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A Universe of Possibilities: The Limitations and Promise of LGBTQ+ Representation in Children’s Animation

Sat, August 10, 2:30 to 3:30pm, Sheraton New York, Floor: Third Floor, New York Ballroom West

Abstract

In this presentation I explore the historical and current state of LGBTQ+ representation in animation targeted towards children. As background, I compare representation in children’s animation to other forms of children’s media such as literature and games as well as live-action television and movies. In addition, I explore the distinction of children’s animation from animation targeted towards adults, including brief discussion of non-U.S. contexts. I discuss the role of behind-the-scenes production decision-making on presence and prominence of LGBTQ+ representation in children’s animation, as well as an account of public reception of such representation in children’s animated media. Focusing particularly on the cases of Sailor Moon, Adventure Time, Legend of Korra, Steven Universe, and Voltron: Legendary Defender, I present common themes in representations of gender and sexuality diversity in children’s animation, as well as the unique characteristics of each case.

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