Animated TV shows have the advantage of giving the creators more freedom to explore gender and sexuality. Over the years, queer characters have gone from punchlines and sidekicks to complex, central figures in their own right.

Continue swiping to learn about a few standout LGBTQIA+ coded characters who have left their mark on queer people from all over the world.

Korvo & Terry

Solar Opposites

In Solar Opposites Korvo and Terry are paired together on a mission to terraform other planets before crash landing on Earth. According to the show’s creators, the early season show the couple getting acquainted with each other before tying the knot in season 4. Together they raise a pair of replicants, Jessie and Yumulack, and a pupa whose main purpose is to grow and terraform Earth. Who knows if they'll every get around to that.

Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn started as a low-level Batman: The Animated Series villain that was exclusively tied to the Joker. Two decades later, her inclusion in the DC Extended Universe of films, DC video games and TV shows proved to be quite a popular decision. Most notably, the HBO Max series Harley Quinn follows Harley as she breaks away from the Joker, makes a name for herself and falls in love with fellow Batman villain Poison Ivy.

Robin

Young Justice

In Young Justice: Phantoms, the fourth season of the series, the third Robin Tim Drake’s queerness became canon when he shared a quiet but meaningful moment with his boyfriend Bernard. It’s an important scene that adds dimension to a long-established DC legacy character and signals a more inclusive direction for superhero animation.

SpongeBob Squarepants

Back in 2020, Nickelodeon made a social media post celebrating Pride month that included many of the network’s LGBTQIA+ characters, SpongeBob included. His creator Stephen Hillenburg, has stated that just like a real sea sponge, SpongeBob is asexual.

Waylon Smithers

The Simpsons

For decades, Mr. Burns’ loyal assistant on The Simpsons was the subject of speculation and subtle innuendo. That all changed when Smithers officially came out as gay in a 2016 episode and later found love in a 2021 storyline. His slow-burning coming out arc gave The Simpsons a rare heartfelt moment.

Bob Belcher

Bob’s Burgers

While not queer himself, Bob Belcher from Bob’s Burgers is known for his fluid, nonjudgmental attitude toward sexuality. In various episodes, Bob openly admires men and expresses attraction without labels, earning him a sort of honorary bi status among fans. His easygoing acceptance makes him a quietly progressive figure in the adult animation world.

Stewie Griffin

Family Guy

Family Guy doesn’t lean into firm labels with its characters, but Stewie Griffin has long been coded as queer. The writers often portray his identity through jokes, crushes and flamboyant behavior. Creator Seth MacFarlane even called Stewie, “almost certainly gay” in interviews. Stewie remains a standout character as a subversive, baby-genius with a flair for Broadway and dramatics.

Roger

American Dad!

Roger, the alien from American Dad!, defies nearly every gender and sexual norm out there. Known for his constantly morphing personas with matching outfits and his fluid nature, Roger is pansexual, gender-nonconforming and proudly chaotic. He’s had relationships with men, women and plenty in between, making him one of the most uninhibited queer characters in animated TV.