How do you feel about LGBTQ+ characters in children’s films and TV?

Question

There have been many characters who have been speculated to be gay/lesbian in Disney films. Ursula, Captain Hook, and Governor Ratcliffe (all villains) to name a few, but the movies never mentioned their preferences. However, In recent years Disney has been adding more obvious gay representation in their TV shows and films. In 2014 the Disney channel’s hit TV show “ Good Luck Charlie ” introduced a little girl and her two moms. Since then, Disney has been sneaking gay/lesbian couples in the background of their programs. In the 2017’s live action film  Beauty and the Beast  Le Fou became Disney’s first openly gay character. However, Disney’s most overt gay character has to be Cyrus Goodman (shown above) from the TV show “ Andi Mack“.  Throughout the series Cyrus has a very obvious crush on Jonah Beck, comes out to his friends, has a romance with T. J. Kippen, and almost kisses T. J. .

curiousnorway · Accepted Answer

I think both having only straight characters in a show and shows with a few gay characters are fine. They can just show two boys or girls together without making a big deal out of it. I don't think it's wrong to show children reality, prepare them for it and show some nuances. If we can show villains in series stealing and bullying - that not everyone are nice, then they can also watch same sex relationships.

I also thinks it's fine having some characters breaking gender norms. Example girls loving football and having short hair, and boys loving playing with dolls and wearing pink. Again, people are different and showing it on TV in a childfriendly way doesn't do any harm.

Promoting transgenderism isn't okay, since children are too young undergoing permanent cosmetic and sex change surgeries, hormone treatments etc. They should learn to love themselves, because of surgeries are painful and should be avoided if possible. It shouldn't be normalized. Transgenderism also causes depression and anxiety. Only people born with the disorder should go this path, but feminine healthy boys and healthy tom boys shouldn't because of they don't need it. Believing you needs something doesn't mean you needs it.

Bananaman177 · Accepted Answer

It's a short step from using cartoons to sexualize children just generally which is what they started doing in the 90's, (internal memos leaked from Cartoon Network even use that exact phrase, "We will sexualize the pre-teens.") to then use cartoons to sexualize them to be homosexual or else confused about their own gender identity. Even children who are naturally resistant to this programming will simply become outcasts and misfits.

It's all designed to make everybody so fucked up and unable to relate to each other that all anybody can do is retreat into their own inner world and who exist in the real world purely to consume products and media.

How do you feel about LGBTQ+ characters in children’s films and TV?

The fact that it makes kids that much easier for adult pedophiles to groom, that's just a bonus. What it's really all about is this right here:

Cherokeehp · Accepted Answer

I literally do not care. LGBTQ people exists. If kids aren’t exposed to them in tv or media then they’ll just be exposed to them in real life. We can’t keep trying to keep children in a bubble and pretend like LGBTQ don’t exist. They’re real. They are just people. Why shouldn’t they be on tv? The only thing I hate about having LGBTQ characters in TV shows is that a lot of times the characters only appear once in the show, or they are written very poorly and/or their only character trait is being LGBTQ. For example, Robin from stranger things. Throughout the whole season Robin keeps telling Steve about how she couldn’t take her eyes off of him and things like that. Then all of a sudden out of the blue when he finally makes a move she rejects him and admits that she actually had a crush on one of their girl classmates. That was terrible writing. That was god awful.

loveisbeautiful · Accepted Answer

I know many people will disagree with this but I don't think you should involve young kids in adult issues and when you put certain things such as a gay couple in their cartoon, that's exactly what you are doing. Many will say " they need to know" but why does a 3 year old need to know about gay rights? Or 6 year old or and 8 year old, why do they need to know? Kids are curious and if they want to know something, they will ask and then you can explain it to them in the best way possible and in way they'll understand but not before then. Because then it seems like you are trying to shove all this stuff down their throat on purpose which will leave them confused. Just let kids be kids. Why does the world want everyone to be an adult, that aren't actually adults? I wish people would just stop.

