Disney and LGBT representation in animation
This article features the history of the representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) characters in animated productions under The Walt Disney Company, including films from the studios Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar, and programming from the Disney Branded Television channels as well as the streaming service Disney+. From 1983 onward, Disney struggled with LGBTQ representation in their animated series, and their content often included LGBT stereotypes[1][2] or the content was censored in series such as Blazing Dragons.[3] Some creators have also criticized Disney studio executives of cutting LGBTQ scenes from their shows in the past,[4][5] or criticized that their shows were not seen as part of the "Disney brand", like The Owl House.[6]
Representation
[edit]Queer coding
[edit]Gender has always been a component of animation, with scholars Harry Benshoff and Sean Griffin writing that animation has always "hint[ed] at the performative nature of gender."[7] Some argued that the Walt Disney Company played with gender stereotypes in the past, featuring effeminate or sissy characters,[8] or those coded as gay,[9] which occurred while the characters were comedic and kept at arms length. Continuing from the late 1980s, villains in Disney films which were queer coded began to appear.[2]
Gaston and LeFou in the 1991 film Beauty and the Beast and Jafar from the 1992 film Aladdin were created by an openly gay animator named Andreas Deja,[1] and sang music by Howard Ashman, who was also openly gay. Deja supervised animation for those characters, with some noting the campy value of these characters.[10] The fact that Deja had also worked on Scar in The Lion King and the titular character in Hercules, for example, has been discussed as an influence on the development of some Disney characters.[11][12] In a June 1994 article in The Advocate, an executive producer of The Lion King, Thomas Schumacher, a gay man, argued that there were "a lot of gay people at every level" of Disney, and called it a "very supportive environment". He noted that he brought his partner, Matt White, to an annual company beach party and long company retreats and that while some executives were uncomfortable with Schumacher bringing his partner, higher executives didn't give him any trouble. Schumacher also said that while he regretted handing over reins of the film to Don Hahn, he was proud of songs by Tim Rice, a lyricist, and Elton John in the film. The Advocate noted that even if there aren't any openly gay or lesbian characters in the film, there is sensitivity to LGBTQ issues in the upper echelon of Disney.[13]
This queer coding had its disadvantages, with networks not wanting to show overt representation. Rebecca Sugar argued that it is really heavy for a kid to only exist as a villain or a joke in an animated series.[2] In 2011, Deja told news.com.au Disney would have a "family that has two dads or two mums" if they find the "right kind of story with that kind of concept."[14] However, other critics criticized such queer-coded villains as contributing to homophobic discourse and equating queerness with evil itself.[15][16]
Historian Peter C. Kunze argued that Ashman was recruited by Disney from Broadway, saying that while working with Alan Menken, he crafted songs in The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Kunze noted that Ashman and animators on The Little Mermaid were inspired by gay culture and gay icons. He also pointed out that Ashman was supported by Jeffrey Katzenberg after coming out as HIV-Positive, with the company even creating a production unit near his home so he could receive treatment in New York City rather than traveling to Burbank, California, with Beauty and the Beast dedicated to him. Kunze further noted that Albert Tavares, a gay man, oversaw casting on The Little Mermaid.[10]
In 2006, Brother Bear II, directed by Benjamin Gluck, who is openly gay, explores themes of diversity and personal transformation. The film portrays Nita’s transformation into a bear, which is met with unconditional support from her father, who affirms, “I will love you no matter what you choose,” highlighting the importance of acceptance and love across differences.[17] Melissa Etheridge, inspired by the film, wrote three original songs for the soundtrack.[18]
In May 2020, Amber Vucinich, a story revisionist for Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure,[19] revealed that Cassandra "Cass" was gay coded, with "sapphic looks" toward the story's protagonist, Rapunzel.[20] She also said that there were many "queer women who boarded scenes [of] Cassandra," and that women-love-women vibes were ingrained in every drawing she did of the character.[21]
In March 2021, Kelly Marie Tran, the voice actress of Raya in the film Raya and the Last Dragon, argued that Raya is queer, stating that she believed there were "some romantic feelings" between Raya and Namaari in the story. She later made clear that this isn't the official Disney position and hoped for a Disney warrior that is "openly in the LGBTQ community" in the future, perhaps even a person who is disabled.[22]
In June 2021, Luca was released on Disney+. Some argued that the film felt "gay" even if not "explicitly queer," and more ambiguous, comparing it to the 2017 live-action film Call Me by Your Name and the 2020 animated film Wolfwalkers.[23][4] Others said that Luca and Alberto hiding their true sea monster identities was an allegory for people who are members of the LGBTQ+ community, feeling as though they need to hide their true selves in order to be accepted.[24] The film's director, Enrico Casarosa, said this was unintentional and that his original vision for the film was to explore the time in a child's life before romance,[25] but he has since welcomed the interpretation after the film's release, also stating: "While I identify with pronouns he/him and I am a straight man, the themes of diversity, acceptance and inclusion in our movie are dear to my heart".[26]
Positive representation
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Alex_Hirsch_and_Grunkle_Stan_puppet_at_San_Diego_Comic-Con_International_2013.jpg/220px-Alex_Hirsch_and_Grunkle_Stan_puppet_at_San_Diego_Comic-Con_International_2013.jpg)
In the 2010s, the series finale of Gravity Falls, aired on the Disney Channel, and featured Sheriff Blubs and Deputy Durland confirmed as a gay couple.[27][28][29] In 2016, Byron Howard, director of Zootopia and Encanto, mentioned in the Fusion documentary Imagining Zootopia that he is openly gay and has been married since 1988.[30] Also, Jared Bush, director, story writer, and co-screenwriter of the film Zootopia, stated that the film features a gay couple, Bucky and Pronk Oryx-Antlerson.[31]
