LGBTQ+ Cartoon Icons: From Tinky Winky to Velma Dinkley
This article examines the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in cartoons and comics, spurred by Velma Dinkley's revelation of her sexuality in the HBO Max episode 'Trick or Treat, Scooby-Doo!' which aired on October 16, 2022, and was directed by Audie Harrison. Velma's announcement comes after years of speculation from writer James Gunn. The episode received criticism from conservative groups, reminiscent of the backlash faced by Peppa Pig's depiction of a 'rainbow family' with two lesbian mothers. Notable earlier representations include Tinky Winky (Teletubbies, 1997), Wonder Woman (1941), Sailor Moon (2016), Ranma ½, Lady Oscar, Andromeda (Saint Seiya, 1986), Cinzia (Rat-Man), Northstar (Marvel, 1979), Bert and Ernie (2018), and Waylon Smithers (The Simpsons).
Key facts
- Velma Dinkley comes out in 'Trick or Treat, Scooby-Doo!' on HBO Max (October 16, 2022).
- Episode directed by Audie Harrison; Velma blushes at costume designer Coco Diablo.
- James Gunn had previously speculated on Velma's sexuality.
- Peppa Pig episode featured a 'rainbow family' with two lesbian mothers.
- Tinky Winky accused by Rev. Jerry Falwell in 1997 of being gay.
- Wonder Woman created in 1941 by William Moulton Marston; officiated same-sex wedding.
- Sailor Moon lesbian kiss between Sailor Moon and Sailor Uranus in 2016.
- Ranma ½ protagonist changes sex with cold water.
- Lady Oscar raised as a man, attracted to Marie Antoinette.
- Andromeda turned female in Netflix's 2018 Saint Seiya remake.
- Cinzia is a trans woman in Leo Ortolani's Rat-Man.
- Northstar (1979) first openly gay Marvel superhero; married in Astonishing X-Men #51.
- Bert and Ernie creator Mark Saltzman said they were a couple (2018); Sesame Workshop denied.
- Waylon Smithers came out in November episode; also Patty Bouvier and Duffman.
Entities
Artists
- Velma Dinkley
- James Gunn
- Audie Harrison
- Coco Diablo
- Tinky Winky
- Jerry Falwell
- Wonder Woman
- William Moulton Marston
- Sailor Moon
- Naoko Takeuchi
- Sailor Uranus
- Ranma
- Rumiko Takahashi
- Lady Oscar
- Riyoko Ikeda
- Marie Antoinette
- Andromeda
- Masami Kurumada
- Eugene Son
- Cinzia
- Paul
- Leo Ortolani
- Northstar
- Bert
- Ernie
- Mark Saltzman
- Arnie
- Waylon Smithers
- Mr. Burns
- Patty Bouvier
- Duffman
Institutions
- HBO Max
- Hanna-Barbera
- DC Comics
- Marvel
- Netflix
- Bao Publishing
- Sesame Street Workshop
- Artribune
Locations
- United States
- Japan
- France
- Springfield