Steven Universe: A queer theory cartoon?








        
If you have never seen Steven Universe, it is a campy, science fantasy cartoon about the adventures of a boy, his alien guardians (the Crystal Gems), and the residents of Beach City. In each episode Steven and the Crystal Gems stop attempted invasions or deal with problems that are more ordinary but equally complex. So, why would this be a cartoon that reflects some of the tenets of queer theory?  What is queer theory?

         Queer theory can be defined as a critical theory that works to question gender, sex, sexuality, race, and other identity categories as well as their relationships to one another. Queer theorists resist inflexible understandings of identity so, they would argue with the "I was born this way" argument that is often used to defend non-normative sexual orientations. They would also challenge the body of knowledge that would ascribe a sexual orientation to a person to begin with. So, in short queer theorists interrogate what is considered normal and what is considered deviant with regard to the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, class, ability, and so forth. This group of theorists have had many disagreements with each other and with other feminists who feel that their work is under attack from queer feminists.



          Now, Steven Universe doesn't want anyone to fight with each other especially when they share many of the same goals. Most male characters in American cartoons for children haven't typically been this mature or well developed. Steven is a very queer male character for an American cartoon. He resists, defies, and disregards dominant ideas about who he should be. Steven dresses in drag, sings, dances, likes helping people solve their problems in positive ways, and he cries very often. Steven is certainly comparable to Crying Freeman in this way. Steven’s friendship with the shy, bookish Connie helps him resist being hailed by retrograde, dominant masculinity. He is not the typical boy action hero at all.


         Greg, Steven's father may be a rock musician but, he's very laid back, gentle, and generous. He fell in love with Steven's mother, Rose Quartz and sadly Rose had to die so that Steven could be born. Steven has a tragic life to begin with but, he is a sunny optimist. The Crystal Gems are his other parents. Garnet, is the wise leader of the Gems, and she does come across as being Steven's adoptive mother, while Pearl and Amethyst are more like his aunts. Steven identifies with them and looks up to them and his father in equal measure. The villains of this show did believe that Steven was simply a version of his mother. Steven is haunted by his mother and the reputation she had as a revolutionary heroine.

         The Gems are considered “genderless” alien characters but, they are addressed as she or her and referred to as women. This pronoun use and gender description has resulted in a variety of interpretations about the Crystal Gems gender/agender and sexualities. Garnet is the "fusion" of two little gems, Ruby and Sapphire, who love each other and when they embrace they turn into Garnet. Now, to me they look and behave like they are a loving lesbian couple. Ruby and Sapphire are not the only lesbian couple in the series. Pearl kisses Rose Quartz in one episode which was censored in some parts of the world. But to other viewers the Gems could be interpreted as non-binary or genderqueer. In terms of content, this is definitely one of the queerest cartoons made for a young audience that can also be enjoyed by adults. In fact, I'm amazed at how many serious issues this series has dealt with over the course of its six year run on the Cartoon Network.

Formally, the series uses iconic illustrations to create characters and worlds that are relatable and beautiful. The colours and lighting are very effective at supporting  thematic content. One of the strongest elements of Steven Universe is the music and songs in particular, are used for character development and furthering the plot. I highly recommend Steven Universe because it has a depth that is rare in mainstream entertainment and it represents a wonderful beginning for queer representation that appeals to a broad audience.
        

         Here are some clips from Steven Universe featuring Garnet, Ruby, and Sapphire.
         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcMGh09q1S0
         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coOK-eZDm4k
         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OWq38TikzU

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