Raven’s Home has made Disney Channel history by introducing the network’s first openly trans character.
If you were a teen or tween in the early to mid-2000s, then chances are you’ve heard of Raven-Symoné and her hit series That’s So Raven.
Throughout its four seasons, viewers worldwide immersed themselves in the world of teen-psychic Raven Baxter and her hilarious adventures in San Francisco.
Alongside the show’s hilarious storylines, That’s So Raven also delivered groundbreaking episodes that explored racism and body positivity.
After ending its run in 2007, fans were sent into a frenzy when Disney Channel brought back Symoné for a spin-off ten years later, titled Raven’s Home.
This time around, the series follows Raven as she navigates work, parenthood and mentoring her son Booker, who shares the same psychic ability.
Like its predecessor, Raven’s Home has continued to break boundaries for Disney Channel with its inclusive storylines.
In the sitcom’s most recent episode, The Fierce Awakens, viewers were introduced to the network’s first-ever live-action trans character, Nikki (Juliana Joel).
Shortly after the episode aired, Joel took to Instagram and opened up about the groundbreaking moment in a lengthy post.
“Growing up as a kid in Florida (like many other kids), I dreamt of being on Disney Channel, specifically on That’s So Raven. It was my favourite show & Raven Baxter was my best friend in my mind. It was my escape from what I was going through internally,” she wrote.
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“Coming from a typical Puerto Rican family, I didn’t think being an actor was possible [especially] for someone like me. I thought you had to be born into that world. Fast forward to becoming an actor, I then told myself I wasn’t young enough to be on Disney anymore & even if that wasn’t the case, I’m TRANS.”
Joel went on to say that she cried in her dressing room on her first day of filming due to her groundbreaking character.
“It was a moment where it hit me that I not only get to live out my childhood dream on a version of my favourite show, I get to do it as my authentic self and with a character that is openly trans.
“But it was really more than just being on the show. With all of the anti-trans hate and narratives in media and society, it was a win. I claimed a dream and space for myself while so much of the world is trying to erase me. & my community.
“And now I get to be that person I wish I had to watch on TV growing up. So never tell yourself it can’t happen because it can, in ways you never dreamt possible.”
Raven’s Home’s openly queer writer Nori Reed echoed similar sentiments in her own Instagram post, writing: “I cannot fully articulate what it means to me personally that now a young queer person in rural America can pop on the Disney Channel and witness a funny, nuanced trans character that they can relate to.
“And I pray in my heart that they hear the very clear message: You belong in this world and are included.”
Check out Nikki’s Raven’s Home debut here or below.
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