Non-Binary Representation in Animation
With the relatively recent explosion of queer representation in animation, I wanted to take the chance to highlight an identity that still feels scarce to the format. In this post I will talk about existing characters who are identified as Non-Binary in their respective shows, then discuss what studios can do to improve Non-Binary representation.
Double Trouble, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Originally introduced in the 4th season of Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Double Trouble is a shapeshifting lizard-like character. Due to censorship and translation issues, Double Trouble is identified as female in some international versions of the show. In the English version of the show, DT is voiced by American LGBT rights activist and Non-Binary voice actor Jacob Tobia.
Raine Whispers, The Owl House
Raine Whispers is a Non-Binary, supporting character in Cartoon Network’s The Owl House. Raine is the head of the Bard coven of magic, and the love interest of main character Eda Cawthorne. They are depicted as a badass musician with stage fright, who is fighting the system from the inside. Raine is voiced by Non-Binary voice actor Avi Roque.
Stevonnie and other fusions, Steven Universe
Stevonnie is the embodiment of the friendship and love between the titular character of Steven Universe, and Connie Maheswaran. The powers that Steven receives from being half-alien on his mother’s side allow him to Fuse with the various characters of the show. Anytime Steven fuses with a female identified character, his fusion is identified with They/Them pronouns. Stevonnie is the most well known and recurring instance of this.
While these characters are all great depictions of being Non-Binary, they are often side characters who see little screen time. On top of that, both The Owl House, and Steven Universe have been cancelled prior to their original run time in part due to their depiction of queer characters. The decision to include gender non-conforming characters is typically always left in the hands of the studio. Studios should make a larger point to allow these characters and their identities on screen. It is especially important now that some states are banning the education of gender and sexuality in schools.
