By: Becca Maw
The Cartoon Network series “Steven Universe” has emerged as a groundbreaking animated series renowned for its positive representations of marginalized communities. Through its diverse cast of characters and inclusive storytelling, the show has garnered praise for its portrayal of themes such as acceptance, love, and identity. Steven Universe’s commitment to challenging traditional gender norms and stereotypes sets it apart as a trailblazer in promoting inclusivity and empowerment in children’s media. “Steven Universe” represents and normalizes gender-queerness and non-normative families, along with demonstrations and commentary of human-environment relations. In effect, this show gives viewers who fall into these identities affirmation in main media along with teaching all viewers acceptance of diverse communities.
The power of representation of marginalized communities in mainstream media, particularly in children’s programming, is severely under appreciated despite its social significance. Firstly, it validates the experiences and identities of individuals who have historically been underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media. Seeing characters who reflect their own experiences can provide a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of alienation and invisibility. Moreover, representation fosters empathy and understanding among viewers who may not be part of marginalized communities, promoting inclusivity and acceptance. When children are exposed to diverse representations of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, and other identities, they develop more open-minded attitudes towards differences in others, ultimately contributing to a more tolerant and compassionate society. Additionally, representation challenges harmful stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding marginalized identities, helping to dismantle systemic barriers and promote social justice. By providing positive and authentic portrayals of marginalized characters, media creators have the power to empower individuals from marginalized communities, inspire social change, and create a more equitable and inclusive world for all.
Steven Universe: A Modern Fairy Tale of Acceptance
Steven Universe’s intentional representation of marginalized queer communities provides children with important foundations surrounding acceptance, making it into an important teaching tool for young audiences. This is similar to fairy tales, which serve as narratives teaching important foundations for children. However, fairy tales often centered around illustrating consequences, acting as cautionary tales for children. In contrast, ‘Steven Universe’ emerges as an exemplary narrative that not only showcases themes the author aims to portray but also emphasizes positive ones like affirmation of queerness. Unlike fairytales, ‘Steven Universe’ unfolds over a series of episodes, affording ample space for character development and the exploration of complex themes. This format allows viewers, particularly children, to witness how these themes manifest and evolve over time. While fairytales tend to be short, serving as moral tales, ‘Steven Universe’ offers a more comprehensive demonstration of its themes, given its multiple installments and interconnected storylines.
Breaking the Binary
Within “Steven Universe,” this theme of representation starts with the alien race called the Gems, who serve as prime representation for agender or genderless people. The first Gems that we are introduced to are Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst who are the main character, Steven’s, family. These and all other Gems in the show use she/her pronouns, but are ultimately genderless. This has been confirmed by “writers and animators from the show [who] have asserted that they are agender, or at least outside the human gender binary,” (Dunn 45). The representation of the Gems as agendered beings is immensely significant for viewers grappling with acceptance within their communities due to their genderqueer identities. It offers acceptance, serving as a beacon of empowerment for those navigating similar struggles with societal acceptance of their gender identities. Also, these characters highlight how gender is merely a construct, as “Pearl calls Gem bodies “human constructs” (“Reformed”) and Garnet asserts that Gem bodies are ‘only an illusion’ (“Fusion Cuisine”),” (Dunn 45). By having this idea presented to the viewers, it takes the societal pressure off them to declare their gendered identity. Further, the Gems possess the ability to change their appearances and bodies, as Pearl says “All Gems have shape shift powers Steven, we can turn into objects [and] change parts of our bodies,” (“Catfingers”). This ability is a manifestation of gender fluidity, emphasizing that one’s body is not a determination of their gender identity. This theme connects with trans, agender and genderfluid viewers, offering acceptance and empathy.
