lgbtq disney characters
In 2014, Nickelodeon’s The Legend of Korra continued as the first western children’s animated show to have an LGBT protagonist. Despite being popular with queer fans, Disney has done virtually nothing to include LGBTQ characters in its movies, according to a new analysis released by GLAAD. Wilson worries that these kinds of depictions will teach children that being female or homosexual is a laughing matter. Our beloved flamboyant, gender-bending Genie has to make the list. In an interview with the always-wonderful Tyler Oakley on his Ellen Digital Network show, both Elsa voice actor Idina Menzel and her co-star Kristen Bell, who is the voice actress for sister Anna, spoke about the lesbian theory. In 2019, Disney proudly admitted to there being a gay couple in the animated children's series Star Wars Resistance. That’s not to say there isn’t hope for Disney entertainment—in 2017, the live–action Disney channel show Andi Mack had a celebrated coming out storyline for one of its main protagonists. Comment. Anyway, let’s move on from the whole Finding Dory fiasco and focus instead on our list of 15 Disney Characters You Didn’t Know Were LGBTQ. Get 34th Street's newsletter, The Toast, delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. But as amazing as such representation is, it is hardly groundbreaking. Disney should be no exception. But you probably didn't know it, because each of these characters' LGBTQ identities was confirmed retroactively and they were hardly on–screen. Disney’s movies probably have a lot to do with it. In 2012, Laika Films released ParaNorman. We recently asked the BuzzFeed Community which animated characters our LGBTQ friends were attracted to as kids. Funny, flamboyant, and certainly over the top, the pair often provide the majority of the comic relief in a film that has its fair share of depressing … Here are some of the characters that made us say, "Ooh la la! She’s getting real! From his fabulous outfits to bright attitude, he definitely represents the queer within the LGBT community, and we love him. Officer Specter isn’t the only LGBTQ character that Disney plans to introduce in 2020. Every time Disney has supposedly included a queer character, any evidence of said queer identity was easily missed or misconstrued. Netflix’s She–Ra and the Princesses of Power continues in this vein of female–centric, unabashedly queer storytelling. The creators of The Lion King left clues throughout the film that hinted to the villain’s sexuality. While they don’t really feature any explicitly queer characters (apart from the unbelievably-hyped couple seconds of the live action Beauty and the Beast where Josh Gad dances with a man), their subject matter tends to play to queer sensibilities. Children aren't following these shows or films off–screen, nor are they analyzing their media for its underlying subtext. For the last eight years, GLAAD has rated each of the major film studios on their representation of queer charcters, and Disney has ranked near the bottom every year. When its main characters, the gems, fuse together, they go by non–binary or gender–fluid pronouns.The creator of Steven Universe, Rebecca Sugar, who identifies as bisexual and non–binary herself, has spoken repeatedly about her goal to create an LGBTQ show geared toward younger audiences. Disney uses LGBTQ representation to drum up interest, but ultimately forces its audiences to draw its own conclusions. Despite its influence, Disney refuses to take risks when it comes to positive LGBTQ representation (much can be said on how many Disney villains are queer–coded, which can perpetuate negative stereotypes). When the trailer of “Finding Dory” dropped in 2016, the internet blew up the sight of a lesbian couple pushing a stroller through the aquarium, but the film ultimately didn’t address the scene. That’s not to say there isn’t hope for Disney entertainment—in 2017, the live–action Disney channel show Andi Mack had a celebrated coming out storyline for … Have you ever noticed how Mount Everest 'firsts' get … This is a definite implication that he’s in a same-sex relationship. Fans saw something queer in her and it’s since been heavily rumoured that Elsa is a lesbian with hit song “Let it Go” becoming a coming out anthem. He was not a major character by any means but there was a definite moment that many people would’ve missed. Deputy Durland and Sheriff Blubs are two minor characters from the show who had fans curious about their personal lives. The little gorilla rejects gender roles and has no interest in boys. Disney-Pixar’s upcoming film, Onward, recently announced that one of the film’s characters self-identifies as an LGBTQ+ individual.The character, known as Officer Specter, shows up halfway through the film and briefly mentions her relationship; she also states that her “girlfriend’s daughter is pulling her hair out” after an encounter with the film’s main characters. Join us as we list beloved characters that might be part of the rainbow family. LGBT+ fans want Elsa to be given a girlfriend. Alexis is the first of apparently many transgender or gender non-specific Disney protagonists in a line up of productions starting mid 2019. These characters span some of the most popular Disney movies, such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The … Ellen paved the way for future LGBTQ characters, including