First cartoon to show gay characters

Seeing gay cartoon characters on screen helps to normalize LGBTQ+ identities and offers relatable role models for viewers. Their inclusion in the show adds a layer of diversity and representation, making “Gravity Falls” one of the early animated series to feature an openly gay couple in children’s television.

16. Officer Specter (Onward)

Officer Specter, from the Disney-Pixar film “Onward,” is Disney’s first openly LGBTQ+ animated character.

Years passed before children’s animated shows such as Steven Universe and The Owl House “paved the way” for greater visibility for LGBTQ+ in media. Throughout the show, Ray’s sexuality is portrayed with humor and complexity, often involving him in various storylines that highlight his skills and personal life.

In the episode “Bloody Ferlin” (Season 3, Episode 9), Ray returns to his home state and introduces his boyfriend, showcasing a more personal side of his character.

From Angel Dust’s soul being bound to his pimp/abuser Valentino to Blitzø’s trauma of losing his mother and awareness of his lowly status as an imp creating an emotional and professional barrier in life, each Hellborn and Sinner in the Hellaverse is not bound to how society has branded them.

Viewers meet the characters first before they know what their identity/motivation is.

In other words, they will be written as any other functional (albeit without supernatural abilities) couple. His sexuality was confirmed in the 2017 TV movie “Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie.” In the film, a flashback shows Mr. Simmons celebrating Thanksgiving with his partner, Peter.

Although his sexuality was not a focal point of the original series, his inclusion as an openly gay character in the movie was a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in children’s media.

4.

Harley and Ivy being a couple allows new dynamics into their relationship. They fought alongside each other, Catwoman, and even against one other in standalone comic adventures. Garnet is regarded as the strongest and wisest of the Gems as it’s Saphire and Ruby’s love for one another that makes them powerful. But the whole Hell universe is kind of like a layered cake where each different layer down is the different sins.

While SpongeBob’s sexual orientation is not explicitly stated in the series, his flamboyant personality and close relationships with characters like Patrick Star have endeared him to the LGBTQ+ community.

Episodes like “The Secret Box” (Season 2, Episode 15) showcase his playful and affectionate nature, reinforcing his status as a beloved character who transcends traditional gender and sexuality norms.

14.

Patrick Star (The Patrick Star Show)

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While Patrick Star from “SpongeBob SquarePants” is not explicitly stated to be gay in the main series, he is often portrayed with queer characteristics. Their romantic relationship is confirmed in the series finale, “The Last Stand” (Book 4, Episode 13), where they hold hands and walk into the spirit world together.

This moment was groundbreaking, as it was one of the first instances where a same-sex relationship was explicitly depicted in a children’s animated series.

YouTuber and animator Vivienne Medrano broke new ground with her two animated series Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel by encapsulating the various identities of the LGBTQ+ spectrum in a way that respected her creations and didn’t pander to her viewers. Howard and Harold McBride (The Loud House)

Howard and Harold McBride are the first married gay couple to appear in a Nickelodeon cartoon.

In 2018, Adventure Time’s 10th season confirmed the gay relationship between its two main characters: Princess Bubblegum and Marceline.

Another LGBTQ milestone was when two male characters, Arthur and Mr. Ratburn, married in 2019. Smithers (The Simpsons)

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Waylon Smithers, the loyal assistant to Mr.

Burns on “The Simpsons,” has long been one of the most recognizable gay cartoon characters.

He openly comes out as gay in the episode “Ratland” (Season 1, Episode 6) when he gently lets Kipo down after she expresses her feelings for him, saying, “I’m gay.”

This moment is handled with care and respect, showing Benson’s honesty and the strong friendship that follows. It's nothing without a master.

Their relationship is further explored in the spin-off series “Adventure Time: Distant Lands,” providing more depth to their bond and affirming their love.

11. Mitch Downe (ParaNorman)

Mitch Downe from the animated film “ParaNorman” is notable for being one of the first openly gay characters in a children’s movie.

When the two finally kiss on-screen, they have already been a couple for a few episodes.