In the show, the character Stevonnie who is a fusion between Steven and Connie is the only transgender character, which provides trans representation in mainstream media. We are first introduced to Stevonnie in “Alone Together” where Steven taught how Gems fuse with each other and wants to do so. He tries it out with his best friend Connie and succeeds, creating Stevonnie. This is different from a Gem fusion because they are genderless whereas Steven and Connie are both human and adhere to their genders, so when they create Stevonnie, Steven transitions to a new gender (“Alone Together”). The creation of Stevonnie, a fusion of Steven and Connie, presents a compelling portrayal of gender fluidity and transition (Kennedy). This depiction of a transgender character undergoing a metamorphosis resonates deeply with transgender viewers, offering a rare and authentic representation of their experiences. Moreover, it serves as a powerful educational tool for cisgender viewers, fostering empathy and understanding by showcasing the complexities of gender identity.
Later in the episode, as Stevonnie goes to show the Crystal Gems (Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst) her new form, it acts as a coming out scene by Steven for his family (Dunn 52). Each Gem’s reaction reflects a spectrum of responses commonly observed in real-life coming-out experiences. Garnet, a fusion herself, embodies a sense of joy and celebration, mirroring the enthusiasm often exhibited by supportive family members upon learning about a loved one’s true identity. Similarly, Amethyst’s excitement mirrors the reactions of friends who embrace and celebrate their friend’s authenticity, showcasing the importance of friendship and solidarity in the coming-out process. However, it’s Pearl’s apprehension that adds a layer of complexity to Steven’s coming-out. As a character deeply entrenched in tradition and order due to her previous role of a lady in waiting, Pearl’s initial hesitance resonates with the fear and uncertainty that many queer individuals encounter when revealing their true selves to family members. Her apprehension highlights the reality that not all family members immediately understand or accept a loved one’s identity, highlighting the challenges and emotional complexities inherent in the coming-out process.
Queer Love Empowerment
Garnet, a central character and leader of the Crystal Gems, embodies the empowerment of queer identity and love as a fusion of two agender Gems, Ruby and Sapphire, showcasing self-acceptance and resilience against societal prejudice and discrimination. Garnet is one of the central characters of the series, being the leader of the Crystal Gems. In the episode “Jailbreak” it is revealed that she has been a fusion of two different Gems Ruby and Sapphire. Making Garnet the combination of two agender entities and a manifestation of their love shows the empowerment of both queer identity but most importantly queer love. Garnet is also an example of complete and total self-acceptance, self-confidence, and self-love as a queer couple. In this same episode, Garnet sings the song “Stronger Than You” in which she sings lyrics like “This is who we are, This is who I am,” (Jailbreak). In this song, viewers are told that there is no way to tear down this type of love. Viewers also learn how powerful this love is through the scene and that there is no way to break them up, despite several efforts. In the episode “The Answer,” Garnet recounts the story of how she, as a fusion of Ruby and Sapphire, defied the societal norms of Homeworld by existing as a permanent fusion. The episode depicts the disdain and confusion from Homeworld Gems towards Garnet’s fusion, highlighting the prejudice and intolerance faced by fusions within Gem society. The oppressive Diamond regime views fusions like Garnet’s as abominations, subjecting her to relentless discrimination. Despite this adversity, Garnet remains steadfast in her self-love and resilience, echoing the struggles faced by queer individuals in mainstream society.
Challenging Feminine Archetypes
Lapis Lazuli in “Steven Universe” embodies feminine stereotypes of fluidity and dramatism, demonstrated through her wavering loyalties and emotional turmoil while also portraying remarkable strength and resilience, challenging traditional notions of femininity and contributing to the show’s nuanced discussion of gender. Her conflicting loyalties are evident throughout the series, exemplified by her shifting allegiances between Homeworld and the Crystal Gems. In “Barn Mates,” she finds temporary solace with Peridot, symbolizing her desire for stability and companionship. However, in “Raising the Barn,” she abruptly flees with the barn, afraid of the coming confrontation with Homeworld. Because of her nature, Lapis embodies the feminine stereotypes of fluidity, weakness, and submission. However, despite embodying feminine stereotypes, Lapis is also portrayed as one of the strongest Gems, capable of remarkable feats of power and resilience. For instance, in “Jailbreak” where she saves Earth from Jasper’s attack, her display of strength showcases feminine rage and power, challenging traditional notions of femininity as passive or weak. This juxtaposition of femininity and power adds depth to Lapis’s character and resonates with viewers, as it highlights the complexity and strength inherent in feminine identity. Lapis’s journey serves as a powerful exploration of the intersection between gender, power, and emotion, contributing to the show’s nuanced discussion of gender. However, these stereotypes can carry over onto other roles of women in society, such as familial creation.
