Same-Sex marriage has been legalized in the United States of America since 2015. While there is still backlash against the LGBTQ+ community, we’re also seeing more and more representation. Not only movies meant for adults and teenagers, but in cartoons meant for children and pre-teens. 

Representation in cartoons is vital, not only for LGBTQ+ children but for all children. Seeing happy lesbian or gay couples and characters normalizes it for those who don’t see that in their own lives, and can help questioning children and pre-teens feel more connected and normal. Lives exist beyond and outside of heteronormativity, and everyone deserves to be represented properly. On top of that, if all the representation is hyper-sexualized shows for those more mature, how do kids and pre-teens navigate their sexuality without wholesome representation in their lives? This is where cartoons with representation come into play. 

In recent years, we have seen more and more confirmed LGBTQ+ characters. A lot of these characters had their endgame in the finale. Such examples of this are Princess Bubblegum and Marceline, whose relationship was hinted throughout the run of Adventure Time, and then finally kiss in the finale. Even since their ending in 2018, even more shows have come out with representative characters. Some shows with confirmed queer characters include Steven Universe, She-ra and the Princesses of Power, Kipo and the Age of the Wonderbeasts, and Legend of Korra, although sadly, was definitely shown more in the comics and not the actual show. 

 The final show I’m going to mention is a fairly recent one, known as The Owl House. The main character Luz Noceda is confirmed as the first bisexual lead in a Disney production, and is also of Dominican descent. These two things aren’t often seen hand in hand, so it is somewhat revolutionary, especially for Disney, who have been very reluctant in the past to include characters of the LGTBQ+ community. The show was released on Disney+ on October 30, and I binged watched it in a day. It was that amazing. 

Sadly, as expected by some people, these shows have received backlash from parents, far right groups and trolls. Some of these people say that showing this sort of representation is “inappropriate” and the viewers are “too young,” which makes absolutely no sense when you consider other shows, or even these shows, have straight characters who kiss and hold hands with no repercussions. But so far, these shows were able to go on for their full run, and those that aren’t done are going strong and aren’t cancelled. 

There is a hopeful outlook for LGBTQ+ representation. Disney, by having The Owl House, is making major steps and changes. People overall have been more accepting and tolerant, and a generation of children exposed to different kinds of people makes the future a little brighter. 

In a community full of many different people and children included, it’s important to find pieces of media that reflect our real lives. Not only do these cartoons have representation, but they are amazing pieces of work, made by people who know this makes a difference. No matter your age, you can enjoy cartoons. They’re fun and in these times we need something bright and hopeful. These cartoons push towards the greater goal of acceptance in our society and are important to all children, questioning or not.