The positive inclusion of queer characters and storylines in pop-culture is always a beautiful thing, and while it may be rarer in animated television than it is in live-action, it’s there. (It’s been there for a while, really.) Many creators make active decisions to not brush them into the background. The queer characters in the shows listed below express their own agency as superheroes, parents, teachers, sheriffs, film directors, and everything in-between! Now more than ever, visibility of queer people is important, and representation in animation has taken those steps into shining a light onto exactly that.
Eds. Note: Spoilers for all these shows follow.
The Loud House
Standouts: Luna Loud + Howard and Harold McBride
A recent Loud House storyline had Luna crushing on a mysterious fellow rocker named “Sam” for the whole episode. Only at the end do we find out Sam’s a girl who happens to have a crush right back on her. Meanwhile, Clyde McBride has two loving, and maybe a little overprotective, dads whose inclusion in the show has been lauded since their introduction.
Steven Universe
Standouts: Ruby and Sapphire + Stevonnie + Pearl + Others
Ruby and Sapphire, the two gems that make the fusion Garnet, are frequently used throughout the series as a shining example of a romantic relationship. They work for their love, they celebrate and embrace it, making Garnet the strongest character in the show. Creator Rebecca Sugar even wrote a fairytale children’s book about their love story entitled The Answer, and it’s every bit as adorable, sweet and queer as the two gems on the show. The show later introduces Stevonnie—a beautiful, powerful genderfluid character who uses they/them pronouns. As one character puts it, they’re “An experience!” Pearl, whose story has yet to be fully fleshed out, nurses a tragic love for a fallen Crystal Gem, and every time her grief comes out, it’s heartbreaking.
Adventure Time
Standouts: Marceline the Vampire Queen and Princess Bubblegum
This iconic Adventure Time duo has been through a lot together; they were confirmed as having once dated, and their relationship progresses through the show from bitterness to rebuilding trust. Their affection toward each other is made more clear than ever in the miniseries “Stakes”, where Bubblegum saves Marceline’s life, as Marceline dreams of the two growing old together.
Clarence
Standouts: EJ and Sue
Clarence’s best friend Jeff has two wonderful, supportive lesbian moms in the recurring cast! Points for butch representation with EJ, voiced by butch icon Lea Delaria, while Sue is voiced by Tig Notaro.
The Legend of Korra
Standouts: Korra and Asami
The fantastical Avatar: The Last Airbender sequel ended with the two main female protagonists, Korra and Asami, walking hand in hand into the spirit world together on a much needed vacation. The creator Michael DiMartino later confirmed their romance, and their love story will continue in a series of comics, “Turf Wars,” the first part of which is coming out this August!
Gravity Falls
Standouts: Sheriff Blubs and Deputy Durland
These two cops had an incredibly sweet and uncompromising affection towards each other for the entire run of Gravity Falls. During the climactic finale, the two declare their love for each other and embrace to a clapping crowd of survivors in the background.
Hey Arnold!
Standouts: Mr. Simmons and Peter
Teacher-of-the-decade Mr. Simmons from the beloved ’90s series was confirmed by creator Craig Bartlett to have a partner! His partner Peter shows up in the deftly executed episode “Arnold’s Thanksgiving.”
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