In March 2017, Star vs. the Forces of Evil would make headlines with an episode entitled "Just Friends". The episode featured characters attending a concert and later concert-goers starting to kiss, including same-sex couples.[32]
On September 30, 2018, Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors aired on the Disney Channel and Disney XD. The team included America Chavez, a Latina lesbian superhero.[33][34] GLAAD expressed hope that the film would allow Chavez to be represented accurately, and "serve as an introduction of America and further queer characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe."[35] The film was later described as "a superhero tale with diversity oozing out of every animated frame," with note of Chavez having two mothers.[36]
On May 22, 2020, an animated short film titled Out premiered on Disney+. This short Pixar film revolves around Greg attempting to hide a framed photo of him and his boyfriend, Manuel, from his parents, out of fear for their disapproval. The seventh short film in the SparkShorts series, it is both Disney's and Pixar's first short to feature a gay main character and storyline, including an on-screen same-sex kiss.[37]
In the 2020s, The Owl House featured a bisexual protagonist, Luz Noceda, and various other LGBTQ characters.[38][39] GLAAD praised it as a "noteworthy" series which "which introduced new queer women characters".[40] Previously, series creator Dana Terrace confirmed Luz Noceda as bisexual and Amity Blight as a lesbian in a Reddit AMA in September 2020.[41] Amity and Luz represent Disney's first animated LGBT+ female regular characters. The series also featured Raine Whispers, who goes by they/them pronouns and is voiced by transgender and non-binary actor Avi Roque,[42][43] and is Disney's first non-binary character.[44][45]
On September 29, 2020, Samantha "Sam" King, a writer for the Season 3 episode of DuckTales, "They Put a Moonlander On the Earth!", confirmed that Lieutenant Penumbra is a lesbian character.[46] However, King wished it had been more overt and said that people should continue to ask for better representation.[46]
In March 2022, leaked clips from a Walt Disney Company meeting showed the president of Disney General Entertainment, Karey Burke, explain to staff that she is a parent of "two queer children," and the production coordinator at Disney Television Animation, Allen Martsch, note that his team is trying to include "more trans and gender non-conforming characters" in Disney animations.[47] Also, in the meeting, Layota Raveneau, series director of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder and Rise Up, Sing Out, said that she was adding queerness wherever she could in the projects she worked on for Disney.[48][49] Elsewhere, Burke promised that 50% of the characters in content created by the Disney General Entertainment would be "from minority groups."[47][48]
On May 21, 2022, Luz and Amity kissed each other on the lips in The Owl House episode "Clouds on the Horizon". It is the first same-sex kiss between the main characters in a Disney animated series.[50] Strange World, which was released on November 23, 2022, features Ethan Clade, who is the first gay lead character in a Disney animated film.[51] Ethan Clade is voiced by gay comedian Jaboukie Young-White.
Elemental which was released on June 16, 2023, features Lake Ripple who is the first non-binary character in a Pixar film, and their girlfriend Ghibli.[52][53] Lake uses they/them and she/her pronouns. Lake Ripple is voiced by non-binary actor Kai Ava Hauser.
Criticism
[edit]Shang Li was not included in the 2020 live-action remake of Mulan. One of the film's producers said that Shang was dropped in response to the MeToo movement, arguing that "having a commanding officer that is also the sexual love interest was very uncomfortable and we didn't think it was appropriate".[54] This was met with social media backlash from fans of the original film and members of the LGBTQ community, with Reed initially surprised by criticism of Shang's removal, but acknowledged that the character had become an LGBTQ icon.[55][56][57] He added that Shang's role would be served by two new characters, Commander Tung and Chen Honghui.[55][57] Even so, some reviewers called the interactions between Honghui and Mulan to be more homoerotic than Li Shang's in the animated version and can be read as bisexual while others criticized the reasoning of Reed as incorrect.[58][59] Mulan was described, by one scholar as having a character, Mulan herself, who could successfully pass as the opposite sex and as subverting her traditionally assigned gender signifiers, while having an unusually masculine body. It was further stated that as a result, Mulan was the "perfect embodiment of a drag king" even though she maintains her heterosexuality as she is attracted to Li Sheng, comparing Mulan's interpretation of her sexuality to that of Bugs Bunny.[60] Furthermore, gay playwright Harvey Fierstein voiced a character in Mulan, and only accepted the part after confirming that the rest of the cast was Asian so he would not take work away from an Asian actor.[61]
A few homophobic conservative Christian commentators decried what they considered to be implicit homosexuality in the 2013 film Frozen, considering Elsa's being different from others, her ostracism from society, and her independence and rejection of male suitors, as metaphors for lesbianism. Elsa's song "Let it Go" has been compared to the phenomenon of coming out of the closet.[62][63][64]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7c/Chris_Nee_US_Childrens_TV.png/220px-Chris_Nee_US_Childrens_TV.png)
In August 2017, Doc McStuffins featured a lesbian (and interracial) married couple, Thea and Edie, voiced by lesbian actresses Wanda Sykes and Portia de Rossi respectively.[65][66][67] These two characters would be the first same-sex couple featured in a Disney Junior pre-school series. Some argued that this episode would be a turning point for executives who fears boycotts from conservative groups like the Family Research Council and One Million Moms, calling the episode a "major win for both Disney and preschool series," showing that LGBTQ characters could appears in shows aimed at younger viewers without retaliation or crisis.[68]
Star Wars Resistance, which aired from October 2018 to January 2020 on the Disney Channel and Disney XD, featured LGBTQ characters. In this animation, Orka and Flix run the Office of Acquisitions on the Colossus, with Orka doing the negotiations.[69] Justin Ridge, an executive producer, said that it's safe to call them a couple, adding "they're absolutely a gay couple and we're proud of that" on the Coffee With Kenobi podcast.[70][71] Some said that they didn't see themselves in the show because they were only confirmed outside of the show's universe by the show's creators.[72] Flix is voiced by queer actor Jim Rash.
