15 of the Best Animated Queer Dads
Queer stories that feature positive male role models have been historically rare. However, in recent decades tides have shifted as more stories have explored the lives of queer men who are fathers. One media genre that has been at the forefront of positive representation when it comes to queer dads is animation. In honor of Father's Day, this week's listicle spotlights fifteen animated series that dared to present queer family patriarchs. Leave a comment below if we missed any of your favorites. Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
Indy & Ty Sabrewing
(DuckTales)
DuckTales recurring character Violet Sabrewing (Libe Barer) was introduced as a new friend for one of the show's main characters, Webby (Kate Micucci). During Season 3 of the Disney series, the show introduced Violet's two dads, Indigo & Tyrian who appeared to cheer her on in the Senior Junior Woodchuck competition. Nicknamed Indy and Ty, the two were shown to be extremely supportive of their daughter Violet, and also open in their relationship via their comedic t-shirts. The Sabrewings' devotion to their daughter would also extend to her friend Lena (Kimiko Glenn), who would later be adopted by the duo as well, completing their family. Unfortunately, Indy & Ty never had speaking parts on the series.
Bernard Kohl
DuckTales recurring character Violet Sabrewing (Libe Barer) was introduced as a new friend for one of the show's main characters, Webby (Kate Micucci). During Season 3 of the Disney series, the show introduced Violet's two dads, Indigo & Tyrian who appeared to cheer her on in the Senior Junior Woodchuck competition. Nicknamed Indy and Ty, the two were shown to be extremely supportive of their daughter Violet, and also open in their relationship via their comedic t-shirts. The Sabrewings' devotion to their daughter would also extend to her friend Lena (Kimiko Glenn), who would later be adopted by the duo as well, completing their family. Unfortunately, Indy & Ty never had speaking parts on the series.
Bernard Kohl
(Carol & the End of the World)
The 2023 Netflix miniseries Carol & The End of the World followed lead character Carol (Martha Kelly), a quiet and uneasy woman who reckons with Earth's impending doom by looking for purpose while the rest of the world shirks societal commitments and embraces hedonism in their final days, including her parents Pauline (Beth Grant) and Bernard (Lawrence Pressman). Bernard chooses to embrace a new side of his sexuality as he becomes romantically involved with his nurse Michael (Delbert Hunt), forming a throuple. With less than a year remaining for the planet, the existential comedy saw Bernard and Pauline attempting to convince Carol to follow her dreams in the face of Earth's destruction.
Evan & Max
The 2023 Netflix miniseries Carol & The End of the World followed lead character Carol (Martha Kelly), a quiet and uneasy woman who reckons with Earth's impending doom by looking for purpose while the rest of the world shirks societal commitments and embraces hedonism in their final days, including her parents Pauline (Beth Grant) and Bernard (Lawrence Pressman). Bernard chooses to embrace a new side of his sexuality as he becomes romantically involved with his nurse Michael (Delbert Hunt), forming a throuple. With less than a year remaining for the planet, the existential comedy saw Bernard and Pauline attempting to convince Carol to follow her dreams in the face of Earth's destruction.
Evan & Max
(CoComelon Lane)
In 2023, the Netflix musical spinoff series CoComelon Lane showed the preschool adventures of JJ (Cruze McKinnon) and his friends as they experienced the milestones of life growing up in their community. One of JJ's close friends was Nico (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez). His fathers, Evan (Alex Barima) and Max (James Kirk) were introduced on the series as loving caretakers, helping Nico learn lessons about things like giving gifts to others and taking family photos. Appearing in five episodes of the series, Evan & Max were shown to be key figures in raising their young son. Their appearance on the series was not without controversy, as some anti-LGBTQ groups protested their inclusion.
Tyler & Greg
In 2023, the Netflix musical spinoff series CoComelon Lane showed the preschool adventures of JJ (Cruze McKinnon) and his friends as they experienced the milestones of life growing up in their community. One of JJ's close friends was Nico (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez). His fathers, Evan (Alex Barima) and Max (James Kirk) were introduced on the series as loving caretakers, helping Nico learn lessons about things like giving gifts to others and taking family photos. Appearing in five episodes of the series, Evan & Max were shown to be key figures in raising their young son. Their appearance on the series was not without controversy, as some anti-LGBTQ groups protested their inclusion.