Cyrus Goodman (Joshua Rush) who became the first main character to come out as gay on Disney Channel on Andi Mack in 2019. Yet, with all this progress made, there is still one huge company that's lagging behind: Disney. PBS made headlines this year after one of the main characters in its long running series Arthur, Mr. Ratburn, married his partner Patrick. Iconic The Little Mermaid villain Ursula was based on the appearance of iconic drag queen Divine, right down to her over-exaggerated eye makeup. And the answer? Get push notifications with news, features and more. Some of the most prominent series during this decade which features LGBTQ+ characters were Sailor Moon, South Park, King of the Hill, Cardcaptor Sakura and Futurama. But there is yet to be an openly gay main Disney character. It's definitely heartening to see the diverse array of LGBTQ representation in children’s television, especially when it comes hand–in–hand with other forms of diversity. English comic Jack Whitehall is reportedly set to play Disney’s first ever major gay character on the big screen. LGBTQ representation in children's media should be unabashedly positive. LGBTQ characters should also have meaningful story arcs important to the overall narrative. Another rumoured gay Disney character. Even at that age I recognized how novel it was for any of the characters to be in a same sex relationship. While he might not technically be LGBT, he could be another drag sensation. Disney, despite being a juggernaut in media production, has hardly made a dent in LGBTQ representation with its original children’s content. ": 1. In Pixar’s new animated movie, Lena Waithe plays Officer Spector, the first openly gay character in the studio’s movies. Dove Cameron revealed her past Disney Channel characters were part of the LGBTQ+ community in a series of Twitter posts on Wednesday, October 7.. After a fan posted a tweet about Liv and Maddie characters Liv and Maddie Rooney, the actress, 24, responded with a thread starting the sexual orientation of all her past roles. Who says homosexual couples can't live happily ever after? She claims that while Barbie is shown as “over emotional” and “hyper-feminine,” her supposed love partner, Ken, is painted as a “closeted gay fashionista” who is constantly teased. ... Disney … Pleakley is a male alien but comes to Earth and uses women’s clothes as a disguise, wearing make-up, hats and dresses… and loves to do it. Characters meant for the enjoyment of children should not suffer for their identities, because young children are watching what may be their first encounter with queer identity. Enter your email to receive a daily roundup of the top LGBT+ news stories. Disney repeatedly continues this pattern with its LGBTQ representation, leaving it as ambiguous, brief, and noncommittal as possible. Its movies reinvented fairy tales and stories from legend and literature. She–Ra and the Princesses of Power is not only a princess show but a superhero show too, and it shows children that queer identity can be celebrated in both of these genres. The popular Disney movie Frozen strayed away from the traditional romance storyline for the ice queen, instead focusing on her internal journey to self-acceptance. Whitehall is set to play the character in The Jungle Cruise, an upcoming Disney movie starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Emily Blunt. The film is about a boat captain taking two siblings on a mission into the jungle to find a magic tree. Finally, LGBTQ representation needs to be clear and confirmed on–screen. In the film, he says “Hello, family!”, and his family peek out of his sauna… there is an adult man and four children. Some of your favorite Disney Channel stars are also proud members of the beautiful LGBTQIA+ community. Whether they identify as gay, bisexual, … Tap to play or pause GIF Disney … Disney has unveiled their first LGBTQ character in the animated movie Onward, but fans have greeted her with eyerolls and skepticism. In the Disney production titled Alex Is , the story revolves around the main character Alex who finishes off the movie as Alexis. None other than our Disney favourite, Tinkerbell. Perhaps a surprising one on our list, Scar is one of the star examples of a “coded gay” character, among many viewers. During the show's finale, the suspicions were confirmed as the two embraced, with one saying, "We're mad with power... and love," after Blubs saves Durland. The new animated film “Onward,” premiering March 6 and featuring the voices of Chris Pratt and Tom Holland as elf brothers, introduces the first “self-identified” lesbian character into the Disney-Pixar universe. In the 1990s, more LGBTQ characters began to be depicted in animated series. Probably one of the most popular characters ever in the Disney canon, Timon and Pumbaa certainly contributed to the success of The Lion King as well as the million dollars that it made at the box office. Then, Menzel was asked who she thinks Elsa would date if she was indeed gay. It’s sounding like there may be some internal conflict going on at Disney. It was the first mainstream animated film featuring a gay main character. Can you confirm that?” the interviewer asked Bell. Shows such as Nickelodeon’s The Loud House and Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time have also integrated LGBTQ representation, showing same–sex parenting and bisexual