The depiction of LGBTQ characters in animated series in the 2010s changed significantly from the previous decade; especially in Western animation. One of the shows cited as being the most influential for this change in representation is
Steven Universe, created by
Rebecca Sugar and aired on
Cartoon Network. As
GLAAD put it in their 2019-2020 report, the show continues to "go above and beyond when it comes to inclusive storytelling." The series,
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, developed by
ND Stevenson, included LGBTQ characters, premiered in November 2018.
Voltron: Legendary Defender, which aired from 2016 to 2018, attracted controversy for its depiction of LGBTQ characters, especially killing off a gay character, with some saying the show was following a stereotype known as "
burying your gays" The 2014-2017 animated adult sitcom,
Bojack Horseman, was one of the first mainstream pieces of media to feature an asexual main protagonist,
Todd Chavez, where he questions his sexual identity at the end of the 3rd season, and embraces his asexuality in Season 4. The 2010s also included LGBTQ characters in animated series, such as
Marceline the Vampire Queen and
Princess Bubblegum in
Adventure Time,
Korra and
Asami in
The Legend of Korra, and Mr. Ratburn and his husband from
Arthur.
Harley Quinn and
Poison Ivy appeared in the first season of
Harley Quinn from 2019 to 2020, but their romance was not expanded until seasons 2 and 3 in 2020 and 2022. ==2020s==