In early June 2021, in celebration of Pride Month, Disney unveiled new merchandise and tweeted an illustration. In response, Alex Hirsch, the creator of the Disney series Gravity Falls, criticized Disney studio executives for cutting LGBTQ scenes from their shows. In his tweet, which was retweeted thousands of times, he urged people to "mercilessly" spam the executives by saying there is "room for everyone under the rainbow" if the executives claim LGBTQ+ characters are not "Disney appropriate."[4][5]
The Owl House Latin American dub in September 2021 was met with criticism by both viewers and Roque for portraying Raine as a cisgender male instead of non-binary.[73] The character has also been portrayed as a cisgender male in other dubs.
In April 2022, Peter C. Kunze, a historian at Tulane University argued that there is a "long history of LGBTQ audiences and employees supporting, even saving, the company from veritable demise." He also said that Disney relied on LGBTQ people to "revamp its animated films", taking the example of Howard Ashman, an openly gay man who was the lyricist for The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Kunze argued that Disney CEO Bob Chapek should remember the company's history and "understand the invaluable contributions LGBTQ communities have made to the company he leads."[10]
Censorship
[edit]Disney executives did not always receive LGBTQ characters and relationships positively. They, for instance, axed a proposed lesbian relationship in Gravity Falls, at the same time that Gumball was censored for supposed "homosexual overtones" by various countries. The former National Expert Commission of Ukraine on the Protection of Public Morality advised in 2012 the banning of SpongeBob SquarePants on the grounds that it promoted homosexuality.[74] In June 2021, David Levine, a former Disney executive who oversaw kids programming for 16 years, said that "a lot of conservative opinion" driving depictions of characters of the Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon, with no hope for LGBTQ representation, saying he still has similar conversations to this day.[68]
A show created by Terry Jones and Gavin Scott, Blazing Dragons, aired on Teletoon in Canada, Spacetoon in Arab countries, and Canal+ in France from 1996 to 1998. In the series, Sir Blaze is a member of the Square Table, and is flamboyant and effeminate. Throughout the series, he is implied to be gay. His implicit homosexuality was censored when the series aired on Toon Disney in the United States.[3]
The episode from the original Proud Family series "Who You Calling a Sissy" was pulled from the network after its initial airing on August 12, 2005, as a result of regarding Michael's sexual orientation while frequently being called a "sissy" at the time. The ban was lifted in 2020 as the episode is available to stream on Disney+. In February 2021, Ralph Farquhar revealed that in The Proud Family, which aired on the Disney Channel from 2001 to 2005, they had to use "code to talk about if Michael was gay, to talk about sexuality" and to be "sort of underhanded about it." He said this changed with The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder with the biggest changes to the show were "gender identity, obviously racial identity and quote-unquote wokeness," and said that sexuality can be "sort of in your face with it a lot more," manifesting itself in the storytelling. Bruce W. Smith also said that the show has more than "just one gay person...representing the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum" and said that it is "not fair" to only have one LGBTQ character in the series.[75] Barry and Randell kiss in the episode "Father Figures". It is the first Disney series to feature a same-sex kiss between a married couple. Screen Rant argued that the revival broke down barriers through inclusion of multicultural families and characters belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.[76]
On March 10, 2022, Pixar employees argued that "nearly every moment" of openly gay affection was cut due to demands from Disney executives, even if creative teams and Pixar executives objected, arguing that these employees are being barred from creating queer content in animated films.[77][78][79] Some critics countered that Pixar also downplayed queer moments in films like Turning Red with the character Priya Mangal.[80]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/ND_Stevenson.jpg/220px-ND_Stevenson.jpg)
In March 2022, amid the controversy of Disney's involvement in Florida's Parental Rights in Education Act and lack of criticism from CEO Bob Chapek until after the bill had passed, three former Blue Sky staff members stated the Nimona film received pushback from Disney leadership, centered around the film's LGBT themes and a same-sex kiss.[81][82] While staffers said that the kiss scene was taken out of presentations to Disney executives, they said still held out hope that it would be included in the final film.[83][84] It was also reported in mid-March 2022 that a same-sex kiss in Lightyear, which was released on June 17, was reinstated, with the film featuring the studio's "first-ever on-screen kiss between two characters of the same gender" between Alisha Hawthorne and her wife Kiko.[85]
Cancellations
[edit]![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2023) |
In February 2021, Deadline reported that the film adaptation of Nimona was cancelled due to the shutdown of Blue Sky Studios.[86] Webcomics commenter Gary Tyrrell criticized the decision, saying, "[Disney] could have allowed a very different kind of young heroine... I mourn for those who would have found a vision of themselves in an animated version".[87] Sources told CBR that the film was "75% complete".[88] Anonymous staffers at Blue Sky interviewed by Business Insider bemoaned the cancellation of the film, calling it "heartbreaking," arguing that the film "didn't look like anything else in the animated world," and saying that they believe it will never "be completed and released."[89] A few staffers confirmed to BuzzFeed News that the film had an "I love you" scene between Blackheart and Goldenloin.[90] In June 2021, Mey Rude, a writer for Out, said she still held out "hope that this film...will find its way back to life somehow."[91] In July 2021, Meggie Gates in Bitch, said the film would have been Disney's first "legitimately queer film" and could have been a turning point "for how the corporation handles queerness" but that the Disney chose to "bury its gays" by cancelling the film, a blow to queer Disney fans.[92] Annapurna Pictures revived the film with the animation being finished by DNEG Animation, and released it on Netflix in 2023.[93]
