Disney has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for decades, creating stories that have become household names worldwide. Over the years, Disney has been criticized for a lack of diversity in its films and TV shows. However, in recent years, Disney has become more inclusive, and that includes introducing its first gay character.
Meet Cyrus Goodman
Cyrus Goodman is the first gay main character and the first character to have uttered the phrase “I’m gay” on Disney Channel. Cyrus was introduced in the Disney Channel TV show Andi Mack, which was released in 2017. This groundbreaking reveal helped to show the world that it is possible to be true to yourself, no matter what.
Cyrus’s character is portrayed as a regular teenager, who is trying to figure out who he is and what his place is in the world. When he reveals his feelings to his friend Jonah Beck, the two become closer as they work through their emotions together. This storyline broke down barriers and created a safe space for young viewers to learn, grow, and explore their own identity in a positive way.
Disney and Inclusivity
Disney’s commitment to inclusivity can be seen across their more recent projects with the addition of several LGBTQ characters in their film and TV lineup. For example, the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast features LeFou, who is gay and has a crush on Gaston. In the movie Onward, Officer Specter is a cop who casually mentions that she has a girlfriend.
Disney is continuing to work towards creating inclusive and diverse content for all viewers to enjoy. While there is still progress to be made, the fact that Disney continues to push boundaries and make changes demonstrates that they are listening to their audience and are willing to make significant changes to reflect the world around us.
The Importance of Representation
Representation is crucial in the entertainment industry and can have a significant impact on viewers. Children who grow up watching inclusive content that reflects the world around them are more likely to develop empathy, respect, and understanding towards people of different backgrounds, cultures, races, sexual orientations, and identities.
Cyrus Goodman’s character is an excellent example of the type of representation that is much needed in our society. His character shows the world that people who identify as LGBTQ+ are regular people, who have hopes, dreams and can be successful in their lives, just like everyone else.
Conclusion
Disney’s introduction of a gay main character in Andi Mack and more recent productions like Beauty and the Beast and Onward is a giant step towards inclusivity and diversity. Disney’s commitment to representation is crucial, and it sends a positive message to viewers of all ages. Hopefully, Disney will continue to push boundaries in the future by introducing even more LGBTQ+ and diverse characters in their films and TV shows.
Cyrus Goodman may have been Disney’s first openly gay character, but he won’t be the last, just as there are many different types of people in the world, and all stories deserve to be told.
FAQ
Is there a gay Disney Princess?
The representation of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media has been a topic of discussion for years. This includes the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in animated films, particularly those by Disney, which has a long history of creating popular and iconic animated films. With the release of the new animated film “Raya and the Last Dragon,” some viewers have been wondering if it features the first gay Disney Princess.
The character of Raya is not explicitly identified as gay in the film. However, in an interview with Access Hollywood, Kelly Marie Tran, who voices Raya, confirmed that she believes Raya is the first gay Disney Princess. Tran stated that “I’m so excited that my little cousin … can watch this movie and see representation that feels like her. And that there’s a Disney princess out there who’s Southeast Asian, and that she can see that, and that there’s also LGBT representation in the film as well.”
While Raya’s sexuality is not explicitly discussed in the film, there are some moments that could be interpreted as representations of the character’s queerness. For instance, Raya’s relationship with her best friend Namaari is one that is complex and highlighted throughout the film. Despite their initial rivalry, the two grow close and have a bond that could be interpreted as romantic by some viewers.
It is important to note that some viewers, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, have criticized Disney for not being more explicit in their representation of queer characters. Many believe that in order to create real progress, characters should be explicitly identified as queer, rather than just relying on subtle hints and implications.
While Raya may not be explicitly labeled as a gay Disney Princess, her relationship with Namaari suggests a representation of queerness in the film. Regardless of whether or not Raya is the first gay Disney Princess, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream animated films is a positive step towards greater representation and inclusivity in media.
Who is the gay character in frozen?
Since its release in 2013, Disney’s Frozen has been a massive hit and captured the hearts of people worldwide. The movie beautifully showcases the relationship between two sisters, Anna and Elsa, and their journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance. However, it wasn’t until the release of Frozen 2 in 2019 that many fans started wondering if Elsa was Disney’s first queer princess.
In Frozen 2, Elsa embarks on a new adventure, leaving the kingdom of Arendelle behind to explore ancient ruins with her sister and their friends Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf. It is during this journey that Elsa meets Honeymaren, one of the Northuldra people, and an instant connection is formed between the two. Throughout the movie, Honeymaren is shown to be supportive of Elsa, offering her comfort and encouragement, and even sharing a moment where they exchange a meaningful glance.
While no direct confirmation is given, many fans interpret this connection between Elsa and Honeymaren as a romantic one. There are also additional clues on Honeymaren’s character design, such as her hair, style, and outfit, that suggest her as a lesbian character. Honeymaren could be seen as the first queer character to appear in a Disney animated movie.
It is important to note that the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in media, especially in movies intended for children, is significant. Giving children the ability to see themselves and their identities reflected in the media they consume can provide them with a sense of validation and help them understand and accept others who may be different from them.
While there has been no official confirmation from Disney, the evidence in Frozen 2 suggests that Elsa is indeed Disney’s first queer princess, with Honeymaren being her queen. The movie has been praised for providing much-needed representation and will undoubtedly continue to spark discussions about inclusivity and acceptance in media.
