Nickelodeon and LGBT representation

[7][8] Susan Kahlenberg stated, in 2017, that Nickelodeon, like Disney, has a wide reach into U.S. households, and must negotiate "commercial interests" with "ideological production," with underrepresentation of female and transgender characters, while traditional gender stereotypes are maintained at times, among shows aired by both networks, while Nickeledon was said to position itself as "gender-neutral" in its programming, and has the capacity to reject "traditional gender codes" in programs aired.

Bollettieri further pointed to series like Degrassi: The Next Generation and Dottie's Magic Pockets, calling them bold first steps in "trying to give LGBTQ+ families a voice.

"[23] Commenters and reviewers, such as Doug Madison of the Washington Post and Zosha Millman of Vulture, stating that the series paved the path for further queer representation.

"[28] Scholar Olivia Stor later described confirmation of the relationship between Korra and Asami making them one of the "first canon sapphic couples in children's television cartoons.

"[29] Jeremy Blacklow, GLAAD director of entertainment media, stated in August 2017, that after Doc McStuffins, featured a lesbian (and interracial) married couple in an episode, it would be a turning point for executives who fear boycotts from conservative groups and called it a "major win for both Disney and preschool series.

"[46] Joe Matar of Den of Geek said that LGBTQ issues are the main theme of the film and handled "in a smart, graceful, and surprisingly poignant way.

Some scholars and commentators described the moment as an inspiration for creators, and groundbreaking, ad romantic, but constrained, as this representation of the relationship was only shown in the finale, criticizing the lack of a kiss between the characters, saying it was "not allowed on screen by Nickelodeon."

[53][54][27][28] For instance, Mey Rude of Autostraddle noted that while the relationship between Korra and Asami, was built up during the course of the series, the words "I love you" were never uttered, nor did the characters kiss.

[56] Some stated that this comics series allowed DiMartino and Konietzko to explore the "relationship of Korra and Asami...[and] queer themes," including bisexual representation, without constraints, but has a "complicated legacy" in confronting other forms of oppression, noted the social media focus on the canonization of the relationship between Korra and Asami, and the "queer moments" within the series, which was termed "overly safe," contrast to depictions in the comics.

The publication noted that although Jara received support from fellow producers and Nickelodeon, one unnamed business partner was concerned that the storyline was not "age-appropriate" for young viewers.

This resulted in a kiss scene between Zarya Moonwolf and Kitty Boon being cut, even as Jara fought for their romance to remain included in the series.

[62] The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish episode "Wellsington Hotellsington" won an award for being the best new nonbinary cast member: iris menas, who voices Winn.