Animated series with LGBTQ characters: 2010s

The depiction of LGBTQ characters in animated series in the 2010s changed significantly from the previous decade; especially in Western animation.[1] One of the shows cited as being the most influential for this change in representation is Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar and aired on Cartoon Network.[2] As GLAAD put it in their 2019-2020 report, the show continues to "go above and beyond when it comes to inclusive storytelling."[3] The 2010s also brought with it shows such as Adventure Time, The Legend of Korra, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, all of which had strong LGBTQ characters.

For the list of 1960s–1990s series, see List of animated series with LGBTQ characters. For the list of 1990s series, see Animated series with LGBTQ characters: 1990s. For the list of 2000s series, see Animated series with LGBTQ characters: 2000s. For list of 2020s series, see Animated series with LGBTQ characters: 2020s.
Pearl and Rose Quartz, from Steven Universe, cosplay in July 2015

For a further understanding of how these LGBTQ characters fit into the overall history of animation, please read the History of LGBTQ characters in animated series: 2010s page.

2010–14
Main article: List of animated series with LGBTQ characters: 2010–2014

The years of 2010 to 2014 saw LGBTQ characters premiere in various animated series. For instance, in 2010, Adventure Time began airing on Cartoon Network, where Rebecca Sugar, a storyboarder, laid the groundwork for a "queer cartoon couple" in the aforementioned show.[1] A few years later, Sugar created Steven Universe, a show described as groundbreaking for depicting same-sex relationships which was praised for its LGBTQ representation.[4] In 2014, the The Legend of Korra broke barriers in Western animation by featuring an openly LGBTQ protagonist named Korra.[5] The same year, Bojack Horseman, with lesbian, gay, and asexual characters, premiered, while transgender characters had a prominent role in Wandering Son. Furthermore, there were LGBTQ characters in animated shows such as Clarence, Mike Tyson Mysteries, Bravest Warriors, and Bob's Burgers. These stories set the stage for those to come in the later part of the decade, 2015–2019.

2015–19
Main article: List of animated series with LGBTQ characters: 2015–2019

The years of 2015 to 2019 saw the number of LGBTQ characters, building upon progress from 2010 to 2014, in animated series increase. This includes series like The Loud House, beginning in 2016, OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes in 2017, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power in 2018, and Twelve Forever in 2019. The latter three shows were praised for their LGBTQ representation,[6] progressive characters and storylines,[7] and queer characters.[8] Additionally, LGBTQ characters appeared in Steven Universe, Macross Delta, RWBY, Kiznaiver, Mysticons, Craig of the Creek, Castlevania, Carole & Tuesday. In 2019 alone, LGBTQ characters were featured in shows such as Twelve Forever, Hazbin Hotel, The Dragon Prince, Danger & Eggs, gen:LOCK, and Astra Lost in Space.

See also

References
  1. Adegoke, Yomi (October 1, 2019). "Move over, Disney! Meet the woman leading the LGBT cartoon revolution". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 7, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  2. Steele, Amanda (December 20, 2019). "10 of The Best LGBT Shows of the Past Decade". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on January 31, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  3. Where We Are on TV Report: 2019-2020 (PDF) (Report). GLAAD. 2019. p. 33. Retrieved March 25, 2020. Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe continues to go above and beyond when it comes to inclusive storytelling, so much so that it earned the GLAAD Media Award in Outstanding Kids and Family Programming at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
  4. Mak, Philip (December 20, 2019). "In a Heartbeat: Why we need more LGBTQ animation". Toon Boom. Archived from the original on April 5, 2020. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  5. IGN Staff (24 December 2014). "THE LEGEND OF KORRA: IGN EDITORS REACT TO THE ENDING AND KORRASAMI". IGN. Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved 25 December 2014. Have you ever seen an American, animated series, aimed at all audiences -- featuring a superhero-type character, no less -- who’s openly portrayed as LGBT? Well, now you can name one. And that’s a start.
  6. Kelly, Shamus (July 31, 2017). "Why Steven Universe Fans Need To Watch OK K.O.!". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on April 5, 2020. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  7. Matadeen, Renaldo (July 31, 2017). "Netflix's She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Delivers on Its LGBTQ Promise". CBR. Archived from the original on August 21, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  8. Italie, Leanne (July 31, 2019). "Bandwagon builds for LGBTQ diversity on children's TV". Associated Press. Archived from the original on February 11, 2020. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
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