Redefining Family
The sacrifice of Rose Quartz to create Steven challenges traditional notions of reproduction, paving the way for a broader understanding of family dynamics in “Steven Universe.” In the episode “Lion 3: Straight to Video” (Season 1, Episode 35), Rose Quartz, Steven’s mother, leaves behind a videotape for Steven inside his pet Lion’s mane. In the video, Rose directly addresses Steven, expressing her love for him and explaining that giving birth to him meant giving up her physical form. Rose Quartz’s unconventional method of reproduction, sacrificing her own form to give birth to Steven, challenges societal norms regarding reproduction. By erasing herself from her gem to bring Steven into the world, Rose provides an instance of non-normative reproduction. This opens up space for diverse family structures, empowering queer parents who may have conceived through methods such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or assisted reproductive technology (ART). This representation in “Steven Universe” highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the multitude of ways families can be formed, fostering inclusivity and acceptance in society. It encourages viewers to embrace the uniqueness of their own family dynamics, reinforcing the idea that love and connection transcend traditional boundaries.
Additionally, Steven and the original three Crystal Gems stand as a positive representation of a happy non-normative family. Steven’s upbringing within the care of the Crystal Gems—Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst—serves as a central aspect of his adolescence and character development. This familial dynamic originated when he moved in with them in the inaugural episode, “Gem Glow.” By showcasing Steven’s primary caregivers as non-traditional family members, “Steven Universe” provides representation of non-nuclear families, diverging from the conventional model of one father, one mother, and two children. This portrayal offers viewers with non-normative family structures a sense of validation and belonging, as they see their own experiences reflected on screen. Furthermore, by presenting an alternative family structure with love, support, and stability, the show challenges societal norms and promotes acceptance of diverse family configurations among its audience.
Throughout the series, Steven maintains a notably fluid ideal of his family with the Crystal Gems, contributing to the ideal of normalizing non-normative families. For example, Steven affectionately refers to the Crystal Gems as several different relations to him. In “Steven’s Lion,” he explicitly calls them his “family,” highlighting the depth of their connection and the role they play in his life. Conversely, in “Together Breakfast,” Steven affectionately refers to them as his “best buds,” emphasizing the close friendship they share. This fluidity in Steven’s perception of family reflects the ‘found family’ ideal present in society, where individuals form deep, meaningful connections with non-biological relatives. Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, while not biologically related to Steven’s mother Pink Diamond, serve as his guardians and mentors. Despite not sharing blood ties, they provide love, guidance, and support to Steven, effectively acting as his non-familial guardians. This portrayal not only reflects the reality of many viewers who may have similar non-traditional family structures but also normalizes this idea of family to all viewers.
In the episode “Fusion Cuisine” (Season 1, Episode 32), Steven faces a unique dilemma when he’s expected to introduce his parents to Connie’s parents for dinner. Instead of bringing his actual parents, he brings Sugilite, the powerful fusion of Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, posing as his mother. This decision sparks confusion and concern among the Beach City community, as Steven’s unconventional family structure is questioned for the first time in the series. Dr. Maheswaran, Connie’s mother and a generally critical character, initially struggles to accept this non-traditional family setup. However, through the course of the episode, Dr. Maheswaran ultimately comes to understand and accept Steven’s family, realizing that love and support transcend conventional norms. This storyline directly addresses viewers’ concerns about Steven and the Crystal Gems’ familial structure, reassuring them of the strength and validity of their bond. By portraying Dr. Maheswaran’s journey towards acceptance, the show reflects people of mainstream society’s journey towards acceptances as well.
