Disney +'s reboot of the classic 2000s show is better and gayer than ever. In the latest episode, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder tackles homophobia in a way unlike any we've seen in an animated series. Titled "Father Figures", the Prouds meet Randall and Barry Lebowitz-Jenkins, the two dads of the new kids in town.
We're introduced to them first through Felix who thinks his wife, Sunset, is cheating on him with his new detective partner, Barry (Zachary Quinto). Barry invites the kids to a concert and at the show, they meet Randall (Billy Porter). Dijonay, nosy as ever, is confused when Randall introduces himself as Maya and KG's dad when Barry did the same thing earlier. Once she realizes they're together, she takes to social media to spread the news.
\u201cLmao Dijonay is at it again. #ProudFamily #LouderAndProuder\u201d— I be watchin\u2019 tv and movies. (@I be watchin\u2019 tv and movies.) 1646860068
The whispers take hold of the kids' school, someone writes, "Ur family don't belong here," on Maya's locker, and KG is teased for being a "double daddy's boy."
Penny wants to support the new kids. "People are crazy," she complains to her friends. "Why does it even matter they have two dads?"
But the neighborhood isn't as accepting as Penny. Even Oscar doesn't want her hanging around the new family, his blatant homophobia upsetting Penny, Trudy, and Suga Momma.
After Randall denies a loan for Oscar and Barry invites the Prouds over for gumbo, Oscar must reckon with his disapproval of the Lebowitz-Jenkins. At the dinner, the dads are in a forgiving mood and they actually thank Oscar for raising Penny, who stuck up for their kids at school. Randall even approves his loan request as a sign of good faith.
"You know what Oscar, you should try looking at the world through Penny's eyes," says Randall. "You might learn a little something something."
Barry and Randall kiss just before everyone breaks into a shuffle set to Earth, Wind, and Fire's "September." As he watches from the corner of the room, Oscar realizes the error of his ways and tears up at the sight of family and love.
The episode has launched an interesting discussion online, some praising the series for prompting conversation and pointing out homophobia starts in the home, while others simply didn't see the point.
\u201cThe Proud Family pushed boundaries in 2001 & It's crazy that they're still PUSHING in 2022. Very proud of them for this "Father Figures" episode.\n\nDid not expect to be crying this afternoon. #LouderAndProuder\u201d— \u2728 \ud835\udc13\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0c \ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc07 \u2728 (@\u2728 \ud835\udc13\ud835\udc04\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0c \ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc11\ud835\udc13\ud835\udc07 \u2728) 1646850590
\u201cThe new ep of #LouderandProuder is VERY important because many people like to think that homophobia like this doesn't exist anymore because we're "modern" and "no one cares". The way this show tackled the topic along with its dash of comedy is very much needed!\u201d— Tavvy \u2728Open for freelance writing! (@Tavvy \u2728Open for freelance writing!) 1646854185
\u201cThe new episode of #LouderAndProuder truly shows their audience hate is taught within households. That homophobia isn\u2019t a thing of the past it\u2019s still present in every day life. How we chose to treat others who are different is a reflection of thought, reaction, and action.\u201d— Nobility of Menace (@Nobility of Menace) 1646843162
\u201clike this entire episode was so cringe. SO cringe. what we\u2019re they thinking???\u201d— ryan mitchell (@ryan mitchell) 1647229931
\u201cThis week\u2019s episode of The Proud Family #LouderAndProuder tackled the subject of homophobia in a good way. Very much liked this episode and how this show still pushes the conversations we still need to have.\u201d— \u2728\ud83c\udf1f\u2728KammieDee \u2728\ud83c\udf1f\u2728 (@\u2728\ud83c\udf1f\u2728KammieDee \u2728\ud83c\udf1f\u2728) 1646957194
\u201c#TheProudFamily #ProudFamily That had to be my favorite #LouderAndProuder episode so far!!!! It was so powerful and beautifully done. It's going to help a lot of people \u2764\ufe0f\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\ud83e\udde1\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\ud83d\udc9b\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\ud83d\udc9a\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\ud83d\udc99\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\ud83d\udc9c #LoveIsLove #LoveWins #Pride\u201d— Marcedes (@Marcedes) 1646881041
\u201cfunny how lacienega got buddy buddy with maya when it came to getting something she wanted, but when maya was getting bullied for having two dads she ain't have her back until michael forced her too.\nthat girl is not your friend maya. #LouderAndProuder\u201d— nathalie sancoeur apologist\ud83d\udd1canime weekend atlanta (@nathalie sancoeur apologist\ud83d\udd1canime weekend atlanta) 1646953086
\u201cOscar Proud annoyed me in this new episode with his homophobia. I\u2019m glad he realized how ignorant he was being, but that wasn\u2019t until the end. #LouderAndProuder\u201d— \ud835\ude71\ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude8c\ud835\ude8c\ud835\ude8a. (@\ud835\ude71\ud835\ude8e\ud835\ude8c\ud835\ude8c\ud835\ude8a.) 1647054552
\u201cIn the new "Proud Family" episode that dropped on Disney+ today, one character chooses not to defend the children of gay parents from discrimination, because she's running for class president and wants to remain neutral. Amazing timing for this episode.\u201d— Stefan Ellison (@Stefan Ellison) 1646849053
New episodes of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder premiere Wednesday's on Disney+.