kyatra · Accepted Answer

It doesn't seem like a big deal, LGBT people exist, and its not like it's some kind of perverted sexual kink, any more than straight people in a relationship. I dont think it's going to negatively affect anybody, or turn them gay or something ridiculous like that. It might teach children to be more open and tolerant of other children who have same gender parents, and if they themselves end up realizing they're LGBT, it will probably make them less ashamed and more open about it if they have seen representation of LGBT people as normal people

Keyarose · Accepted Answer

They can put whatever they want on TV. But, parents if you don't want your child to watch that stuff, just find a children's show that doesn't have that kind of stuff in it.

bro25 · Answer

Why do people HAVE to open up? Nobody cares. AT ALLL. I don't go around telling people I'm straight and holding up a flag and a straight people parade. I dont have to explain myself to anyone. People who think this will open up their kid faster are the type of people who won't let food cook because they keep moving it or altering it or checking on it ever 5 seconds. If u just let them live life they will make their own decisions. So media trying to influence the community is like a low key recruitment at a young age. And if you say well LGBTQ is prevalent in society well shit why dont we put school shootings, cigarettes, vapes, weed hoes and cashflow in kids shows? Because it is not deemed educational or appropriate. LGBTQ community I'm sorry but sexual preference isn't education for a toddler or young kid. Yeah maybe when they get older to understand what it means to be a LGBTQ member but if you tell a 6 year old about a transgender person they are going to be confused because they cannot comprehend why or what they technically are or how it's even done. Please someone understand what I'm trying to say.

Anonymous · Answer

I am not Lgbt at all, but I think it is a positive thing if the character is done well, especially for kids and teens struggling with their sexual attration. It will make them feel like they aren't freaks if they see a character go through something that they can relate to. It will also show heterosexual kids/teens that being different isn't a bad thing and that sexual orientation is just a small part of who they are, they really aren't so different after all. Do I think every shows should have Lgbt characters? No, because that would be unnecessary, but a few shows with well written, realistic characters that just happen to be Lgbt could help a lot of kids deal with their own issues.

sawno · Answer

I am against any LGBT character in anything, but i don't mind a character being non-straight.
The difference? One is propeganda / pandoring and only serves the purpose of being a different sexuality and has nothing to offer beyond it. And the other is a well developed character who has it as one of its aspects where it isn't brought to the foreground.

Stranger Things 3 had a lesbian as one of the lead characters, i wasn't able to tell until the romance movement where the two seemed to fall in love and had great chemistry but she then confessed she was a lesbian with the guy being noticably bummed out and dissapointed. That to me is the right way to do it, she wasn't the lesbian character she was her own reasonably well developed character who had that as a trait.

The wrong day to do it is the series constantly emphasising on how LGBT the character is.

_SOARER_ · Answer

If you let your kids watch tv, you are failing as a parent. TV programming is meant to program your kids.
Homosexuals have no place in the lives of any children. They are trying to normalize homosexual behavior, and have children mimic that behavior.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmBqwWlJg8U

Its called modelling. They want your kids to be gay.
Why? because homosexuals get paid less, dont have kids, dont have families, and are able to become better consumers. Its also to create more proxy warriors for the oligarchs. Gays will always disrupt society.

BeMuse · Answer

All the gay brainwashing is idiotic. First, kids aren’t sexually active (generally unless they are being molested) until they hit puberty or later so pushing gay sexuality issues on children is irresponsible. Alphabet soup is a very small minority, so they are being vastly over represented in film. Third, when gay becomes the base for a character or pushing gay issues becomes a core plot motive of a film, you destroy the story. If you have the money, you can make whatever film you want and distribute it widely, but you have to realize what you are doing to your brand name and any character franchise you touch.

mistixs · Answer

Indifferent, but there's no way you can tell me that Spongebob ISN'T gay for Squidward.

LordSnuggles · Answer

I think it's weird that 4,5% of the population identifies as LGTB but like 25% of characters in shows now. When I was a kid, I watched the power rangers because it was cool and I didn't wonder about the sexuality of any of the characters. Largely because it didn't matter to me. It seems like a strange inclusion to an audience that won't care because they're not there for that. Seems more like it's for those old enough to care about inclusion and representation.

