Representation matters. It always has, and always will. As kids we never put much thought into the possibility of our favorite characters struggling with their sexuality, or having romantic partners of the same sex, but on a few occasions we stumbled across some animated couples that ended up teaching us a lot about love, equality, gender roles, and even friendship. The typical boy meets girl, girl falls in love with boy, scenario gets old after a while, and these ladies agree. Let’s take a moment to appreciate some of our most underrated heroines, and their own personal love stories…
Who: Haruka Tenoh x Michiru Kaioh (Sailors Uranus, and Neptune)
Show: Sailor Moon
The 90’s feminist classic Sailor Moon broke plenty boundaries with it’s ‘Girl Power’, “Down with discrimination” narratives, but it doesn’t get nearly enough credit for its stance on sexuality and gender roles. In the original Japanese manga, Haruka and Michiru are introduced as lovers, and antagonists. Despite their relationship being censored in certain parts of the world when the anime was adapted, the girls’ close bond still remained intact, and they continued to effortlessly slay throughout the series. If you’ve never seen the show I suggest you check it out! Not just for these two love birds, but also for the other inspiring sailor senshi who put in work all throughout the show to keep ladies on top of the world!
Who: Avatar Korra x Asami Sato
Show: The Legend Of Korra
Following up the iconic ‘The Last Airbender‘ series seemed to be a tough act, but when the world learned that the next avatar would not only be a woman, but a woman of color; some of us could hardly contain our excitement. Not only that, she isn’t your typical female heroine! In all actuality she’s much tougher than most of her male co-stars. The hype around Korra only heightened once the show’s creators confirmed her sexuality as well as her relationship with Asami Sato. Asami is a badass female engineer, who took over her father’s company all by herself. Although she lacks the elemental powers that run the Avatar universe, she makes up for it with high-tech fighting gear and sheer intelligence. It’s safe to say, this bi-racial wlw couple has left its mark on animated television in the best way possible.
Show: Steven Universe
Known for its controversial views on masculinity, and gender roles, Steven Universe once again delivered to supporters of progression with the creation of the characters Ruby and Sapphire. After accidentally fusing together, causing an uproar within Sapphire’s court, the two girls escaped together before joining the crystal gems. As if the idea of society not accepting the union of two females wasn’t a big enough hint, when the girls were finally reunited in their separate forms after being one for so long, they engaged in a cheerful kiss, pretty much confirming their relationship. Now if you’re still skeptical about these girls and their impact on programming, the shows creators have confirmed their relationship as well. With these girls’ relationship being played out on the iconic Cartoon Network, it’s safe to say they’re making a huge splash in a puddle of progression.
Who: Homura Akemi x Madoka Kaname
Show: Puella Magi Madoka Magica
This twisted Japanese manga / anime is centered around the concept of ‘Magical Girls’ fighting off witches, after being granted a wish from the mysterious cat like creature Kyubey. The first movie’s protagonist Madoka ends up becoming a god-like figure after wishing to end the suffering of magical girls when she learns that their ultimate fate is to end up becoming the very things they sought out to destroy. Madoka’s transformation not only erases all recollection of her, but it also reveals that the girls are being tricked by the fiendish Kyubey. After learning of her friend’s fate, Homura is having none of it, and using her magical abilities, she rewinds time an innumerable amount of times just so that she can change Madoka’s fate, even if it costs her, her own. The girls’ relationship is unconfirmed as of yet, but we’re pretty sure Homura wouldn’t be so adamant about saving someone who’s ‘just a friend’.
These brave characters, as well as their creators have put themselves on the front lines for ridicule, and have broken television and animation boundaries. With new seasons of Sailor Moon, and Steven Universe in the works, as well as a fourth Puella Magi movie, we hope 2017 will continue the trend of animated girls bringing justice to queer women around the world!