On October 5, 2021, in an AMA on Reddit, Dana Terrace, the creator of The Owl House, explained the show was cancelled not because of ratings or the COVID-19 pandemic, but rather because business people at Disney believed it did not fit "into the Disney brand." She stated that this was the case due to the serialized nature of the show and an audience which "skews older," rather than due to its LGBTQ+ representation, saying she wouldn't "assume bad faith" against those she works within Los Angeles. She also noted that due to the pandemic, budgets were constrained, episodes were cut, and noted that she wasn't allowed to present a case for a fourth season, and said she believed there was a future for the show if Disney Television Studios had "different people in charge."[94]
Awards
[edit]![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2023) |
Some Disney animated series, with LGBTQ representation, have been nominated for awards. From 2018 to 2024, eight animated series were nominated for the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Kids and Family Programming: Doc McStuffins for the episode "The Emergency Plan" (2018),[95] The Owl House (2021, 2022, 2023),[96][97][98] Amphibia (2022, 2023),[97][98] The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2023, 2024),[98]Firebuds,[99] The Ghost and Molly McGee (2024),[99] and Hailey's On It! (2024),[99] and Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2024).[99] In 2024, Hailey's On It! became the first Disney animated series to win the award.[100]
In 2022, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder was nominated for the Outstanding Animated Series category at the 1st Children's and Family Emmy Awards, while the voice directors of Amphibia and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder were nominated for the Outstanding Voice Directing for an Animated Series category.[citation needed] The previous year The Owl House was listed among the "Children's & Youth honorees" of the Peabody Awards.[101]
In 2023, at the 2nd Children's and Family Emmy Awards, the Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur series premiere won the award for Outstanding Animated Special, with the series also nominated for the "Outstanding Children's or Young Teen Animated Series" category along with Big City Greens. In addition, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur writers Lisa Muse Bryant, Jeffrey M. Howard, Kate Kondell, Liz Hara, Halima Lucas, Maggie Rose, and Taylor Vaughn Lasley were nominated for the "Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program" category.[citation needed] Sam Riegel was awarded the "Outstanding Voice Directing for an Animated Series" award for Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, while Eden Riegel was only nominated for The Ghost and Molly McGee.[citation needed] Kaz Aiwaza was awarded for Individual Achievement in Animation in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur[102] and Tatiana Bull, Aaron Drown, and Jennifer Trujillo were awarded the Outstanding Casting for an Animated Program award for Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, with Tatiana Bull and Aaron Drown of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder as a competitor, which was nominated.[citation needed] Sandra Powers, Ryan Burkhard, and Phil Lomboy were nominated for Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program for Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.[citation needed]
Also, in 2023, Strange World and Lightyear were nominated for the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Wide Release.[103] Also, the Dino Ranch episode "Adoptasaurus Rex" won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Children's Programming,[104] while Firebuds was only nominated.[104] Previously, in 2022, Tim Evatt was nominated for the Art Directors Guild Award for Excellence in Production Design for an Animated Film for his art direction on the film Lightyear.[105]
See also
[edit]- Netflix and LGBT representation in animation
- Nickelodeon and LGBT representation
- Cartoon Network and LGBT representation
- Cross-dressing in film and television
- Independent animation#Representations
- List of animated films with LGBT characters
- List of bisexual characters in animation
- List of cross-dressing characters in animated series
- List of fictional asexual characters
- List of fictional intersex characters
- List of fictional non-binary characters
- List of fictional pansexual characters
- List of fictional trans characters
- List of gay characters in animation
- List of lesbian characters in animation
- List of LGBT-related films by year
References
[edit]- ^ a b Seymour, Craig (6 October 2000). "Yep, They're Gay". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 10, 2011. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
- ^ a b c Snyder, Chris; Desiderio, Kyle (June 29, 2021). "The evolution of queer characters in children's animation". Insider. Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
- ^ a b Short, Dan (February 28, 2020). "The Blazing Dragons of Monty Python's Terry Jones". Animated Views. Archived from the original on June 16, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ a b c Gates, Meggie (July 28, 2021). "Making Waves: In "Luca" and "Wolfwalkers," Monstrousness Is a Queer Metaphor". Bitch. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
- ^ a b Gates, Meggie (June 18, 2021). "Once Again, Disney Attempts to Co-opt Pride Month". Bitch. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
- ^ Zogbi, Emily (October 5, 2021). "Owl House Was Canceled Due To Exec Deciding It Didn't Fit the Disney Brand". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on October 5, 2021.
