‘The Proud Family’ is Coming Back ‘Prouder’ and Gayer

This is a warning to parents who want to introduce their children to their childhood favorite, “The Proud Family” – the upcoming reboot of it…is really “proud.” 

If you don’t remember, the animated series “The Proud Family” aired from 2001 to 2005 and “[follows]”The misadventures, adventures and triumphs of Penny Proud while she attempts to navigate through early teen-dom,” says the IMDb original description. 

It is rated TVY7. The reboot and show are intended for kids seven to eight years old. However, the reboot may contain themes or characters that are inappropriate for younger children.

In the age of reboots, Disney+ is revamping the animated series with the upcoming “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” airing on February 23rd. This new take on an old classic gets both louder and prouder in the way of pushing the LGBTQ agenda. Producer Ralph Farquhar says that the most significant change to the show has been the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters.

Penny Proud’s (voiced by Kyla Pratt) best friend Michael Collins (EJ Johnson), a reoccurring character in the original show, was Penny’s “flamboyant friend” and son of the school coach who was often bullied due to his love of fashion and other interests. In the original series, many suspected that he might be LGBTQ. The new reboot confirms this with his gender nonconforming status. 

“Just to have a character who’s out and proud and fabulous,” Johnson said, who is LGBTQ, said about his character. I was amazed that such a character existed.

Not like this kind of character doesn’t exist throughout Hollywood projects, I’d be more surprised if a conservative character was seen in a good light.

Two dads are also featured on the show, so this isn’t the only LGBTQ character. Barry (Zachary Quinto), Randell (Billy Porter) Leibowtiz-Jenkins and their adopted activist daughter Maya (Keke Palmer). Maya is described as an activist in the show – because, of course – which means there will probably be storylines pertaining to this.

If you look at the guest star list, you might suspect these aren’t the only LGBTQ characters or themes on the show. According to Out Magazine, “It’s a queer family affair!” The show will feature the voices of Lil Nas X (who, if you don’t remember, had his unofficial ‘Satan’ Nike shoes contain human blood), Lizzo, Lena Waithe, Jane Lynch, and Bretman Rock, who are all LGBTQ.

The Proud Family is not the best show to introduce your kids to your favorite shows.