The Battle for LGBT+ Content in Cartoons

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

Due to the nature of this video, there's bound to be trolls, homophobes, transphobes, etc. in the comments section. I'm personally asking for you to just ignore their comment, not reply & report it. If the comment receives enough reports, it will be removed by KZbin staff. The attention is what they want, so just report and move on. Love you all and I hope you're having a good day. Join the Community Discord ► discord.gg/2Ap9Nbp Support me on Patreon! ► www.patreon.com/leac Follow me on Twitter ► twitter.com/LeaC_Official

[@JacobLoveless23]

Thank you for this video. It's very much welcomed.

[@TheDarlingDeer]

I don't know what happened to my comment you replied to, so I'll reply here. I'm glad you didn't go through what I did. I started keeping up with your Channel when you posted the Autism in Media episode. I fully support more videos like this one! (Edit for typo fix)

[@applebee28]

Why be transphobic/homophobic when you can enjoy a good show?

[@jakebeetle5957]

Hi, I’m just going to say good work on this video and Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈. Wish I had more to say.

[@stephaniewilliams6756]

Dude I think you way underplay Korra's impact. Like wayyyyyy

[@Deoxys911]

Should we be concerned about a grown woman forcing a little girl to kiss her on The Powerpuff Girls? I get that it's a joke, but that honestly really feels like the kind of joke that ages increasingly poorly...

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

There's a lot of things to be concerned about with the Powerpuff reboot. I didn't include the full excerpt of that interview with Rebecca, but she basically in another part mentioned it and called it gross.

[@redpanda6497]

Yeah, it's just feels so uncomfortable and lame. I don't know how is this supposed to be funny.

[@tudirkulosis]

It aged like milk.

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

@@tudirkulosis It was already a moldy cheese at its conception

[@JediMB]

@@frauleinzuckerguss1906 That's an insult to moldy cheese, tbh.

[@AspienPadda]

Okay I did a quick search upon hearing my country mentioned. South Africa has been fine with same sex marriage since 2006 and there's much less of an issue with that here, it's just a normal thing to see and I never grew up with outright hate towards us gays. So I was confused as to why SU was banned here. It was banned because of some kind of problem Kenya had and then no country on the entire continent was allowed LGBTQ content. There's apparently only a single TV broadcast feed into the whole of Africa which is absolutely ridiculous! According to the Kenyans: Loud House, The Legend of Korra, Hey Arnold, Clarence, Steven Universe, Adventure Time and Star vs the Forces of Evil - are TV children programmes "with homosexual themes". What. Fresh. Garbage. Thank you for bringing this to my attention

[@Orynae]

Wow, there's only a single TV broadcast for the whole continent? That's crazy! Do they like have different channels for different languages, or what? Or is it different broadcasts per country but they're all managed/licensed by the same company? Cause I mean, even if you leave out the literal hundreds of minority languages, there's at least 3 or 4 different "main" languages... (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese at least... do you have TV in Afrikaans?)

[@AspienPadda]

Yea I had NO idea @@Orynae why do we only have a single feed! I don't watch any TV anymore though, we don't have one in our home, only when we go to my husband's family. Sorry tangent, I just mean to say my knowledge might be outdated. I do believe there's a distinction between the dstv and local tv. We have 4 local channels called sabc1,2,3 and e. Those are in Xhosa, Afrikaans, English and a mix, respectively. The ads and channels are in English for the most part but the content is of the language I mentioned. This content is made in SA. When it comes to dstv, which stands for Digital Satellite Television, that's all English all the time and nothing or near nothing from SA. That's the content which is shipped from overseas and we receive that much later than they air, sometimes 3 weeks, sometimes 3 years. The Internet is so much more reliable but I think I get now why it takes so long, it has to go through Kenya! Thanks for your interest, it made me have to Google more which I do gladly! Edit: I forgot to mention that yes, dstv also has fully Indian and Nigerian and such channels I have scrolled passed and there's also a channel almost fully in Afrikaans called mnet. Also. You can access the sabc ones with like just a tv but need to pay for dstv

[@Orynae]

@@AspienPadda cool!! I realized after leaving my comment that I should probably just search Google on my own, so I'm glad you didn't mind XD But that makes more sense though, that you'd have your local TV, but that the stuff imported from overseas all goes through one place. (Well, that's still a really wide territory, but if it's the imported foreign stuff it kinda makes sense.) It's too bad Kenya gets to be the bottleneck, if they're gonna be so bigoted against LGBT :(

[@AspienPadda]

Whot @@stevenhiggins3055 I don't know what you mean

[@stevenhiggins3055]

@@AspienPadda I think YT posted my comment to the wrong thread. Sorry about that.

[@berkaysahin1985]

As a non-LGBT person,i can never understand what you guys go through but i respect you guys,i support you guys,equality for all of us,nobody deserves exclusion because of sexuality Good luck with your lives

[@lunamoon1437]

Berkay Sahin thanks for supporting us and you are lgbtq+ person your the s standing for supportive of lgbtq+ so thank you

[@berkaysahin1985]

@@lunamoon1437 omg,i didn't know that.Good to know tho

[@cartoongame5007]

Wasnt it a for ally?

[@lunamoon1437]

Berkay Sahin yea always good to know your a part of something that can and will change the world in the most beautiful way posinle

[@ramenbomberdeluxe4958]

@@cartoongame5007 I think A covers things like Asexual or Aromantic, the lack of sexual OR romantic feelings for any conventional sex/gender or any LGBT identity.

[@Nameless_mixes]

Sugar: Ruby and Sapphire represent a same sex couple International Channels: Then we’ll edit it to make Ruby a boy Sugar: *Has Ruby wear a dress to her wedding* International Channels: *Surprised Pikachu face*

[@noonebossesthegarnet2890]

I like to imagine they did that just to say “Fuck you” to Russia lmao. I mean the crew censored Russia in the map shown in “It Could’ve Been Great” on purpose.

[@pedroff_1]

And put it on a very plot-relevant episode there was no way to be cut out of the series without drastically impacting the story

[@mashed1476]

@@pedroff_1 russian dub did it anyway lol))

[@anitamihholap5926]

@@mashed1476 mind telling me how they did it? I kinda ditched watching the dub early on. Not surprised though.

[@truches7509]

@@noonebossesthegarnet2890 Lmao

[@jessbian3385]

She ra’s crew, mostly Noelle, played 4D chess with the background characters, basically making them all gay. And then at the end, when they could confirm Catradora, they just went nuts. Kyle and Rogelio and Spinerella and Netossa were confirmed, and Scorfuma was almost confirmed. Also, Double Trouble was just amazing.

[@Chappillie]

And Noelle is Married to the same gender as herself. Basicly shes Lesbian (or bi,pan)🌈

[@moonlight_oats]

I love double trouble so much! Their character is just so awesome

[@goblinofsharksnacks]

@DarthYuYevon bow and glimmer, mermista and seahawk- straight (same sex) couples

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

@@goblinofsharksnacks I'm pretty sure Glimmer is bi but the other characters are straight as far as I know Edit: I've been told that both Sea Hawk and Mermista are also bi

[@greyblueme9711]

@@goblinofsharksnacks Entrapta and hordak!

[@mattwolf7698]

I wish there was more asexual representation in media in general. I realize that an asexual relationship would be hard to show off in any show that was under PG-13 but they could simply do aromantic representation then which honestly is in even more desperate need of representation since there is such a stigma against being single.

[@potatopotato3284]

Yeah. The phrase 'Sex sells' seems to be true in older media, but times are changing, and so should content to fit the newer narratives.

[@Nameless_mixes]

There are a couple of issues with this: 1) It’s easier to write from experience and asexual individuals are far less prominent than straight and LGBT individuals (strictly talking about those represented by these four letters, not the entire community) so there isn’t enough representation in the writer’s room. 2) It’s hard to bring that up because at the end of the day, these are kids shows. Bringing up that someone is ace may force writers to believe that they need to bring up the sexual aspect of their life to explain that they’re asexual. So this is why it’s important to get people of all backgrounds (racial, ethnic, religious, LGBTQ+, etc.) in the writing process so that these less represented groups get both prominent and accurate representation 🙌🏳️‍🌈

[@christopherb501]

It will never stop being weird to me how many conservative attitudes ultimately preach a functionally demisexual lifestyle, but then when demisexuals - or anything _else_ on the asexual spectrum - comes up, they recoil, vilify, and erase if at all possible. Humans make no sense.

[@blueberrymuffin_144]

Blank Blanckersen exactly.

[@alexthompson8977]

@@christopherb501 nobody has ever had a problem with asexuality like it's physically impossible

[@sadlobster1]

I'm so happy that reviewers continue to discuss about Clyde's dads in a positive way. Much like Bow's dads on She-Ra; Harold and Howard on Loud House are just as kind, likeable, nurturing and loving as a couple

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

I'm not personally a fan of The Loud House, but I believe in giving credit where credit is due. They include a lot of good things in their show in a normal and organic way.

