Snoop Dogg Embraces Inclusion Following ‘Lightyear’ Backlash
After sparking debate in 2022 over remarks criticizing the inclusion of a same-sex couple in Pixar’s Lightyear, hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg has made a public turnaround—now becoming a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in children’s programming.
The rapper, entrepreneur, and pop culture icon has partnered with GLAAD in support of Spirit Day, an annual event uniting global figures in solidarity with LGBTQ youth against bullying and discrimination.
This year, held on October 16, finds Snoop donning purple in support of the cause, alongside Jeremy Beloate, an openly gay contestant from The Voice, who performed on Team Snoop during the NBC reality competition.
A New Chapter: “Love Is Love” and LGBTQ Families in ‘Doggyland’
In a gesture symbolizing his new commitment to inclusivity, Snoop has released a fresh episode of his animated YouTube series “Doggyland”, introducing same-sex parents and a new original song titled “Love Is Love”.
The song—co-created with Beloate—celebrates diversity, family, and unconditional love. In the episode, Beloate voices Zippy, a cheerful puppy joining the “Doggyland” gang led by Snoop’s character Bow Wizzle.
The animated sequence depicts various family structures, including two-mom and two-dad households, as the characters sing:
“Our parents are different, no two are the same,
But one thing’s for certain, the love won’t change.
Families are special, they’re so unique—
Everybody’s got a purpose, more than what you see.”
Through vibrant music and heartwarming lyrics, Doggyland aims to teach children empathy and acceptance in a way that’s approachable and fun.
Snoop’s Perspective: “Love Is the Key”
Speaking about the episode and his partnership with GLAAD, Snoop told Beloate during a joint interview:
“It’s teaching parenthood, it’s teaching situations that kids in the world are going through right now in a beautiful way—through song, dance, and melody. I felt like this music is a bridge to understanding how we live and love.”
He continued:
“It’s a beautiful thing that kids can have parents of all walks and be shown love, to be taught what love is. Whether it’s two fathers, two mothers—whatever it is—love is the key.”
The Doggyland series, created to provide positive educational content for young audiences, is available free on YouTube and has grown a global following among parents for its messages about kindness, confidence, and inclusion.
Jeremy Beloate: From ‘The Voice’ to Death Row Records
Beloate’s collaboration with Snoop extends beyond Doggyland. After his run on The Voice, the singer signed with Death Row Records, now owned by Snoop Dogg.
Beloate recently released his debut single, “Show Me (How Fast You Can Break My Heart)”, produced by Matias Mora, describing it as a “fun, alt-pop expression of love and vulnerability.”
In an Instagram post, Beloate thanked Snoop for his mentorship and the freedom to express his identity:
“With Snoop’s support and after signing to Death Row Records, I’ve discovered what feels honest and true to me. I admire artists like Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and my friend Todrick, who stay grounded in who they are.”
From Controversy to Growth: Snoop’s Evolving Message
Snoop Dogg’s latest move comes just two months after comments he made on the It’s Giving podcast about Lightyear sparked backlash online.
The rapper had expressed discomfort when his grandchildren asked questions about a same-sex couple featured in the Disney-Pixar film, admitting he “didn’t have the answers.”
“They’re like, ‘She had a baby—with another woman,’” Snoop recalled at the time. “I came to watch a movie, not answer questions I don’t know the answer to.”
Following online criticism, a comment attributed to Snoop appeared on Hollywood Unlocked’s Instagram, reading:
“All my gay friends know what’s up—they been calling me with love. My bad for not knowing the answers for a 6-year-old. Teach me how to learn. I’m not perfect.”
His latest actions suggest that he took that feedback to heart—transforming confusion into education and advocacy.
Why Representation in Kids’ Media Matters
GLAAD praised Snoop’s collaboration for helping promote representation in children’s entertainment, an area often under scrutiny for how it portrays family diversity.
According to child psychologists and educators, inclusive media like Doggyland helps normalize different family structures and reduce stigma among young viewers, fostering empathy early in life.
A New Era of Hip-Hop Allyship
Snoop’s support for Spirit Day and his inclusion of LGBTQ families in Doggyland marks a meaningful step in hip-hop’s evolving relationship with queer identity.
Where once the genre was criticized for homophobia, artists like Lil Nas X, Tyler, The Creator, and now Snoop Dogg are using their platforms to encourage open dialogue, representation, and unity.
“This is about helping kids live a happy life and understand that love is love,” Snoop emphasized. “That’s what matters most.”
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