Q: I am artist who dabbles in making comics and illustrations for sites like Webtoon and social media. I want to know about things in the more sensitive areas. I’m not doing anything like porn or the like, but I do would like to know where the Church stands on an issue. Is showing homosexual couples considered a sin? Would it be OK if even kissing isn’t shown, though it would be obvious that they are a romantic couple. Is it also a sin to be even touching on that topic as an artist? Should I just not depict that in my works? I am told to be more “diverse” in my character casting, hence the question. I myself am not homosexual, nor will I ever be influenced by it. But does that fall under sin (especially if it might “cause” others to sin)? — K.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:

It’s good that you have delicacy of conscience to ask about this.

Since the exact context and content of these comics isn’t clear, what follows will be general advice.

You would need to consider whether the portrayal of homosexual couples in your comics would be a subtle (or not so subtle) way to promote same-sex behavior.

Cartoons can be very disarming for an audience. They can come across as innocent or humorous and thus get people to lower their defenses and become tolerant about unsavory behavior.

Children could view the cartoons and start to think that it’s OK for people of the same sex to be in an openly romantic relationship. This in turn can leave kids confused about their own identity.

Ideally, you want to use your talents for the glory of God and for the true good of others.

You might consider using your talents to promote family life and values, along the lines of Umbert the Unborn.

For related reading, see St. John Paul II’s Letter to Artists.

It might be worth taking some of this to prayer.