- ^ Harry Benshoff; Sean Griffin (October 13, 2005). Queer Images: A History of Gay and Lesbian Film in America. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. pp. 74–. ISBN 978-0-7425-6857-0. Retrieved January 1, 2015.
- ^ Juzwiak, Rich (June 13, 2014). "Here's a Brief History of Queer Children's Cartoon Characters". Gawker. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
- ^ Childs, Kevin (April 15, 2018). "15 Disney Characters Confirmed (Or Speculated) To Be Queer". CBR. Archived from the original on March 27, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
- ^ a b c Kunze, Peter (April 22, 2022). "LBGTQ audiences and artists helped save Disney". Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022.
- ^ Dines, Gail; McMahon Humez, Jean (August 2002). Gender, Race, and Class in Media: A Text-reader. Sage Publications. p. 209. ISBN 978-0-7619-2261-2.
- ^ Schweizer, Peter (September 1998). The Mouse Betrayed. Regnery Publishing. p. 148. ISBN 0-89526-387-4.
- ^ Provenzano, Tom (June 28, 1994). "The Lion in Summer". The Advocate: 64–71.
- ^ Elser, Daniela (March 4, 2011). "Gay families in Disney movies only a matter of time, says Lion King animator Andreas Deja". news.com.au. Archived from the original on August 7, 2011. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
- ^ Gates, Meggie (July 18, 2021). "Once Again, Disney Attempts to Co-opt Pride Month". Bitch. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
- ^ Weir, John (March 29, 1992). "FILM; Gay-Bashing, Villainy and the Oscars". New York Times. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
- ^ "Animation Magazine September 2006".
- ^ https://www.hometheaterforum.com/community/threads/htf-review-brother-bear-2-honestly-recommended.239003/ [bare URL]
- ^ "Amber Vucinich". KeyFrame Magazine. June 14, 2021. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
- ^ Vucinich, Amber [@mbrleigh] (May 7, 2020). "THAT ONE,,,IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES,,,,, boarded by @banannerbread I am so glad :O( any time?? Sappho needs her word spread" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ Vanich, Amber (2019). "thank u for helping cassandra give out some of the gayest most lesbionic vibes in disney history i love her". Tumblr. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ Robinson, Joanna (March 5, 2021). "Raya and the Last Dragon's Kelly Marie Tran Thinks Her Disney Princess Is Gay". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ Romano, Nick (April 28, 2021). "Is 'Luca' Pixar's 'Call Me by Your Name'? Director says it's not about that". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
- ^ Abi Travis (25 February 2021). "Wait a Sec — Are the Main Characters in Pixar's 'Luca' Gay?". Distractify. Archived from the original on June 20, 2021. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
- ^ Mangan, John (June 23, 2021). "Pixar Director Says 'Luca' Is Not LGBTQ+ Romance". ITM. Archived from the original on March 25, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
- ^ "Luca (2021): il nuovo film della Disney parla di un coming out?" [Luca (2021): is the new Disney film about a coming out?]. cupofgreentea.it (in Italian). June 23, 2021. Archived from the original on February 5, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
- ^ Cooper, Mariah (February 18, 2016). "Disney cartoon 'Gravity Falls' introduces gay couple". Washington Blade. Archived from the original on October 20, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
- ^ Tecson, Karla (21 February 2016). "Disney's 'Gravity Falls' reveals gay couple". International Business Times. Archived from the original on November 22, 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
- ^ Duffy, Nick (February 18, 2016). "Disney cartoon Gravity Falls confirms gay romance". Pink News. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
- ^ "Imagining Zootopia - Part 7: Zootopia and Us". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
- ^ Bush, Jared [@thejaredbush] (November 30, 2016). "They are a gay married couple. But they don't yell at each other because they're gay, they yell because they're real. ;)" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 29, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2020 – via Twitter.
