Disney Channel features interracial lesbian couple and other networks should catch up already
The Disney Channel continued to show its commitment to diversity and inclusivity last week with an episode of Doc McStuffins titled "The Emergency Plan," which also featured an interracial lesbian couple as parents.
Voiced by Wanda Sykes and Portia de Rossi (two IRL lesbians), the most important aspect of the representation was the fact that the show didn't really call any attention to the same-sex couple at all. Instead, the show taught kids how to prepare for an earthquake, while also presenting parents who happen to be lesbians.
The lack of fanfare toward this inclusivity appears to be the first step in reflecting the world as it is.
"I always envision Doc McStuffins as a show about what it means to accept everyone as part of our communities," said the show's executive producer Chris Nee in a GLAAD blogpost. "As part of a two-mom family, I’m proud to have an episode that reflects my son's world, and shows everyone that love is love in McStuffinsville," said Nee, who also wrote the episode."
Previously, Disney featured a same-sex couple on the live action series Good Luck Charlie in 2014, as well as the first gay kiss in its history in the show Star vs. the Forces of Evil. But this is a first for a Disney Junior show.
Meanwhile, on Cartoon Network, shows like Adventure Time are still having to code the romantic history between Marceline the Vampire Queen and Princess Bubblegum in euphemisms. Back in 2014, one of the voice actors told fans that creator Pendelton Ward confirmed to her that the two female characters had dated. But he also explained to her that they were not allowed to show this on TV because it would be considered illegal in certain counties where Cartoon Network aired.
On the other hand, Amazon recently premiered Danger & Eggs, a new animated series by trans writer and producer Shadi Petosky. The show's inclusive approach awarded it the title of "gayest cartoon ever" from many fans.
All in all, it's a good day for inclusive representation in animated TV shows. But we're just hoping for the day when it's just how things are done everywhere.
Jess is an LA-based culture critic who covers intimacy in the digital age, from sex and relationship to weed and all media (tv, games, film, the web). Previously associate editor at Kill Screen, you can also find her words on Vice, The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Vox, and others. She is a Brazilian-Swiss American immigrant with a love for all things weird and magical.