[@sadlobster1]

@@ToonRuinsOfficial It's understandable if you don't follow the show. I was just pointing out how nice it is that Clyde's dads are, once again being referenced positively

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

I also love how with none of these two examples it ever has to be outright stated that "yep, these are my dad's. My gay Dads. I have two dads." it's just... There. And so refreshingly normalised. I also love how positively they were portrayed while still having flaws (at least Bow's dads, I don't watch the Loud House a lot), so it's also not some overglorification or something where the crew is afraid to give an LGBT character a flaw and thus make them seem less human. It's just an organic way of representation and I appreciate that.

[@jaybrielz]

I hate how people call LGBT+ rep "forced" or "in your face", no matter the context or way in which it was presented. People did that shit with Soldier 76 from Overwatch being revealed as gay despite it being literally a photo and a couple sentences in a short story as confirmation. As a beginning artist in college it's one of my dreams to help contribute to the LGBT rep that would have helped me so much as a kid.

[@gay.cannibal]

Yeah same like, sorry if people existing is "in your face" smh.

[@kuniosaiki]

The only time it’s excusable is when it is genuinely forced to get rep points. Point: Adam and Shiro’s relationship from voltron, it was bait.

[@felixettos]

They should stop forcing hetero relationships in every story tbh Not every story needs romance Any kind of romance

[@garretwoeller7669]

Look in the case of OW soldier was confirmed gay after Blizzard did something controversial before hand so it seemed force to help kill the heat on them and besides if I want a character to be a gay playable character then I want them to at least be good characters.

[@katlyndobransky2419]

jay I get what you mean, but sometimes it is forced because companies want to make themselves seem like they’re being good to those in the LGBT community. For example, they just throw these two characters into a gay relationship because they feel like it. Now sometimes LGBTQ couples are really cute and have perfect chemistry. But it’s really sad when companies try and force gay relationships

[@elenanojkovic2554]

You wanna know something totally unrelated but a bit funny? There are elections in Croatia, which means a lot of political ads, mostly from one righ-wing party. I got one of those ads on this video. One of the members of that party recently claimed that kids are better off in orphanages then in same-sex households. Our minister of healtsm to be exact. Just think about it makes my blood boil. Thankfully, most of the high-ups in the social care and foster system spoke againts his statement. Anyways, I am ever so amused by the irony of the fact that a party, with rather anti-LGBTQIA+ views is unknowingly actually funding pro-LGBTQIA+ content such as this, if inderectly. So I put the ads on mute, and watch them and just imagine their reaction to this fact. Edit: sad news-the right wing party won. Well not THE worst one but the most popular one. We did get a solid number of far-left members of the parliament which I am very grateful for . But still, another four years of right wingers on "the throne"...ugh....

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

You're not the only one. A lot of my friends have sent me a screenshot of this video with a Trump ad attached to it. Given the recent rollbacks he's been trying to do, it's almost like KZbin is mocking me.

[@elenanojkovic2554]

@@ToonRuinsOfficial Welp, at least as a Croatian I'm not getting his ads (at least out health minister reacted well whn faced with a pandemic and our prime minister knows what diplomacy is). While his anti-LGBT stuff does not directly influence me, I'm afraid he might be setting an example. I hope you get another predident in US. And I also hope the left wing will win here-we're choosing the government this time, not the president. The government has way more pover then the president here anyways. Wish us luck-the elections are on sunday.

[@siathakur5847]

I read a article comparing it to negligence, it's awful.

[@zachierymorgan9363]

depends on the data,, do you think orphanages are less then? haha but reallly "better" is subjective with no other criteria

[@kirbyjaeger2506]

@@zachierymorgan9363 all data taken on orphanage care vs parental care (no matter the sexuality) shows that parental care is many times better. a stable family with loving parents is always better than overworked staff who have to share attention between tens or hundreds of kids

[@bubbles000]

It’s so frustrating that because someone wants representation lgbt+ or Women empowerment many roll their eyes and call it an agenda because it has been done incorrectly previously. Whether a gay person being stereotyped to the point where sexuality is their identity or women putting down men for empowerment. THINGS can be done right! and it’s so good that creators are having more chances to show how sexuality or gender doesn’t equal character or personality.

[@bubbles000]

DarthYuYevon At the end of the day it is by definition an agenda, but the word is being used with a negative connotation. The examples being what I said previously regarding both women and lgbtq+

[@bubbles000]

DarthYuYevon I agree with you, it’s a harsh truth that needs to be talked about and is a very sensitive topic because if you give your own critics to any show/movie etc. that has to do with lgbtq+ you are deemed a homophobe even if the show itself is incredibly bad. The need for the lgbtq+ representation has gotten so bad it has actually ruined some shows AND some fanbases. There are a LOT of uncomfortable conversations that need to be had about this but I believe that at least SOME shows/cartoons have shown a healthy perspective on this examples being She ra or The Hollow. Maybe the majority have not done a good job but slowly but surely things are improving...

[@bubbles000]

Neil Brown make sure to read the whole thread before commenting 👍

[@jeremystars2100]

​@DarthYuYevon I don't mean to nitpick but I don't think that any creator have a lack of heterosexuals in their stories, at least not any that I've seen. As for *"And LGBTQ audiences don't seem to care about honest, good story writing as long as they get their representation",* I believe that there is more to it than just that. I believe that most LGBTQ audiences actually do care about good story writing but due to the lack of representation they are just happy to see any representation at all, even if it's not in good stories. Other than that I do want to point out that you have points there. Because sexuality or gender doesn't equal character or personality. Those are what they are, not who they are. If you can tell someone that a character is male, gay, and human, but not tell them who they are as a character then they are not a well written character.

[@eegernades]

I just watch ankme instead for representation. Seen it done much more organically and flavorful to both sides without it being in your face. Many women as lead roles, underdog stories, premises, genre, pretty much everything western shows dont do with women, is done with anime, and without putting down males, but putting both as equals.

[@mertensiam3384]

I loved the comment about the "they're turning my child gay" and you just say "well, if that was true, I would be straight (...) And last time I checked, I wasn't" It was just genious. And now talking seriously, I think people judge wrong Steven Universe sometimes, but it's like, the most important series on the last decade. The Adventure Time crew already have plans on showing a romantic relationship between Marceline and Bubblegum since the season three. But they couldn't show it until Steven Universe attacked and "solved" the problem, so the AT crew could let Bonnie call Marcy girlfriend in "Broke his Crown", then show them holding hands in "Seventeen" and they kissing in the episode "Come Along with Me".

[@heinrichagrippa5681]

Exactly. They seem to think heterosexuality is some fragile state of being that requires constant reinforcement to maintain and can be shattered in an instant; as though seeing something not straight will just suddenly and permanently flip "the gay switch" in the sensitive mind of a child. I'm heterosexual, and can confirm that no amount of exposure to gayness ever could or will change that. So I'd like to flip the question and ask straight people who think that if, by their own logic, _they_ themselves could have potentially been "turned gay" under the right circumstances. Somehow I doubt they'd respond "Ah, yes, had I seen two dudes kiss at any point in my life before age 16 I would definitely be gay as hell right now."

[@robkuro8564]

And meanwhile, Japan can just do it as easily as it is to breath air. LGBT in anime has existed far back in the 90's, and it's also true for western shows to.It's just, for some reason, currently, it's gotten harder to display LGBT relationships. What showrunners and everyone else needs to realize, is that gay relationships aren't some strange concept. It's a normal relationship, just with one gender flipped.

[@ribon-ichigo]

I wouldn't say LGBTQ+ anime is perfect or much better than in other countries. There's a lot of heavy fetishizing of gay characters and gay romance, as well as trans characters and gender-fluidity being the butt of many jokes. Only times it is good (for the most part) is when the show's entire focus is on LGBTQ+ people. I can only come up with a handful of LGBTQ+ anime characters who were in a "non-LGBTQ+" setting that were genuinely respected and not treated as a perversion or creepy. I have seen a lot of improvement in this over the last couple of years though with shows such as Zombieland Saga (their trans character isn't misgendered frequently, there are still some instances of transphobia among the characters within the show though), and Carole and Tuesday (I love the representation of Desmond as intersex and Dahlia as a trans woman, who while she isn't necessarily a good character, she is still mostly respected and treated as a woman). Japan is relatively progressive in legislation when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights but that doesn't make their representation in the media perfect. It should still be criticized when there are major problems (such as the ever-growing trendy trope of "traps", as a joke about "men dressing like women to trick other men". This is something used in real court cases as justification for trans women being murdered). EDIT: to add, it's also important to note that in Japan it is still illegal for gay couples to get married and adopt children. It's also not possible for same-sex couples to undergo surrogacy or IVF to have biological children. Conversion therapy is still legal (though this is also in many other countries). While Japan may be more progressive in some areas, they still lack in others.

