"My Little Pony has always been about friendship and accepting people (or ponies) that are different from you," a writer of the show said.
Young fans of the "My Little Pony" show met two new characters on Saturday — the series' first same-sex couple.
Two colorful ponies named Aunt Holiday and Auntie Lofty made their appearance on episode 12 of the show's final season, right in the middle of Pride Month.
"My Little Pony has always been about friendship and accepting people (or ponies) that are different from you. So it just felt like something important to do," writer and producer Michael Vogel told BuzzFeed News.
"I think it’s fantastic that we can show that what truly defines a family is love — that, to me, is the core of My Little Pony," said showrunner Nicole Dubuc.
Fans on social media noted that the two aunts exist in the "My Little Pony" books but had never appeared in the animated series. And they loved that the LGBTQ representation made its way to the show.
"Children's media has come such a far way this year," wrote one user.
"Love. It isn’t just for breakfast anymore! I get more and more proud of season 9 with every episode. Way to go" said another.
When one person shared a photo of the two ponies, Vogel commented on the tweet, "What a cute couple!!!!!"
The inclusive episode follows a similar revelation on the beloved kids' series "Arthur." On the show's season 22 premier, Mr. Ratburn came out as gay and tied the knot with a chocolatier named Patrick, also much to social media's delight.
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