ObscuredBeyond · Answer

They don't want tolerance. They want you to bow down. Never, I say! This move to putgay sex glorifiers in children's shows is a deliberate attempt to corrupt minors, and should be prosecuted as such. They always eventually target children. "Boys Beware " had the right idea all along.

Codywow · Answer

As long as their sexuality doesn't go against the story (taking an existing character and changing their sexuality) or being the main characteristic (look at me I'm ______) it's kind of just lazy writing and seems forced. It also makes it to be seen as an oddity. But good writing is what makes the difference.

Chadnelson1973 · Answer

I don't feel it's appropriate at that age much less the media or celebrities being allowed to influence a young child. That also goes for the reading of stories geared toward the LGBTQ community read to pre School , and kindagarten children. That is something left to the parents or guardian of that child if and when appropriate or if the child has questions. At that age a child is not concerned about sexuality.

Let kids be kids quit trying to influence them it's wrong and abusive to try and change or influence a child that young into something sexual

Randomawkwardness · Answer

I think its perfectly acceptable. I mean, why wouldn't it be? Even if you're against the LGBT community, they will still be there and they're not doing anything wrong. I think if its forced into a show and completely contradicts the story then it's wrong but otherwise, I encourage it.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't care what people do behind closed doors, but why show sexuality on kids tv shows of boys and boys kissing or girls and girls kissing? People have gone astray by God's words and I keep reiterating this, what is happening in our world today, the protests in Chile, Hong Kong, Venezuela, and everywhere else. Pay attention to what's happening in Turkey in Syria because that will start the next world war. Why am I saying this? Because people want to be as liberal, as naked, as ignorant as possible in today's world. What's about to come in this world will be scary.

Киттйлинк · Answer

But why do they have to put it everywhere...

I can’t even watch one movie or show anymore without having some gay stuff on it.. it’s very annoying... and yes I believe stuff like that should not be shown sooo much to children. I do believe it influences at some level even if by a little it still does.

adidas0169 · Answer

I feel its being forced down our throats to accept it. all its doing is pissing people off and recenting the life style " choice". if i had a child or children i would be extremely pissed and would be monitoring what they watched more or just do away of tv all together

dragoblack · Answer

I'm fine with it, but it is not always executed well and sometimes seems forced on a character especially those that never had any mannerisms or signs of being LGBTQ+ or closet LGBTQ+. when it is forced on a character it is obvious and pushes an agenda just for ratings which makes the viewers uncomfortable. If a character shows the mannerisms and signs then it flows more naturally with the series. Ratburn has the signs and mannerisms which is why it fit so well with his character

UncleRooster · Answer

Absolutely not! That's teaching kids that it's normal. No wonder kids are so confused these days.

Remaining · Answer

Oh no two non straight people holding hands and kissing. That's inappropriate to children because whenever I see it I think of buttsex and scissoring. They're so nasty, turning kids perverts. Be gay if you wanna be gay, nobody cares anymore. I don't. Just try to not be seen so that you won't make me think or feel things. Start seeing you as a person and maybe even relate to you in some way as a fellow human being. Fuck that.

Anonymous · Answer

I hate it, but the market will pass judgment on it and it will gradually go away. Like retailers closing out guns and ammunition. Their ideology better be worth the billions they are losing. Their stockholders may disagree.
I have a limit on what I'm willing to accept. I watched a drama recently where some girl had to work late and she said: My girlfriend won't like this. She's cooking something special. Sure, it normalizes lesbian couples but it was relatively unobtrusive. But many more times. It is a central political focus meant to force acceptance. That's what the remote is for.

Elliegirl · Answer

I don’t think introducing sexual matters and preferences into children’s shows is age appropriate. Let kids be kids and enjoy their childish nativity. They can have the rest of their lives to worry about sexuality and other adult matters.