Tyler & Greg
(Bossy Bear)
The 2023 Nickelodeon animated kids series Bossy Bear introduced Tyler (Lance Bass) and Greg (Michael Turchin), the animal parents of Ginger (Beahlen Deacon) & Pierre (Misty Lee). Over the course of their five-episode stint on the series, Tyler & Greg were shown to be loving and supportive adoptive parents, especially to Ginger, one of the series' regular characters. The two recurring dads were shown to compliment each others' personalities, with Tyler being a laid-back owl while Greg was the more high strung chipmunk. The couple also took center stage for the series' Hanukkah-themed episode, showing Ginger's traditions of celebration for the holiday with her family.
Gilbert & Harvey Park
The 2023 Nickelodeon animated kids series Bossy Bear introduced Tyler (Lance Bass) and Greg (Michael Turchin), the animal parents of Ginger (Beahlen Deacon) & Pierre (Misty Lee). Over the course of their five-episode stint on the series, Tyler & Greg were shown to be loving and supportive adoptive parents, especially to Ginger, one of the series' regular characters. The two recurring dads were shown to compliment each others' personalities, with Tyler being a laid-back owl while Greg was the more high strung chipmunk. The couple also took center stage for the series' Hanukkah-themed episode, showing Ginger's traditions of celebration for the holiday with her family.
Gilbert & Harvey Park
(The Owl House)
The Disney series The Owl House introduced Gilbert (Eric Bauza) and Harvey (Matt Chapman) as the fathers of Willow (Tati Gabrielle), the friend of lead character Luz (Sarah-Nicole Robles). With the fantasy characters on a journey to become Witches, Gilbert & Harvey provided support and advice to Willow, drawing upon their own upbringing as Witches. The show presented a positive history for Gilbert & Harvey, showing them in flashbacks to their younger days, highlighting the longevity of their relationship that has progressed over years. The married dads were shown to be highly intelligent and kind-hearted, making them positive role models for the younger characters.
Isaac & Antonio Goldberg-Calderon
The Disney series The Owl House introduced Gilbert (Eric Bauza) and Harvey (Matt Chapman) as the fathers of Willow (Tati Gabrielle), the friend of lead character Luz (Sarah-Nicole Robles). With the fantasy characters on a journey to become Witches, Gilbert & Harvey provided support and advice to Willow, drawing upon their own upbringing as Witches. The show presented a positive history for Gilbert & Harvey, showing them in flashbacks to their younger days, highlighting the longevity of their relationship that has progressed over years. The married dads were shown to be highly intelligent and kind-hearted, making them positive role models for the younger characters.
Isaac & Antonio Goldberg-Calderon
(Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur)
Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur followed 13-year-old genius Lunella who comes of age while acting as a secret superhero to her New York City community, along with her dinosaur companion. Lunella (Diamond White) is assisted in her coming of age by her best friend Casey (Libe Barer), who is raised by her two dads. Isaac (Andy Cohen) and Antonio (Wilson Cruz) are shown to be devoted and loving fathers, who were unafraid to openly show affection with each other. Casey's fathers are there to support their daughter as she works through her teen trials. The series embraced diversity through several queer recurring characters and it's casting of openly gay performers like Cohen & Cruz.
Aten & Kosy
Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur followed 13-year-old genius Lunella who comes of age while acting as a secret superhero to her New York City community, along with her dinosaur companion. Lunella (Diamond White) is assisted in her coming of age by her best friend Casey (Libe Barer), who is raised by her two dads. Isaac (Andy Cohen) and Antonio (Wilson Cruz) are shown to be devoted and loving fathers, who were unafraid to openly show affection with each other. Casey's fathers are there to support their daughter as she works through her teen trials. The series embraced diversity through several queer recurring characters and it's casting of openly gay performers like Cohen & Cruz.