[@1204khalil]

@@ribon-ichigo well japan is a country with a very low birth rate, so they can not be very flexible with that topic, in the anime koi uso you can see exactly this situation

[@kayciejones5583]

I've watched a couple LGBT+ anime romances, and the ones that are guy+guy are really disturbing. They basically romanticize sexual assault. One guy (usually the smaller one) is always saying no, stop, don't do that, don't touch me there. While the other dude just keeps on going like he can't even hear him. I've seen it quite a bit in anime overall, but it's especially common with guy+guy romances. And I can't understand WHY.

[@andimason3370]

@@kayciejones5583 Unfortunately you seem to have found the worst possible introduction to LGBT anime you could of found. There is far better representation out there, but unless you know what to look for it can be lost under the sea of fetishistic rubbish. But to help out try Given, Yuri on Ice, Bloom into You, Zombieland Saga, Carole and Tuesday and Wandering Son they all have really good LGBT+ rep.

[@Curedrawing]

@Esmeralda Martinez wait wait wait... PEARL AND MARINA ARE A COUPLE?!

[@SkywardShoe]

I will now forever know Garnet as the Secret Gaygent Ma'am.

[@DrTssha]

She is often referred to as two lesbians in a trenchcoat. Which works on SO many levels.

[@Vivigreeny25]

Gayrnet

[@Oddity2994]

Lol gaygent

[@DficienC]

Technically they aren't lesbian since they have no gender

[@tisibiaedeakamatsu]

Lesbianage, if you will

[@brycelavender2255]

Actually angel from Craig of the creek is a-gender confirmed by the storyboard artist the character was based on

[@afrenchfrog1047]

But there is multiple gay couples in it like the two honey suckle rangers and the lesbian kiss at the end of the Halloween episode teehee 🤭

[@SpecialInterestShow]

@Howls ofBloodHounds nonbinary means not identifying as only male or only female! Agender is a type of nonbinary. Agender means having no gender!

[@zacharygiles2984]

@@SpecialInterestShow lmfao

[@august6604]

Michael Hewitt-Clarke no. there is no singular way to be non-binary

[@kitifulnines]

@Michael Hewitt-Clarke non-binary is a _spectrum_ of gender identities where you aren't exclusively male or female, if at all. this includes things like demigender (demigirl or demiboy), genderfluid (where your gender varies over time, like one day you feel like a girl, another your nb, or both), and agender.

[@shockingheaven]

I wish I had cartoons like She-Ra when I was a little girl. It could have helped me realize things about myself.

[@ehidk796]

Dude im sorry😔 like genuinely I feel lucky, I'm JW but I'm also a biromantic Asexual, but I literally needed shows like this to keep my mindset from being using the bible and opressing and forcing my religion onto the LGBTQ+ community, my parents never told me jack shit about this amazing community and If it werent for cartoons and series like this, I think I would still be confused and blind till this day, I struggled and I know damm well I'm still one of the luckiest people in this community even after all the struggle, so I can only imagine what you went through😔.

[@kitsunetenko8952]

@@ehidk796 same im ace and peridot helped me identify that and its really helpful and we are so privileged to have these shows not that theyre not enough but we still have work to do. Lets make the world a better place!!

[@wesleymcbride8084]

I mean you did probably have she ra but it’s probably changed a ton I haven’t seen the reboot just cause I never liked it I’ve always preferred. (music kicks in) HE MAN and the masters of the universe

[@GladDestronger]

i'm not gay but i've asbergers. i grew up the g1 transformer series and voltron. i fell in love with the puzzle-like deisgn of the toys and parts formed legs, arms, heads and bodies.

[@MetaKnight964]

Carmen B: It's pretty sad you want a cartoon to help you feel better about yourself.

[@corinugget1530]

I really wanna make a show that has a predominately BlPOC & LGBTQ+ cast targeted for everyone on a platform like Netflix, since it seems that it’s the most friendly to this. So this video is pretty insightful on what it’s like when trying to do so with in a more of a,, suppressive workplace, thank you for this !

[@BigWeeby]

I've been practising and developinf my skills for the past few years to make my own story with one of the main characters being openly LGBTQ, and i give you my support to make this happen.

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

Hopefully by the time you enter the industry, a lot of this will no longer be a problem.

[@Spuds0the0Potato]

What is BIPOC, I’ve never heard of it before? Also the she-ra reboot on Netflix has a lot of LGBTQ+ character in it if you are interested

[@kaiserband6412]

Spuds the Potato Black Indigenous People of Colour

[@corinugget1530]

Spuds the Potato The acronym stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour. It’s basically minorities, lol.

[@mesousagaby740]

It honestly bothers me that GLAAD never nominated OK K.O. despite it having more gay romantic relationships than straight relationships, especially in it's last season, like...Enid and Red Action got hooked up, Boxman and Venomous are clearly married, and we actually saw Joff and Nick marry in the last episode. The only confirmed straight relationship is Carol and Mr. Gar.

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

Also Carol and Lazerblast, Rad's parents, Enid's parents and Rad and Shannon in that one episode

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

But still I feel like OK KO sadly often gets overlooked when people talk about lgbt representation in cartoons :(

[@99sins]

@@frauleinzuckerguss1906 I think it's because the whole show is heavy on the jokes so it's not as impactful when the backdrop of Boxman and Dr.Venomous basically being a gay family trying to wrangle their kids is done with the backdrop of funny sitcom haha's. Enid and Red Action was much more sincere though.

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

@@99sins Yeah I guess you're right... Still wish it was talked more about though because it's such a feel-good and wholesome cartoon for me

[@99sins]

@@frauleinzuckerguss1906 same

[@JLacay]

I truly wished you've gone more in depth with Adventure Time Marceline and Princess Bubblegum than just saying that it got cannon at the end of the series because there's more to that. When "What Was Missing", an episode also written by Rebecca Sugar strongly hinted that Marceline and Peebles were exes by "I'm Just Your Problem", a song about her complicated feeling towards Bonnie that she's angry with but at the same want to reconcile. It nearly opened the door but she messed up at the end for Bonnie starring at her. At the end of the episode, it's revealed Bonnie's most prized possession was Marcy's rock shirt and she wears that as her pajama's. In fact, in "Sky Witch" she even sniffs it. Unfortunately she has to give it away to Maja for Hambo and according to Maja, it has more sentitmental value than the stuff animal. We see bits by bits of their bond reforging in such as "Red Starved", "Time Sandwitch", and "Princess Day". In season 7 is when Marcy and Bonnie finally reconcile and become best friends by PB realizing of she pushed so many people away, even Marcy away and aplogized to her. By Adventure Time mini-series "Stakes" where Marcy got rid of her vampirism with the help of PB, when Marceline had a poison coma she dreamnt she was old and living with Bonnie and after waking up from that, she told her that dream and she was nice which made her blush. In the end of "Stakes", although she turned back into a vampire but she doesn't mind because her journey did help her to grow, become more mature and show empathy and she thank Bonnie and tells her that they'll be hanging out forever, again made her blush. Throughout the whole show, we see them hanging out more like Marcy and Bonnie have dinner with Simon/Ice King in "Broke His Crown", Bonnie being supportive in "Music Hole". In "Ketchup", it's revealed that she rather turned herself a candy person so she stand beside her. Then in the final season things get more obvious by Marceline and Peebs were holding hands, Finn telling Hunson "maybe" that she's dating someone, her wearing PB sweater from "Stakes", "Slow Dance With You" is mostly about Bonnie. By the finale, it's confirmed that they are a couple. The second episode for Distant Lands "Obsidian" and that will explore their relationship after the events of "Come Along With Me" and show what their past is like. While many people talk about how Legend of Korra, Steven Universe, She-Ra, and Kipo being the driving force for showing LGBT, people forgot of how Adventure Time did it along time ago. While it did took long but it was worth the wait.

[@mertensiam3384]

In addition to that, when Bonnie and Marcy are flying to Ice King's kingdom, Bonnie calls Marcy "girlfriend". And in the whole episode, Marcy and Bonnie's interactions are really romantic. In Spanish of Spain, Marcy says "you're the one who's crazy for me" basically shouting out loud "I like you, Bonnie". In the episode "Come with me" of the first? second? season, Marcy calls Bonnie "peebs" and when it looked like she was bothering her, it almost looked like she was flirting with her, with Bonnie's reaction being so like "oh, yes, you exist" just makes the subtext make more sense. In the same episode, Marcy seems to be really dedicated to make Finn do everything that Bonnie hates, obviously on purpose, but she made it look like a revenge or something done out of some strong feeling. Also, can we talk about the fact that Marcy just entered Bonnie's room in the middle of the night like if it was nothing or if she already did that millions of times before? Yes, Bubblegum Princess wasn't there, but Marceline didn't know that. (This in the episode "Varmints") In the same episode, Bonnie sleeps on Marcy's lap. I think I should mention that last one, because if I recall correctly, Bonnie was blushing, but I'm not sure...

