Stevonnie
| Stevonnie | |
|---|---|
| Steven Universe character | |
| First appearance | "Alone Together" (2015) |
| Created by | Rebecca Sugar |
| Voiced by | Amanda Joy Michalka |
| Information | |
| Gender | Non-binary |
| Nationality | American |
Stevonnie is a fictional character from the 2013 animated series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar. Being a "fusion" of protagonist Steven Universe and his friend Connie Maheswaran, Stevonnie is described as gender-neutral or genderqueer, a theme not usually touched upon in cartoons. First being introduced in the episode "Alone Together", Stevonnie does not appear frequently in the series.
Character
One of the core concepts in Steven Universe is a process referred to as "fusion", in which two characters dance with one another in order to merge into one being that is physically larger and stronger. Though fusion is considered a sensitive and important action for two characters, it is described as "distinctly non-sexual."[1] The episode "Alone Together" focuses on protagonist Steven's first experience with fusion while dancing with his friend Connie. The two characters explicitly identify as male and female while separated, but the gender of Stevonnie is difficult to describe.[2] Regardless, Stevonnie is usually considered a unique character, as is the case with other fusions in the show.[3]
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Rebecca Sugar, the creator of Steven Universe, referred to an inquiry on Stevonnie's gender—whether Stevonnie is agender, bigender, or something else—by stating that "Stevonnie is an experience! The living relationship between Steven and Connie." Sugar described Stevonnie as a complex and specific metaphor, that becomes relatable as it takes shape in the form of a unique character. Besides challenging gender norms, Stevonnie serves as a metaphor for "terrifying firsts in a relationship," the feeling of hitting puberty, and objectification.[2][4]
Stevonnie is commonly referred to using gender neutral pronouns (such as the singular they), and both male and female characters seem to be physically attracted to Stevonnie.[3][5]
Impact
Meredith Woerner of io9 described Stevonnie as a "big game changer character" for Steven Universe, who got a strong reaction from fans of the series.[4] Writing for Towleroad.com, Charles Pulliam-Moore stated that Stevonnie deepened the way that watchers understood some of Steven Universe's core characters.[2] Polygon-editor Carli Velocci commented that Stevonnie is a positive metaphor for consent, in an entirely non-sexual context.[6]
Animated series airing on television networks Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon have shown a greater amount of LGBT visibility since 2010, with shows such as The Legend of Korra and Adventure Time including same-sex relationships. Steven Universe has a significant amount of LGBT representation as well, featuring multiple feminine characters that show romantic attraction directed to each other. As a genderqueer character, Stevonnie follows this same movement.[5][7]
References
- ↑ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (2016-01-06). "Cartoon Network UK is editing out the queer magic of 'Steven Universe'". Fusion.net.
- 1 2 3 Pulliam-Moore, Charles (2015-03-20). "'Steven Universe' Creator Opens Up About Creating Gender-Fused Character, Stevonnie". Towleroad.com.
- 1 2 Payton, Naith (2015-07-17). "Comment: Lots of children’s programmes already have LGBT characters". Pink News.
- 1 2 Woerner, Meredith (2015-05-14). "Steven Universe Guidebook Spills The Secrets Of The Crystal Gems". io9.
- 1 2 Ewart, Asia (2015-06-10). "Four cartoons that are leading the way in LGBT visibility". Metro New York.
- ↑ Velocci, Carli (2015-07-14). "What a children's show can teach us about sex and healthy relationships". Polygon.
- ↑ Mey (2015-03-13). ""Steven Universe" and the Importance of All-Ages Queer Representation". Autostraddle.
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