Introduction: Drawn this Way (01:55)

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Andy Cheng and Cara Connors will examine a brief history of LBGTQ characters in animation. (Credits)

Favorite Character (03:03)

Catwoman likes men and women. Helga G. Patacki from "Hey Arnold" is the quintessential butch. Connors and Cheng discuss quiz results of which character they would be in cartoons.

History of LGBTQ Characters (05:52)

"Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Peanuts," "Sponge Bob Square Pants," and "Rabbit Seasoning" have characters that do not follow gender normative stereotypes. In "Boys Beware," a homosexual man shows a boy pornography. The 1930s Hayes Codes condemns amoral depictions of sexuality, childbirth, and white slavery.

"Disney's Long Complicated History Representing Queerness" (07:19)

Harper's Bazaar examines the history of non-gender normative stereotypes in Walt Disney films. Negative characters include Khan from "The Jungle Book," Captain Hook from "Peter Pan," and Jafar from "Aladdin." Men are heroes and women need to get married.

Comic Books (02:29)

Doctor Fredric Wertham's book "Seduction of the Innocent" hypothesized that comic book characters encourage crime and homosexuality. The enactment of the Comic Book Code of Authority resulted in less violence in graphic novels. DC Comics created a girlfriend for Batman to make the character more gender normalized.

Gay Agenda (02:53)

Doctor Wertham's book "Seduction of the Innocent" releases as comic books and cartoons gain popularity. During the time period, LGBTQ characters are subtle or over-exaggerated. Examine the context of Peppermint Patty and Velma.

Underground Gay Movement (03:01)

"Gay Comix" is made for and by Queer artists. Young audience television still conforms to gender norms. Cheng examines the way "My Little Pony" has changed from the 1980s to present day.

Characters in the 1990s (04:59)

Cartoons include "The Simpsons" "Animaniacs," and "Sailor Moon." Cheng and Connors examine whether the Mario Brothers or Pacman were gay. Ellen DeGeneres comes out; independent publishers begin to defy the Comic Book Code of Authority.

Becoming Mainstream (04:36)

Out and proud characters include "Willow," "Question," and the "Lumberjanes." Northstar is the first character to have a gay wedding in the Marvel Comics Universe. "The Last of Us," "Dragon Age," "Mass Effect," and "My Ex-boyfriend the Space Tyrant" focus on queer characters.

Queer Cartoons for Children (02:35)

"Steven Universe," "The Loud House," "Adventure Time," and "Danger and Eggs" encourage LGBTQ youth to accept themselves and remind them they are not alone. Queer characters will keep being portrayed.

Credits: Drawn this Way (01:34)

Credits: Drawn this Way