Snoop Dogg Shifts Perspective on LGBTQ+ Themes in Children’s Media
Rapper Snoop Dogg seems to have changed his stance on LGBTQ+ representation in animated films after previously expressing criticism about such themes. The legendary artist, also known as Calvin Broadus, made headlines when he scrutinized the film *Lightyear*, which features a lesbian storyline that left his grandson puzzled.
“We’ve been addressing these topics with kids for years, and kids naturally have questions,” he shared, recounting a moment when his grandson asked, “Daddy Snoop, how did you have a child with a woman? She’s a woman.” Snoop recalled feeling overwhelmed, thinking, “Oh my god, I didn’t come for this. I just wanted to enjoy a movie.”
Following his comments on the *It’s Giving* podcast back in August, Snoop decided to create new content aimed at the LGBTQ+ community through his animated platform.
Creating Inclusive Content
The YouTube channel *Doggyland – Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes*, which has over 1.26 million subscribers, launched a new tune called “Love is Love” on October 13. In it, a cartoon dog sings about the diversity of family structures, with lyrics like, “Our parents are different/No one is the same/But one thing is certain/Love remains the same.” The video features a same-sex couple represented as animals, and Snoop even contributes a verse.
Interestingly, comments were disabled for this video. The same was true for a podcast episode on Snoop’s main channel, SnoopDoggTV, where he announced a collaboration with LGBTQ+ advocacy group GLAAD.
Influencing Change
Snoop engaged in a conversation with singer Jeremy Beroate from Death Row Records, who reflected on experiences of bullying and the importance of supportive friendships. To support LGBTQ+ youth, Snoop and Beroate reminded listeners of *Spirit Day*, encouraging everyone to wear purple on October 16 to advocate against bullying.
Pushing Positive Messages
While the podcast maintained a relatively calm tone, Snoop seized the chance to highlight the value of diverse family structures. He emphasized, “It’s important for kids to see all kinds of family dynamics because love is universal.” He elaborated, saying that kids raised in diverse homes are often shown what true love looks like.
Ultimately, he characterized his song “Love Is Love” as a means of fostering understanding. “We’ve addressed these topics with children for years, and now we hope to clarify their questions and help them lead joyful lives where they understand that love is love,” he commented.
The Evolution of Views
In a statement, Snoop tried to merge his hip-hop persona with a message of love and acceptance. He remarked, “At the end of the day, it’s all about love. That’s the essence of our project ‘Love Is Love.’ Partnering with GLAAD for Spirit Day felt so right.” He added, “We aim to teach younger generations the importance of kindness, respect, and inclusivity.”
Reflecting on his earlier discomfort with LGBTQ+ relationships portrayed in film, Snoop had earlier questioned why such topics were included for kids. He expressed confusion at the time, pondering the significance of those scenes for younger audiences. Yet now, it appears that he has found his own resolution about how to approach these discussions.
