In a brief clip of Transformers: Earthspark that was shared on Libs of TikTok, Nightshade is introduced to Sam, who promptly shares her pronouns as “she/they.” Sam goes on to express to Nightshade that the world can be a frightening place, making it difficult to differentiate between those who are safe and those who are not. However, Sam explains that she feels secure among her friends and those who identify as non-binary.
Nightshade, a non-binary character from the animated series Transformers: Earthspark, has recently stirred up controversy. The extraterrestrial robot first appeared in 2022 when the show premiered on Paramount+. However, a brief clip featuring Nightshade revealing their pronouns to Sam has gone viral on social media.
On Thursday, May 11, 2023, the right-wing Twitter account Libs of TikTok shared the clip, along with an anti-LGBTQ+ statement in the caption, stating “They’re after your kids.”
Recent episode from the kid’s show Transformers: EarthSpark. They’re after your kids. pic.twitter.com/D7TYsP9Sb0
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 11, 2023
Nightshade appears unfamiliar with the concept of non-binary gender identity, prompting Sam to clarify that it encompasses individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. Sam also takes the opportunity to apologize to Nightshade for making assumptions about their gender identity.
However, Nightshade responds positively and says:
“I always knew my pronouns felt right, but what a wonderful word for a wonderful experience.”
The inclusion of characters from the LGBTQ+ community who use non-conventional pronouns in the show has been met with opposition from the majority of viewers. However, some individuals have raised concerns about a separate issue. They believe that the notion that non-binary individuals or those who use gender-neutral pronouns can make the world a safer place is a dangerous concept, regardless of their pronoun usage.
most recent TRANSFORMERS cartoon. Is this something you would want your children to watch? pic.twitter.com/VYOF0K7Bsl
— VOCAB MALONE | urban apologetics (@VocabMalone) May 4, 2023
Good grief, another brand to boycott.
— Raymond P Mucha (@rpmucha23) May 12, 2023
On the other hand, non-binary viewers of Transformers: Earthspark have expressed their happiness with the show’s debut of a character that represents them. They have praised the franchise for featuring a character who openly and confidently identifies as non-binary, stating that it has touched their hearts and emphasizing the importance of representation.
This felt uncomfortable and very unnecessary tbh, I have no issues with pronouns or anything but to have such a spotlight on it feels disjointed and weird
— Markus Andrew (@Gigaknotz) May 11, 2023
Additionally, a small number of viewers have pointed out that robots are not meant to have a gender since they are machines and, therefore, neither male nor female.