- ^ Wolfe, Jennifer (March 1, 2017). "'Star vs. the Forces of Evil' Unleashes First-Ever Gay Kiss from Disney". Animation World Network. Archived from the original on March 24, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
- ^ Free, Jakob (December 18, 2017). "New Cartoon Will Feature Marvel's First Animated Lesbian Superhero". NewNowNext. Archived from the original on December 4, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
- ^ "Cierra Ramirez to Voice America Chavez, Marvel's First Queer Latina Superhero". Remezcla. December 11, 2017. Archived from the original on July 30, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
- ^ Deerwater, Raina (September 30, 2018). "Must-See LGBTQ TV: 'Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors,' 'Versailles' final season, return of 'Will & Grace,' 'Superstore,' plus Alyssa Edwards' 'Dancing Queen'". Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
- ^ "Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors tackles diversity without breaking a sweat". CNET. September 30, 2018. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
- ^ Welk, Brian (May 22, 2020). "Pixar's New Short Film 'Out' Features Studio's 1st Gay Main Character". TheWrap. Archived from the original on June 4, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
- ^ Adams, Tim (August 9, 2020). "The Owl House: Disney Animated Series' LGBTQ+ Relationship is No Longer Subtext". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ^ Brown, Tracy (August 10, 2020). "The five TV shows you should be watching this week – "The Owl House" (Disney Channel)". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
- ^ Where We Are on TV: 2020–2021 (PDF) (Report). GLAAD. January 2021. p. 15. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 15, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
one noteworthy cable series which introduced new queer women characters and made headlines was Disney Channel's animated family show The Owl House.
- ^ "Luz Noceda". bi.org. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
- ^ Roque, Avi [@ok_roque] (July 22, 2021). "🦉✨DREAM COME TRUE✨🦉 I guest star as Raine Whispers (pronouns: they/them), the sharp and hardworking Head Witch of the Bard Coven, in the new episode of #TheOwlHouse premiering July 24 at 10:00am ET/PT on #DisneyChannel and DisneyNOW. Make sure to check it out!!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ Rude, Mey (July 23, 2021). "The Owl House Is Introducing a New Nonbinary Character to the Show". Out Magazine. Archived from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
- ^ Lovejoy, Hannah (July 25, 2021). "Disney introduces first non-binary character in TV series The Owl House". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ Martinez, Kiko (July 29, 2021). "Meet First Non-Binary Character on Disney's Barrier-Breaking 'The Owl House'". Remezcla. Archived from the original on July 29, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ a b Rude, Mey (September 29, 2020). "'Ducktales' Director Confirms Penumbra Is a Lesbian". Out. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
- ^ a b Wakefield, Lily (March 30, 2022). "Disney bosses promise huge increase in queer characters in major step for LGBT+ representation". PinkNews. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
- ^ a b McClear, Sheila (March 30, 2022). "Disney Prez of Entertainment Wants 50 Percent of All Characters Gay or 'Underrepresented'". Los Angeles Magazine. Archived from the original on 2022-03-31. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
- ^ Dey, Kunal (March 30, 2022). "What is Pansexual? Google searches ping after Disney president Karey Burke says she has pansexual child". Meaww. Archived from the original on 2022-03-31. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
- ^ GLAAD [@glaad] (May 21, 2022). "On today's episode of the #GLAADawards nominated series The Owl House ("Clouds on the Horizon"), Luz and Amity share a sweet romantic kiss. Congratulations to The Owl House team on your recent Peabody Award win!" (Tweet). Retrieved May 21, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ Dudok De Wit, Alex (June 17, 2022). "Disney Offers Exclusive Looks at 'Strange World,' 'Baymax!' & 'Zootopia+' at Annecy". Animation Magazine. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ^ Sohn, Peter (May 24, 2023). "Elemental" (Credits). Getty Images. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 24, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
- ^ Williamson, Hilary (2023-06-18). "Disney's Pixar unveils historic first ever non-binary character". PinkNews. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
- ^ Szany, Wendy Lee (February 27, 2020). "'Mulan': Why Captain Li Shang Isn't in the Live-Action Remake". Collider. Archived from the original on February 29, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
- ^ a b Maleh, Linda (February 28, 2020). "Disney Blames #MeToo For Li Shang's Absence From 'Mulan' In New Controversy". Forbes. Archived from the original on February 29, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
- ^ "Mulan: Disney drop character following #MeToo movement". BBC News. March 2, 2020. Archived from the original on March 2, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
- ^ a b Rearick, Lauren (February 28, 2020). "Mulan" Love Interest Li Shang Was Reportedly Split Into Two Characters Because of MeToo". Teen Vogue. Archived from the original on March 3, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
- ^ "Disney's Mulan Is Even MORE Homoerotic in Live-Action, if That's Possible". CBR. September 5, 2020. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
- ^ Puckett, Lauren (September 4, 2020). "Why Is Li Shang Not in Disney's Live-Action 'Mulan?'". Harper's BAZAAR. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
- ^ Johnson, Jo (2010). ""We'll Have A Gay Old Time!": Queer Representation in American Prime-Time Television from the Cartoon Short to the Family Sitcom". In Elledge, Jim (ed.). Queers in American Popular Culture Volume 1: Film and television. Vol. 1. Santa Barbara, California: Praeger. pp. 247, 255, 259–261. ISBN 9780313354571. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Rapp, Linda (2012). "Fierstein, Harvey (b. 1954)". In Summers, Claude (ed.). The Queer Encyclopedia of Film and Television. San Francisco, California: Cleis Press Start. p. 140. ISBN 9781573448826.
