LGBTQ+ Actors Who Launched Their Own Animation Studios

Many talented performers are taking control of their creative narratives by founding their own production companies and studios. This shift allows LGBTQ+ actors to champion diverse stories and spearhead animated projects that might otherwise be overlooked by major networks. These industry leaders are using their platforms to produce innovative cartoons and animated series that resonate with audiences worldwide. The following list highlights actors who have established their own companies to create animated content.

Vivienne Medrano

Vivienne Medrano is a bisexual voice actress and animator who founded the independent animation studio SpindleHorse Toons. She is best known for creating the adult animated musical ‘Hazbin Hotel’ which garnered a massive following on YouTube before being picked up by A24. Medrano provides the voice for several characters within her universe including Keenie in the spinoff series ‘Helluva Boss’. Her studio has become a beacon for independent animation and demonstrates the viability of creator-owned media.

Shadi Petosky

Shadi Petosky is a transgender actor and writer who co-founded Puny Entertainment to produce innovative digital content. Her studio created the Amazon Original animated series ‘Danger & Eggs’ which received praise for its positive LGBTQ+ representation. Petosky voiced characters in the series and ensured the production championed inclusive storytelling for children. Puny Entertainment established itself as a creative hub in Minneapolis before being acquired by Six Point Harness.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes established Push It Productions to develop comedy content across various mediums including animation. The company produced the adult animated spy comedy ‘Q-Force’ for Netflix which featured a team of LGBTQ+ secret agents. Sykes voiced the character Deb in the series while also serving as an executive producer to guide the creative direction. Her production house focuses on highlighting diverse voices and bringing underrepresented perspectives to the forefront of entertainment.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes co-founded Hazy Mills Productions which has been a powerhouse in the television industry for over a decade. The company ventured into the world of adult animation by producing the Netflix series ‘Q-Force’ alongside other partners. Hayes voiced the lead character Agent Mary and used his platform to ensure the show embraced queer culture and humor. This move into animation allowed his studio to explore storytelling avenues beyond the traditional live-action sitcoms the company is known for.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres founded A Very Good Production to manage her wide array of film and television projects. The company produced the high-budget animated series ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ for Netflix which adapted the classic Dr. Seuss book. DeGeneres served as an executive producer and helped shepherd the complex and visually stunning project to the screen. This venture highlighted her company’s ability to produce high-quality family animation alongside daytime talk shows and game shows.

Tell us which of these animated projects is your favorite in the comments.