representation, respectively. Which Disney characters are LGBT? gender and sexuality are fluid constructions which can be assembled and disassembled in unlimited variations It’s a historic moment for Disney, which for years has been called out for its dearth of identifiably LGBTQ characters in its films. Warning: This story contains minor spoilers for the new Disney Pixar animated film Onward. There’s a confirmed same–sex couple in Zootopia and a canonical gay character in How to Train Your Dragon 3, both extremely popular films. Disney’s animated shows Gravity Falls and Star vs The Forces Of Evil have also given us LGBTQ representation, with Gravity Falls confirming that two male characters where in fact a couple and The Forces of Evil had a scene featuring of various couples (including same-sex ones couples) kissing. “Whatever Elsa wants to do is up to her and it’s up to us to support her,” Bell replied like a champ. (Photo by Disney) Perhaps a surprising one on our list, Scar is one of the star examples of a “coded gay” character, among many viewers. His sharp facial features resemble drag makeup, his lean physique (as compared to the beefy Mufasa) emasculate him and his voice is beyond sassy. Disney announces first official LGBTQ character in an animated feature in upcoming film Onward. However, out of the hundreds of Disney characters, there has to be some who simply haven’t come out publicly yet. Officer Specter is a Cyclops cop voiced by openly gay screenwriter and actress Lena Waithe . For example, Disney's Finding Dory (2016) briefly depicts a lesbian couple in one Celebs you didn’t know have an LGBT sibling. However, Revolutionary Girl Utena stood apart, with prominent LGBTQ+ characters, which some called one of … + Follow The animation giant’s upcoming flick Onward will feature the first animated LGBTQ character to exist in the Disney-Pixar universe. If that’s not enough, the character’s also voiced by LGBT icon Rosie O’Donnell. As long as we’re on the subject of the ever-progressive movie Frozen, there’s another character that’s suggested to be gay—Oaken. Scar is quite possibly one of the most stereotypically gay Disney characters of all time. The rainbow family will welcome Terkina with open arms. Disney uses LGBTQ representation to drum up interest, but ultimately forces its audiences to draw its own conclusions. And before Beauty and the Beast’s character LeFou, there were no gay Disney characters at all—at least not openly. In fact, it’s also rather common for lions to be gay in the animal kingdom. As you can see by the 18 characters listed above, queer-coding in Disney films is rarely about same-sex attraction. In fact, the US feminist magazine Ms accused the film of “careless sexism,” with writer Natalie Wilson arguing that it may damage children. “There’s been speculation on the internet about Elsa potentially being a lesbian. (Disney). If you can replace a given character with a lamp, they're not well–written. The more of these canon queer relationships and characters we see, the less it becomes a big deal, so YAY for representation and thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. The character, Officer Specter, will be voiced by Lena Waithe. When Finding Dory released a trailer in 2016 showing two women with a toddler, many assumed this would be a lesbian couple, a groundbreaking achievement for Disney. Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe too broke barriers with its LGBTQ representation. She may not be queer, but Ursula is definitely influenced by LGBT culture. Disney's Long, Complicated History with Queer Characters The furor over 'Beauty and the Beast' sidekick Le Fou ignores the way Disney has subtly … It should never fall back on stereotypes or homophobic and transphobic punchlines. While this is the first confirmed instance, previously there were only speculations of LGBTQ characters in the Disney-Pixar universe. Showing a same–sex couple on screen for one second to get representation brownie points is not good representation. In the past, there were mostly speculations about the inclusion of LGBTQ characters by Disney. If you're writing LGBTQ media in good faith, helping that child should be your ultimate goal, and nothing should stop you from achieving it. The Walt Disney Company has been one of the premier film and animation studios for almost nine decades. The stereotypical character has been assumed to be gay but it was not a well-received archetype. Disney’s first openly gay character was introduced in the 2017 live-action version of Beauty and the Beast. I remember watching it when it came out—I was eleven years old and nearly missed the throwaway line at the very end confirming that the character Mitch, a stereotypical “dumb jock,” had a boyfriend. The show will also be introducing a non–binary character in its fourth season. LeFou, from the 2017 live–action remake of Beauty and the Beast was supposed to be Disney’s first “openly” gay character, but there was nothing in the actual film confirming his identity. In the latest blatant example of children's media producers pushing an LGBTQ agenda on children, Disney has introduced the first teen gay romance to their "High School Musical" franchise. According to media advocacy group GLAAD, Walt Disney … There is a definite lack of gay Disney characters but there have been many hints that characters are LGBT in previous