Disney has been under scrutiny over the inclusion of LGBT characters in their movies for quite some time now. One film, in particular, caused a media frenzy for its “exclusively gay moment,” in which one of the side characters was hinted to be gay. The film in question? Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast.
The Controversy
Upon its release in 2017, the film sparked a massive debate surrounding the inclusion of gay characters in family-friendly films. Many conservative groups protested the film, with some even calling for a boycott of the movie.
The scene in question involves LeFou, Gaston’s sidekick, who is shown to have feelings for Gaston. However, the moment is subtle and lasts for only a few seconds. It was not enough for some individuals who called it a forced attempt at political correctness.
Disney’s Response
Disney defended the inclusion of the scene, stating that it was a natural progression in storytelling and that they wanted to create a diverse and inclusive world for their viewers. They also added that they had included gay characters in previous films as well, such as the short film “Out” on Disney+.
Many people criticized Disney for not being inclusive enough, saying that the moment was too subtle and that they should have featured an openly gay character. The studio defended itself, stating that they are always evolving and learning and will continue to do so in the future.
The Bigger Picture
While the inclusion of an “exclusively gay moment” may seem like a small step for LGBTQ+ representation in media, it is important to acknowledge the significance it holds. The film reached a wide audience of all ages, and that moment may have resonated with individuals who may be struggling with their sexuality.
Disney’s decision to include the scene sends a message to the public that LGBTQ+ characters are not taboo and deserve representation in media. The fact that it created such a massive controversy shows just how powerful media representation can be and why it is crucial to include underrepresented groups.
Conclusion
The inclusion of gay characters in family-friendly films is still a controversial subject, but it is slowly becoming more prevalent in media. Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast was significant for its “exclusively gay moment,” which sparked a massive debate. While the moment was subtle, it was a step towards LGBTQ+ representation in media and sent a message to the public that these characters are not taboo. Media representation is crucial in creating a more inclusive world, and Disney’s decision to include LeFou’s subtle moment may have resonated with individuals and made them feel seen and heard.
FAQ
Who is Disney’s first openly gay character?
Disney is known worldwide for its iconic animated films featuring some of the most beloved characters in entertainment history. However, for a long time, the company faced criticism for its lack of diversity and inclusivity when it came to LGBTQ representation. The media giant has come under fire for not having enough LGBTQ characters in their movies, despite having millions of fans across the globe who identify as LGBTQ. In recent years, Disney has made strides to change this, and in 2021, the company’s first openly gay character was introduced.
The character in question is Ethan, a teenage boy, who appears in the film Strange World. Ethan’s sexuality is not the main focus of the story, but rather one aspect of his character. Ethan is depicted as being shy around his crush, Diazo. This may seem like a small and insignificant detail, but it is a significant progression towards LGBTQ inclusion in Disney movies.
Ethan’s inclusion as Disney’s first openly gay character is a sign of progress for representation on screen. While Disney is far from perfect when it comes to this issue, seeing a character like Ethan on screen is an important step towards representation and visibility. It’s a message to LGBTQ fans, young and old, that they are seen and valued in a world that has often shunned them.
It should be noted that Strange World did not perform well at the box office, and it’s unclear if Ethan will make further appearances in future Disney productions. Regardless, his inclusion is a mark of progress, signalling a new era of Disney movies that strive towards inclusivity and representation. As the world continues to evolve and grow more diverse, it’s important for media companies like Disney to reflect this in their content. The inclusion of LGBTQ characters like Ethan helps normalize and validate the experiences of LGBTQ individuals, and it’s a step towards creating a media landscape that is more reflective of our diverse and complex world.
Is LeFou in Beauty and the Beast gay?
In the 2017 live-action adaptation of the classic Disney film Beauty and the Beast, director Bill Condon and actor Josh Gad worked together to bring a new interpretation of the character LeFou – Gaston’s lackey and sidekick. The portrayal of LeFou in this adaptation sparked much controversy and debate as Condon announced that this version of the character would be openly gay, making him the first openly gay character in a Disney film.
Throughout the film, LeFou shows signs of admiration towards Gaston, whom he is often seen fawning over throughout the story. While the character’s sexuality is never explicitly mentioned, there are several instances where he is shown being smitten with Gaston. For example, in the scene where the villagers sing the famous song “Gaston,” LeFou sings with fervor about his friend’s brawn and bravery. The lyrics of the song allude to a potential romantic feeling between the two characters, suggesting that LeFou is Gaston’s most loyal admirer. The characterization of LeFou as gay was praised by some for its inclusivity and accurate representation of the LGBTQ+ community, while others criticized it for being trivialized or stereotyped.
Despite the controversy surrounding the film’s portrayal of LeFou, it does mark a positive step forward for Disney’s representation of the LGBTQ+ community. The company has had a history of minimal representation in the past, with most characters either being heteronormative or coded as gay without any explicit acknowledgement. Even though LeFou’s sexuality is not a critical plot point, it is still a significant step in the representation of LGBTQ+ people, especially in films targeted towards younger audiences.
Although LeFou is never explicitly stated to be gay in the film, the character’s portrayal suggests a strong possibility of him being gay. This characterization was a significant decision that marked progress in Disney’s efforts to represent a broader range of people in their films.
Did LeFou have a crush on Gaston?
In the classic Disney film “Beauty and the Beast”, one character that stands out is LeFou, the bumbling, comical sidekick to the film’s villain, Gaston. While LeFou is portrayed as a loyal follower, he also seems to have some deeper feelings towards Gaston that go beyond mere admiration for his strength and good looks.
Throughout the movie, there are numerous instances that suggest that LeFou has a crush on Gaston. For example, during the musical number “Gaston,” LeFou seems to be almost enamored with Gaston, singing his praises and hanging onto his every word. He also seemingly tries to impress Gaston and gain his approval at every turn, even if it is at the expense of his own dignity or well-being.
There are also other moments in the film that suggest a deeper emotional connection between the two characters. For instance, when Gaston is first expressing his desire to win over Belle, LeFou looks almost heartbroken when he realizes that Gaston is more interested in pursuing the new girl in town than he is in spending time with LeFou. Additionally, during the climatic fight scene between Gaston and the Beast, LeFou seems almost desperate to protect Gaston, even if it means putting himself in harm’s way.
Towards the end of the film, there is a revealing moment where LeFou finally acknowledges his feelings towards Gaston. Following Gaston’s death, LeFou seems totally shaken and devastated, momentarily questioning his own loyalties. However, when he is offered a hand of friendship from one of the other townsfolk, LeFou takes the man’s hand and walks off into the sunset with him, seemingly accepting his own identity as a gay man and moving on from his unrequited feelings for Gaston.
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that LeFou had a significant crush on Gaston throughout “Beauty and the Beast.” While the movie doesn’t delve too deeply into this aspect of their relationship, there are numerous moments that suggest that LeFou was much more than just a loyal sidekick to the handsome villain.
