Steinfeld, who is known for her roles in "True Grit" and "The Edge of Seventeen," emphasized the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media. "It's so crucial for young people to see themselves reflected on screen," she said. "It's a way for them to see that they're not alone and that their stories matter."
Moore, who voiced Miles Morales in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," agreed. "Representation is empowering," he stated. "It allows marginalized communities to feel more accepted and visible."
In "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," Moore's character, Miles Morales, is an Afro-Latino teenager from Brooklyn who discovers that he possesses the same powers as Spider-Man. The film also features a diverse cast of Spider-people from different backgrounds, including a lesbian character named Spider-Gwen.
"I'm so proud to be part of a film that celebrates diversity and inclusion," said Steinfeld, who voices Gwen Stacy in the animated film. "It's a story that everyone can relate to, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation."
Moore believes that Spider-Man's enduring popularity stems from his relatable qualities. "He's just a regular kid who's trying to do the right thing," he said. "He's someone we can all look up to, no matter our background."
Steinfeld and Moore expressed optimism about the future of LGBTQ+ representation in media. "We're seeing more and more LGBTQ+ characters on screen, which is a positive step towards greater acceptance and visibility," said Steinfeld. "There's still work to be done, but we're headed in the right direction."
Moore added, "It's important to keep telling these stories, because they have the power to change hearts and minds."