[@PeachTIgerDraws]

I'm glad you addressed the, "Sometimes no rep is better than bad/harmful rep." And you're right. Voltron, to this day, did more harm than good. Using Shiro as a tool, and making his character entirely about his sexuality and stripping away his close relationships with others. Then shoving him with a character that people had to check the subtitles for his names.

[@PeachTIgerDraws]

@Elio Most think s6 would have been a good original ending. But s7 is tolerable, if you don't want to see Shiro's character get shoved into the foreground then stop at s7, ep 1. Cause s7 and s8 have some triggering stuff, and s8 is especially a disaster.

[@tungstendioxide3055]

In Turkish version if Steven Universe whenever a new gem git introduced they gave them male voices but when they started to act feminine they "had to" change voice actors. So technically Turkish version of Steven universe has trans representation.

[@HelloThere-.-]

Clever thinking 😁

[@SandyTheDesertFox]

I love attempts at cencoring backfiring like how they made Haruka and Michiru from Sailor Moon 'cousins' but it didn't actually make it less gay it just made it more incestuous lmao (Though Accidental trans rep is more based than incest obviously)

[@christopherb501]

Over in Yugioh, the season 3 main villain of the second show is _clearly_ intersex with murky gender identity, but in the English dub, they feminized and also covered up the form to confirm them as female but also reduce implications of boobs, yet the voice in the flashback is male. The dub turned an intersex character to a trans woman, or at least transfeminine man. Dubs are weird.

[@saadmahmood1409]

@@christopherb501 yubel? I don't they are going for LGBT I guess that is only for a design that looks cool

[@dangreen3868]

For the love of God we need trans characters in kids media. Like, trans characters, not just nonbinary characters who's gender is never talked about (I'm nonbinary, I just mean that an easy conclusion to come to with a characters like double trouble is that they were born nonbinary, especially since they're a fantasy creature). Growing up trans, not knowing that being trans is an option, it's horrible. You either tell people about these feelings that you're never told it's ok to have, or you suppress it all and have to deal with the consequences when you're older. All of that changes once you know being trans is an option. It completely changes the playing field. Now it's a matter of figuring out how you fit in terms of this possiblity, who you can tell and how you're gonna go about this. If I'd been given the option of being nonbinary as a kid, I'd have come out years earlier. I knew who I was, I just didn't think who I was was something I could be. Trans characters in kids shows would have made everything better. Maybe then I wouldn't have to deal with years of repressed emotions, and I'd probably have gotten my parents to understand much sooner. But no kids show right now would make a main character trans, with their trans identity a constant part of their character. No kids show right now is gonna show a character dealing with dysphoria or transitioning. I'll make the damn show myself if I have to. I'll do it. I'll make a kids show about fighting aliens or something and the main character is gonna be trans and it's gonna affect their actions and their story. I'll do it if it kills me. I need little trans kids to learn that they can be trans, that they can be happy, that they can be themselves. I need little trans kids to know they can save the world and battle dysphoria at the same time. Sorry, that got a little intense. These shows have paved the way. We're making changes. But I won't be satisfied until I get to see a show that would have saved six year old me years of trauma go up for trans kids of today to watch.

[@lunamoon1437]

Dan Green thank you I’m trans so thank you for wanting this

[@mo0nflowersart]

Yes! I feel like the only one who thinks this! I would love a trans character in media!

[@markeyiszra]

I would love to see Trans Character if it's a not a young kid characters. That's kinda dark.

[@kockichis1275]

I think the reason there isn't really many trans characters in media is because its hard to outright say a character is trans without making their story about that and their transition.

[@dangreen3868]

@@kockichis1275 I think cis authors just don't know how to write openly trans characters. I'm trans, I'm open about it, and my life isn't all about my transition. You could very easily write a story about a part of me that's not my transness. But every part of my life is affected by being trans. If I were to write a trans character, their story wouldn't be defined by being trans, but it'd affect their life and behavior, just like in real life.

[@Monomiibo]

When I was discovering myself a few years ago, and at time, didn't have any family supporting me, Steven Universe helped me feel comfortable and told me that I'm not as weird as I thought I was, and being nonbinary and bisexual is okay. Stevonnie and the gems gave me confidence and made me happy.

[@99sins]

same, didn't even know I was nb demi. Always thought I just 'failed at being a man'.

[@pearlyp9898]

Steven Universe is probably the reason I don't have any notable internalized lesbophobia now, even with me being largely closeted irl. From a young age, I was able to realise that liking girls is an option, discover myself through it's rep and the resources I found online, and find friends that I can talk to things like this about. For that, and many other reasons, I'll forever be grateful to SU.

[@rapperblut1617]

i hope that benzon and troys relationship will be developed further in season 3 of kipo

[@cartoongame5007]

Me too! I LOVE kipo. And benson and troys relationship is SO CUTE.

[@toastandbutter7367]

Same! They’re so cute together!

[@niki7411]

I hope so too!!!

[@onewomanarmy6451]

I think the way Benson see Troy with the fluff and music is one of the cutest moments ever. Was so happy when it just kept on happening!! And the way Troys dad was all supportive! Adorable!!

[@ferhog7705]

Personally I found the Benson/Troy relationship to be quite rushed, but I did get a lot of enjoyment out of Benson's interactions with Troy's dad.

[@vicenteisaaclopezvaldez2450]

So the wedding episode meant the show was shortened, but I also heard that Rebecca pitched the movie so they could finish the series... Did they almost cancel the show due to the wedding?

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

Kind of. It's a bit more complicated than that. The show was always under the threat of cancelation, much sooner than the wedding episode was pitched. But yes, at certain points it was almost canceled. Rebecca talks a lot about this in interviews if you wanted to look around for them, but it's really frustrating to hear what the Crew went through.

[@Nameless_mixes]

Toon Ruins They may have gone through hell, but they still created one of the best and most iconic shows to air on Cartoon Network that had a lot of cultural impact! Maybe it wasn’t what they wanted, but they should be proud! ❤️

[@1FenFen1]

@@Nameless_mixes the best three seasons. After that its a mediocre series of events.

[@cartoongame5007]

Im so glad to see this video! Videos like this helped me stop being homophobic and start learning more about myself, and noticed im bi. And know im writing a book where the main duo are a gay couple! Thank you for making a video like this, and I hope this video helps many people in my situation!

[@cartoongame5007]

Omg! I got hearted! Thank you Toon Ruins

[@lc6134]

@@cartoongame5007 what's your book going to be called I'm curious.

[@Black_Frost212]

@@lc6134 yeah I am too actually

[@khalidhenry3857]

Kids should know that they can live lives their way whether they're LGBTQ or not. They should know that they can be happy about who they are and not change anything about themselves.

[@domino_201]

It’s ironic that they allow rather adult themes or dark stuff in many shows like Gravity Falls and then they won’t even allow a gay relationship. It’s like the government releases footage on public tv in the 40s of people being blown up, but they wouldn’t allow a picture of two men hugging to be released in a newspaper or whatever. Edit: The biggest reason Disney struggles with LGBTQ stuff is because they have a massive audience in East Asia, a place with a massive history of being anti-gay. Indonesia (and probably other nations there) actually had Disney cut out a gay kiss that was put into Episode IX of Star Wars for their audiences. If Disney were to add more LGBTQ content into their stuff, regardless of what their Communist overlords think (you know who I mean), they could lose international funding, and become far smaller than it currently is. Though I do think the lesbian kiss was a bit abrupt in that movie. Not saying I’m homophobic or whatever, because I’m not; I’m just saying that they had 3-5 SW movies and two animated show produced to try and push to the “right direction,” if you may. The problem clearly isn’t just companies, its the governments of the world.

[@noahbossier1131]

China is homophobic. as well as russia.

[@garretwoeller7669]

Walt was also debatably an anti semite but we don't talk about that

[@domino_201]

Noah Bossier You could say that about all the eastern nations I guess.

[@sarah-8]

@@domino_201 for good news, taiwan is incredibly progressive in terms of LGBTQ+ issues, but unfortunately it is indeed an exception to the general rule of asian nations being rather anti-LGBTQ+

[@ExtremeWreck]

@@sarah-8 Japan is also an exception. Oh wait, can Japan really be considered part of Asia? I mean, they're several miles away from any land in the rest of Asia!

[@JediMB]

As someone who was completely in love with Steven Universe at one point, only to reach the end of Future and just go "huh, I guess that's over then"... I really appreciate getting this behind the scenes information. It really seems like the late issues with the show that made me kinda apathetic about its resolution were largely due to the cut in funding, and actually knowing that does help me regain some of the appreciation for the show that I lost. Meanwhile, though, I can't stop thinking about She-Ra, and I'll keep hoping that another season or a movie will become reality and give Catra and Adora some time for on-screen happiness as a couple.

