Lisa Simpson is "possibly polyamorous," according to the showrunner of The Simpsons.
Al Jean, showrunner of The Simpsons, suggested that the future could be queer and nonmonogamous for the character, who has been depicted as age 8 on the Fox animated sitcom for the past three decades.
"I see Lisa as president and possibly polyamorous, [and] Bart enjoying life as he did at the end of the 'Barthood' episode," Jean told Metro, the United Kingdom's largest tabloid.
"Homer and Marge [are] ecstatic that everything turned out OK," Jean added.
Jean also told Metro that The Simpsons, which premiered in 1989, is looking to bring more LGBTQ diversity into its world -- and Lisa may be part of that equation.
At present, the only major recurring gay characters are Lisa's aunt Patty, who came out in season 16, as well as Waylan Smithers -- whose long obsession with his boss, Mr. Burns, was confirmed to be related to his gay identity in season 27. There have been many memorable LGBTQ guest stars throughout its run, however, including queer characters voiced by John Waters and RuPaul.
Although the characters in The Simpsons are frozen in time, episodes occasionally show glimpses into their pasts and futures. In one episode, an adult Lisa is seen in a family Christmas card holding hands with two other women -- before having a family with a male character, Milhouse.
In a 2000 episode, "Bart to the Future," Lisa is declared "America's first straight female president" -- presciently, she succeeded President Trump, from whom she inherited a budget crisis.
Lisa, despite her age, is a feminist character who has espoused a number of activist causes throughout The Simpsons, including women's rights and animal rights.
The actress who voices her, Yeardley Smith, is also a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, having recently been honored with the HRC National Leadership Award for, among other reasons, her contributions to the fight for marriage equality.
In a recent red carpet interview with The Advocate at the GLAAD Media Awards, Smith discussed how she is often told by LGBTQ people and women how Lisa is an inspiration: "It means so much to me. I never take it for granted. She means the same to me, by the way. She's been such an inspiration, such a rock in my life. It's been such an honor to be part of the heart and mind of that little girl."
"I always say when the series is over it'll be very much like one of my very best friends in the world has moved away and he's never coming back. I'll be quite sad," Smith said. "But I love her so much. She is one of the best, most fully formed, balanced, resilient, funny, extraordinary, hilarious characters ever created on the big screen or the small I think in our generation."
Watch Smith's comments below.
