Cartoon Network is joining in the LGBTQ+ community’s June celebrations with special two-part #PrideMonth installment of its animated kids series, Drawn to. The network’s Facebook and Twitter accounts posted a message alongside a picture of the Powerpuff Girls telling viewers, “We want to wish everyone a HAPPY PRIDE and encourage all of our LGBTQ+ fans to stand proud all year long!”
The month-long campaign kicks started with Drawn to… Courage, and will be followed by Drawn to… Love, across all Cartoon Network platforms, including linear and social. It will highlight LGBTQ+ families, kids and young activists sharing stories of what makes them proud.
The CN App playlists will spotlight thematic stories from select Cartoon Network series, including Emmy-nominated Craig of the Creek, GLAAD Award-winning Steven Universe and more. Steven Universe, which is still on the air, showed a same-sex marriage proposal in 2018 between two characters, Ruby and Sapphire.
Cartoon Network isn’t the only channel with gay characters in children’s shows. The Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and PBS all have broadcast episodes with gay characters.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations — the first Pride march was held in New York City on 28 June 1970, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Pride is now celebrated all through the month of June in the United States.