Representation in Modern Cartoons Part 1

     Sadly, Pride Month just ended. And with that statement, I think it's time to talk about the battle LGBTQ+ characters in children's media. Specifically cartoons. Because that's what this blog is about. Now, I will be talking about the whole spectrum, not just gay couples. So everybody is included!!!! yay.

                

               How Steven Universe set down a path

Fun Fact: Since some countries didn't want a same-sex marriage and Cartoon Network didn't want their network to get banned. Lots of places gave Ruby a mustache. But, Rebecca Sugar, being the boss that she is. Put Ruby in a dress for the wedding. She knew that if homophobes didn't want a lesbian couple then there was no way that they were going to put Ruby in a dress. 

That was just a warm-up for Steven Universe though. It was a revolutionary show for showing LGBTQ+ representation in children's media. I could go down a whole list of characters that are LGBTQ+. And guess what, I am.

1.Garnet

Garnet is a fusion of 2 gems named Ruby and Sapphire. A lesbian couple. Did you know, that after the episode where they were introduced there was a petition to shut down Steven Universe due to what they showed? I mean the petition was shut down, but if those people hated that small scene, they had no idea what was coming.

2.Pearl

Pearl, is probably one of my favorite Steven Universe characters. But, sadly she never got to be with the one that she loved. Pearl had a crush on Rose Quartz, Steven's mom. But, Rose was straight and she fell in love with a human instead of Pearl. But, I actually like that they made this decision as a team of writers. Hear me out, I like that there was an ark in Steven Universe that shows women independence. Pearl's not aromantic or asexual but now she is her own person. And that brings us to our next character.

3.Peridot

Peridot is probably the most loved Steven Universe character of all-time. And that's just awkward because she was confirmed to be aromantic. That means Peridot doesn't want to be in a relationship with anyone. Now, that doesn't mean she doesn't experience love, it just means she doesn't have feelings for people romantically.

Sorry but I need to end the Steven Universe portion of this because I have more cartoons to talk about. So here are some honorable mentions.

Stevonnie and Shep are non-binary. Steven is bisexual. Flourite is polyamorous. 

Cartoon

Adventure Time is an amazing show, and when my girl Marceline got her lady I remember screaming of joy. Now, I haven't actually seen OK K.O sadly. Because the only place where I can find it is on Amazon and it costs money on there. So yeah. But I have heard that since Steven Universe had the Ruby and Sapphire wedding, they have been really open about queer characters in that show. And it's praised for that.

Nickelodeon 

Recently, Nickelodeon hasn't been doing that well. Especially in the LGBTQ+ characters and themes. They only recently started in that territory with shows like The Loud House and Legend of Korra. I'm actually in the middle of Korra's first season, and so far I haven't spotted any queer characters yet, but I know there will be some coming soon. Also, I have no idea how, but luckily I haven't found any spoilers yet, and I would like to keep it that way. 

The Loud House, on the other hand, has had more than one queer couple. The main character Lincoln's best friend Clyde, has two dads. And his sister Luna is in a lesbian relationship. The Loud House is Nickelodeon'sd biggest stride so far, and I hope this network can get it's head in the game a little more.

Unfortunately, I have run out of time for today, so please stick around for part 2 tomorrow. I am going to cover Netflix's animated shows as well as Disney cartoons such as She-Ra, Voltron, and Gravity Falls. Thanks for reading today's article. And please stick around for more cartoon news, character studies, and way more! I post almost every day at exactly 12:00 P.M. BYE!!!!!