LGBTQ Parenting Roundup: Entertainment Edition
This roundup is heavy on entertainment news—including the queer creators who are among the most powerful people in children’s media—as well as a few other stories I haven’t covered elsewhere.
children’s television
Cartoon Network’s “We Baby Bears” Features Two Nonbinary Characters
Two characters in today’s new episode of Cartoon Network kids’ show We Baby Bears are shown to use they/them pronouns. Watch a trailer here!
“Ada Twist, Scientist” Features George Takei and Guillermo Diaz as Wedding Couple
A new episode of the Emmy Award-winning Netflix preschool series Ada Twist, Scientist guest stars George Takei and Guillermo Diaz as a couple at their wedding. And a brand-new book from the series behind the show includes even more queer representation—with a timely message about censorship and the power of stories!
A “Wealth of Positive LGBTQ Representation” in Children’s Television: GLAAD
GLAAD’s latest “Where We Are on TV” report has found a “wealth of positive LGBTQ representation for younger ages” on television, even as anti-LGBTQ rhetoric has spread. But where are there still gaps, and where can we look for new ideas?
Netflix Kids’ Series “Ridley Jones” Shows Nonbinary Character Coming Out, but Gets Cancelled
A new episode of Netflix animated kids’ show Ridley Jones centers nonbinary bison Fred, who comes out about their name and pronouns to their grandma (voiced by Cyndi Lauper). But Netflix has also just cancelled the series and not given its fifth and final season any promotion, says creator Chris Nee.
Tan France Talks Playing a Queer Dad in New Netflix Kids’ Show “Princess Power”
Fashion designer and Queer Eye star Tan France plays one half of a two-dad couple in Netflix’s new animated preschool series Princess Power. He spoke with me about the show, how being a dad himself influenced his character, and the importance of representation and intersectionality in children’s media.
LGBTQ Parenting Roundup
Time for another roundup of a few stories I haven’t covered elsewhere, including ones on queer parents in history, medicine, fashion, weightlifting, the White House, and even horror films. Enjoy them as you get ready for tricks and treats (or just prepare to stock up on half-price Halloween candy tomorrow)!
“Peppa Pig” Introduces Two-Mom Family
Beloved children’s television show Peppa Pig introduced a two-mom family in an episode this week, a first for the show that began in 2004. It uses an old plot device, but is nevertheless a significant moment of representation.
PBS Kids’ “The Odd Squad” Features Wedding of Two Women
PBS Kids’ live-action show The Odd Squad recently aired an episode in which the child protagonists must save the world from an evil villain—and step in to ensure that his plans don’t interrupt the wedding of two women!
Watch: Trailer for Trans-Led “Dead End: Paranormal Park” Animated Series on Netflix
The upcoming Netflix series Dead End: Paranormal Park follows the adventures of Barney, a transgender teen voiced by trans actor Zach Barack, and guest starring lots of queer talent, including Miss Coco Peru, Alan Cumming, and MJ Rodriguez. Watch a trailer here!