Cartoons are not just moving images on a screen, they are a means of escape, a source of inspiration, and a lifeline for many people. For me, cartoons are what keeps me going; it's a passion and a joy I wish all children could experience, which should be free from the imposition of prejudiced policies and the bias of bigoted politicians and/or religious extremists. However, it’s come to my attention that some cartoons are being banned in certain countries around the world for misguided reasons and, particularly, homophobia.

Cartoons are a medium that reflects our multidimensional society, and teach children about diversity, representation, and inclusivity. So, when episodes from excellent shows like The Loud House (see image below) are censored due to homophobia (or other politicized ideology), we deny children exposure to different perspectives and rob them of wholesome content. It is estimated that 7.1 percent of adults are LGBTQ+, and the percentage is much higher among younger generations (nearly 30 percent of Gen Z, or so Bing's version of Chat GPT has told me) which shows the importance of these characters in reflecting societal diversity.

Now is the time to stop tolerating the politicization of animation, and to resist discrimination by calling for an end to the ban on cartoons for such biased and medieval reasons. Sign this petition to advocate for equality, inclusivity, and the pure joy of cartoons. We must stand united in the face of homophobia, and prevent right-wing extremists from corrupting the youth of the world. Encourage others to sign too, and let every signature be a vote for diversity, respectful representation in animation, and a better future for kids.