Yo, since Voltron ruined every single chance of doing a good job at LGBT representation, I offer you GOOD development and representation on other cartoons that is not only limited to final credits.
Gravity Falls - Deputy Durland and Sheriff Blubs
Even though Disney execs forbid Alex Hirsch of inserting LGBT characters, especially at S02E09 “The Love God” (where the Cupid would make two background women fall in love), he managed to create a slow burn between Sheriff Blubs and Deputy Durland, since fans were noticing something could emerge from their relationship. Yes, it’s canon.
Adventure Time - Princess Bubblegum and Marceline Abadeer
After 10 long seasons of drama between these two, they were finally together at the last episode. If you like slow burn, angst and mutual pinning, you’re gonna love Bubbline.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power - Netossa and Spinnerella/ Adora and Catra
While Netossa and Spinnerella are characters already introduced as a canon couple that shares a lovely complicity, Adora and Catra’s relationship is way deeper and more dramatic. Catra’s feelings after being abandoned by the protagonist she loves lead her to an antagonist role, the main dynamics of the series. While we still don’t know what will happen for the next seasons, it’s clearly Noelle Stevenson is creating a tension fuelled by love and hate between the main female characters.
Steven Universe - Ruby and Sapphire (Garnet)
Queen of LGBT representation, Rebecca Sugar developed an entire show dedicated to queer characters. Garnet is a stable fusion between Ruby and Sapphire and, while we always knew they were a couple, they finally managed to marry and kiss the last season. We are also presented to other LGBT characters that still don’t have a canon relationship, which means we still can have a slow burn development (such as Lapis and Peridot; Pearl and S., etc).
Honorable mentions
BoJack Horseman: this adult show presents us with a polirelationship, plus a main asexual character, Todd Chavez, who is slowly learning about his orientation. Yolanda Buenaventura is also asexual and shared a relationship with Todd for a short time. Rick and Morty: despite all polemics, Rick is canonically pansexual. Morty is also seen being proposed by Mr. Poopybutthole before having his memory erased. Yuri!!! on Ice: a touching-hearted anime that displays the evolution of Yuuri and Viktor’s relationship as they train to revive Yuuri’s career as a skater. Their interaction is as subtle as evident, open to free interpretation. Yet, they even share rings. Sailor Moon: the famous mahou bishoujo displays a sutble yet canon relationship between Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune. The dubbed version censored them as “cousins”, so it’s recommended to watch the original japanese version of the show. Marvel Rising - Secret Warriors: following the comics, America Chavez came from another dimension which was destroyed. In order to save their daughter, her two mothers sent her to Earth-616. America’s also LGBT, though the movie doesn’t display a love interest for her. Star vs the Forces of Evil: even though there isn’t any self-proclaimed queer main characters, it was the first cartoon that ever displayed a kiss between two same-sex characters.
Future shows that I’m counting will display queer characters: The Owl House. The creator, Dana Terrace, has worked on Gravity Falls and directed 2007 Duck Tales. She has revealed she’s bisexual and is always fighting for LGBT representation in cartoons. Luz, one of the protagonists, seems to be non-binary.
The ending of Voltron CANNOT be considered a good LGBT representation. It failed and disappointed us. Therefore, let’s praise these shows for they deserve way more affection and love than Voltron ever did. Let’s put our minds and efforts on people who care about representation.
Please feel free to add more shows to this list. Let’s make a network of love and respect!
