10 Most Satisfying LGBT+ Reveals in American Animation, Ranked
Andy Swift
Executive Editor
Coming out can be a long, complicated process — even for cartoons. Fortunately, we’re living in a golden rainbow age of television, one in which characters are examining themselves more thoroughly and coming to terms with their sexuality at an unprecedented rate.
Fresh off the series finale of Adventure Time — an episode which confirmed a romantic connection between its two leading ladies — Team TVLine is taking a trip down memory lane, ranking 10 of the most satisfying LGBT+ confirmations in animation. But first, a few quick (and very important!) disclaimers:
1. For the purposes of this list, we’re excluding shows imported from other countries. We all know that Japan, for example, is embarrassingly ahead of the curve in terms of featuring LGBT+ characters in its programming. (Just ask Sailor Moon‘s Uranus and Neptune, lovers who were depicted as “cousins” when the animé was first translated for American audiences.)
2. To qualify, a character’s sexuality had to have been ambiguous — even slightly — before being confirmed. (For example, when we met South Park‘s “Big Gay Al,” none of the characters bothered to question his orientation. It was literally in his name.)
Which animated LGBT+ reveal meant the most to you over the years? Are there any ‘toons you think are on the cusp of discovering something about themselves? (Our money’s still on The Simpsons‘ Lenny and Carl.) Browse our gallery of animated outings — you can click here for direct access — then drop a comment with your thoughts below.
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Re: voltron. Adam was always referred to as Shiro’s ex even during the Shiro Is Gay reveal at SDCC. And SHIRO is fantastic gay rep whether he’s single or not. And there’s still a whole season of voltron left where he could very well become romantically involved with someone. After all, Korrasami only became canon at the very end of the series. Bubbline only became canon at the very end of the series. Dreamworks probably won’t green light a gay male hand-hold or kiss on Voltron until the very end of the series after they’ve made their money.
-sigh- Now I’m bummed again about Korra being off he air (Did I read that right? It’s already been 4 years?!). Really wish they would get another series going.
It isn’t connected to Avatar/Korra, but the head writer of Avatar has a new show The Dragon Prince starting on Netflix on Friday.
Thanks for the notice! :)
It looks interesting. What’s with the girl having a Scottish like accent?
There’s a post-series comic for Korra that reveals what happened on that vacation.
God, I miss Drawn Together. Xandir’s coming out episode was hysterical!
Omg Xander! I love that show!!
Just wanted to point out the kids show Loud House has a character with two fathers and one of the main characters sisters was in love with another girl that was revealed at the episodes end.
Thanks for mentioning that. I was going to if no one else did. Really surprised they missed mentioning the show for both, let alone one. The reveal of the sister was a pretty clever and memorable episode.
Yesss Todd
I do not watch LBGT t.v. in any form or fashion. I believe that their lifestyle is being rammed down our throats. God said that homosexuality is a sin. I do not hate them, nor do I treat them badly, but why should they get special rights because they choose to sleep with the same sex. If that’s the precedent, then those who are heterosexual should also get special rights. Everyone has an opinion, but it doesn’t mean their right. Only the Bible is the true source of mine. God said it is an abomination. So NO LGBT TV for my family!
LGBT life style is not being shoved down anyone’s throats and no, they don’t get special rights. They’re treated just as normally as Heterosexual relationships.
And don’t bring God into this. That was back then, and I’m sure God loves all human beings despite their sexuality. As a Christian myself, I see nothing wrong with anything LGBT