[@parisbeautifulhoomanindawo6372]

Same Catra redemption is not done yet!!!! And I FREAKING WANT A MOVIE OR another season!!!!

[@redacted5078]

iREALLY need. She-ra movie

[@abigailaceves9230]

Hello, This may be bit off topic, but there's something I want to say. The first video I watched from your channel what the Media Representation for Autism. And as an autistic person myself, it made me feel it bit better about myself. Shows like Everything's Gonna Be Okay, where has an autistic character played by an autistic actress, and She-Ra, where a character name Entrapta who is autistic thanks to one of the Crew-Ra writters being autistic and wrote her development, also made me feel better about myself and I'm still learning to love myself. Anyway, Steven Universe and She-Ra eventually help me appreciate the LGBTQA+ community, and I think you did a wonderful job with both of these video. Thank You!

[@bellac6311]

I love entrapta so much and I'm also autistic. It pains me when people say how "annoying" she is because everything she did could be attributed to her autism. I mean, she joined the horde because the princesses were rude about her, and complained about her WHILE SHE WAS STILL THERE, and catra manipulated her already confused feelings, to make her think she'd been left on purpose. That was all because of her autism. If the princesses had taken time to understand her, she wouldn't have let catras words get to her, because she'd be assured they'd not leave her behind on purpose. With th death bots, she was caught up in a special interest, and, for the first time in her life, she was being treated with respect. She was being listening to about her tech, and wasn't being treated as a child (unlike how the princessed treat her). I just...i'd love for a channel to deep dive into entraptas character becasue the more i look into it, the more stuff i find.

[@GamerSlyRatchet1]

Also, I find it a bit hard to believe that Dreamworks was the one forbidding LGBTQ+ representation, especially since it extends to other shows beyond the ones listed, like Harvey Girls, Kung Fu Panda: Paws of Destiny, and Fast and the Furious: Spy Racers. In fact, the Kipo showrunners we’re allowed to portray Benson’s orientation under the condition that he would need to outright say he was gay.

[@El-bq9rk]

I’m so so happy that lgbtq+ relationships are much more represented in media.. it seriously helped me so much as a teen to get rid of my internalised homophobia and to accept myself for who I am.. protesting against that is just downright homophobic and hurtful I’m currently a huge She Ra fan!! I want to see more explicitly gay protagonists in cartoon shows :)

[@Nunu_]

I don't know if it's canon but I pretty sure Star from Star Vs. is actually Bi. There was a scene in one of the later seasons where she's sitting between a really buff guy and girl and she has blushy heart eyes and is looking back and forth at both of thier abs

[@martynap2930]

The cretor confirmed it so yes it's canon!

[@nessesaryschoolthing]

Even in the first season, there was hints

[@KhyannArts]

Is canon

[@bleke7434]

She is like 1% gay, she was bi for only 5 seconds throught the whole show, and even then it was kind of debatable. That's why no one counts her when talking about representation

[@nessesaryschoolthing]

@@bleke7434 StarVS TEASED a lot of representation, but never really delivered on any of it. Star's bicuriousity, Marco's crossdressing, Tomco, it's all sort of there, but never quite goes anywhere or means anything. That's the show in general, honestly. It did give Jackie a French GF, though, that was alright.

[@greenergrass4060]

Alot of conservative have this mindset that almost all animated shows are for kids, therefore showing any lgbt+ representation shown is deemed as propaganda/ or an agenda meant to "brainwash" little kids. However that is not true. Shows like "Dora", "DocMc Stuffins , Calliou, Sofia the First or Thomas the train... Have a clear target audience distinct from shows like Steven Universe, Gravity Fallls, SVTFOE, Shera and Adventure Time. Which are more fit for Teens+

[@dashiell2006]

"Thomas the train" a n g e r y

[@bubbles000]

Ngl Thomas scared me as a child...

[@ravenfrancis1476]

But also showing LGBT+ relationships to younger media is completely fine, so long as its kept age appropriate (which it usually is)

[@semidecent4395]

Ramieverse ! It’s very annoying when they treat Lgbt+ themes and/or romantic relationships as “inappropriate”, when they let their children watch romance between two hetero characters batting an eye. It’s not the romance that’s inappropriate, they’re just homophobic

[@mizzdeanabanana]

@@ravenfrancis1476 yup

[@soulrecords857]

As a person who is currently scripting/creating a cartoon herself that has LGBTQ+, I’m so happy that the tide, even if it’s only by a little, is now allowing LGBTQ+ themes and characters to be shown in the media. Outside of anime, shows like Steven Universe, Adventure Time, Kipo, Korra, and even She-ra (and I personally hate that show) have encouraged me to keep pushing to pursue my dream of working in the western animation industry and make a cartoon that children like me who wished to see characters who looked and identified similar to me. Thank you for creating this video ❤️ - a fellow LGBTQ+ fan

[@martynap2930]

Good luck! I am really happy to see creators who are inclusive, so keep doing what you're doing!

[@esraissilly]

Just wondering, why do you hate she-ra? I'm personally a fan, but I'd like to hear your opinion, because most people I know love the show.

[@skyisherelol3492]

What's the name of your show?and where will it air?

[@andchad723]

am I the only one who wants aromantic and asexual Elsa

[@aroace7913]

Nope, I´m right there with you.

[@eileennoonan7779]

As a ace my self I would live to see more asexual rep, Elsa would be a great start.

[@aroace7913]

@@eileennoonan7779 Yep, she could be the first open aroace character.

[@TheKawaiifan]

My commentary as a panro ace: when people say they want Asexual Elsa, they really mean Aromantic. To explain and understand Asexuality, one would have to establish what even is sexuality. It’s hard to explain the lack of something when your audience arguably isn’t even old enough to understand what that something is. An Aromantic Elsa is plausible to portray to a young audience. A lack of interest in romance, not falling in love and still not being a villain is a concept an 8 year old can grasp just fine if one took the time. So is if Elsa were to fall in love with another woman. Unfortunately we can’t really have those at the same time, so Disney kinda just did neither. If Frozen was made for an older audience than a homoromantic asexual Elsa would be much more plausible. Or even an aromantic homosexual!

[@robylopezvi]

Hayden Rozier I mean she’s not really a monarch anymore since Anna’s ruling Arendelle (I’m sorry I have no idea how to spell that) now but I get your point

[@Justice1Knight3]

What a fitting video to close this year's Pride Month. I can't wait to see what the future holds for animation and LGBT+ content.

[@radicalpasta7040]

Great video. As an teenage lgbt person myself, many of the recent lgbt-inclusive media has really effected my life and helped me to accept who I am. Minor nitpick, at 8:10 you say bubble buddies is the first ep of Steven universe. I am pretty sure lazer light cannon and gem glow were the first ep. sorry if I am being pedantic, I just thought I would mention it.

[@PatrickOTreat]

3:40 Aaahh! I hate that argument. Media can’t make you gay. Media teaches them the name for what they already are. With proper representation, young kids can see themselves in characters and stories that they wouldn’t before. They can be their true selves earlier and not ‘figure it out once they went away to college’ like in my generations day. Thank you for this wonderful video.

[@terraventusaqua123]

8:15 Wasn’t the first episode of Steven Universe “Gem Glow”?

[@RandomnessGirl309]

Season one was aired out of order and they posted a list of the actual order.

[@_spooky_mars_]

“Adam from the hollow is gay” Oh. Guess I _am_ gonna watch season two then

[@DrTssha]

It is worth it. I could not stop watching.

[@jadefields9020]

@@DrTssha oh and one of the main characters has 2 dads so what a coincidence

[@yukilam9164]

same i got so exidet ! when she said that

[@yukilam9164]

oh and i think Mira's dads are gay too in the first ep

[@Vivigreeny25]

I hapened to watch that with my homophobic Dad and not really homophobic Mom-

[@IceFireofVoid]

You want gay Elsa, but I still want canon asexual Disney princess. Yeah, there needs to be more Gay/Lesbian representation, but that still far outnumbers the asexuals. Asexuals who often fall prey to being retconned as not later on, like Jugghead from Archie who was canon ace but made straight in Riverdale, or how Spongebob was stated as canon asexual by his creator, only to, for some reason, be paraded around as gay now. I'd like to see outright stated asexual representation that...stays asexual.

[@End336]

Same/Agreed

[@ExtremeWreck]

I'm pretty sure "asexual" means that they can reproduce without the need of another thing, so the Disney Princesses aren't that.

[@stoppedposting8239]

@@ExtremeWreck asexual means lack of sexual attraction has nothing to do with reproduction.

