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LGBTQ representation in children's television

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Rebecca Sugar, a creator devoted to creating LGBT children's media, speaking at New York Comic Con 2014

Early children's programming addressing LGBT-related subject matter includes two episodes of CBS Schoolbreak Special. "What If I'm Gay?" originally aired on March 31, 1987.[1] The episode told the story of a teenage boy struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. It was nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards, winning for Outstanding Direction in Children's Programming.[2] The 1993 episode "Other Mothers" featured a boy who was afraid that his friends would think he was gay because he has two mothers. The episode was nominated for five Daytime Emmys, winning for Outstanding Writing in a Children's Special, Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special (Justin Whalin) and Outstanding Sound Mixing in a Children's Special.[2] In 1986, HBO broadcast The Truth About Alex, which told the story of a high school athlete who discovers that his best friend Alex is gay.

LGBT representation on Nickelodeon

On June 18, 2002, children's cable network Nickelodeon ran a program entitled Nick News Special Edition: My Family Is Different. Produced by Linda Ellerbee's Lucky Duck Productions and hosted by Ellerbee, My Family Is Different featured children of gay and lesbian parents talking with children from households that oppose equal rights for gay and lesbian families.[3] This program was subject to much criticism from Christian organizations, such as the Washington-based Traditional Values Coalition, who believed the program pushed a "pro-homosexual agenda" and was not suitable for children.[4]Another organization that opposed this episode was the Parents Television Council who claimed they had no problem with same-sex parents but did not think it was appropriate for Nickelodeon's young target audience.[5]

In 2014, The Legend of Korra became the first western children's animation series to not only feature major LGBT characters, but also a lead LGBT character.[6][7] Although, since the two suspected LGBT characters, Korra and Asami, never shared an on-screen kiss many argued the two were not canonically a couple, simply good friends. The shows creators Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko quickly silenced that argument in a blog post stating, " Our intention with the last scene was to make it as clear as possible that yes, Korra and Asami have romantic feelings for each other."[8]

Nickelodeon's The Loud House debuted their first interracial gay couple on July 20th, 2016. Announcement of these characters, Harold and Howard McBride, was met with "overwhelmingly positive reaction."[9] On July 15, 2017, Nickelodeon's The Loud House debuted the episode "L is for Love". The episode depicts Luna Loud gaining enough courage to send a "love token" to her crush, Sam. Throughout the episode, the audience is lead to believe that sam is a boy when she is actually a girl. The two become a couple and are featured in later episodes.

In 2019, Nickelodeon released Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling, a TV movie and sequel to their 1993 series Rocko's Modern Life through Netflix which featured a transgender character in the form of cartoonist frog Rachel Bighead (known as Ralph Bighead in the original series) as well as a plotline involving her coming out to her parents, Ed and Bev Bighead.

In 2020, Nickelodeon debuted a new TV show, Danger Force, which portrayed two dads of a lost child in which Danger Force was trying to find his parents. The same show also featured all four members (two male, two female) having a crush on male heartthrob, Creston.

LGBT representation on PBS

In 2005, PBS planned to release an episode of the children's series Postcards from Buster in which the animated bunny visits the children of two lesbian couples. When education secretary Margaret Spellings stated disapproval of the planned episode, PBS withdrew plans for airing. Spellings believed the episode to be inappropriate for children as well as a misuse of governmental funding that the show had received. Lisa Reilly (WGBH Member Services), stands by the episode stating that, "We believe, as do WGBH's educational advisers on this series, that the program is appropriate for our audience and fits the series' mission to introduce children to the rich and varied cultures that make up the United States, including kids living in a wide range of family structures."[10][11] Brigid Sullivan, vice president of WGBH cited that over the course of 40 episodes, the show had represented many different family structures and cultures, including Mormons, Orthodox Jews, Christians, and Muslim families. She said that this represented that the program was meant "to include, not to exclude, anyone who is part of our society, and for children to see a reflection of themselves on TV is an important part of their development."[12]

Also in 2019, PBS also aired an Arthur episode titled “Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone” which featured Patrick and Mr. Ratburn marry each other. Then, the episode was banned in Alabama.[13]

LGBT representation on Cartoon Network

In 2016, Rebecca Sugar, creator of Steven Universe, spoke about her desire to create an LGBTQ show that was accessible to young children.[14] Since its creation, Steven Universe has quickly gained a cult following largely made up of LGBT kids and young adults. In 2016, "The Answer," an episode depicting the romantic meeting of two female characters, Ruby and Sapphire, earned the show its second Emmy nomination.[15][16]. 2 years later, the two got married in an episode titled "Reunited". This was the first on screen same sex marriage in a modern kids' cartoon.

In 2019, Cartoon Network aired the Steven Universe Future episode titled "Little Graduation". This episode saw the debut of Shep, the non-binary romantic interest of Sadie.

