Disney is one of the largest media and entertainment companies in the world, recognized for its ability to create timeless stories and characters that resonate with viewers. In recent years, Disney has taken great strides to promote inclusivity and diversity in its programming, including featuring characters that represent marginalized groups. One of those groups is the LGBTQ+ community, and Disney has made significant progress in portraying LGBTQ+ characters on its various platforms.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the Disney TV shows that feature gay characters. We will look at how these characters are depicted, and the impact of their inclusion on broader societal attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Andi Mack
Andi Mack is a Disney Channel series that follows the life of a teenage girl named Andi, who learns that her older sister is actually her mother and that the people she thought were her parents are actually her grandparents. The show received critical acclaim for its handling of a variety of sensitive topics, including the coming out story of one of its main characters, Cyrus Goodman.
In season two of the show, Cyrus begins to question his sexuality and eventually comes out as gay to his friends and family. The show’s creators were praised for their portrayal of Cyrus’s story, which was handled with sensitivity and honesty. The coming out scene between Cyrus and his friend Buffy was particularly moving, and it marked the first instance of a character explicitly coming out as gay on Disney Channel.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is a Disney+ original series that follows a group of teenagers as they stage a production of High School Musical at their school. The show features a diverse cast of characters, including Carlos, who is gay.
Carlos’s sexual orientation is not a central plot point in the show, and his coming out story is not explicitly depicted. Nevertheless, his inclusion as a gay character is significant, as it represents a step forward in Disney’s efforts to create more diverse representation in its programming.
The Owl House
The Owl House is a Disney Channel animated series that centers around a teenage girl named Luz who discovers a magical realm known as the Boiling Isles. The show has received great praise for its inclusion of diverse characters, including its portrayal of Amity Blight, a character who is depicted as having romantic feelings for Luz.
While Amity’s sexual orientation is not explicitly stated, show creator Dana Terrace has confirmed that Amity is bisexual. The representation of a bisexual character on a show geared toward younger viewers is incredibly significant, as it helps to normalize the experiences of individuals who experience attraction to more than one gender.
Conclusion
Disney’s inclusion of gay characters on its various platforms is an important step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in mainstream media. Andi Mack, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and The Owl House are all excellent examples of how Disney is working to create inclusive and diverse programming that reflects the reality of the world we live in.
While there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that LGBTQ+ characters are represented in a realistic and authentic way, the fact that Disney is taking steps to include them in its programming is a sign that progress is being made. The continued inclusion of diverse characters in popular children’s and young adult programming will help to create a more accepting and loving society for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
FAQ
How many Disney movies are Lgbtq?
Over the years, Disney movies have played an influential role in shaping the childhoods of millions of people, capturing imaginations and inspiring countless dreams. As society becomes increasingly tolerant and inclusive, we have seen a growing number of LGBTQ+ characters represented on the big screen. In recent years, Disney has begun to embrace this change and has been introducing more LGBTQ+ characters in their movies.
In 2021, Walt Disney Studios released five movies in theaters that included at least one significant L.G.B.T.Q. character. These movies include “Cruella,” “Luca,” “Jungle Cruise,” “Encanto,” and “Eternals.”
“Cruella,” starring Emma Stone, features a gay character named Artie, who is portrayed by British actor John McCrea. In “Luca,” which is set in a scenic seaside town on the Italian Riviera, the main characters Luca and Alberto’s relationship is seen by some as a metaphor for young gay love. “Jungle Cruise” stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, and features a character named McGregor Houghton who is gay and has a romantic interest in one of the main characters.
In the animated musical “Encanto,” one of the lead characters, the character of Mirabel Madrigal, is implicitly queer and there is also a brief but important reference to a gay couple. The Marvel movie “Eternals” features a character named Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry, who is the first openly gay superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While these are the only movies released in 2021 that feature LGBTQ+ characters, it is important to note that Disney has been slowly increasing representation in their movies, both in subtle and more overt ways. For instance, in “Frozen 2,” it was suggested that soldier Matthias may be gay, and in “Onward,” Officer Spector is briefly shown with his partner.
In short, the number of Disney movies with LGBTQ+ characters is still relatively small, but there is a growing trend towards representation and inclusivity. Disney is taking steps in the right direction, and as society continues to change, we can expect to see more diversity and representation in their content.
Is there a gay Disney Princess?
The question of whether there is a gay Disney Princess has been a subject of debate and speculation for some time. Some people believe that Disney has made an effort to include LGBTQ+ characters and themes in their recent films, while others argue that the company has not yet gone far enough in terms of representation.
One film that has recently sparked discussion on this topic is “Raya and the Last Dragon.” The film features a strong, brave heroine in the form of Raya, who embarks on a quest to save her world from destruction. The movie has been praised for its depiction of diverse cultures and characters, but some viewers have wondered if Raya might be Disney’s first gay princess.
The question of Raya’s sexuality is not explicitly addressed in the film, and there is no clear indication that she is romantically interested in women. However, some viewers have pointed out that Raya does not seem to show any romantic interest in male characters either, which has led some to speculate that she may be a lesbian or bisexual character.
Despite this speculation, it is important to note that Disney has not officially confirmed Raya’s sexuality, nor have they announced any plans to introduce a gay Disney Princess in the future. While some LGBTQ+ characters have appeared in recent Disney projects, such as LeFou in the live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast,” these characters have typically been minor or secondary characters, rather than protagonists.
As attitudes and societal norms continue to evolve, it is possible that we may see more LGBTQ+ representation in Disney films in the future. However, for now, the question of whether there is a gay Disney Princess remains unanswered, and viewers will have to draw their own conclusions based on their interpretation of the characters and stories presented in the films.
What is the new gay movie on Disney plus?
Disney Plus is a popular streaming platform that offers various types of movies and TV shows to its subscribers. Recently, the platform has released a new gay-themed movie titled “Strange World.”
The movie is an animated adventure film that follows the Clades, a family of explorers who embark on a mission into the treacherous and surreal world beneath the land of Avalonia. The main character, named Paul, is a teenage boy who is gay and comes out to his family during the movie. According to the director, the movie explores the idea of acceptance and diversity.
“Strange World” is directed by Don Hall, who is known for his work on “Big Hero 6” and “Moana.” The movie has an impressive voice cast lineup that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Gabrielle Union, Lucy Liu, and Jaboukie Young-White.
The movie has received positive reviews from viewers and critics alike. The animation has been praised for its stunning visuals and attention to detail. Furthermore, the movie has been applauded for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters in a mainstream movie aimed at families.
If you are a subscriber of Disney Plus and are interested in watching a new gay-themed movie that explores ideas of acceptance and diversity, “Strange World” might be the movie for you to watch. The movie offers a unique and entertaining experience that is suitable for families.