[@ExtremeWreck]

@@stoppedposting8239 Plants, & sea sponges: *Am I a joke to you?*

[@Peregrina]

The Dragon Prince explore LBTQ as well as they add a person with a disability. A relative to the main characters who is also in charge of the guards is deaf and use sign language throughout the show. Later on she fall in love with a woman and I believe they start a relationship. There is also a lesbian couple who rule another country. Unfortunately they are killed off but you get to see and hear about them a lot as they are important for the story. They also have an adopted daughter.

[@lc6134]

Don't forget Ethari as well.

[@Peregrina]

@@lc6134 OH Right they have a gay couple as well. I almost forgot.

[@Meerkat628]

I don't think they're in a relationship at the current moment. They're definitely in an alliance, I dont think the handholding in the last ep was romantic, it could eventually be, but not atm. Still bothered by the choice of a deaf guard captain, its really not practical for the battlefield. Im not opposed to the deaf character and the sign language is simple enough even for non asl users to get the gist of what shes saying, but it would have been more believable in a mage role or something. The overall storyline is pretty good, as expected since on of the writers is the main writer from airbender, but I think they threw in lots of diversity without considering the roles theyd play as well as they should have. (Even a lesbian relationship would work better if they werent part of the monarchy. Monarchy relationships were purely done for alliances and heirs. Nothing more. Thats what the misters and mistresses were for ;) ). Just little world building gripes. I know its a kid show, but thats not a good excuse anymore.

[@DerpySquiddles4043]

To anyone out there: confirming character facts on social media but not in the show IS NOT representation, Just say/show it in the damn show.

[@RandomnessGirl309]

Some would if they could. Most networks won't allow a character to outright say they are gay or something. Thats why a lot of lgbt relationships are left to the last few episodes

[@tungstendioxide3055]

Let me guess, J.K. Rowling?

[@DerpySquiddles4043]

Tungsten Dioxide not just her there’s a ton of people who do

[@absolutetrash8118]

@@DerpySquiddles4043 I'm a bit iffy on it If they had enough hints in the show, but not allowed or not able to be outright stated, I'd consider it an alright choice. Like Double Trouble in She-Ra being stated as Non-Binary. They are never explicitly confirmed in canon as such, but they are a shapeshifting lizard that uses they/them pronouns. It goes kinda bad when they have no evidence to support it, but still state it (Aka everything jk Rowling ever)

[@MellowCreamTV]

There really isn't a lot of male x male relationships in cartoons.. I feel like there's a lot more female x female relationships, because that's more widely accepted, and I really hope there's an equal percentage of rep from both. Male x male relationships exist, but they're never a prominent as Ruby and Sapphire or Catra and Adora.

[@dangerousdinosaur1640]

Yeah and I've wondered that too? There is quite a lot of obvious/cannon female×female relationships, as well as lesbian/bi women representation. But mlm relationships are less common, the only one I know of is Ben and Troy from Kipo (this is the only one I can recall at this moment). But yeah, it's kinda sad and I wish the media is seeing the issue.

[@frownyclowny6955]

My theory is a combination of toxic masculinity and fetishization of wlw or otherwise lesbian women in media. Because of male gaze or that it makes men uncomfortable or smth

[@nekoomg5706]

In Kipo and the age of wonderbeasts, Kipo is actually bi and in The owl house, Luz is also bi. I'm honestly glad that in child cartoons they aren't just including gay or lesbian people, they're also including bi, pan exc.

[@HelloThere-.-]

I am dreaming of world when gay couple in TV will be just another fictional characters and not legendary "LGBTQ+ agenda"

[@friend_trilobot]

I've been trying to add as many LGBTQ+ themes and characters to my stories as I can, which, bc I'm a straight cis man, has required a lot of research to make sure I'm not falling into harmful tropes. One thing I've wanted to do is show a well done, fully developed but g-rated (i.e. on the level of what hetero couples do in Disney movies) same sex romance to further illustrate the double standard which frames LGBTQ+ relationships as more sexual than non-LGBTQ+ relationships. I'm thankful my medium is going to be a self published webcomic, otherwise I might be more limited in how much LGBTQ+ rep I can include.

[@nicholasgiorgi1226]

I'm interested...

[@kirbyjaeger2506]

thought you were wildbow for a second, there

[@frenchhufflepuffie83]

Me: sees this video Also me: CATRADORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@yves_lover1]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@killlerkai18]

I hate catradora

[@rikadabow7581]

@@killlerkai18 The fuck? What is there to hate about?

[@MellowedGrooves]

I hope we can get more gay main characters in media

[@rapperblut1617]

well with the hurdels getting less and less it will be easyer for future creators to have LGBTQ+ main and side caracters witch means more representation for all of us

[@batman3217]

If it's on Adult Swim or Adult cartoon sure. But for cartoon for kids? Hell No!

[@funnyman2482]

@@batman3217 why though? If kids know straight people exist why can't they know that gay people exist. Not all gay relationships are explicitly sexaul.

[@ramenbomberdeluxe4958]

@@batman3217 Okay grandpa, thats enough, get off the PC before you start a scene again ;)

[@stevenhiggins3055]

@@batman3217 Tell that to every kids move that ever prominently featured a straight couple.

[@GamerSlyRatchet1]

Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated is another one of those earlier examples where they had to rely on heavy subtext for the relationship between Velma and Marcie Fleach. The shows’s producers have been confirming the past few years that this was the intention, specifically the portrayal of Velma as a closeted, in-denial lesbian.

[@thekeeperofpromise]

While it did a good job of hinting at such, that isn't exactly what I'd call representation. I think this video focuses on explicit representation of LGBT+ characters, not hinted at.

[@miabumbina744]

I love the show very much, but that's nothing. If it isn't specified on screen, it doesn't matter.

[@GamerSlyRatchet1]

@@thekeeperofpromise The video talks about intended representation as well as explicit. This fits as much as Gravity Falls, since it was the intention, but Cartoon Network didn't allow them to go all the way.

[@GamerSlyRatchet1]

@@miabumbina744 Again, if the cops in Gravity Falls count, then Velma and Marcie definitely count as well. They had Marcie literally hold Velma's picture romantically like Daphne does to Fred and call her "my girl". That's honestly more explicit than anything in Korra.

[@Vivigreeny25]

@@GamerSlyRatchet1 Took me second to realise you were talking about Hot-Dog Water- Marcie is a much better name. Also, Shaggy and Velma's relationship is so much less painfully straight with that in mind-

[@musicalnerds101]

I remember watching the Korra finale on my computer when I was a sophomore in high school. I was so happy. I never thought they would do it. Looking back I see that’s the bear minimum but also the absolute most they were allowed at the time. It’s just amazing how far we’ve come! I love She-Ra and SU and I’m just so happy that media in the US is changing so fast. But not without a fight!

[@threepeaches2110]

19:12 “two women falling in love is not appropriate for our audience” i actually teared up at that, it hurts that there are still people who think there’s something dirty and wrong about my existence

[@rosebud6116]

three peaches They refuse to accept that love is love meanwhile every one else is great

[@moistcrocs3498]

Voltron was such a let down and I completely understand they were limited. It really sucked and I just wish it was made a little later, maybe after she ra so we should have that good representation and the correct development of the good characters the show provided.

[@martynap2930]

Actually, I believe the backlash against Voltron's bullshit Bury Your Gays made Dreamworks reconsider their homophobia.

[@martynap2930]

They realised people WANT good LGBT stories! And now we have some, so it's getting better bit by bit

[@imsodonewiththissh1t]

without voltron we most likely wouldn't have had she-ra unfortunately

[@martynap2930]

@@imsodonewiththissh1t Possibly! Although it is important to recognise Noelle Stevenson still had to FIGHT for Catradora.

[@imsodonewiththissh1t]

@@martynap2930 true

[@stephaniepines]

As a lesbian, I definitely understand why Hirsch was scared shitless of homophobes Dont ever underestimate homophobes, they are terrifying

[@fitquefunlie9848]

Yeah but I always compare them to the Ultra Beasts from Pokémon. Extremely strong offensively but horribly weak defensively.

[@unicorn1655]

Dreamworks has come very far in the past 5 years and I'm guessing that creators noticed the almost complete lack of sensor ship as well. They will go to them for creative freedom and make great shows like The Legend of Korra,Kipo and co.

[@clel45136]

the only reason why dreamworks is evolving it's because of the backlash that recieved after the last seasons of voltron aired and still She-ra's writers had to fight (thing that Vld's didn't)

[@violinlou3411]

I can’t get over that Steven Universe essentially sacrificed itself so shows like She-Ra can exist

[@Otra_Chica_de_Internet]

this made me emotional, I'm crying haha I just hope young LGBT kids don't ever feel alone or rejected for who they are

[@gg0806]

Thank you. I’m a lesbian teenager and I’ve only come out to one of my friends. I’m afraid to come out to my parents though. I’ve been lesbian for about four years now. I don’t feel alone though because with the support of my friend that I told she makes me feel normal.

