1. LGBT representation on Nickelodeon

2. LGBT representation on PBS

3. LGBT representation on Cartoon Network

4. LGBT representation on Disney Channel

5. LGBT representation on Amazon Video

6. Independent LGBT children's media

7. References

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] Despite the positive reaction from its audience and parents on social media, conservative parents, with the help of conservative watch group One Million Moms, have pushed back with a campaign calling for the episode to be cancelled.^[10]

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."^[11][12] 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."^[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]

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 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?"^[18] 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.^[19] 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).

This was not the channel's first depiction of an LGBT character 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.^[20][21]

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^[22]. The show was co-created by Shadi Petosky, a transgender woman, and has many LGBT individuals voice characters featured in the show.^[23]

Independent LGBT children's media

In September 2007 Dottie's Magic Pockets became the first available show for children in gay and lesbian families.^[24]{{Portal|LGBT|Television}}

References

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