Aten & Kosy
(Ridley Jones)
The 2021 animated kids adventure series Ridley Jones followed the title character and her friends as they protected the Museum of Natural History's treasures as everything came alive at night, setting them off on unique adventures. One of Ridley's closest friends was Ismat (Ashlyn Madden), a young mummy that reveals herself to Ridley (Iara Nemirovsky). Ismat would become the only member of Ridley's group to have parents portrayed onscreen, other than Ridley. Ismat's two fathers, Aten (Andrew Rannells) and Kosy (Chris Colfer) were shown to be caring and supportive mummy dads to their daughter. The two appeared in four episodes of the series, across its three seasons, shown as loving caretakers of their child.
Terry Bates & Greg Corbin
The 2021 animated kids adventure series Ridley Jones followed the title character and her friends as they protected the Museum of Natural History's treasures as everything came alive at night, setting them off on unique adventures. One of Ridley's closest friends was Ismat (Ashlyn Madden), a young mummy that reveals herself to Ridley (Iara Nemirovsky). Ismat would become the only member of Ridley's group to have parents portrayed onscreen, other than Ridley. Ismat's two fathers, Aten (Andrew Rannells) and Kosy (Chris Colfer) were shown to be caring and supportive mummy dads to their daughter. The two appeared in four episodes of the series, across its three seasons, shown as loving caretakers of their child.
Terry Bates & Greg Corbin
(American Dad!)
The long-running comedy from Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker & Matt Weitzman follows the escapades of C.I.A. Agent Stan Smith and his family living their suburban life, while harboring zany pansexual alien Roger. Their next door neighbors, Greg Corbin (MacFarlane) and Terry Bates (Barker) worked as the local news anchors and were are also domestic partners. Greg & Terry would have their daughter Liberty Belle thanks to surrogacy from Stan's wife Francine. Like most of the show's wacky characters, Greg & Terry were often shown to have stereotypical couples' issues, but they were also shown to be loving fathers. In a rarity for this list, Terry would depart after nine seasons leaving Greg as a single parent.
George & Lance
The long-running comedy from Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker & Matt Weitzman follows the escapades of C.I.A. Agent Stan Smith and his family living their suburban life, while harboring zany pansexual alien Roger. Their next door neighbors, Greg Corbin (MacFarlane) and Terry Bates (Barker) worked as the local news anchors and were are also domestic partners. Greg & Terry would have their daughter Liberty Belle thanks to surrogacy from Stan's wife Francine. Like most of the show's wacky characters, Greg & Terry were often shown to have stereotypical couples' issues, but they were also shown to be loving fathers. In a rarity for this list, Terry would depart after nine seasons leaving Greg as a single parent.
George & Lance
(She-Ra and the Princesses of Power)
The 2018 Netflix original adventure series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power focused on the lead character Adora (Aimee Carrero) leading a rebellion to free her land from monstrous invaders. One of her close comrades in the battle to rebuild the Princess Alliance is Bow (Marcus Scribner), who leads the rebellion at Adora's side. Bow was assisted in his coming of age by his fathers George (Chris Jai Alex) and Lance (Regi Davis). The duo were married fathers of thirteen children, though their youngest Bow was shown to get most of their attention. The series did not shy away from showing open affection from the couple, as their work as historians saw them involved in several stories, while being protective of their son.
Barry & Randall Liebowitz-Jenkins
The 2018 Netflix original adventure series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power focused on the lead character Adora (Aimee Carrero) leading a rebellion to free her land from monstrous invaders. One of her close comrades in the battle to rebuild the Princess Alliance is Bow (Marcus Scribner), who leads the rebellion at Adora's side. Bow was assisted in his coming of age by his fathers George (Chris Jai Alex) and Lance (Regi Davis). The duo were married fathers of thirteen children, though their youngest Bow was shown to get most of their attention. The series did not shy away from showing open affection from the couple, as their work as historians saw them involved in several stories, while being protective of their son.
