[Tom4784]

Cartoon Network took a big leap forward when it comes to LGBTQ representation in children’s cartoon programming with the most recent episode of “Steven Universe.” The animated series’ July 4 episode, “The Question,” included a same-sex marriage proposal between two female characters, Ruby and Sapphire.

“Steven Universe” creator Rebecca Sugar had teased the groundbreaking episode before it aired on Twitter, writing, “The all new ‘Steven Universe’ episodes this week were years in the making, please, PLEASE do not miss these!”

The episode, the 21st installment of the show’s fifth season, included a storyline in which Ruby realized her love for Sapphire. Ruby ended up asking for Sapphire’s hand in marriage. “This way we can be together even when we’re apart,” Ruby said.

The same-sex marriage proposal is one of the more groundbreaking moments for LGBTQ representation in children’s cartoon programming. Shows such as Disney XD’s “Star vs. the Forces of Evil” have depicted a gay kiss in the past, while Nickelodeon’s “The Legend of Korra” has teased its lead character’s relationship with another female character, but a marriage proposal is an entirely different level for LGBTQ visibility.

Sugar is well known for using “Steven Universe” as a platform for inclusive storytelling. The show, which kicked off its run on Cartoon Network in 2013, also made headlines in Season 5 for when the character Pearl performed a dance about her emotions for a female character named Rose.

“Steven Universe” airs new episodes tonight and tomorrow, July 6, on Cartoon Network.

https://www.indiewire.com/2018/07/ca...al-1201981487/

It's good that there are shows in children's TV is normalising things like this, it's good for LGBT kids to fell represented and it's good to show other kids that gay relationships shouldn't be seen as any different to hetero relationships.

[Greg!]

lovely

[montblanc]

steven universe is honestly a GORGEOUS show

i must say the cartoons on cartoon network lately look stupid but are actually quite interesting

[armand.kay]

Wait so you mean to tell me you can show kids gay relationships without any sexual context?

[TomC]

[armand.kay]

lets not forget the og gay couple

[Matthew.]

[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by montblanc

steven universe is honestly a GORGEOUS show

i must say the cartoons on cartoon network lately look stupid but are actually quite interesting

I've heard good things about it tbh, I might give it a watch since everyone I know that's watched it has raved about it.

[Eddie.]

Lovely of them.

Agree with what Armand has said...

[Ammi]

......hopefully this will be more the future of children’s TV...?...I’ll have to try to give it a watch also, I’m not really familiar with children’s TV atm...I just googled it and said that it’s aimed at children around 7-12 yrs old..?...it would be nice if other children’s TV series which are aimed at younger children will jump on board with it as well...to see pre-school audiences having gay relationships normalised would be a glorious thing and a much needed thing...I mean from birth gay relationships are a normal fact for children...whether it be with their own parents in a gay relationship, parents of a friend... or just a couple in the street hugging or holding hands that is seen by a child...this is a normal thing for any child to see and books/tv programmes etc are perfect ways to progress to a society and world where ‘coming out’ is something that people don’t feel any need to do anymore because there are no potential negative society views and judgements attached anymore...


...lovely.....

[reece(:]

a positive step forward

[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by Ammi

......hopefully this will be more the future of children’s TV...?...I’ll have to try to give it a watch also, I’m not really familiar with children’s TV atm...I just googled it and said that it’s aimed at children around 7-12 yrs old..?...it would be nice if other children’s TV series which are aimed at younger children will jump on board with it as well...to see pre-school audiences having gay relationships normalised would be a glorious thing and a much needed thing...I mean from birth gay relationships are a normal fact for children...whether it be with their own parents in a gay relationship, parents of a friend... or just a couple in the street hugging or holding hands that is seen by a child...this is a normal thing for any child to see and books/tv programmes etc are perfect ways to progress to a society and world where ‘coming out’ is something that people don’t feel any need to do anymore because there are no potential negative society views and judgements attached anymore...


...lovely.....

Ikr? It's lovely to think that the next generation is going to be raised with such positive portrayals of gay relationships and how normalised they will probably be to it all.

The best way to to end homophobia is to raise the children and teach them that it's no different to any other kind of love.

[Denver]

Tinky Winky has been identifying as gay for decades get with the times

[montblanc]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

Ikr? It's lovely to think that the next generation is going to be raised with such positive portrayals of gay relationships and how normalised they will probably be to it all.

The best way to to end homophobia is to raise the children and teach them that it's no different to any other kind of love.

this! people don’t realize that kids literally DON’T care about sexuality (along with race/gender/etc.) at all

it’s how they’re raised in today’s society

[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by montblanc

this! people don’t realize that kids literally DON’T care about sexuality (along with race/gender/etc.) at all

it’s how they’re raised in today’s society

Hatred is ultimately learned behaviour, raise a child in an environment where being gay isn't seen as something different to hate and they won't have any issues with it.

[Alf]

All my life gays have been loved, free and been idols of the screen in my country.

Who you fighting against?

[montblanc]

Originally Posted by Alf

All my life gays have been loved, free and been idols of the screen in my country.

Who you fighting against?

[Alf]

Originally Posted by montblanc

Together we are stronger.

And that's why they keep us apart.

[Oliver_W]

What's that cartoon where the boy's sister is a lez, and his friend has gay parents?

[Brillopad]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

Hatred is ultimately learned behaviour, raise a child in an environment where being gay isn't seen as something different to hate and they won't have any issues with it.

Hence you wanting to shove it does the throats of others peoples’ children at such a young age. Ripe for the picking hey!

Parent power I say. Parenthood, young children and associated issues like this are like anything else and people discussing such issues need to be coming from a position of actual experience.

Where did all that hate for Trump, May, Mogg etc come from I wonder - as if anyone is so pure and innocent - definitely not those on the Left

[Crimson Dynamo]

never heard of it

[Black Dagger]

Originally Posted by Alf

All my life gays have been loved, free and been idols of the screen in my country.

Who you fighting against?

Yeah I feel so loved knowing at any point in a big city on a night out with my boyfriend I could get battered if I dare hold his hand.

[Nicky91]

one small step for Cartoon Network telly, one giant leap for the LGBTQ community


amazing news this

[Brillopad]

Originally Posted by Black Dagger

Yeah I feel so loved knowing at any point in a big city on a night out with my boyfriend I could get battered if I dare hold his hand.

You can get raped in a big city or a small country town on a night out period if you are female. You can get battered for anything. Why is it any different being gay?

[Brillopad]

Originally Posted by Nicky91

one small step for Cartoon Network telly, one giant leap for the LGBTQ community


amazing news this

Not for many parents shouting - not with my children you don’t. Much Cartoon Network banning I think.