- ^ Petersen, Kierran (March 27, 2014). "Disney's Frozen and the 'gay agenda'". BBC News. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014.
- ^ Dickson, Caitlin (12 March 2014). "Is 'Frozen' The Gayest Movie of the Year?". The Daily Beast.
- ^ MacKenzie, Steven (March 5, 2014). "Frozen: Disney's icebreaker". The Big Issue. Archived from the original on March 12, 2014. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
- ^ Joho, Jess (August 7, 2017). "Disney Channel features interracial lesbian couple and other networks should catch up already". Mashable. Archived from the original on May 15, 2020. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
- ^ Oh, Rebecca (August 14, 2017). "Disney Show 'Doc McStuffins' Features Interracial Lesbian Moms". NBC News. NBC. Archived from the original on September 22, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
- ^ Adegoke, Yomi (October 1, 2019). "Move over, Disney! Meet the woman leading the LGBT cartoon revolution". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 7, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- ^ a b White, Abbey (June 15, 2021). "TV animators were forced to scrap LGBTQ-inclusive storylines due to a culture of fear. Experts say fans are changing that". Insider. Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
- ^ Baver, Kirsten (October 31, 2019). "Designing Star Wars: Star Wars Resistance". Star Wars. Archived from the original on February 28, 2020. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
- ^ "CWK Show #298: Star Wars Resistance Season Two Press Day Coverage". Archived from the original on October 1, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
- ^ Convery, Stephanie (September 30, 2019). "Out of space: Star Wars Resistance has gay characters, Disney says". The Guardian. Archived from the original on February 14, 2020. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
- ^ Dean, Lena (August 10, 2020). "Queerness Shines in "She-Ra" and Other Animated Shows". Bitch. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
- ^ Roque, Avi [@ok_roque] (September 10, 2021). "‼️Se me ha comunicado que en el doblaje en español de Raine en #TheOwlHouse usan el pronombre masculino, pero en realidad, Raine usa elle. Me entristece y ojalá pudiera hacer algo para remediarlo. Espero que @DisneyTVA lo arregle pronto‼️" [‼️ I have been told that in the Spanish dub of Raine in #TheOwlHouse they use the masculine pronoun, but in reality, Raine uses elle. It makes me sad and I wish I could do something about it. I hope @DisneyTVA will fix it soon ‼️] (Tweet) (in Spanish). Archived from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ Manzella, Sam (February 27, 2018). "9 Cartoons That Were Censored For Being Too Gay". Logo TV. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
- ^ Wolfe, Jennifer (February 4, 2022). "'The Proud Family' Returns to Screens Louder, Prouder & Even More Authentic!". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on February 4, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
- ^ Cronin, Lindsay (May 14, 2021). "Proud Family Reboot Casts Billy Porter, EJ Johnson, & Zachary Quinto". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on May 13, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
- ^ Cumber, Joseph (March 10, 2022). "Pixar Employees Say Disney Censored LGBTQ+ Inclusive Content Efforts". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on March 15, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ White, Abbey (March 9, 2022). "Pixar Employees Say Disney's Statement on Commitment to LGBTQ Community Rang Hollow". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "Florida 'Don't say gay' bill spells headache for Disney". France 24. Agence-France Presse. March 20, 2022. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Matadeen, Renaldo (March 16, 2022). "Turning Red Confirms Pixar's LGBT Problem Is Real". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Clark, Travis. "Disney raised concerns about a same-sex kiss in the unreleased animated movie 'Nimona,' former Blue Sky staffers say". Business Insider. Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
- ^ Hermanns, Grant (March 18, 2022). "Disney Took Issue With Same-Sex Kiss In Nimona Movie, Say Former Blue Sky Staff". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Codega, Linda (March 18, 2022). "Report: Disney Didn't Want to See the Nimona Movie's Gay Kiss". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Baska, Megan (March 18, 2022). "Disney 'pressured' animators to censor same-sex kiss in Nimona movie, staffers say". PinkNews. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "#DisneySayGay Updates: 'Lightyear' Same-Sex Kiss Reinstated, Blue Sky Staff Reveals 'Nimona' Pushback". Animation Magazine. March 18, 2022. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 4, 2021). "Disney Closing Blue Sky Studios, Fox's Once-Dominant Animation House Behind 'Ice Age' Franchise". Deadline. Archived from the original on February 9, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ Tyrrell, Gary (February 10, 2021). "We All Knew It Was Coming". Fleen. Archived from the original on February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
- ^ Laman, Douglas (2021-02-10). "Disney's Blue Sky Shut Down Leaves Nimona Film 75% Completed". CBR. Archived from the original on 2021-02-11. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
- ^ Clark, Travis (February 18, 2021). "Staffers at the animation studio Blue Sky say it's 'heartbreaking' that Disney canceled its final movie, 'Nimona'". Yahoo! News. Business Insider. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ Strapagiel, Lauren (February 24, 2021). "Disney's First Feature Animated Movie With Queer Leads May Never Be Released". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
- ^ "9 New, Upcoming Queer Animated Films & Shorts We're Dying to See". Out. July 1, 2021. Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- ^ Gates, Meggie (July 18, 2021). "Once Again, Disney Attempts to Co-opt Pride Month". Bitch. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
- ^ Radulovic, Petrana (April 11, 2022). "Nimona movie finds a second life at Netflix". Polygon. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
- ^ Zogbi, Emily (October 5, 2021). "Owl House Was Canceled Due To Exec Deciding It Didn't Fit the Disney Brand". CBR. Archived from the original on October 5, 2021.
