when cartoons came out of the closet – Spoiler time
In recent weeks, social networks have been buzzing about a scene from light year where two women kiss. But in reality, this is nothing new in animated content dedicated to the little ones. In fact, we could say so pixar he was late to the party.
It is a fact that in recent decades the audiovisual world has entered an era of greater media visibility to the subjects LGBTQ+. The producers believed that birth control, pregnancy, and other aspects of the characters’ sexuality were too sensitive to be presented on television, and also relied on homosexuality as a source of laughs with the female characters.
These rules were much stricter in animated content, which in most cases is intended for children, but over time these rules began to relax.
Cartoons are audiovisual products that spread certain cultures, habits and ideologies, conveying messages that influence perceptions of the world. A significant advance in the telling of these animated stories has focused on gender, including gender roles and the portrayal of queer characters.
There was a time when people saw children’s movies and serials as innocent and harmless productions that conveyed community values. However, the reality is that they are also capable of conveying repressive and oppressive messages to minorities. Entertainment has always had an educational role and audiovisual content for children plays a major role for its audience. They have legitimacy and authority in their cultures, just like other traditional educators such as family, school, and religion..
As a result of this influence, producers took the opportunity to educate people about “taboo” topics and serious issues in real life today that are sometimes not explained to them by school or parents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEyHA60YndQ
In recent years, we can find numerous animated films from different genres, networks and streaming platforms that have LGBTQ+ representation in their stories. For example in Cartoon Network are the following programs and characters:
- Clarence: hey Y Sue Benson
- Steven universe: Stephen, Rubin, sapphire, garnet, Pearl, Bismuth, Sherpa, Sadie Miller Y Stevonnie
- Summer camp island: The parents of The ghost boy Y an alien king
- Time for adventure: BMO, Princess Bubblegum Y Marceline the Vampire Queen
- OK KO! Let’s be heroes: Enid, RedAction, Lord Boxman Y Professor Venom
- Craig from the river: Tabitha, Courtney, ah Y Shawn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHJBF3fPCOI
Netflix In addition, there is a set of characters and programs:
- Rocco’s Modern Life: Rachel
- Voltron: The Legendary Defender: pj, Shiro, Adam Y Curtis
- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power: I adore, Katra, George, Throw, the net, Spinnerella, Skopje Y Double trouble
- Dragon Prince: Say, runan, Etari, Queen Annika Y Queen Neha
- Twelve forever: Reggie Abbott, The back witch, beefhouse Y Mac.
On your side, Disney he also included some characters in his shows:
- Star vs. the forces of evil: Marco Diaz
- Doc McStuffins: Toy Hospital: Thea Y Eddie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC5-In27AaE
finally Main video, Nickelodeon, PBS Y Discovery have only one series each:
- Danger and eggs: Milo, Zadie and the parents of striker.
- The noisy house: Harold McBride, Howard McBride, Moon Loud, Alone Sharp, Laney Y Alice
- Arthur: Mr. Nigel Rathburn Y Patrick
- My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: aunt holiday Y Aunt Lofty.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdBLh5c14rs
Of course, this is only a sample of what we can see on TV, but it is clear that the creators of animated content have made efforts (more or less in some cases) to integrate characters from different genres. Representation of sexual diversity has improved from showing thinly hinted queer characters to airing a queer wedding in prime time.
Today, there is a large presence of explicit characters with non-normative gender identity and sexual orientation that challenge the conformity of these animated stories. These individuals are allowed to show signs of attraction and demonstrate repeated physical affection with each other, ideas that were previously not simply presented or were only for humorous purposes.
One of the pioneers of the animated queer revolution, Rebecca Sugaronce said that: “by incorporating content and characters LGBTQ in children’s entertainment you tell children when they are young that they belong in this world. You can’t not tell them that.” Representations of sexual diversity not only provide young viewers with the opportunity to understand and embrace their identity without having to confront stereotypical images. They also educate the general public about sexual diversity, normalizing it and eradicating prejudices about it.
