A recent episode of a popular children’s TV show has sparked a heated debate among viewers due to its introduction of a non-binary robot character.
The show in question is Transformers: EarthSpark, a series based on the beloved robot toys from Hasbro that has gained immense popularity among children aged two to eleven. However, the inclusion of “gender-neutral” themes has raised concerns among parents and commentators.
In the controversial clip, a transformer character named Nightshade expresses their pronouns as “they/them.” This statement prompts one of the human characters to respond with, “Thanks. I’m she/they… I’m sorry for how I reacted. It’s just sometimes the world can be a scary place. It’s hard to know who’s dangerous or not.”
Recent episode from the kid’s show Transformers: EarthSpark. They’re after your kids. pic.twitter.com/D7TYsP9Sb0
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 11, 2023
The human then adds: “I know I’m safe when I’m with my friends or other non-binary people.”
“Non-binary” refers to individuals who identify as neither male, nor female, but a third, entirely unrelated gender.
Curious about the term “non-binary,” Nightshade inquires further, to which the human replies: “People who aren’t female or male.”
The robot expresses delight, saying, “I always knew my pronouns felt right, but what a wonderful word for a wonderful experience.”
In another clip from the same program, another human character says “Nightshade’s pronouns are they/them,” to which the robot responds “He or she just doesn’t fit who I am.” After this, the other robot characters refer to Nightshade as “they.”
The new Transformers cartoon is now pushing transgender propaganda. pic.twitter.com/qdkNN7BKrs
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) May 11, 2023
Although the program first aired several months ago in November of 2022, clips from it recently circulated on social media, triggering a strong reaction from those who argue that such conversations are too controversial for young children.
This is not the first time that the company Hasbro has promoted “gender neutral” ideology in its products.
In 2021, the company rolled out a “gender-neutral” version of Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, saying they would be ending the male and female version “to promote gender equality and inclusion.”
Mr and Mrs Potato Head drop the titles 'to promote gender equality' https://t.co/t00gs1TQ2N
— TheJournal.ie (@thejournal_ie) February 25, 2021
There has been significant backlash in recent years against attempts to turn beloved children’s characters LGBT, such as Ernie and Bert from Sesame Street. In 2018, a former show writer insinuated that they were a gay couple – though the owners of the show disputed this.
Sesame Street disputes writer’s claim that Bert and Ernie are gay https://t.co/rb9vHRe9XZ
— Irish Times Culture (@IrishTimesCultr) September 19, 2018
Nickelodeon also appears to have hinted at the idea that the character Spongebob Squarepants may be gay.
SpongeBob SquarePants backs queer pride – and creates rainbow of speculation https://t.co/yDFL1fh2hL
— Media Guardian (@mediaguardian) June 15, 2020
In 2021 Danish toy company Lego sought to remove “gender bias” from its toys.
Danish toy company Lego has said it will remove ‘gender bias’ from its toys after commissioning a worldwide survey that found boys feared they would be “made fun of” if they played with products geared towards girls.#gripthttps://t.co/R8VrEmGLeC
— gript (@griptmedia) October 13, 2021
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