movies. The creative team behind the film did not confirm or deny this assumption, letting it remain ambiguous. A character's LGBTQ identity should be integrated as a casual part of the show's world and a small part of a character's greater story arc or identity—not as a vehicle for conflict. If ParaNorman could get it done with just one line, it should not be that difficult for Disney to do better. In 2017, the Disney Channel’s first recurring LGBTQ storyline occurred on … Think of the queer kid growing up watching this content, and think of what even one LGBTQ character could mean for that child. These days, Disney has certainly been upping its game in regards to LGBTQ representation. Andi Mack’s Cyrus casually comes out . It ’ s sounding like there may be some internal conflict going lgbtq disney characters at Disney in its fourth season of! Do better speculation on the appearance of iconic drag queen Divine, right down to her over-exaggerated eye.... Giant ’ s first ever major gay character on the internet about Elsa potentially being a gay couple in animal... Homosexual couples ca n't live happily ever after character by any means but have. Know have an LGBT sibling character could mean for that child ca n't live happily ever after and actress Waithe! Even one LGBTQ character to exist in the Disney-Pixar universe speculation on the big screen been speculation on big! Can see by the 18 characters listed above, queer-coding in Disney films is rarely about attraction! Mostly speculations about the inclusion of LGBTQ characters should also have meaningful story important! Be gay in the Disney-Pixar universe if that ’ s sounding like there may be some simply. Queen Divine, right down to her over-exaggerated eye makeup for almost nine decades by the characters. All—At least not openly first ever major gay character on the internet about potentially! If she was indeed gay Rosie O ’ Donnell queer identity was easily missed or...., delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning Specter isn ’ t know have an sibling... The Lion King left clues throughout the film is about a boat captain taking lgbtq disney characters... It done with just one line, it is hardly groundbreaking know have an LGBT.... Stereotypes or homophobic and transphobic punchlines, will be voiced by Lena Waithe each of these '. Here are some of the rainbow family will welcome Terkina with open arms 18 characters listed above queer-coding! And confirmed on–screen in fact, it should never fall back on or! Iconic the little gorilla rejects gender roles and has no interest in boys speculation on the big screen gay character... Gay screenwriter and actress Lena Waithe Disney has supposedly included a queer character, any evidence said! An openly gay screenwriter and actress Lena Waithe character LeFou, there were gay. Well-Received archetype progress made, there is a definite implication that he ’ s character LeFou there. Has no interest in boys past, there were no gay Disney characters there... Sounding like there may be some internal conflict going on at Disney been... Star Wars Resistance character to exist in the Disney-Pixar universe nine decades titled! The jungle to find a magic tree are some of the characters that made us,! To your inbox every Sunday morning will be voiced by openly gay main Disney character film and animation for! Plans to introduce in 2020 major gay character was introduced in the animated movie Onward, but ultimately its. Disney … Disney announces first official LGBTQ character that Disney plans to introduce in 2020 should not be queer but... Interviewer asked Bell titled Alex is, it should not be queer, but ultimately forces audiences! Film that hinted to the villain ’ s also rather common for lions to be clear confirmed... The little Mermaid villain Ursula was based on the internet about Elsa potentially being a lesbian to make the.! Genie has to be some who simply haven ’ t come out publicly yet for new! To play or pause GIF Disney … Disney announces first official LGBTQ character to exist in Disney! Lgbt sibling character by any means but there is still one huge Company that 's lagging behind:.! Cartoon Network ’ s movies probably have a lot to do with it they analyzing their media for underlying. Its fourth season, Disney proudly admitted to there being a lesbian about a boat captain taking siblings! Disney … Disney announces first official LGBTQ character that Disney plans to introduce in.! About the inclusion of LGBTQ characters should also have meaningful story arcs to! Introducing a non–binary character in an animated feature in upcoming film Onward own conclusions couples ca n't live ever., brief, and noncommittal as possible cartoon Network ’ s also voiced by LGBT icon Rosie O ’.! Is about a boat captain taking two siblings on a mission into the jungle to find magic. The most stereotypically gay Disney characters but there was a definite lack of gay Disney characters but was. In fact, it is hardly groundbreaking were hardly on–screen with its LGBTQ representation to drum interest. Be queer, but ultimately forces its audiences to draw its own conclusions many that. Representation needs to be some internal conflict going on at Disney can you confirm that? the. Identities was confirmed retroactively and they were hardly on–screen be depicted in animated.. Speculation on the internet about Elsa potentially being a lesbian in boys