- ^ Chuba, Kirsten (January 19, 2018). "GLAAD Media Awards Nominees: Full List". Variety. ISSN 0042-2738. Archived from the original on April 21, 2018. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
- ^ Raymos, Dino-Ray (January 28, 2021). "GLAAD Unveils Nominees For 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards; Deadline's New Hollywood Podcast Honored With Special Recognition Award". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
- ^ a b Gardner, Chris (January 19, 2022). "GLAAD Media Awards: Lil Nas X, Eternals, Sex Education and Yellowjackets Among Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. Penske Media Corporation. ISSN 0018-3660. Archived from the original on January 28, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
- ^ a b c Complex, Valerie (January 18, 2023). "GLAAD Announces Nominees For The 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Swift, Andy (17 January 2024). "GLAAD Media Award Nominations: Heartstopper, The Last of Us, RuPaul's Drag Race and More — See Full List". TVLine. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ Tapp, Tom (March 14, 2024). "GLAAD Media Award Winners Include 'Ted Lasso', 'Yellowjackets', 'RuPaul's Drag Race' & Reneé Rapp". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "The Owl House," from PeabodyAwards.com, 6/21/2021
- ^ Zahed, Ramin (December 8, 2023). "Exclusive: Children's and Family Emmy Winners for Individual Achievement in Animation Are Announced". Animation Magazine. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
- ^ Complex, Valerie (January 18, 2023). "GLAAD Announces Nominees For The 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on January 18, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
- ^ a b Chuba, Kirsten (March 30, 2023). "GLAAD Media Awards: 'Bros,' 'A League of Their Own' Take Top Prizes". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz (9 January 2023). "'Elvis,' 'Babylon,' 'Avatar: The Way of Water' Lead Art Directors Guild 2023 Nominations". Variety.
Further reading
[edit]- Benecke, Joanna (25 March 2014). "Why don't we see LGBT parents portrayed in children's films?". The Guardian.
- "Disney promises LGBT 'commitment': 'We want to represent our audience'". BBC News. 13 March 2020.
- Baume, Matt (8 August 2021). "Disney Films Have "Poor" LGBTQ+ Representation". .them.
- Bump, Emily (28 June 2021). "15 Times Disney Featured LGBTQ+ Characters In Movies & TV Shows". Screen Rant.
- Brown, Tracy (10 March 2020). "Why token LGBTQ representation in Disney films isn't enough". Los Angeles Times.
- Griffin, Sean P. (2000). Tinker Belles and Evil Queens: The Walt Disney Company from the Inside Out. New York City: New York University Press. ISBN 9780814738702.
- Laman, Douglas (8 August 2021). "Why Disney Is Failing at LGBTQ+ Representation". Collider.
- Maier, Kodi (October 2017). "Camping Outside the Magic Kingdom's Gates: The Power of Femslash in the Disney Fandom". Networking Knowledge. 10 (3): 27–32, 41. Archived from the original on 2020-02-28. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- Fan, Jason (November 2018). "Queering Disney animated films using a critical literacy lens". Journal of LGBT Youth. 16 (2): 27–32, 41. doi:10.1080/19361653.2018.1537871. S2CID 149968517. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- Mana Vaz, Priscila; Pereira Toth, Janderson; de Oliveira Moreira, Thaiane (2021). "From Disney to LGBTQ tales: The South-American Snow White in Over the Rainbow: Um Livro de Contos de Fadxs" (PDF). In Pallant, Chris; Holliday, Christopher (eds.). Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: New Perspectives on Production, Reception, Legacy (1st ed.). New York: Bloomsbury Academic. pp. 217–220, 228–229. doi:10.5040/9781501351198.ch-012. ISBN 978-1-5013-5122-8. S2CID 234235353. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-07-16.
- Minzner, KJ (10 August 2020). "Disney Forbade Gravity Falls From Including LGBTQ+ Representation Says Creator". Screen Rant.
- Taberrer, Jamie (10 October 2020). "17 gay and LGBTQ Disney characters - from coded to canon to catastrophe". Attitude.
- Nabila, Annisa Fikri; Surwati, Chatarina Heny Dwi (August 2, 2021). "REPRESENTASI LGBTQ DALAM FILM ANIMASI DISNEY" [LGBTQ REPRESENTATION IN DISNEY ANIMATION FILM] (PDF). Journal Komunikasi Massa (in Indonesian). 1: 1–3. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- Roberts, Shearon, ed. (2020). Recasting the Disney Princess in an Era of New Media and Social Movements (1st ed.). Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 9781793604026.
- St. Jacques, Macie Lee (2021). "When will my reflection show who I am inside?": Queering Disney Fantasy" (Master of Arts). Rhode Island College.