Edtech platform Supernow, which hosts live edutainment videos, is rolling out three new inclusivity-focused specials for Pride Month in June to teach kids about empathy.

Kicking things off is Gracefully Galavanting with Gracie Staynes, a live-actioner for four- to 10-year-olds that sees the eponymous drag queen guiding viewers through scavenging and crafting activities, and teaching kids the importance of being themselves.

The platform will also roll out Over the Rainbow with Queen Dee: Rainbow Edition, a mindfulness- and exercise-focused special that encourages kids to get active while learning about different shades of skin and the importance of accepting differences.

And finally, Color Wars: Pride Edition will pit kids against each other in a series of fun challenges exploring the meaning of pride.

All three specials are between 45 and 60 minutes long, and will be filmed live over Zoom. Their hosts have been featured in other Supernow shows, but this marks the first time they’ve starred in diversity-focused content, says Supernow co-founder Lyndsey Wheeler.

She and Rachel Breitenwischer launched Supernow in April 2020 to deliver content kids could engage with from home during the pandemic. The platform joined the likes of Wind Sun Sky, The Wiggles and WNET in offering virtual camp experiences last summer. Its ongoing virtual class/camp features live hosted videos designed to get kids moving, laughing and doing arts & crafts activities.

Supernow’s co-founders describe the subscription service (which costs US$18 a month) as Peloton meets PBS, inviting kids to sing along with musicals like Hamilton and The Lion King, make crafts with LEGO bricks, and learn magic tricks they can do at home.

The platform has produced and live-streamed more than 3,000 shows since its launch. On June 1, this library of content will be available for on-demand viewing for the first time, along with a mix of new pre-recorded videos that have a higher production quality than the live shows, Breitenwischer says.

Even when the pandemic is over and kids return to their regular activities, she expects there will still be a strong demand for content that engages them and makes them feel seen. Supernow has new show concepts and characters in development, and plans to scale up to reach a wider audience with its unique brand of interactive content.

“Screen time is not going away,” says Breitenwischer. “We’re taking away from the passive viewing options, and giving kids a healthier choice that gets them active while giving them access to exciting instructors. We’re just now scratching the surface of what we can do.”