In their latest initiative with the National Black Justice Coalition, Cartoon Network enlists Stevonnie of Steven Universe and Craig of Craig of the Creek to give an important lesson on gender pronouns.
Cartoon Network shared an adorable comic strip on their social media channels showing Stevonnie and Craig openly talking about the pronouns they use, asking and respecting others' pronouns, and affirming each other's identities.
It is beyond adorable, and an especially powerful lesson for young people looking to understand the world around them with kindness and empathy.
"This comic was created to embrace and acknowledge the role of selfhood and inclusion," NBJC’s YYAAC member Justin Calhoun said in a statement. "This partnership between NBJC and Cartoon Network is an act of visibility that centers the needs of queer youth to ensure that they are not only accepted, but also thriving!"
The comic strip acknowledges he/him, she/her, they/them, and ze/zir pronouns. "We can't tell someone's gender just by looking at them," it reads, "and shouldn't assume we know. There are many gender identities beyond 'girl' or 'boy.' Some people don't identify as any gender."
"Here's to not only normalizing gender pronouns, but respecting them, too. Whether you use he/she/them or something else, we acknowledge, affirm, and LOVE you!"
Cartoon Network also linked to NBJC’s Gender Justice Toolkit, where readers can get an even more in-depth understanding of gender pronouns, experiences and why they matter.
Cartoon Network has been doing some incredible work surrounding LGBTQ+ identities, as well as race. Earlier this year, they launched a series of inclusive anti-racism PSAs, one of which featured an adorable queer moment.
