LGBT representation in The Simpsons

The Simpsons has historically been open to portrayals of LGBT characters and settings, and it has routinely challenged heteronormativity.[1][2] It was one of several animated television shows in the United States that began introducing characters that were LGBT, both openly and implied, in the 1990s.[1] While early episodes involving LGBT characters primarily included them through the use of stereotypes, The Simpsons developed several prominent LGBT characters over its run.[3] Producers of the show, such as Matt Groening and Al Jean, have expressed their opinion that LGBT representation in media is important, and that they seek to actively include it.[2][4] Some characters, such as Julio, were created with their sexual orientation in mind, with it being central to their character.[5] The show expanded its roster of openly LGBT characters through episodes in which prominent characters Patty Bouvier and Waylon Smithers came out in seasons 16 and 27, respectively.[6][7] Additionally, producer Al Jean has stated that Lisa Simpson is possibly polyamorous.[8]

  1. ^ a b Padva, Gilad (July 9, 2008). "Educating The Simpsons: Teaching Queer Representations in Contemporary Visual Media". Journal of LGBT Youth. 5 (3): 57–73. doi:10.1080/19361650802162227. ISSN 1936-1653. S2CID 216116217. Archived from the original on May 4, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Henry, Matthew (2004). "Looking for Amanda Hugginkiss: Gay Life on The Simpsons". In Alberti, John (ed.). Leaving Springfield: The Simpsons and the Possibility of Oppositional Culture. Wayne State University Press. pp. 225–243. ISBN 9780814328491.
  3. ^ Keough, Yasmine Evelyn (February 24, 2021). "LGBTQ History Through The Eyes Of The Simpsons". Game Rant. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  4. ^ "Is Lisa Simpson queer? It's complicated". Digital Spy. November 8, 2020. Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  5. ^ Lavin, Will (April 23, 2021). "'The Simpsons' recasts gay character with gay actor Tony Rodriguez". NME. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  6. ^ Waxman, Sharon (February 21, 2005). "'Simpsons' Animates Gay Nuptials, and a Debate". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  7. ^ Perkins, Dennis (April 3, 2016). "The Simpsons handles Smithers' coming out with surprising subtlety". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  8. ^ "The Simpsons Showrunner Says Lisa Is "Possibly Polyamorous"". IN Magazine. April 8, 2019. Archived from the original on April 3, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2023.