[@Otra_Chica_de_Internet]

@@gg0806 I'm bi and I haven't come out to my parents either. It's scary, I think I'll wait until I'm an adult. I hope you know you're valid and that you're loved! and don't feel pressured to come out, if you know you won't be safe if you do it, don't do it. And if you rather keep it private that's cool too!

[@youngchuku3710]

🤦🏾‍♂️ if a kid needs a cartoon to help you feel comfortable with your sexuality , the kids has serious issues and the parents need to help the kid

[@alexthompson8977]

@@youngchuku3710 bruh they aren't even ready to learn about sex yet why force it on them

[@semidecent4395]

Alex Thompson Would you let your children watch Cinderella and Prince Charming kiss in Cinderella? Watch her swoon over him, hoping she can date him? Then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t let your child watch two same sex people kiss. Sexuality sounds inappropriate, but it’s more properly called a sexual orientation. When you’re a child, it’s more focused on who you’re crushing on. If the affection is appropriate between a straight couple, it’s appropriate for a gay/lesbian couple.

[@gotosweetstxr]

I always thought the reason Change Your Mind was so messy was just bad writing, so this raised my respect for the crew a bunch omg 😭😭😭

[@DenderFriend]

Star vs. also has some other representation that is easy to miss- Jackie Lynn, one of Marco's will-they won't-they girls, is revealed to be bisexual after she and Marco break up, and the last season does have a scene that teases that Star is bisexual (though it's something easily brushed over since she ultimately gets with Marco). But I feel like it says a bit that these shows of representation are able to be so easily missed.

[@SkywardShoe]

It would have been amazing if they could have explored more into the idea of Marco potentially being closeted trans. It really felt like they might go that direction every so often and Marco said so many little things that just felt really familiar that it seemed like they were going that way. Hopefully someday, baby steps. :/

[@DenderFriend]

@@SkywardShoe Honestly, that would've been a great direction. Unfortunately, having his future self be a buff macho man sort of stomped that idea out. I can see why so many people latched onto him being trans after the whole Princess Marco thing.

[@gay.cannibal]

I think it's important to represent bi people that get in straight relationships tbh, bc it doesn't make them any less gay/bi- There's a common misconception that you just stop liking the same gender if you settle in a straight relationship which isn't true at all.

[@robbiebrewer6153]

There should of been a special where Star came out as Bisexual

[@bleke7434]

Yeah the star hints of her being bi were really ambiguous, debatable and easily brushed over as admiration for muscle, so in the end she was possibly bi for like basically 1% of the show, so that's why no one brings her when talking about representation, cos it's not really rep if everyone miss it and it's not clear

[@tylerhackner9731]

Thank you for this important conversation 🏳️‍🌈

[@LenOnTheDoor0000]

While I can imagine that getting rep on screen is a possible uphill struggle, actually writing it isn’t all that fucking difficult.

[@LenOnTheDoor0000]

Also, just a heads up, I’ve heard the q-word is a slur.

[@GayLPer]

@@LenOnTheDoor0000 It's also predominately used as a self-identity, to say, "Hey, I get to be proud to be myself, no matter how weird that is, and I'm not gonna conform to what's considered normal just to satisfy people who are inherently prejudiced against me to begin with." The "q is a slur" discourse is mostly used by people who want to decide who is and isn't allowed to be part of the community - because "queer" is inclusive. That's not to say it *isn't* used as a slur, nor that it should be applied to anyone who doesn't want to use it, but it's a valid self-identity.

[@LenOnTheDoor0000]

I’m not trying to shame anybody for using this word. It’s just that this what I’ve been told most of my life, including by important LGBT friends in my life.

[@GayLPer]

@@LenOnTheDoor0000 That's understandable, and I'm not trying to shame you for your aversion, either. I just wanted to let you in on some of the disk horse that's been happening around the word. In a way, it's a word that's better when used by LGBT+ people than by someone who isn't. I just don't like how "q is a slur" is often used by some people trying to silence people trying to be inclusive.

[@Lazy_Woolf]

This gets me concerned for The Owl House..

[@lc6134]

Same

[@sableaskew8074]

Lumity!!!!! Do it Disney, do it!!!!

[@durablecookie986]

I have faith in owl house but I'm gonna keep my expectations low just incase 😢

[@rosebud6116]

That gives two reasons on why somebody I know doesn’t want me watching it, but I don’t care. I can just watch it somewhere else

[@abandoned246]

same dude

[@Edotter]

I'm sad you neglected to mention My Little Pony:Friendship Is Magic. Yes, it was at the end of the final season, but at that point we had not one, not two, but THREE confirmed lesbian couples -- including two main characters.

[@munchydoodles4538]

wait, who???

[@Vivigreeny25]

@@munchydoodles4538 I remember there was Lyra and Bo BOn and I think it was Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash???????????? I dunno, I never got to watch season 9 'cause it's not on Netflix. *Hopeful yet.* Netflix I swear to God-

[@ravenfrancis1476]

It was also never really explicitly confirmed and Lyra's and Bon Bon's marriage happened completely off screen and could easily be missed if you didn't pay attention.

[@Edotter]

@@ravenfrancis1476 But some of us DID pay attention ^^

[@ravenfrancis1476]

Edotter You shouldn’t have to be looking for background details for LGBT+ rep

[@junemck.5531]

I remember looking on common sense media for The Dragon Prince, because for some reason I like reading reviews for books/TV/movies. The adults side of the reviewers was full of people saying that the show pushed the LGBT agenda, and that there was a ONE SECOND long kiss between to women, and a TWO SECOND long kiss between two men. How TERRIBLE. Then, the kids side was just full of people bashing the adult side and talking about how bigoted those reviewers were. It was entertaining to read but also kind of scary. Like, do we really have THAT MANY adults complaining about things as harmless as a short kiss?

[@damianfry2080]

I feel like one of the worst thing to happen to representative shows is corporate influence causing writing and directing hiccups potentially causing the representation to seem forced, while for some of us it's easy to search for the original creators thoughts and ideas allowing us to find the true message that was planned, but for those who can't the message can seem shoddy, muddled and ultimately confusing ... Tldr: big companies, let your creators be creative ... Be inclusive, or in corporate language, money is money, no matter who earned it

[@Johnny2Cellos]

Lea this is SO GREAT, amazing work

[@TheFlamingGamerYT]

This is definitely something that needs to be talked about. Happy pride month y’all🏳️‍🌈

[@jasminevu1535]

I'm 13 and the queer representation in cartoons helped make me realized that i liked girls(i dont know about guys though). Lgbt representation doesn't 'turn your kid gay' it helps them figure out their identity and makes them feel accepted when people around them aren't. I don't understand why you homophones/transphobes have to make such a big deal out of it. If you don't support it, okay i get it it's not what you agree with. My brother doesn't support trans but he doesn't make a big deal out of it and doesn't use any rude slurs, just because you don't support it doesn't mean you can be an asshole.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

I really appreciate your outspokenness

[@thatonegamer9860]

I was expecting someone to have said "OH MY GAWD IS THAT ACTUALLY *Just Some Guy Without a Moustache?* " by now to be honest.

[@thekeeperofpromise]

Dude, how is it you're everywhere?!

[@Pituditto]

Steven Universe, She ra, and Kipo are the masters of the gay cartoons

[@mylesjude233]

Gotta say, really enjoyed this video: can't believe the hits that these creators had to take in order to represent people just being themselves, but at least their adversity paves the way for others to continually move forward.

[@KaylaPearlCPNinja]

Great video Lea, you did an awesome job with putting this one together. I hope that one day people from other countries will start to open their eyes and their minds to accept the fact that people in the LGBTQ+ community are still human beings and should be treated as such. I’ve had recently discovered that I am on the gray asexuality spectrum as a demisexual. The fact that my parents have accepted me for who I am even with my disabilities (cerebral palsy, ADHD, anxiety, and dysthymia), has been very empowering for me. This world needs to become more open minded to having honest and real representation of people in the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities as well.

[@pearlyp9898]

Hey, I'm demi (or, at least aspec in some way, still figuring myself out), too! I'm so happy to hear you have a supportive family ^^ Definitely agree on hoping for other countries to become more openminded. It's amazing that the USA and other places have progressed so much in such little time, but there's still so many other areas to work on - speaking as someone from a country in which gay marriage is not yet legal, and neither are there any laws in place (beyond not allowing gay people to be fired for their sexuality) to prevent hate crimes or offer actual support, especially to trans folks :'> (I'd also love for disabled people to have better rights, but that's another topic)

[@LunaMinuna]

Nickelodeon:OH SPONEGBOB IS GAY BECAUSE HES FAMOUS. Stephen:He’s Asexual Nick:Oh we hear you, but we honestly don’t care. Like at all.

