Cartoon Characters Who Are Part Of The LGBTQIA+ Community

These days, there are more and more television shows that portray sexuality and gender identity in a way that can be easily understood by the younger generation. These shows have a golden opportunity to create *realistic* interpretations of people in the LGBTQIA+ community, as opposed to the stereotypes. This way, when children do encounter queer people in real life, they approach them with an open mind—simply because their favorite show has someone who is just like them. It's also an important representation for young queer kids in an industry that's mostly dominated by heterosexual characters.

That said, we listed down the most famous queer cartoon characters, just in time for Pride month. Keep on scrolling to know more:

Warning: This article includes spoilers for most of the shows!

1. SpongeBob Squarepants

   Recently, Nickelodeon posted a tweet in celebration of Pride month and attached pictures of SpongeBob Squarepants, Korra from Avatar: Legend of Korra, and Schwoz Schwartz (Henry D. Cohen) from Henry Danger. While Korra is canonically bisexual on the show and Henry has been open about his gender transition in the past, it was the animated yellow sponge's addition to the tweet that left everyone surprised.

   ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

   While the network did not specify whether SpongeBob was part of the community or simply an ally, the internet was quick to jump in with their opinions. A lot celebrated the tweet, while others criticized it to be queerbaiting. It's worth pointing out, however, that in 2005, the show's creator Stephen Hillenburg, stated that the yellow sponge was indeed asexual.

   CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

   watch now

2. Princess Bubblegum + Marceline the Vampire Queen (Adventure Time)

   Princess Bubblegum and Marceline the Vampire Queen from Adventure Time are both bisexual. PB used to date a character named Mr. Cream Puff, while Marceline dated Ash, a male wizard. Their sexuality was always a constant topic of discussion by fans because of some scenes that seem telling of their relationship. Finally, in the 2018 season finale of the show, the two shared a kiss, which further cemented Bubbline as *canon*.

3. Todd Chavez (BoJack Horseman)
   

   BoJack Horseman is a popular Netflix show about an anthropomorphic horse who was a '90s sitcom actor-turned-severely depressed alcoholic. The sexual orientation of the titular character's on-and-off best friend and former roommate Todd Chavez was first alluded to in season three's finale: He admitted to his then-girlfriend that he "might be nothing" (not gay, but not exactly straight either). It was later confirmed in season four that he was asexual in an emotional coming out scene with BoJack.

   ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

4. Rick Sanchez (Rick and Morty)
   

   Justin Roiland, one of Rick and Morty's creators and executive producer, confirmed that Rick Sanchez (one of the main characters) is pansexual. This was shown in "Auto Erotic Assimilation," where Rick connects with Unity, his ex-lover. Throughout the series, his sexuality was referenced many times, mostly in his backstory.

5. Auntie Holiday + Auntie Lofty (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic)

   The final season of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, introduced a lesbian pony pair, Auntie Holiday and Auntie Lofty, just in time for Pride month last year. They are a couple who took care of young Scootaloo. Their sexuality and relationship were confirmed by Michael Vogel, a writer and producer of the show.

6. Ruby + Sapphire (Steven Universe)

   Steven Universe made history in 2018 with the wedding of Ruby and Sapphire, two canon lesbian characters. It was also the first animated show to win a GLAAD Award for its inclusive and fair portrayal of sexuality and gender identity.

   ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

7. Asami Sato + Korra (The Legend of Korra)

   The sequel of Avatar: The Last Airbender concluded with Asami Sato and Korra sharing an intimate gaze and holding hands while traveling through a portal. Bryan Konietzko, the co-creator of the show, later confirmed the pair's relationship and implied that they were both bisexual.

8. Sailor Neptune + Sailor Uranus (Sailor Moon)
   

   If you're a '90s kid, then you are definitely familiar with Sailor Moon, one of the anime shows that jumpstarted the phenomenon during that decade. It's also considered as one of the first few animated shows that was able to openly portray lesbian characters, such as the pairing of Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus (otherwise known as Michiru and Haruka). 

   Naoko Takeuchi, the author of the manga and the show's creator, confirmed this in a 1996 interview with Kappa Magazine: "The relationship between Haruka and Michiru is quite special... There's not only heterosexual love, but there also can be a homosexual love, in this case, between two girls."

   ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

Follow Cheska on Instagram.

***

We're officially on Viber! Be part of our growing community and subscribe to Cosmopolitan Philippines now!