Kitty46 · Answer

It’s real life, people cannot handle it, they want to protect their kids from it, but the truth is, parents are not with their kids 24/7, they might find out on their own, probably at school or at a friends house, it like keeping them away from the sex talk, they probably going find out too & sex can lead to pregnancy & STD if they are not taught right. LGBTQ is REAL LIFE! If parents don’t like something, they don’t have to let their kids watch.

Lumberman989 · Answer

It's hard to say I feel like children shouldn't be told about this so young, but at the same time homosexuality is becoming more accepted by the mainstream and straight people are shown on childrens shows so I guess in a way it's more reflective of modern society.

Ronald_25 · Answer

Do it! To quote a great philosopher:
"No matter what is it, with children, get them started early"
-Ronald_25

The sooner they learn, the sooner they decide their personality, the sooner they can come out of the closet and the sooner they can find sexual happiness in their adult years. Let's encourage children, so they spend the least amount of time in the closet.

updog45 · Answer

I dont think its appropriate for kids. I also think the whole LGBTQHD community are horrible people, quit pushing that shit on us. They cry bloody murder if you try to push religion (with exception of Islam), so why are you pushing your gay tranny shit on us GTFOH.

StephenCF · Answer

I have no problem with it because it’s only regarding preference for the same sex, and it’s a lifestyle choice many people have had long before media influence.

If they started introducing non-binary characters or any new unnatural, complex “trends” in a positive light (which could manipulate vulnerable youths into living similarly), then I’d call for a boycott 😡

pooper89 · Answer

To be honest, I've grown estranged from modern television these days and how a lot of it is so PC. I see no need for it. I see no need for an exorbitant amount of time spent in front of the television. When you're 84, you're not going to look back on life and think, "wow, I'm so glad I watched all those shows"

Bman4907 · Answer

If it happened once and a while, sure, but every show has at least one LGQBTERTY$IOPOYDSDFGHJKKJHGFDFG character in it now. It seems like every show has to follow some bullshit check list for a cast of characters. It's all forced at this point and does not flow with the story most of the time.

Do_not_listen_to_me · Answer

As others have pointed out, as long as it isn't forced and the characters are actually written like humans.

A good children's movie/series, should be watchable for adults as well I believe, Imagine Mr. Rogers!

Anonymous · Answer

that shit has no place in children's shows. Especially now that science, the once self-proclaimed God of the liberals," found that there is NO gay gene. So being gay has been proven to be a choice. This means that rather than pushing "acceptance", Disney and others who consistently push the "gay agenda" are pushing indoctrination. Making attempts and normalization of deviant behavior. Nothing else.

RolandCuthbert · Answer

This is the hypocrisy of GaG. The same males here who are against gay characters on kids television are the same one claiming there is no difference between the sexes.  Weirdness.

pasi02 · Answer

I think, as long as it's not obviously forced to create diversity in a cast, it's very nice and gets children introduced to same Sex couples in a friendly way. Especially cartoons (Steven universe, etc) could help with normalising lgbt couples

Massageman · Answer

Disney is turning over in his grave! Since it has been PROVEN that there is no "gay gene", we know that it IS learned or acquired behavior. It has no part in being thrown up ion kids' faces, or anyone else's, for that matter.

Daylight7550 · Answer

As the picture shows in the thumbnail, and as a childhood favorite, Arthur is an old show. So is the Mr Ratburn character. Close to 20 years I think. While I don't have a problem with gay rights, I do have a problem with it being in a show for Y7 viewers. It's really not necessary. It's suppose to be about intellectual education. Not gay rights.

rockchick87 · Answer

I think it's a good idea as every family is diffrent life changers u eather respect it and move on or stsy wgere u are and get left behind

I think people think it's wrong cus they don't understand but insted of learning some don't that's what I call closed mined ignorant people

OddBeMe · Answer

Pro. We need to get over this homophilia. Being gay is natural. People can’t be turned gay. Children aren’t in danger from gays.

Anonymous · Answer

I don’t mind children knowing LGBTQ people exist, are people, can be good people, etc. But I think it should be done at an appropriate age— a 6 year old doesn’t need to know about and understand LGBTQ people. I also don’t want them thinking that they are the norm. Because statistically they aren’t.

