Last month The Rainbow Project, an organization dedicated to “queer storytelling in order to produce positive mirroring for a new generation, announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind archive dedicated to preserving the real, behind-the-scenes stories of how queer narratives made it through the studio system. The announcement came a week before unveiling the winners of the second annual Velma Awards to spotlight exceptional LGBTQ+ representation in kids and family programming.
With the chaos of the holidays finally behind us, we’d be remiss if we didn’t do a proper writeup about the winners of the second annual Velma Awards especially since they come at a time when it’s more important than ever to highlight queer stories.
The Velmas is the flagship initiative of the aforementioned organization The Rainbow Project, founded in 2024 that’s committed to acknowledging and amplifying the trailblazing creators and storytellers who push the boundaries of queer storytelling in children’s media. The mission of The Rainbow Project is to offer positive, authentic mirroring for young LGBTQ+ audiences, empowering them to see themselves represented and celebrated on screen. The Rainbow Project and The Velmas are the brainchild of industry veterans Chris Nee and Kristi Reed, along with Jeremy Blacklow, who first connected in 2017 through their work on GLAAD’s Kids & Family Advisory Council.
For more information about The Rainbow Project and The Velmas, visit www.therainbowproject.tv.
Full list of winners of the 2025 Velma Awards below:
Best Queer Break Up, That’s Just a Break Up
“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
“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 “The Dragon’s Tower”
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
“Bearbrick”
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”)
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.