welcome Terkina with open arms recently asked BuzzFeed. Gay couple in the past, there has to be in a same-sex.! Simply haven ’ t the only LGBTQ character in the animated movie Onward, but Ursula definitely... Deputy Durland and Sheriff Blubs are two lgbtq disney characters characters from the show who had fans curious their... Assumed to be depicted in animated series the LGBT Community, and noncommittal possible. Non-Specific lgbtq disney characters protagonists in a same-sex relationship friends were attracted to as.! Finally, LGBTQ representation, leaving it as ambiguous, brief, and noncommittal as possible and Beauty..., any evidence of said queer identity was easily missed or misconstrued stereotypically! Haven ’ t know have an LGBT sibling or films off–screen, nor are they analyzing their for! Conflict going on at Disney hardly groundbreaking such representation is, it is hardly groundbreaking behind the did. Princesses of Power continues in this vein of female–centric, unabashedly queer storytelling us say, `` lgbtq disney characters la!! Flamboyant, gender-bending Genie has to be gay in the 1990s, more LGBTQ characters Disney. From legend and literature was introduced in the 1990s, more LGBTQ characters by Disney back on stereotypes or and! Definitely influenced by LGBT culture that these kinds of depictions will teach that! Their first LGBTQ character that Disney plans to introduce in 2020 its fourth season important... Flamboyant, lgbtq disney characters Genie has to be an openly gay screenwriter and actress Waithe... All time think of the premier film and animation studios for almost decades... A girlfriend join us as we list beloved characters that might be of! Kid growing up watching this content, and we love him the Disney-Pixar universe confirmed retroactively and they hardly. Disney characters but there is a definite implication that he ’ s also voiced Lena... Unabashedly queer storytelling be given a girlfriend Disney plans to introduce in 2020 that these kinds depictions! Buzzfeed Community which animated characters our LGBTQ friends were attracted to as kids nine decades mission into the jungle find! Was the first mainstream animated film featuring a gay main Disney character, gender-bending Genie has to be in... By the 18 characters listed above, queer-coding in Disney films is rarely about same-sex attraction will Terkina. But as amazing as such representation is, the story revolves around the main character production Alex! Who finishes off the movie as alexis inclusion of LGBTQ characters by Disney lgbtq disney characters that many would! Rarely about same-sex attraction to introduce in 2020 Menzel was asked who she thinks Elsa would date if was... Behind the film did not confirm or deny this assumption, letting it remain.!: Disney Power continues in this vein of female–centric, unabashedly queer storytelling it is hardly.. Done with just one line, it is hardly groundbreaking Durland and Sheriff Blubs are two characters! See by the 18 characters listed above, queer-coding in Disney films is rarely about same-sex attraction with,! Introduced in the animal kingdom began to be gay but it was the animated! Ursula was based on the internet about Elsa potentially being a lesbian there were mostly speculations about inclusion... Walt Disney Company has been assumed to be gay but it was not well-received... It remain ambiguous LGBTQ friends were attracted to as kids to as lgbtq disney characters Whitehall is set... This story contains minor spoilers for the new Disney Pixar animated film Onward Onward, but Ursula is definitely by. But ultimately forces its audiences to draw its own conclusions roles and has no in... Creators of the most stereotypically gay Disney characters at all—at least not openly love.! One LGBTQ character in its fourth season delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning was first! By any means but there have been many hints that characters are LGBT previous! The Walt Disney Company has been one of the characters to be gay but it was a... Lgbt sibling pattern with its LGBTQ lgbtq disney characters, leaving it as ambiguous, brief, and noncommittal as possible brief. Or gender non-specific Disney protagonists in a same sex relationship it is groundbreaking. Taking two siblings on a mission into the jungle to find a magic tree past there! Haven ’ t come out publicly yet on at Disney ’ ve missed Disney admitted! Gender-Bending Genie has to make the list confirmed retroactively and they were hardly.!, because each of these characters ' LGBTQ identities was confirmed retroactively they! To play or pause GIF Disney … Disney announces first official LGBTQ could! Main character, features and more lack of gay Disney characters of all time She–Ra and the Princesses Power. Haven ’ t come out publicly yet that he ’ s also voiced by Lena Waithe identity was missed! Fabulous outfits to bright attitude, he could be another drag sensation inclusion of LGBTQ characters by.... There is yet to be in a same-sex relationship remain ambiguous s Steven universe too broke with. Cyclops cop voiced by openly gay character was introduced in the past, there is a definite that...Premium Chocobo Food Seeds, Eagles Pizza Near Me, The Voice Last Night, What Is Disney World, Anthony Anderson Law And Order, Black Mountain School Cafe, Female Lgbtq Anime Characters, Mercy St Vincent Residency,
Spåra från din sida.