Nature’s Duality: Lapis & Peridot
“Steven Universe” does not only represent the queer community’s experiences but also other social themes such as the relationship between humans and the environment, illustrated through the characters Lapis and Peridot. Lapis Lazuli’s ability to control water, demonstrated in episodes like “Ocean Gem” (Season 1, Episode 26) such as creating a tower of water in and directly impacting the environment, highlighting her significance as a symbol of nature’s power and vulnerability and symbolizing her connection to the environment and its vital elements. Lapis’s imprisonment in the mirror in “Mirror Gem” represents the passive aspect of nature, while her potential to drain the Earth’s oceans demonstrates the chaos she can unleash, echoing humanity’s complex relationship with the environment. This relationship is continued to be portrayed through the tumultuous relationship between Peridot and Lapis. Peridot is a scientist, attempting to continue the colonization of Earth in the name of The Diamond Regime. She exhibits a deep need for control, shown through her scientific endeavors to technologically develop and progress the Earth. For example, throughout Season 2, Peridot is shown conducting various experiments and analyses related to Earth’s resources and potential for colonization. For instance, in “It Could’ve Been Great” (Season 2, Episode 25), she enthusiastically examines and evaluates Earth’s moon base for its suitability for Homeworld’s colonization plans. She forces this controlling nature onto the natural environment of Earth, which creates a collision of her character with Lapis’ that represents such environment.
Their relationship creates an image of the relationship between human development and the environment. Initially, Peridot uses Lapis as a source of information that she can exploit, as seen when she interrogates Lapis for the Gems’ location in “Jailbreak.” This represents how human development often comes with environmental degradation and exploitation. However, as their relationship develops, they grow into coexistence and even into a couple (“Barn Mates”). This represents the growth and evolution of the relationship between humans and the environment, as it spans from exploitation, to coexisting, to love.
In conclusion, “Steven Universe” stands as a beacon of positive representation in mainstream media, offering authentic portrayals of marginalized communities that challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance and inclusion. Through characters like Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, and Stevonnie, the show not only celebrates diverse identities but also empowers viewers to embrace their own uniqueness and foster empathy towards others. By normalizing non-normative families, gender fluidity, and queer love, “Steven Universe” inspires social change and creates a more equitable and compassionate world for all.
Works Cited
“Alone Together.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar, season 1, episode 36, Cartoon Network Studios, 2015.
“Barn Mates.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 3, episode 4, Cartoon Network Studios, 2016.
“Catfingers.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 1, episode 6, Cartoon Network Studios, 2013.
“Fusion Cuisine.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 1, episode 32, Cartoon Network Studios, 2014.
“It Could’ve Been Great.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 2, episode 24, Cartoon Network Studios, 2016.
“Jailbreak.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 1, episode 49, Cartoon Network Studios, 2015.
Kozuchova, Paulina. “Non-normative Family on Children’s Television: Queering Kinship, Temporality and Reproduction on Steven Universe.” (2018).
“Lion 3: Straight to Video.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 1, episode 35, Cartoon Network Studios, 2013.
“Mirror Gem.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 1, episode 25, Cartoon Network Studios, 2013.
Nguyen, Alisha. “‘Children Have the Fairest Things to Say’: Young Children’s Engagement with Anti-Bias Picture Books.” Early Childhood Education Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 28 Apr. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8081004/.
“Ocean Gem.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 1, episode 26, Cartoon Network Studios, 2014.
“Reformed.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 2, episode 5, Cartoon Network Studios, 2015.
“The Answer.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 2, episode 22, Cartoon Network Studios, 2016.“Together Breakfast.” Steven Universe, created by Rebecca sugar, season 1, episode 4, Cartoon Network Studios, 2013.
