Ruby, left, proposes to Sapphire during an episode of “Steven Universe.” Their lesbian wedding was historic — a first for mainstream children’s television series or cartoon. Photo: Cartoon Network.
Fresh off the history-making lesbian wedding on Cartoon Network’s “Steven Universe,” the creator and cast, this weekend, will attend the largest pop-culture event in the world — San Diego Comic-Con.
SAN DIEGO COMIC CON
Creator Rebecca Sugar, who recently said she is non-binary, will participate in a “Steven Universe” panel discussion with Estelle (aka Estelle Fanta Swaray), the voice of Ruby and Sapphire’s love, Garnet; Michaela Dietz, Deedee Magno Hall, and Zach Callison.
The discussion will take place at at the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront at 10 a.m. Saturday. A San Diego Comic Con badge is required to attend.
Also, Cartoon Network will release “Steven Universe: Heart of the Crystal Gems” on DVD on August 17. The 10-episode disc will include the five-episode arc leading up to the lesbian wedding.
If you missed the episode, have you been living under a rock?! Here’s a recap, but warning — spoilers ahead.
LESBIAN WEDDING
The special five-episode arc, which originally aired Independence Day week, grabbed a lot of firsts for the queer community and television. First, Ruby and Sapphire, who unite to form the Crystal Gem, Garnet, became engaged. It was the first same-sex proposal ever seen on a mainstream, children’s television series or cartoon. Their wedding took place during the episode “Reunion.”
But the episode wasn’t all caterers and chocolate fountains. During the July 6 episode, it was revealed that Rose is Pink Diamond — the gem cluster buried in the center of the Earth that could destroy everything.
Steven and the group also learn of the threat from Blue and Yellow Diamond. But all these revelations fell away as Ruby and Sapphire said their vows.
“We are here today to celebrate Ruby and Sapphire, two of my favorite people who combine into one of my other favorite people,” Steven said. “You all probably know her as Garnet. She is their love-given form.”
QUEER CHARACTERS
The series has garnered enormous praise and accolades for its inclusivity and visibility of queer characters, which was no accident.
“You can’t wait until kids have grown up to let them know that queer people exist,” Sugar told Movie Pilot about the queer themes in her show.
