Nimona – an animated film adapted from the bestselling graphic novel by ND Stevenson ’13 (Illustration BFA) – premiered on Netflix on June 30. With themes of tolerance and LGBTQ+ acceptance, as well as queer lead characters, its release on the streaming media giant is a groundbreaking event.

Beloved since it was a webcomic turned graphic novel, Nimona made its readers – especially its queer readers – feel seen. And with a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills flooding state legislatures, its release as a mainstream, animated feature has been hailed as an important cultural milestone for inclusion.

A medieval-yet-modern fantasy, Nimona explores identity through the lens of a fairy tale – with heroes and villains and sidekicks who upend stereotypes while they fight for acceptance in a world ruled by fear. The film includes a star-studded cast headlined by Chloë Grace Moretz and Academy Award winner Riz Ahmed. Among its cast are several LGBTQ+ performers in supporting roles, including Eugene Lee Yang, Indya Moore, RuPaul Charles, and Julio Torres.