Smegskull · Answer

I don't much care. There are ways to do it poorly (like the token gay, 1 dimensional character who's only trait is "I'm gay") but for some it's handled well.
There is also the Schrödinger's characteristic (if a characteristic isn't defined it is whatever each individual viewer feels it should be, all at the same time)

broncobryan · Answer

I dont think the whole gay thing should be exposed to kids. Kids are supposed enjoy their childhood not worry about their fucking sexuality.

Shuri · Answer

I don't care. It's not like they don't exist. People need to stop trying to shield their kids from things that literally are not problems.

plumber65 · Answer

This is ridiculous we really have to put this on TV this is what we want to teach your kids now I'm a little boy or girl grows up they don't really know what they're just because everybody puts these thoughts in their head why don't you just let it eat that you're all and just look up Adam and Eve kind of a thing huh I don't know you don't see two coyotes holding hands anyway that's my opinion

little_bird1 · Answer

I feel great about that! I want my kids to know that they always have a choice and no matter what they choose they will be accepted. That's the kind of future I wish for my children and grandchildren.

Unit1 · Answer

😂😂😂
I don't know. It doesn't seem right. I mean i don't really care but Where's the moderation? If homo sexuals are all we'll see then Kids will take idols one way or another.

The kids are best taught to avoid the media completely.

Anonymous · Answer

I'm fine with some characters being gay cuz that's a thing and children need to be aware gays exist. But I don't think every single show needs to have gay relationships and such. Kids shouldn't focus on sexuality that early on. I think gays should be mentioned, just like other relationships are, but they shouldn't be the main focus

frostwalrus · Answer

I don't mind it. I'm more concerned about the idea of mandatory LGBT sex education taught in public schools and parents having no say in whether or not their children get sex changes.

cth96190 · Answer

Such characters are created to groom children for sexual abuse by paedophiles, who will convert an otherwise normal child to a life of sexual perversion and misery.

Shahax · Answer

Make new/original characters, dont change older characters for it

Hannah_98 · Answer

I don’t think much of it, but it’s good to see more positive representation of different kinds of people.

ManOnFire · Answer

I think it's unfortunate. I'm don't dislike gays or lesbians, but I don't feel that it's appropriate to feed that stuff to our kids.

NorthwestRider · Answer

Only the religious freaks will be triggered by it I think it is good and not triggered by it

Flotri66 · Answer

I didn't know Ratburn was gay! It's hilarious how most dudes on here think there's a hidden agenda to make kids gay for _______ reason. Lol what a bunch of fools. Turn off the TV if your closed minded brain can't handle people being gay on TV.

Melshmallow046 · Answer

Le Fou is not openly gay. It can be argued that he is gay, but it's not something the movie ever addressed.

Dchrls78104 · Answer

Filth to muck up children's minds; hardly fit to be called entertainment; suited rather for the gutter and the cesspit than for any kind of mainstream media; proof of the decay and degeneracy accompanying modern living.

Anonymous · Answer

These producers are not including these characters just because they feel like it’s the right thing to do. No. They are doing this for media coverage and money.

Juxtapose · Answer

LGBT people exist, so it makes sense for them to appear in fiction once in awhile. Nobody is complaining about zebras being shown. To me, it's just as inconsequential.

womanoflife · Answer

I think it great! But I don’t think it should be forced in a tv show either. If a plot needs an lgbtq+ character then by all means!

Physics-Man · Answer

Puke-inducing degeneracy at it's finest! Absolutely grotesque and disgusting!

name_is_eric · Answer

It's insanity. Corrupting children's minds from early on.

throwawaytime · Answer

I accept lgbt people, but on deep emotional level I dont support lgbt stuff on kids shows.

Adam_INTJ · Answer

Only bad ideologies need to be propagated to children in order for there to be any adults who accept it.

BCA6010 · Answer

Not a fan of sexualization in children's shows period.

esotericstory · Answer

It doesn't belong. LGBT is an ideology and it doesn't belong in the culture.

How do you feel about LGBTQ+ characters in children’s films and TV?

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