Top 10 Gay Cartoon Characters

The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in media has evolved dramatically since the early days of television and film. Initially, these characters were often hidden in subtext, concealed behind innuendo, or caricatured in ways that didn't authentically represent the community. However, as society's understanding and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations grew, so did the representation in animated media.

In the world of cartoons, the late 20th century marked a turning point. Shows began to introduce gay characters with depth, personality, and real human experiences. These characters were no longer confined to the shadows or reduced to stereotypes. They were front and center, living their lives openly and honestly.

The advent of gay cartoon characters did more than just offer entertainment. It provided a mirror for many individuals, reflecting their own experiences and feelings. For others, these characters served as a window, offering a glimpse into lives and loves they might not have understood before.

The subject of gay cartoon characters isn't just about the characters themselves but about a larger movement toward inclusivity and acceptance. It's a testament to the ongoing evolution of societal norms and how art, even in its most whimsical forms, can be a powerful tool for change.

These characters range from lead roles in popular shows to memorable supporting characters who have become fan favorites. Some are human, others are animals, robots, or fantastical beings, but all contribute to the growing representation of gay characters in media.

The Top Ten

Waylon Smithers (The Simpsons)

Yeah, you can see he's in love with Mr. Burns! His dreams and fantasies make it very clear and easy to understand.

He deserves to be number one. Of all the gay cartoon characters, Smithers is the best.

I can do one better than the Burns lying in the window, "Hello, Smithers. You're quite good at turning me on!"
Mr. Garrison (South Park)

Herbert Garrison is a recurring character in the American animated television series South Park. He is voiced by series co-creator Trey Parker. Over the course of the series, the character has undergone multiple transformations, including gender changes and shifts in political views, making him one of... read more

Aw, I love Garrison, laugh out loud, and Roger isn't gay, he's bi.
Big Gay Al (South Park)

I love all the gay characters in South Park! But my favorite has to be Big Gay Al.
*The kids are in summer camp, and Big Gay Al shows up, and the parents stand there in shock*
Big Gay Al: Well, are you parents just gonna stand there? This camp is only for campers, silly gooses! *Eye flutter*

Seriously, with a name like Big Gay Al, how can he not be number one?!

He was responsible for a nomination by GLAAD for being a positive representation of a gay character.
Adam Seymour Duckstein (Queer Duck)

Queer Duck was the gayest anything in cartoon history. I don't think being a duck limited that in any way. He's even proud of it.

Queer Duck, he's intellectual.
Queer Duck, he's homosexual.
Please don't think that he's perverse.
He's the patients' favorite male nurse.
Korra (The Legend of Korra)

Avatar Korra is the title character in Nickelodeon's animated television series The Legend of Korra. She is the current incarnation of the Avatar and is responsible for maintaining peace and balance in the world. The series, a sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender, follows Korra's journey as she masters... read more
Velma (Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated)

Velma Dinkley is a fictional character in the Scooby-Doo franchise. She is usually seen wearing a baggy orange turtleneck, a short red pleated skirt, knee socks, Mary Janes, and most prominently, a pair of square glasses, which she frequently loses. Velma is portrayed as the group's intellectual and... read more

She was supposed to be a lesbian or at least bi in the original series and in the bad live-action first movie.
General Blue (Dragon Ball)

General Blue is an antagonist in the Dragon Ball manga and the anime Dragon Ball, and he also appears in Dragon Ball GT. He is a high-ranking officer in the Red Ribbon Army and is known for his telekinetic abilities and strict demeanor. General Blue is one of the more prominent villains during the Red... read more
Openly Gaytor (Queer Duck)

Best Queer Duck character - other than Queer Duck, of course.
Mr. Slave (South Park)

Mr. Slave is definitely an underrated character. He really needs a real comeback!

Oh god, really? Mr. Slave is the most underrated character ever!
Sailor Neptune (Sailor Moon)

Michiru Kaioh (or Michelle Kaioh in the English dub) is a fictional character in Sailor Moon. She is one of the Outer Sailor Guardians and was created by Naoko Takeuchi. She is a talented violinist and is romantically involved with Sailor Uranus (Haruka Tenoh).... read more

The Newcomers

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Agent Mary (Q-Force)
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Wallace Wells (Scott Pilgrim)

The Contenders

Xandir P. Wifflebottom (Drawn Together)

I can't believe that I had to add him to the list. He is blatantly gay and as campy as they come.
Gangstalicious (The Boondocks)

His name is Gangstalicious, for crying out loud. How could Riley not know he was gay? There were signs all over the place, from the name of his songs to the way he talked.
Oh, and he also kissed a guy, which Riley swore was just a dream.
Deputy Durland (Gravity Falls)

He and Sheriff Blubs are absolutely precious together!

It's not a bad thing when your soul match is of the same gender.

He is shown to be gay throughout the entire show, so yeah, I love it.
Sailor Uranus (Sailor Moon)

Sailor Uranus is a fictional lead character in the Sailor Moon media franchise. Her civilian identity is Haruka Tenoh, and she is one of the Outer Sailor Guardians. Sailor Uranus is known for her strength, speed, and deep bond with Sailor Neptune.

She and Neptune are not cousins, no matter what the original dub tried to tell you.
Oscar Wildcat (Queer Duck)
Sheriff Blubs (Gravity Falls)

It has to be true between him and Deputy Durland. It can't get more obvious.
Asami (The Legend of Korra)

Asami is very pretty and also more than just pretty!
John (The Simpsons)
Pearl (Steven Universe)

Pearl is a fictional character from the 2013 animated television series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar. She is a "Gem," a type of alien being composed of a magical gemstone that projects a humanoid form. Pearl is depicted as nurturing, gentle, and protective, acting as a maternal figure to... read more
Lexington (Gargoyles)
Craig Tucker (South Park)

Craig Tucker is a fictional character in the animated television series South Park and is a member of the boys' fourth-grade class. He is easily recognized by his blue chullo hat topped with a yellow puffball. One of Craig's notable traits is his frequent tendency to flip people off, often without any... read more

Him and Tweek is something I didn't see coming before the episode Tweek x Craig. Remember back in Season 3 when others got them to beat each other up?

He should be number one on this list. I mean, he already had a boyfriend.
Fred Luo (Outlaw Star)
Bruce (Family Guy)
Duffman (The Simpsons)
Nigel Ratburn (Arthur)