The second annual Velma Awards have arrived to once again celebrate LGBTQ+ representation in kids and family programming. Returning after last year’s debut, The Velmas continue to honor their mission of celebrating the creators and storytellers who champion diverse and inclusive queer narratives for young audiences, at a time when these stories face increasing cultural resistance.
“It was always hard to get LGBTQ+ narratives approved, but now it’s nearly impossible,” said co-founder Chris Nee, creator of popular animated series like Doc McStuffins and Vampirina. “None of these wins happened by accident — they are the result of someone advocating fiercely behind the scenes.”
The Velmas are the flagship initiative of The Rainbow Project (therainbowproject.tv), founded in 2024 by Chris Nee, Kristi Reed and Jeremy Blacklow to acknowledge and amplify the behind-the-scenes artists, producers, writers and executives working for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in children’s storytelling. Unique among entertainment awards, The Velmas feature no nominees — only winners.
As detailed in the 2025 pre-awards announcement, the number of eligible honorees dropped nearly 40 percent from the inaugural year — as the organizers say, reflecting the shrinking landscape for LGBTQ+ visibility in children’s media.
“Queer visibility in children’s media is not optional — it’s essential,” said Reed. “When young viewers see themselves and their families reflected authentically on screen, it affirms that they belong.”
Blacklow added, “This year, celebrating these victories is not just important — it’s urgent. These creators aren’t simply making content. They are holding ground on behalf of a generation of queer youth.”
2025 Velma Award Winners
Best Queer Break Up, That’s Just a Breakup
Jurassic World: Chaos Theory
S2 E5 “Boiling Over”
Netflix
Award Note: This episode offers a thoughtful portrayal of queer relationships as wholly ordinary. It’s refreshing to see these connections woven seamlessly into the emotional world of the story.
The One Mom Is Good But Two Moms Are Great Award
Firebuds
S2 E24 “A Family Tradition”
Disney Junior / Disney+
Award Note: This episode gives kids the chance to see families like their own depicted on screen, genuinely normalizing households with same-sex parents. It does so with a sense of fun and heart, while affirming that every family belongs.
The Show So Great and Inclusive We Wish It Would Adopt Us Award
Let’s Go Bananas
S1 E26 “Reunion at the Orchard”
CBC Kids / CBC Gem
Award Note: Once again, this show is awesome. This episode depicts the many ways families are formed and reinforces that there is no single way to create a family, celebrating every path to belonging as equally valid.
Respecting Pronouns & Gender Identity Is So Simple Even a Preschooler Can Understand It Award
The Bravest Knight
S2B E 208 “Cedric & Pirate Cove”
Hulu
Award Note: This episode shows how easy it can be to understand and respect gender identity, presenting it in a way that feels accessible to both kids and adults. It models empathy and acceptance while reminding viewers of all ages that everyone deserves to be seen for who they are.
Most Adorkable Dads Who Say “I Love You” Award
Jane
S3 E3 “Say It Out Loud”
Apple TV
Award Note: This episode highlights how meaningful it is for LGBTQ+ visibility when the two dads use casual terms of affection like “hon” and “I love you,” showing their relationship with the same tenderness seen in any family. Hearing this kind of loving language in a same-sex relationship can mean a great deal to a child, offering reassurance and recognition as they see families like their own portrayed on screen.
Most Fabulous Celebration of All the Shades of Queerness
Fionna & Cake
The Entire Show
HBO Max
Award Note: This series showcases a remarkable breadth of queer characters, allowing the world of Fionna & Cake to feel expansive, inclusive, and alive with authentic representation. Its unapologetic celebration of queerness in all its different forms is part of what makes the show so vibrant, resonant, and just plain awesome.
The Preschool Teachers We All Wish We Had Award
The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy
The Entire Show
YouTube
Award Note: This show is wonderfully bold and heartfelt, creating a space that feels both brave and joyful from start to finish. Every kid deserves teachers as kind, entertaining, and genuinely delightful as Fay and Fluffy, who make learning feel like pure, fabulous magic.
The “Let’s Be Clear, I Have Two Moms” Award
Be@rbrick
S1, Ep. 6
Apple TV
Award Note: In this episode, Nick declaring that he has two moms offers a small but heartfelt moment of representation. Even in its brevity, it gives kids with same-sex parents a chance to see their own families reflected on screen in a way that truly matters.
Legacy Award
Linda Simensky
Arthur; S22, “Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone”
PBS
Award Note: Linda Simensky’s commitment to children’s programming is invaluable, and she was instrumental in bringing to life the gay marriage episode of Arthur on PBS. The moment was truly monumental, opening doors for authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling and leaving a lasting impact on generations of young viewers who finally saw their families and identities reflected with respect and joy.
