Steven Universe shows a groundbreaking same-sex marriage proposal

By
Nick Romano
Nick Romano
Nick is an entertainment journalist based in New York, NY. If you like pugs and the occasional blurry photo of an action figure, follow him on Twitter @NickARomano.
Published on July 5, 2018 04:06PM EDT

Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar has long used her Cartoon Network series as a means of supporting more inclusive storytelling, and she did it again Wednesday night with the July 4th episode. Capping off a five-episode Heart of the Crystal Gems story arc, "The Question" commenced with a same-sex marriage proposal between Ruby and Sapphire.

"The all new Steven Universe episodes this week were years in the making, please, PLEASE do not miss these," Sugar had tweeted in advance.

Over the course of this story, Rose Quartz was revealed to be the still-alive Pink Diamond, who's been leading an invasion plot against Earth. Ruby and Sapphire had merged to form the warrior Garnet, but they split after this reveal. Ruby goes off to be alone and pursue a Western-style life.

Though she seems happy to Steven, Ruby reveals she can't be truly happy without Sapphire. So she rides back and asks Sapphire to marry her. "This way we can be together even when we're apart," Ruby says.

"We absolutely must tell LGBTQ+ children that they belong in this world and they deserve to be loved," Sugar wrote to EW in an email. "We cannot wait until a child grows up to tell them they deserve to exist and that their story matters. I am overwhelmed with emotion thinking of the years of tireless work from all of us on the crew leading up to this moment."

It's rare to see such openly queer depictions on children's cartoons. Though it played in the background of the episode "Just Friends,"Disney XD's first gay kiss aired onStar vs. the Forces of Evil, the same show that gave usa male Disney princess — because "he can be a princess if he wants to!"

Nickelodeon'sThe Legend of Korra concluded with a major hint that Korra and Asami were in a same-sex relationship. This was laterconfirmed by the show's creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, andfurther explored in the ensuing comics.

The network even celebrated the end of Pride Month in June with a photo of Korrasami kissing. "We're proud to celebrate one of our favorite LGBTQ couples this #PrideMonth, Korrasami!" read a tweet.

Sugar continues to break barriers on what's considered acceptable programming. The same-sex proposal follows multiple instances of LGBTQ representation forSteven Universe, including an emotionally charged dance performance from the character Pearl.

This article has been updated with comments from Sugar.

Read more:

Related Articles

Frank Grillo, David Corenswet, and María Gabriela De Faría in 'Superman'
That UltramanSuperman twist and the comic book history behind it
By Nick Romano
Nicole Ari Parker in 'And Just Like That'
DidAnd Just Like That recycle a Lisa storyline? Fans have questions
By Nick Romano
Billy Dee Williams and Nicole Ari Parker in 'And Just Like That'
And Just Like That… mystery solved: Lisa's dead dad storyline cleared up after fan confusion (exclusive)
By Nick Romano
(L to R) Hannah Brown, Jesse Palmer, and Wells Adams in season 10 of 'Bachelor in Paradise'
How to watch Bachelor in Paradise: Catch the season 10 premiere live
By Allison DeGrushe
RACHEL BROSNAHAN as Lois Lane, SKYLER GISONDO as Jimmy and DAVID CORENSWET as Clark Kent in Superman
All the bigSuperman cameos and surprise guests
By Nick Romano
Superman and Krypto
Superman post-credits scenes don't really tease anything — that's how James Gunn designed them
By Nick Romano
Bryan Kohberger in his booking photo in Pennsylvania on Dec. 30, 2022
Where is Bryan Kohberger now? All about the Idaho College Murders, as seen in Prime Video's new documentary
By Randall Colburn
SUPERMAN David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan photographed exclusively for EW on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
WatchSuperman's Clark Kent and Lois Lane put their onscreen chemistry to the test (exclusive)
By Nick Romano
Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo) in 'KPop Demon Hunters'
KPop Demon Hunterscast and character guide: Meet the voice actors bringing the singers and demons to life
By Allison DeGrushe
Bobby Berk attends GLSEN's Annual Rise Up LA Benefit honoring Sheryl Lee Ralph at NeueHouse Hollywood on October 18, 2024 in Hollywood, California.
Bobby Berk lands new HGTV show following exit fromQueer Eye
By Jessica Wang
Sarah Chalke as Dr. Elliot Reid, Zach Braff as Dr. John 'J.D.' Dorian, Donald Faison as Dr. Christopher Turk on 'Scrubs'
Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke joinScrubs revival with Zach Braff
By Wesley Stenzel
Nene Leakes
NeNe Leakes is unsure she'd return to Real Housewives in 'friend' role: 'First housewife, and I'm a friend?'
By Ryan Coleman
DAVID CORENSWET as Superman in SUPERMAN
Superman ending, explained: How James Gunn sets up the new DCU andPeacemaker season 2
By Nick Romano
5
'Supergirl' lead Milly Alcock reading 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow'
Supergirl 2026: Everything we know about the DCU's take on the Girl of Steel
By Allison DeGrushe
Spartacus: House of Ashur Jamaica Vaughn (Hilara), Nick E. Tarabay (Ashur)
Spartacus: House of Ashur reveals main players, including a female gladiator, in exclusive first-look photos
By Nick Romano
Ashby Gentry as Alex in 'My Life With the Walter Boys' season 2
When does My Life With the Walter Boys season 2 come out? All about Netflix's latest love triangle
By Randall Colburn