The Simpsons' Season 33 episode 17, called "The Sound of Bleeding Gums" is notable for American Sign Language (ASL) (even though the characters have only 4 fingers), and for casting Deaf actor John Autry II to voice the Deaf character Monk. With this role, Autry has become the first Deaf performer to voice a character on the show.

The creators also deserve credit for trying to have characters with only four fingers communicate in American Sign Language. This process must have been difficult to animate, which could explain why signing is only featured at the end of the episode. It's a brief sequence, but it's entertaining to see the characters attempt the nearly impossible task of signing while missing a fifth finger. Despite the fact that The Simpsons characters only have four fingers on each hand, the producers used two ASL consultants to ensure the accuracy of the ASL used in the episode.

"The Sound of Bleeding Gums" installment of The Simpsons demonstrates that its creators care about dealing with real-life issues on the show, specifically regarding people of diverse communities such as the Deaf. For instance, to voice the Deaf character Monk, they casted Deaf actor John Autry II, who provided a brilliant performance. Another thing is the script that was carefully composed by Loni Steele Sosthand, whose sibling was born Deaf. On top of that, information about Deaf culture were carefully shown. At another point in the episode, Monk tells Lisa,"I’m not anybody’s cause," reflecting how Deaf people actually feel. They don't really want sympathy or assistance in doing things simply because they can't hear. They believe they can do just about anything a hearing person can.

With CODA winning Best Picture and other awards at the 2022 Oscars, and "The Sound of Bleeding Gums" airing on The Simpsons, the Deaf community undoubtedly has a bright future in the entertainment industry, particularly in the field of animation. Deaf actor John Autry II is a great source of inspiration for other aspiring Deaf and hard of hearing actors. His ability to land a starring role on The Simpsons despite being Deaf is uplifting and encouraging to both the Deaf and hearing populations.