Clarence (2014-18), has also been praised for LGBT representation as one of the cartoons main characters, Jeff Randell, has two moms.[17]

Two characters from the hit show Adventure Time (2010-2018) have been the topic of much speculation from fans, Marceline the Vampire Queen and Princess Bubblegum. Fans have speculated that the two's interactions on-screen could be read as flirting. This speculation was confirmed by the shows creator Pendleton Ward, who has stated that the two used to date. Since Marceline dates a man later in the series, this would make her the networks first out-right bisexual representation.[17]

LGBT representation on Disney Channel

In 2017, Disney Channel in the United Kingdom aired a coming out scene on The Lodge, where Josh (Joshua Sinclair-Evans) explains to another character that girls are "not his type". The scene was the first coming out scene to be aired on a Disney Channel series.[18][19]

Also in 2017, Disney the creators of Andi Mack had the character Cyrus Goodman played by Joshua Rush come out as gay in the episode titled "Hey, Who Wants Pizza?"[20] which was the first episode of season 2. In an effort to ensure the story arc was age appropriate for the network's young audience, Disney consulted with groups such as PFLAG, GLAAD, Common Sense Media, and The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.[21] In a 2019 episode titled "One and a Minyan", Cyrus became the first Disney character ever to say the word "gay" when coming out to his male best friend, Jonah Beck (portrayed by Asher Angel). In the episode's finale, Cyrus held hands with the character TJ Kippen, and the two were confirmed to be a couple by various members of the cast and crew.

These were not the channel's first depiction of LGBT characters as Good Luck Charlie debuted the channel's first lesbian couple on January 26th, 2014. The couple was introduced when the series' main character Charlie has a playdate with her friend Taylor. When Charlie's parents answer the door, they are shocked to find that "Taylor has two moms!" as Bob, Charlie's dad exclaims. While many celebrities tweeted their support (including former Disney star Miley Cyrus), conservative watch group One Million Moms was not quiet about their disapproval of the episode and launched an email campaign against the network. They were joined in support by other conservative groups such as Family Research Council.[22][23]

Doc McStuffins debuted a lesbian doll family in an episode titled "The Emergency Plan" (August 2017), with interracial lesbian parents. Wanda Sykes played the role of a parent, stating it is a proud moment for her kids to see a family like theirs on one of their favorite tv shows. In 2017, in the Disney Channel show Star vs. the Forces of Evil, an episode titles "Just Friends" featured a scene where tens of couples kissed, including a same sex couple. In 2020, on the Disney Junior show T.O.T.S., an episode titled "Seas the Day" featured a baby dolphin named Donny being adopted by a dolphin lesbian couple.[24]

LGBT representation on Amazon Video

In 2017, Amazon Video premiered the animated video series Danger & Eggs. The show includes a transgender girl character named Zadie and an agender character named Milo[25]. The show was co-created by Shadi Petosky, a transgender woman, and has many LGBT individuals voice characters featured in the show.[26]

LGBT representation on CBBC

On 5 January 2013, The Dumping Ground aired an episode that centered around a child, Gus Carmichael (Noah Marullo), being adopted by a same-sex couple. In the episode, it was debated whether or not the couple should be allowed to foster Gus. After the debate, the same-sex couple were able to adopt Gus.[27]

In 2013, creator of The Sarah Jane Adventures, Russell T. Davies, expressed his desire to implement a coming out scene for Luke Smith (Tommy Knight) if the series had continued past the fifth series. A boyfriend for the character, Sanjay, was written but never seen in the series. The idea was suggested by the CBBC network itself, but due to the death of cast member Elisabeth Sladen, the series ended prematurely.[28]

In June 2020, Jamie Johnson character Dillon Simmonds (Patrick Ward) came out as gay, having previously been displayed as heterosexual. The storyline was highlighted for being introduced during pride month.[29] On the storyline, CBBC stated: "Coming out isn't always easy, but by being a supportive ally we can hopefully create a safe space for the people we care about to be themselves".[30]

In July 2020, CBBC aired an episode of The Next Step featuring two teenage girls kissing. Prior to the scene, characters Cleo (Dani Verayo) and Jude (Molly Saunders) were written to confess their feelings for each other, and begin a relationship together.[31] The scene made history as the first same-sex kiss to be aired on the channel.[32] Amidst both praise and criticism, the BBC defend the scene by stating: "CBBC is proud to reflect all areas of children's lives, including age appropriate representation of same sex relationships". Eloise Stonborough of LGBT charity Stonewall described the scenes as "an exciting moment for LGBT representation", and praised the series and CBBC for improving "understanding of what it means to be lesbian" for young viewers of The Next Step.[33] The moment generated over 100 complaints, to which the BBC defended it, saying: "We believe that the storyline, and the kiss, was handled with sensitivity and without sensationalism, following as it did the portrayal of Jude and Cleo's developing relationship and I am afraid we do not agree that it was inappropriate for the audience age".[34]

In August 2020, CBBC transmitted an episode of Mystic where character Caleb Burford (Joshua Tan) comes out as gay to Issie Brown (Macey Chipping). The scene was described as "groundbreaking" by Digital Spy.[35]

Independent LGBT children's media

In September 2007 Dottie's Magic Pockets became the first available show for children in gay and lesbian families.[36]

