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Chris Nee, Rainbow Project Founders on Launching the Velma Awards and the State of LGBTQ-Inclusive Kids Media
The Hollywood ReporterStory by Lexy Perez
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Powerhouse creators Chris Nee and Kristi Reed launch the groundbreaking Velma Awards to celebrate LGBTQ+ representation in kids and family media amidst industry challenges.
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- The Velma Awards, named after the iconic Scooby-Doo character, were conceived by Nee and Reed as a way to shine a light on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ creators in the kids media space, where their stories and contributions have often been marginalized.
- With 12 categories spanning genres and demographics, the Velma Awards aim to recognize the bold, inclusive storytelling that's driving positive change, even as the industry grapples with business contractions, political headwinds, and a retreat from representation in some corners.
call sheet
Chris Nee, Kristi Reed, Jeremy Blacklow, GLAAD's Children and Families Advisory Council, GLAAD Media Awards, The Rainbow Project, The Velmas, Doc McStuffins, Finny, Heartstopper, Agatha All Along, Ada Twist, Scientist, Ridley Jones