Nonbinary characters like ‘Gonzo-rella’ are lighting up children’s TV and encouraging self-acceptance

CNN — Earlier this summer, a new princess giddily square-danced onto the scene. “I want to be me.” The “Gonzo-rella” episode of “Muppet Babies” is one of the most recent and widely celebrated examples of animated children’s television tackling nonbinary and gender-diverse identity. “What is important is that all younger children are seeing positive images so that they can better learn about themselves and other people.” ‘Muppet Babies’ and ‘Steven Universe’ showcase positive nonbinary storylines When “Gonzo-rella” aired this summer, it seemed to cement what some fans of the Muppets believed about Gonzo – that the chicken-loving Muppet is nonbinary. Steven Universe/Youtube Rebecca Sugar, the creator of Cartoon Network’s sweet, contemplative series “Steven Universe” and its sequel, had a feeling young viewers would understand her characters without labeling them. And an episode of the epilogue series, “Steven Universe Future,” introduces the nonbinary character Shep, voiced by actor Indya Moore, who is transgender and nonbinary, as a new partner for Steven’s friend Sadie.