Symbolism, magic, and fantasy are potent tools of representation in these cartoons, used to their fullest potential in these LGBTQ+ characters. Anthropomorphic birds on BoJack Horseman, nigh-immortal aliens on Steven Universe, and candy-coated princesses on Adventure Time all fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella nowadays. This is not to say that LGBTQ+ liberation is a fantasy – the struggle for equality is all too real. But animation is uniquely free of limits, and creators have used this openness to create safe havens of expression for all ages. And boy, do these animated series take full advantage of their medium. Animation, in fact, has proven to be a great place to explore the panorama of sexuality and gender. But things have gotten a whole lot more open in the last decade or so - even in the world of cartoons.
For a long time, LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream entertainment seemed like something of a fantasy.