The Fatalis Project: A Creative Response to LGBTQIA+ Representation in Animation

Abstract

“The Fatalis Project: A Creative Response to LGBTQIA+ Representation in Animation” aims to analyze two animated shows’ LGBTQIA+ representation utilizing a variety of film history and queer theories, including abjection, intersectionality, and recognition of problematic tropes and stereotypes. The two shows in question are Steven Universe and Voltron: Legendary Defender. While representation in animation has seen some increase over the last few years, it is still exceedingly rare, and often solely focuses on a white perspective when tackling issues such as diversity and colonialism. As a solution, I propose my own pitch for an animated show with positive images of LGBTQIA+ characters using character designs, scripts, and storyboards. This show aims to tackle the problems of LGBTQIA+ representation using an intersectional framework while explicitly discussing characters’ salient identities.