Disney Pixar’s latest film, Onward, has garnered attention for its representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. With Lena Waithe voicing a lesbian police officer, the film offers a glimpse into queer representation. Director Dan Scanlon confirmed that Waithe’s character is indeed gay, stating, “It’s a modern fantasy world, and we want to reflect the modern world.” However, beyond this acknowledgment, Pixar has remained largely silent.
While it’s commendable that Disney is featuring a gay character voiced by a queer individual, we must hold them to a higher standard. The reality is that Disney can do much more to provide authentic LGBTQIA+ representation, and as audiences, we should demand it.
With their muted response, it feels as though Pixar has been forced out of the animated closet. Unlike the painful experience of being outed, Disney has benefitted from the media frenzy surrounding the inclusion of a gay character. They didn’t elaborate much, knowing full well that the news would spread. They anticipated both praise and backlash, sidestepping the need to justify their choices. The message seems to be: “Of course, we have a gay character. No big deal.” But it is a big deal, and it feels somewhat misleading.
Disney has successfully diversified racial representation, but they have been sluggish in incorporating LGBTQIA+ characters into their narratives. We were excited by the prospect of a two-mom family in Finding Dory and thrilled to see Josh Gad’s LeFou identified as gay in Beauty and the Beast. Rumors circulated about a brief scene in Toy Story 4 featuring a same-sex couple. While the representation is a step in the right direction, these characters often feel like fleeting glimpses rather than integral parts of the story, failing to reflect the true presence of queer individuals in society.
The small role of Waithe’s character in Onward offers a relatable line about her girlfriend’s daughter but can easily be overlooked. This “safe” representation does not challenge the status quo. It’s easy to miss the significance of her character’s identity as audiences are bombarded with straight narratives featuring love, family, and heroism.
Disney, with its vast resources and a substantial queer workforce, could do so much more. A report indicated that Disney’s net income in 2019 was $10.44 billion, and they consistently receive top scores on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. Yet, we find ourselves applauding them for minimal representation while the queer community holds significant purchasing power—nearly $4 trillion. We deserve more than just crumbs of visibility; we should be demanding authentic portrayals.
It’s encouraging to see a queer character in a Disney film, and it’s even better that they acknowledge her identity. However, we need to push for more. All children, particularly queer youth, need to see themselves reflected in mainstream media, not just in fleeting scenes. The message to the queer community should be clear: our stories matter, and we are worth more than mere tokenism.
Progress may be slow, but we must advocate for queer representation in every Disney movie. We need more substantial roles, nuanced stories, and a commitment to portraying LGBTQIA+ lives beyond stereotypes. Accepting anything less risks complacency, and we deserve better.
For more insights on LGBTQIA+ representation, check out this post. If you’re interested in starting a family, consider resources like Make a Mom, which provide excellent information for your journey. For those exploring pregnancy options, NHS offers valuable guidance.
Summary
Disney’s recent portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters is a step forward, but it often feels superficial. While films like Onward include queer representation, they tend to minimize the role of these characters. Disney has the resources and the ability to provide more authentic portrayals, and audiences should demand greater visibility and depth in LGBTQIA+ storytelling.
Keyphrase: Disney LGBTQIA+ representation
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