Garnet is a Fusion: Welcome Cartoon Network’s First LGBT Characters
Imagine being a teenager rushing to home after a long day at high school. Switching on the television, the teen finds many bright and colorful shows, but they all have the same, typical characters. Instead of the typical white, heterosexual character, now one can turn on the TV and find Garnet, the stunning female, LGBT leader in the show "Steven Universe."
"Steven Universe" is one of the newest animated cartoons to hit Cartoon Network. However it is also the most radical, creative, and stereotype-breaking show in the network’s history. For the first time ever, Cartoon Network has a confirmed LGBT relationship with two of the show’s newest characters, Ruby and Sapphire. Together, these two women form the fusion Garnet.
“Steven Universe” is a television, animated cartoon show that follows a young boy named Steven as he grows up and fights along side the Crystal Gems. Rebecca Sugar, known for her previous work with Cartoon Network’s other hit show Adventure Time, created the show. Turner Broadcasting System, through Time Warner, owns Cartoon Network and has skyrocketed in ratings and views with this addition to their lineup. The show’s audience is for “teens and tweens” (and even college students) of both genders. With the main characters hosting strong females as well as a goofy, younger boy the show can appeal to both genders.
Young people are immediately attracted to this show for characters like Garnet. “Steven Universe” is constantly breaking barriers with its tough girl characters, bi-racial and LGBT relationships, as well as promoting educated female roles. As explained in Wired, within the show there are multiple lessons taught and great character depictions that eliminate stereotypes. Despite the fact that it is an animated cartoon airing on a children’s network, the show doesn’t let those “limitations” eliminate its creativity. Unlike other shows within the network, it actually has a story line with deep moments within them that allow viewers to connect with the characters.
Ruby and Sapphire fuse to create Garnet
Ruby and Sapphire are a surprise to everyone. The viewers have always known Garnet, leader of the Crystal Gems, is a kick-butt female who doesn’t always need words to convey her feelings. Even British singer Estelle, Garnet’s voice actress, dubbed Garnet as normally a quiet and “subdued” character, before this episode.However, in the episode “Jail Break” the audience learns that Garnet is a unique combination, called a fusion, of the two Gems Ruby and Sapphire. During the episode Ruby is rushing through the prison with Steven looking frantically for Sapphire. When the two finally meet, they kiss and worry over each other. To fuse into Garnet, Ruby and Sapphire perform a lover’s dance.
Similar to introducing new characters, one wants to introduce the characters in a way that promotes a happy depiction of the new characters, but also people in the real world that they are representing. The two gems are clearly displayed as being in a happy and healthy relationship, displaying affection and concern. Ruby and Sapphire successfully promote a lesbian relationship that form the powerful Garnet. By depicting Ruby and Sapphire as two people genuinely concerned for the safety of each other, and not just focusing on the fact that they are both women, the show promotes a lesbian relationship in an empowered, and nonstereotypical way. The show also does a fantastic job of not making a huge deal out of the two characters being gay. As opposed to shows that advertise they have (stereotypical) gay characters, Ruby and Sapphire are just in a relationship and do not need to promote the fact that they are two females that love each other.
Stronger than You
It is hard to fuse without a strong connection with someone. Ruby and Sapphire need to have a very strong relationship in order to keep fused for as long as they do. For Gems to fuse, they must have a powerful relationship and perform a dance that signifies its strength. One concept that makes understanding fusion easier is intersectionality. The idea of intersectionality is where one person is a part of many identities that create that one person. Think of Garnet as an “intersectional identity” of Ruby and Sapphire. Ruby is fierce with the ability to fight, where Sapphire gives Garnet her leadership abilities. Garnet is both their “fury” and “patience” which represent Ruby and Sapphire, respectfully. Together, Ruby and Sapphire’s love for each other is what allows Garnet to be so strong. Within the song “Stronger Than You,” Garnet is able to fully explain just how strong Ruby and Sapphire’s love is. The song features Garnet singing to the enemy, Jasper, as she fights to protect the rest of the gang. It’s a motivational and pivotal moment as Garnet proves she is strong and how the love between Ruby and Sapphire creates her. Most importantly Garnet sings of Ruby and Sapphire’s love being what empowers her to exist and fight. Garnet sings about how Ruby and Sapphire’s love is greater and “stronger than you[Jasper].”
Garnet is a unique character to "Steven Universe." Her appearance allows her to represent a normally missed representation within cartoons, as well as her new outting, gives fans an even greater appreciation for her. And hopefully in the near future fans will get to see more of Ruby and Sapphire's relationship blossom. After all, as Garnet explains the episode "Love Letters," to Jamie the Mailman, "love takes work."