[@mizzdeanabanana]

Idc gay sponge is still cool

[@zackmarkham4240]

I gotta say, as a bi guy, there was only ONE surprising thing to me in this video. Arthur is STILL putting out new episodes? I remember watching it like 20 years ago! Are you SERIOUS! O_o

[@longfurby18]

Another step for Disney has been very recent, in The Owl House. Willow has two dads, Luz (the protagonist) is canonically bisexual and has been shown to be attracted to men and women, and Amity has been shown to have a crush on Luz, very outwardly. There was also a background mlm couple in the prom episode. This is all in Season 1 by the way, and Season 2 was ordered before the show’s premiere this January. also please just watch the owl house in general. the art style is beautiful, the story and characters are amazing, it’s funny, 12/10 show, Season 1 is on Disney+ right now.

[@beebread8662]

The fact that I have to hide that ruby and saphire is a couple from my parents is actually messed up, just recently they found out catra and adora is cannon and they banned me from the show. Now I'm sitting here crying myself to sleep because I know my parents will never accept my sexuality. So basically what I'm saying is: I hate it here.

[@kirbyjaeger2506]

just keep on keeping on, my dude. even if they don't accept you (and they still might, btw) you can make a new life for yourself eventually. just hold on to the hope that you'll be able to be yourself eventually

[@Scanny524]

I get why Bojack Horseman isn't included, but can we all appreciate how great of an arc Todd had with his own sexuality? I think it was a great way to show confusion, and the challenges presented by labelling. Overall, some solid ace representation which is woefully underfed in other media

[@redacted5078]

When I found out i was ace thats one of the first shows i watched because i has heard of Todds arc and its so well written. I still love that show because of it

[@NitsatHashaked]

Thank you so much for giving she ra credit

[@CollectiveSplonk]

* so basically, a bunch of scared homophobes shortened the lifespan of an influencial kids cartoon over a gay wedding. * gotta love this community sometimes.

[@semidecent4395]

kristian rikardsen I think they mean Steven Universe

[@BlythePennyBicycle21]

There was also an episode of the preschool show "Helpsters" , specifically episode 12, where one shot characters Nurse Nina and Farmer Flynn , two women, were married.

[@frickinfrick8488]

I loved this, its so nice to reflect on how far we’ve come in just half a decade. Thank you to all the amazing creators who risked the life of their shows just to push for representation, I’m so glad it’s worked to such an extent and I hope this trend continues. It makes me really happy knowing the next generation of kids will be growing up with a more complete view of human diversity and I really hope the simple exposure drastically reduces homophobia in the years to come.

[@DenderFriend]

Honestly, I do feel like it's at least pretty good at Adventure Time could build up Bubblegum and Marceline's relationship and get away with it under the network.

[@slamacatgt4296]

Atleast they aren't going to get confronted because of it.

[@elliepixbit3287]

I’m a trans woman and These video makes me so happy and hoping for the future For LGBT community🏳️‍🌈 ❤️🏳️‍🌈❤️

[@corinugget1530]

8:08 also,, I thought Gem Glow was the first episode of SU ?? Wasn’t Bubble Buddies the 7th .. ?

[@rapperblut1617]

yea bubble budy was the seventh episode

[@ToonRuinsOfficial]

Shit you're right. That's my bad! I believe they both aired on the same day, that's why I got it mixed up.

[@corinugget1530]

Toon Ruins Ooh, it’s chill !

[@quinnietftw2676]

The Hollow really went for it in terms of representation in the 2nd season. Adam and Mira's dads are excellent figures for LGBTQ+ audience members, especially Adam being the leader of the team.

[@Chappillie]

I SAW CATRADORA IN THE THUMBNAIL. I CLICKED. AHHHHHH

[@fuzzymelon1261]

there needs to be more LGBT representation. especialy the T

[@mimiminus7679]

Yeah. Trans people get less representation, and that kinda bugs me. Being trans myself, and I feel a lot of people don't know what it truly feels and the pain that comes with it.

[@RC-vk1oo]

The writers of the shows might not know how to properly portray a trans character. It sucks, but they might be afraid of creating a character who's only trait is being trans. There's also the risk of dead naming and misgendering.

[@cristalat101]

Yes but I'm scared that they won't represent us respectfully

[@killlerkai18]

And the G

[@semidecent4395]

Joyce Burton As long as it’s good representation. I’d rather see one properly written trans character then ten badly written stereotypes of a trans person

[@awakatilluminado6129]

Yk watching Steven universe I just was always grateful to the amount of work the crewniverse put ♥️ I'm an adult and it still had such a powerful impact. I know my child self would have been so validated and happy , and I am so happy for the children who have Steven universe to validate them

[@frbe0101]

The argument has been that LGBT+ representation comes with a sacrifice in plot and quality in the shows and that any criticism of poor show quality is called homophobic or what ever. Can not a show be good and also have representation? For conservatives obviously not, but yes there have been cases that the argument as rang true.

[@humantrash1478]

When i was little i was always like "BuT i DoN't WaNt To Be GaY!" and now i'm like "I want a girlfriend." I wonder which cartoon turned me gay... Oh wait! None of them.

[@lunagale1573]

This video nearly made me cry. Just thank you so much for putting the journey together like this.

[@Pinka13]

I really hope that LGBT rep becomes just a regular thing by the time I'm old/experienced enough to become involved in the animation industry (both family-friendly and non). Because I have several ideas for movies and TV shows that have several LGBTQ+ characters. Heck, the main one I'm working on has two gay men as the main characters (they start off as best friends, but then they fall in love and later get married and even have a kid at some point). This gives me a lot of hope for the future (especially as a bi lady myself ^_^)!

[@alexthompson8977]

bruh ya'll should stop forcing it on people. LGBT rep is literally in 20 plus percent of film already.

[@Nameless_mixes]

I love asking parents who think LGBTQ+ representation in shows makes kids gay: “Ok, so why am I not straight? I grew up in the 90s/early 2000s and there wasn’t any LGBTQ+ representation (or at least any explicit representation) at all. So what caused me to not be straight?” And they just fall apart 😂🏳️‍🌈💕

[@katarinacarrico7887]

I really want Disney to make a movie about 2 princes who start out as best friends but then one of them gets kidnapped so the other goes to save him and as the story progresses both realize they have romantic feelings for each other. Doesn't that sound so amazing?! I am internally screaming at the thought of it!

[@gommodore6441]

This has always been a... challenging topic in my family. Most of my family is against it, with the exception of my sister being bi and she's gotten into countless arguments with other family members. As far as I am aware, I am a straight white male. It may be the way I was raised, but I personally haven't seen myself as part of the LGBTQ+ groups. However, I've grown to respect everyone's preference as it's their lives and I can understand why they prefer whatever they prefer. That being said, I want it to be that LGBTQ+ relationships are just as represented as straight relationships. That way everyone's preference is balanced as there isn't too much or too little of any kind. I hope you all have a good day.

[@alexthompson8977]

when one sexuality makes up like 90 plus percent of the earth it can't really be balanced

[@gommodore6441]

@@alexthompson8977 No, but at least with the way the media's going, the amount of them are seemingly increasing rapidly

[@LegoMelonz15]

I paused Hamilton for this video

[@zoop593]

What dedication...

[@tylerhackner9731]

I commend you. Hard to do.

[@emilyr6510]

I salute a worldwide heroes

[@galacticmusicalgirl2179]

I salute you

[@violetroyal5898]

Brave, I could never

[@BroZilla-vh3tu]

8:07 Wasn’t the first episode Gem Glow?

[@redballoon9007]

For me it was Frybo

[@yoursadnessisnoted.792]

Me and my Joyfriend (NB version of Girlfriend/Boyfriend) are obsessed with all of the shows mentioned and agree entirely that there should be more LGBTQIA+ tv shows and cartoons!

[@pastelskies99]

A lot of people don't talk about it but MLP has 2 canon LGBT+ couples, sure it the last season but to me, it still counts. One couple is Lyra and Bon Bon. They were both headcanon to be lesbians (the show never said what their actual sexuality was). In one episode both characters are shown to be proposing to each other but it's a blink and you miss it a moment. In the last episode (The 26th not 25th) these two are shown in the newspaper in their wedding dresses. The next couple is aunt holiday and aunt Lofty. It was in one of the chapter books that Scootaloo has "gay aunts" and lives with them. (I don't have a lot of information about these two) In the 26th episode, pinkie pie is shown to have her own child, Lil cheese. If I remember correctly Pinkie never actually said he, him, her, she, etc, but just Lil cheese. One of the show staff said that the kid was a boy but has eyelashes because he's cute (the boys or colts in the show don't have any) while another said "Since this has become an issue I'll answer here as well. We never identified this pony at script as anything other than Pinkie and Cheese's "child". We didn't assign a gender as it wasn't important for the moment we were going for, which was just a reveal that they existed" so a lot of people headcanon the kid to be either trans or non binary