International LGBT children's media

Rodney Guy, a sketch on the Japanese children's series Ugo Ugo Ruga created by Rodney Greenblat, creator of PaRappa the Rapper featured gay marriages between multiple characters: Wonder Gal and Officer Gal; and Sport Guy and Handy Guy. [37]

References

  1. ^ What If I'm Gay?
  2. ^ a b Awards - CBS Schoolbreak Special
  3. ^ GLAAD 2002[permanent dead link‍]
  4. ^ Lowry, Brian (11 June 2002). "NICKELODEON UNDER FIRE FOR A SPECIAL ON GAY PARENTS". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  5. ^ "NICKELODEON GETS LOTS OF ATTENTION WITH GAY SPECIAL". The Hollywood Reporter. 25 June 2002.
  6. ^ Robinson, Joanna (19 December 2014). "How a Nickelodeon Cartoon Became One of the Most Powerful, Subversive Shows of 2014". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  7. ^ IGN Staff (24 December 2014). "THE LEGEND OF KORRA: IGN EDITORS REACT TO THE ENDING AND KORRASAMI". IGN. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
  8. ^ Baker-Whitelaw, Gavia (23 December 2014). "'Legend of Korra' creators confirm gay romance between Korra and Asami". The Daily Dot. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  9. ^ Roshanian, Arya (2016-07-19). "Nickelodeon's 'Loud House' to Feature Married Gay Couple". Variety. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  10. ^ The Washington Post 2005
  11. ^ Acain, A (March 2005). "Praise for Postcards from Buster and WBGH". Gay Parents Magazine.
  12. ^ Chibbaro Jr., Lou (4 February 2005). "Gay recruiting through cartoon characters?". New York Blade.
  13. ^ https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/05/21/alabamas-pbs-station-refused-air-arthur-same-sex-wedding-episode/
  14. ^ "Rebecca Sugar, Cartoon Network's first female creator, on writing LGBTQ stories for kids". PBS NewsHour. Retrieved 2017-02-03.
  15. ^ "'Steven Universe' Creator Rebecca Sugar Talks LGBT Themes and Season 3". SFGate. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  16. ^ "Steven Universe". Television Academy. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  17. ^ a b "Four cartoons that are leading the way in LGBT visibility". Metro US. 2015-07-09. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  18. ^ Peak, Grace. "Disney Welcomes Newest Gay Character". Arts + Culture. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  19. ^ Martinez, Kelly. "15 Examples of LGBT Characters On Kids' Shows, Because Sometimes TV Does Good Things". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  20. ^ Hey, Who Wants Pizza?, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Joshua Rush, Sofia Wylie, 2017-10-27, retrieved 2017-11-04{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  21. ^ Evans, Greg (2017-10-25). "'Andi Mack' Character To Come Out As Gay: A Disney Channel First". Deadline. Retrieved 2018-04-27.
  22. ^ Fallon, Kevin (2014-01-28). "Disney Channel Aired Its First Gay Couple. It Was 'Fine.'". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 2018-04-27.
  23. ^ Kuruvilla, Carol. "Conservatives angry after Disney Channel debuts lesbian couple on 'Good Luck Charlie'". nydailynews.com. Retrieved 2018-04-27.
  24. ^ "Disney Junior's "T.O.T.S." Shows Two-Mom Family". Mombian. 2020-04-02. Retrieved 2020-06-17.
  25. ^ "The Cast and Crew of "Danger & Eggs" Chat About Their Super Weird, Super Queer Kids Show". Autostraddle. 2017-07-24. Retrieved 2018-10-13.
  26. ^ "'Danger & Eggs' is a groundbreaking milestone in queer representation—and it's hilarious". The Daily Dot. 2017-07-04. Retrieved 2018-10-13.
  27. ^ "The Dumping Ground - Media Centre - BBC". BBC. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  28. ^ "Russell T. Davies dishes on 'The Doctor Who' Spin-Off: 'The Sarah Jane Adventures'". Hypable. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  29. ^ "Stories can give strength to gay and bi footballers". Sports Media LGBT. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  30. ^ CBBC [@cbbc] (18 June 2020). "Coming out isn't always easy, but by being a supportive ally we can hopefully create a safe space for the people we care about to be themselves #PrideMonth2020 @JamieJohnsonFC" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  31. ^ "CBBC airs its first teenage same-sex kiss and the world didn't implode". Metro. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  32. ^ "CBBC's The Next Step's first same-sex kiss!". BBC News. 25 July 2020.
  33. ^ "CBBC Praised For Showing Its First Teenage Same-Sex Kiss". LADBible. 24 July 2020.
  34. ^ "BBC says lesbian kiss scene in the Next Step was important for inclusivity message, following 100 complaints". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  35. ^ "CBBC airs another groundbreaking LGBTQ+ scene days after The Next Step kiss". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  36. ^ American Public Media's Marketplace 2007 Archived 2011-05-20 at the Wayback Machine
  37. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZES8l43Qmlw
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