LGBTQ children come from various walks of life. They may come from households led by both straight and queer couples. It’s important as parents that you affirm the orientations and gender identities of your children. Being validated is an essential part of a child feeling loved and affirmed. While this responsibility falls primarily on your shoulders as a parent or guardian, it’s helpful when queer children see representation in media, especially in works that you promote or introduce them to. Here are a few LGBTQ-positive films and series that can help LGBTQ kids feel affirmed.

Steven Universe

“Steven Universe” is an animated TV series. It combines science fiction, fantasy and action to tell a coming-of-age story of a young boy named Steven Universe who lives with human-like aliens with magical powers, known as the Crystal Gems. He is himself a half-Gem character and is regularly involved in adventures where he and the Crystal Gems must save the world. This series was the first cartoon to win an award from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation as an Outstanding Kids & Family Program. “Steven Universe” was praised for its portrayal of characters who are either agender or non-binary as well as those who don’t conform to typical gender roles and ideals. Show creator Rebecca Sugar was intentional about creating a show in which queer youth could see themselves as regular characters. This award-winning and highly rated show originally ran on the Cartoon Network. Now it can be seen on streaming platforms such as Hulu or HBO Max.

Out

In 2020, Pixar released an animated short film named “Out” about a young gay man who has yet to come out to his parents. In the story, the main character, Greg, and his boyfriend are preparing to move when his parents show up unexpectedly to help. During this 9-minute film, Greg moves from being fearful of his parents knowing his secret to ultimately finding out that he’s accepted and loved. While kids who are open about their identity may not struggle with coming out of the closet, this film, which features an on-screen same-sex smooch, can still help reinforce acceptance and affirmation with queer people of various ages. It is available on Disney+.

Danger & Eggs

Targeted to young audiences, “Danger & Eggs” is an animated series that airs on Amazon Video. It’s about a thrill-seeking, gender-nonconforming female child and her adventures with an anthropomorphic egg. This show features several LGBTQ+ characters, including agender and genderqueer roles voiced by actors of the same sexual orientation or gender identity. Created by a transgender woman, “Danger & Eggs” is a classic buddy show in which queer characters are casually presented and normalized.

Diary of a Future President

In 2020, “Diary of a Future President,” a comedy-drama, premiered on Disney+. It is based on a Cuban-American preteen girl named Elena who dreams of becoming president of the United States. The series is presented through the lens of Elena’s diary. It navigates her life as a 12-year-old adjusting to personal and social pressures. Elena’s older brother develops a crush on his male friend, and the paralegal who works for Elena’s mother is lesbian. “Diary of a Future President” also features flashforwards that show an adult Elena working on her political campaign.

When it comes to affirming the identity of children, nothing is quite like validation from parents. Children look to parents for guidance and acceptance about who they are and how they exist in the world. Whether through encouragement or listening with an open heart, you can have the biggest positive impact on kids who are discovering themselves. Positive reinforcement in media can also boost feelings of being seen and loved in queer children. Watching LGBTQ-positive films and TV shows together helps undergird your commitment to queer kids’ sense of happiness.