Barry & Randall Liebowitz-Jenkins
(The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder)
A 2022 reboot of the classic Disney sitcom, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder picked up on the latest happenings in the life of Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) and her wacky family and friends, as she enters high school. Penny makes some new friends in new arrivals Maya (Keke Palmer) and KG (A Boogie wit da Hoodie), who quickly become part of her world, along with their gay dads Barry (Zachary Quinto) and Randall (Billy Porter). It's not long before the Liebowitz-Jenkins family joins in the chaos of life around the Proud family. Barry & Randall were shown to be in a loving relationship and got into their own adult shenanigans through their interactions with Penny's dad Oscar (Tommy Davidson).
King Barton & Sir Benedict
A 2022 reboot of the classic Disney sitcom, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder picked up on the latest happenings in the life of Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) and her wacky family and friends, as she enters high school. Penny makes some new friends in new arrivals Maya (Keke Palmer) and KG (A Boogie wit da Hoodie), who quickly become part of her world, along with their gay dads Barry (Zachary Quinto) and Randall (Billy Porter). It's not long before the Liebowitz-Jenkins family joins in the chaos of life around the Proud family. Barry & Randall were shown to be in a loving relationship and got into their own adult shenanigans through their interactions with Penny's dad Oscar (Tommy Davidson).
King Barton & Sir Benedict
(Princess Power)
Based on the New York Times best-selling book series, the Netflix musical fantasy Princess Power debuted in 2023, telling the story of four princesses from the major fruit kingdoms, working together through their differences to help make their world a better place. One of the princesses, Beatrice "Bea" Blueberry (Madison Calderon), is aided by the support of her dads, King Barton (Andrew Rannells) and Sir Benedict (Tan France), the heads of the Blueberry kingdom. Over the course of three seasons, Bea's recurring dads were shown to be loving parents, encouraging their daughter to embrace her strength and independence which is exhibited through her talent as an athlete. Their communication through compassion made them role models for Bea.
Terry & Korvo Opposites
Based on the New York Times best-selling book series, the Netflix musical fantasy Princess Power debuted in 2023, telling the story of four princesses from the major fruit kingdoms, working together through their differences to help make their world a better place. One of the princesses, Beatrice "Bea" Blueberry (Madison Calderon), is aided by the support of her dads, King Barton (Andrew Rannells) and Sir Benedict (Tan France), the heads of the Blueberry kingdom. Over the course of three seasons, Bea's recurring dads were shown to be loving parents, encouraging their daughter to embrace her strength and independence which is exhibited through her talent as an athlete. Their communication through compassion made them role models for Bea.
Terry & Korvo Opposites
(Solar Opposites)
From the creators of Rick and Morty, the Hulu series Solar Opposites tells the story of a family of aliens who crash land on Earth and attempt to acclimate into suburbian life as part of their mission to colonize new planets after their world is destroyed. Korvo (Dan Stevens) and Terry (Thomas Middleditch) get married on Earth, while attempting to raise their replicant children Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) and Jesse (Mary Mack). Presented in the vein of classic sitcoms like The Simpsons and 3rd Rock from the Sun, the series was applauded for its portrayal of a family unit containing two loving patriarchs, comedically attempting to fit in with the human world around them. The series' sixth and final season is set to air later this year.
Masaki & Hiromu Fujiyoshi
From the creators of Rick and Morty, the Hulu series Solar Opposites tells the story of a family of aliens who crash land on Earth and attempt to acclimate into suburbian life as part of their mission to colonize new planets after their world is destroyed. Korvo (Dan Stevens) and Terry (Thomas Middleditch) get married on Earth, while attempting to raise their replicant children Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) and Jesse (Mary Mack). Presented in the vein of classic sitcoms like The Simpsons and 3rd Rock from the Sun, the series was applauded for its portrayal of a family unit containing two loving patriarchs, comedically attempting to fit in with the human world around them. The series' sixth and final season is set to air later this year.
