Throughout the years, Beauty and the Beast has remained a beloved Disney classic. It tells the tale of Belle, a kind and intellectual woman who falls in love with the Beast, a prince transformed into a monster by a curse. Alongside Belle and the Beast, there are other various characters that have also captured the audience’s hearts. Amongst those characters is a quirky and endearing clock named Cogsworth. Despite his supporting role, Cogsworth has sparked a lot of debate in popular culture regarding his sexuality. In this article, we will examine the question; is the clock in Beauty and the Beast gay?
Who is Cogsworth?
Cogsworth is a character in Disney’s 1991 animated musical film Beauty and the Beast. He serves as the loyal aide to the Beast and acts as an assistant to Belle during her stay in the castle. He is depicted as a stuffy and pedantic character, obsessed with punctuality and order. He is seen wearing a uniform that reflects his status as a humanoid clock, complete with a pendulum, clock face, and hands. As an inanimate object that has been enchanted to become human, Cogsworth’s alter ego is that of a functioning clock, which adds humor to his character. Alongside Lumiere, the charming candelabra, and Mrs. Potts, the motherly teapot, Cogsworth is one of the Beast’s most trusted confidants.
The debate
Despite the fact that Cogsworth is not a main character, he has been a topic of much debate in pop culture. One of the main reasons for the debate is the perception of his character in terms of his sexual orientation. Many people have interpreted Cogsworth’s effeminate mannerisms and voice as a sign that he’s gay. His love for clean rooms, fancy clothes, and culinary arts have also been pointed out as evidence. Moreover, his close relationship with Lumiere was seen as intimate by some fans who believe that it is a sign of a romantic relationship between the two characters.
On the other hand, there are some who deny that Cogsworth is gay. They argue that the idea that a Disney character in a children’s movie could be gay is unlikely. They also point out that Cogsworth’s quirky and fastidious behavior is just his unique personality and not a sign of his sexuality. Lastly, they argue that his close friendship with Lumiere is just them being “bros” and dismissing any argument of a romantic relationship between the two characters.
What does Disney say?
Disney has never acknowledged Cogsworth’s sexuality, so there is no definitive answer regarding his orientation. The company has remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the character’s sexuality. This is not surprising, as Disney is a company that has historically been hesitant to portray LGBTQ+ characters in its content. The company has only in recent years started to become more open with LGBTQ+ representation with movies like Frozen 2, Onward, and the TV show Andi Mack. However, the representation is still limited, and the company has yet to introduce an explicitly gay character in any of its animated movies.
The importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media
The debate surrounding Cogsworth’s sexuality highlights the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media. While Disney has made strides to improve representation in recent years, the company has a long way to go. LGBTQ+ couples and characters need to be represented in mainstream media, especially in children’s movies and shows. Many young people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community struggle to find positive representation in the media they consume. By including more LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media, we can provide positive representation that young people from the community can relate to and look up to.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cogsworth’s sexuality is something that has been debated by fans of Beauty and the Beast for years. While there is no definitive answer, the discussion surrounding Cogsworth’s possible gay identity highlights the need for more positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters in children’s media. Including more LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media can help young people from the community find positive role models and representation that accurately reflects their lived experiences.
While the question of Cogsworth’s sexuality may never be answered, the important discussion that it brings forth should not be ignored.
FAQ
Who is Disney’s first openly gay character?
Disney has been widely criticized in the past for its lack of LGBT representation in its films and TV shows. In recent years, however, the company has taken steps towards diversifying its casts. While there have been various characters in Disney shows and movies who have been interpreted as queer, the company’s first openly gay character, with a confirmed identity, appeared in the TV series “Andi Mack”, which aired on the Disney Channel in 2017.
The character in question, Cyrus Goodman, initially identifies as straight but gradually begins to realize his attraction towards boys over the course of the show. This storyline was praised by many for its realistic and thoughtful portrayal of a young person coming to terms with their sexuality.
