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Chris Nee, Rainbow Project Founders on Launching the Velma Awards and the State of LGBTQ-Inclusive Kids Media


Published on 2024-12-06 11:34:11 - MSN
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  • The producer and showrunner, along with voice and casting director Kristi Reed, and studio executive Jeremy Blacklow discuss founding a new way to celebrate Hollywood's "courageous" LGBTQ+ creators, queering the awards show format,

The article discusses the launch of the Velma Awards by Chris Nee and the Rainbow Project, aimed at recognizing and promoting media that inclusively represents the LGBTQ community, particularly in children's programming. Chris Nee, known for creating shows like "Doc McStuffins" and "Vampirina," alongside the Rainbow Project, has introduced these awards to highlight content that authentically portrays queer characters and stories. The initiative comes at a time when there is both a growing demand for such representation and significant pushback against it. The article highlights the importance of these awards in fostering an environment where queer youth can see themselves reflected positively in media, amidst a backdrop of increasing legislative efforts to limit discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. The Velma Awards not only celebrate existing inclusive content but also encourage the creation of more, aiming to normalize and validate the experiences of the LGBTQ community in children's media.

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[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/tv/chris-nee-rainbow-project-founders-on-launching-the-velma-awards-and-the-state-of-lgbtq-inclusive-kids-media/ar-AA1voOol ]