Masaki & Hiromu Fujiyoshi
(Tadaima, Okaeri)
The 2024 queer anime Tadaima, Okaeri (Welcome Home) told the uplifting story of two husbands looking to achieve domestic bliss as they raise their son Hikari (Atsumi Tanezaki) and build their family. Based on the manga aimed at adult women, the Japenese series presented leading men Hiromu (Toshiyuki Morikawa) and Masaki (Atsushi Tamaru) living their average lives in a world where people face discrimination based on their gene types. The series beautifully crafted stories focused on the tender and special bonds that connect people. With challenges that are not impossible to overcome and character development coming through open communication, Masaki & Hiromu presented a queer relationship free of the typical BL drama.
Harold & Howard McBride
The 2024 queer anime Tadaima, Okaeri (Welcome Home) told the uplifting story of two husbands looking to achieve domestic bliss as they raise their son Hikari (Atsumi Tanezaki) and build their family. Based on the manga aimed at adult women, the Japenese series presented leading men Hiromu (Toshiyuki Morikawa) and Masaki (Atsushi Tamaru) living their average lives in a world where people face discrimination based on their gene types. The series beautifully crafted stories focused on the tender and special bonds that connect people. With challenges that are not impossible to overcome and character development coming through open communication, Masaki & Hiromu presented a queer relationship free of the typical BL drama.
Harold & Howard McBride
(The Loud House)
The adoptive fathers of Clyde (Caleel Harris/Jaeden White), Harold & Howard McBride broke barriers, becoming the first married gay couple to appear on a Nickelodeon animated series in 2016. Positive reviews on their introduction led to a ratings boost for The Loud House. Howard (Michael McDonald) and Harold (Wayne Brady/Khary Payton) were portrayed as devoted fathers showering their son with attention to the point of being helicopter parents. They served as direct foils to the Louds, the parents of Clyde's best friend, and main protagonist Lincoln. The characters made history again as they were translated into the 2022 live-action spinoff series The Really Loud House, where they were portrayed by Stephen Guarino & Ray Ford.
Sir Cedric & Prince Andrew
The adoptive fathers of Clyde (Caleel Harris/Jaeden White), Harold & Howard McBride broke barriers, becoming the first married gay couple to appear on a Nickelodeon animated series in 2016. Positive reviews on their introduction led to a ratings boost for The Loud House. Howard (Michael McDonald) and Harold (Wayne Brady/Khary Payton) were portrayed as devoted fathers showering their son with attention to the point of being helicopter parents. They served as direct foils to the Louds, the parents of Clyde's best friend, and main protagonist Lincoln. The characters made history again as they were translated into the 2022 live-action spinoff series The Really Loud House, where they were portrayed by Stephen Guarino & Ray Ford.
Sir Cedric & Prince Andrew
(The Bravest Knight)
The Hulu original animated series The Bravest Knight premiered in 2019 and follows Sir Cedric (T.R. Knight) as he teaches his daughter Nia (Storm Reid/Millie Davis) lessons via aspirational stories about his childhood coming of age. Cedric's husband, Prince Andrew (Wilson Cruz), also featured heavily on the series as the two dads bonded with their daughter and took on their own adventures. The series was a champion of character diversity and queer family dynamics. Through extensive flashback adventures, viewers got to explore the journey of young Cedric (Chance Hurtsfield/Desmond Sivan) from his life as a pumpkin farmer through his various adventures on his way to becoming known as the bravest knight who ever lived.
The Hulu original animated series The Bravest Knight premiered in 2019 and follows Sir Cedric (T.R. Knight) as he teaches his daughter Nia (Storm Reid/Millie Davis) lessons via aspirational stories about his childhood coming of age. Cedric's husband, Prince Andrew (Wilson Cruz), also featured heavily on the series as the two dads bonded with their daughter and took on their own adventures. The series was a champion of character diversity and queer family dynamics. Through extensive flashback adventures, viewers got to explore the journey of young Cedric (Chance Hurtsfield/Desmond Sivan) from his life as a pumpkin farmer through his various adventures on his way to becoming known as the bravest knight who ever lived.
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