Animated queer characters are a relatively new phenomenon in pop culture that has challenged societal norms regarding gender and sexuality. While it is true that animators have always used queer themes to enhance their stories, until recently these characters were mostly confined to minor roles, if they existed at all. This means that nowadays there are more opportunities for queer representation than ever before, which opens up possibilities for exploring different ways of being queer on screen. Queer animated characters can challenge societal norms in various ways, including subverting traditional masculine/feminine tropes, questioning heterosexuality's centrality, and creating space for nonbinary identities.
They also reinforce stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people as outliers and deviants from the norm. Let's explore some examples!
Many animated queer characters play with the idea that gender is fluid. In Steven Universe, for example, one character, Amethyst, who presents as female but was initially male, questions the expectations placed on her by others when she decides to transition into a woman. Another example is She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, where Adora, a former member of an oppressive regime, discovers her identity as female, although she looks like a boy. The fact that these characters don't conform to binary gender categories demonstrates how society's understanding of gender is arbitrary and socially constructed. On the other hand, these shows may also be seen as reaffirming cisnormativity - the idea that everyone fits neatly into either man or woman boxes.
Animated queer characters can be used to challenge heteronormative relationships.
In The Legend of Korra, the titular protagonist is bisexual and has a polyamorous relationship with two men. This challenges the assumption that romantic love should always be between two heterosexuals.
In She-Ra, Glimmer and Bow, who are both straight, have a relationship that subverts the traditional male/female power dynamic. This shows that intimacy does not necessarily require being opposite sexes.
It could also be argued that this reinforces the notion that hetero relationships remain dominant despite challenging stereotypes about them.
Some animated series, such as Voltron: Legendary Defender, feature nonbinary characters that challenge our assumptions about gender. In this show, one character, Allura, switches genders throughout the season and challenges viewers to rethink their ideas about what it means to be male or female. It also shows how even people who identify as neither can find love and connection in a romantic context. Still, there is still debate over whether these kinds of representations accurately reflect the real experiences of nonbinary individuals.
Animators use queer characters to create nuanced narratives that encourage us to question societal norms regarding gender and sexuality. While they may reinforce stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people, they also offer important insights into how we understand ourselves and others. As such, they can serve as powerful tools for social change by normalizing diversity within popular culture.
In what ways do animated queer characters challenge or reinforce societal norms about gender and sexuality?
The inclusion of queer characters in animation has been a significant move towards challenging traditional gender and sexual stereotypes that have long permeated society. These characters often defy expectations by refusing to adhere to binary gender roles and expressions, as well as conventional sexual orientations and identities.