Another character that was interpreted as queer is LeFou, from the 2017 live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast”. LeFou is portrayed as having romantic feelings towards the villain, Gaston. However, the portrayal of LeFou was met with controversy. Some praised Disney for its efforts towards LGBT representation, while others criticized the company for promoting negative stereotypes about gay men.
Recently, “Strange World”, a Disney movie that was released in 2021 featured Ethan, the studio’s first openly gay teen character. Ethan is portrayed as a shy teenager with a crush on the character, Diazo. Despite featuring a large budget and being released during Thanksgiving, the movie ultimately bombed at the box office.
While Disney’s strides towards diversity and inclusion are commendable, there is still more progress to be made. With more representation and thoughtful portrayals of LGBT characters, Disney can continue to promote acceptance and understanding.
Did LeFou have a crush on Gaston?
In the 2017 live-action adaptation of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” LeFou, played by Josh Gad, portrays Gaston’s closest confidante and closest companion. However, their relationship in the movie has sparked debates as to whether or not LeFou has a romantic interest towards Gaston. It’s important to note that neither the original “Beauty and the Beast” film nor the animated TV series provided any indications that LeFou had any romantic feelings towards Gaston.
In the live-action film, however, there seems to be a display of a more complex relationship between the two characters. LeFou constantly praises Gaston, seemingly putting him on a pedestal above anyone else in their village. LeFou seems to idolize Gaston, always attempting to lift his spirits and fill him with confidence, even when Gaston is behaving in an abusive or callous manner.
There are also moments in the film where LeFou appears to express his admiration towards Gaston in a more romantic way. For instance, when Gaston sings about his greatness in the tavern, LeFou excitedly throws him flowers and lets out a sigh of admiration. Later, when Gaston comes up with his plan to blackmail Belle’s father into forcing her into marriage, LeFou is shown to be the only one who completely understands Gaston, even admiring his cleverness.
Towards the end of the film, LeFou appears to have a change of heart. After witnessing Gaston’s violent behavior towards the Beast and his attempts to kill him, LeFou finally seems to acknowledge Gaston’s true, selfish personality. He soon learns to stand up for himself, abandoning Gaston’s side and ultimately saving the Beast’s life.
It’s significant to note that in an interview with Attitude Magazine, Josh Gad, who plays LeFou, revealed that his character was gay. This statement emerges as a declaration of acceptance towards the LGBTQ+ community. The implication of his sexuality in the film was not so explicit, as it was only expressed subtly through gestures, tones, and certain expressions.
While there is no clear-cut answer to the question of whether LeFou had a romantic interest in Gaston, there are definitely indications within the film that suggest that there might have been something more to their relationship. However, the film clearly presents a character arc for LeFou that ultimately leads him towards self-acceptance, instead of constantly pining after someone who will never reciprocate his feelings.
Do Catherine and Vincent ever kiss on Beauty and the Beast?
In the 2012 adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, Catherine Chandler and Vincent Keller share a complex and passionate relationship throughout the series. While the two characters have an undeniable attraction to one another, their relationship is constantly complicated by Vincent’s secret identity as a genetically enhanced being with extraordinary abilities.
Despite the obstacles they face, Catherine and Vincent eventually share several romantic moments throughout the series, including several kisses. In fact, their first kiss occurs at the end of the first season, in an episode entitled “Never Turn Back.”
After Vincent is captured by a group known as Muirfield, Catherine is forced to make the difficult decision to turn him over to the authorities. However, when she discovers that Muirfield has plans to use Vincent for their own gain, she vows to do whatever it takes to protect him.
In a powerful scene, Catherine and Vincent share a passionate kiss as they come together to fight for their future and their love. This kiss marks a turning point in their relationship, as Vincent is finally able to control his inner beast and the two lovers are able to fully express their feelings for each other.
Throughout the remainder of the series, Catherine and Vincent continue to share intimate moments, forming a deep and meaningful connection that is truly the heart of Beauty and the Beast. While their journey is fraught with challenges and danger, the love that they share is a constant source of strength and hope.
