when one partner is oriented towards polyamory, while the other, in order to stay in the relationship, represses their desire for monogamy. when one partner’s sexuality is fluid and the other’s is closer to a binary 2. It also, however, serves as a proxy for two problems that can arise specific to queer relationships: 1. Pearl and Rose’s relationship operates as a universal metaphor for being in love with someone who’s not in love with you. She also reveals her feelings of betrayal, realizing that her bond with Rose wasn’t as special as she wanted it to be. Even the title (“Rose’s Scabbard”) is a metaphor for her opening up (a scabbard is the sheath for a sword, so Pearl “putting away her weapon” is symbolic for her letting her guard down).

By her finally opening up, we get a deeper look into Pearl as a three-dimensional character. During the virtual conversation (which she recited verbatim) she tells Rose “I will do anything for you”. In “Rose’s Scabbard”, Pearl opens up about her feelings towards Rose, using a hologram to recall a discussion the two once had. We see this in her jealousy and resentment towards Steven’s dad for “stealing” Rose, and her continual attempts to convince everyone that she and Rose had a “special relationship”. Pearl has internal conflict from being in love with the Crystal Gem’s former leader Rose Quartz (Susan Egan), who symbolically died (gave up her physical form) to give birth to Steven.

Pearl, coded as white (though others have read her as Asian) and femme, displays the most overt queer romance themes in Steven Universe‘s characters. This key thread throughout the series is illustrated through the characters Garnet (Estelle), Amethyst (Michaela Dietz), and Pearl (Deedee Magno). The intergalactic family, created by Rebecca Sugar (Cartoon Network’s first solo female show creator), is full of underlying messages about same-sex relationships, a subtext that has brought the show immense acclaim and controversy. Although the show’s explicit narrative is fun, witty, and engaging, Steven Universe provides a masterful example of a series with a unique, rich subtext. The show follows a young Steven (Zach Callison) raised by three magical alien warriors - the Crystal Gems - sworn to protect the universe.

Steven Universe is one of the most progressive kids cartoons ever created.

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