Disney is now known for many things: its theme parks, its streaming service Disney Plus, and owning the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Yet Disney fans won't forget where this all started: with Disney movies. With stories of princes and princesses, of mice and other animals, of heroes and villains. Disney movies appeal not only to the children they're aimed at but also to adults too. They're fun for the whole family, yet they could be a bit more diverse in their protagonists. They've done a pretty good job of adding main characters who are people of color in their later works and writing more empowered female characters. While some might consider even this too inclusive, Disney probably wouldn't and shouldn't care. Now it's time to talk about the elephant in the room: LGBTQ+ representation in Disney movies. Or, instead, the lack thereof.
With Disney movies, whether they're cartoons or live-action, it's unlikely that fans will get good LGBTQ+ representation. The representation that is given by Disney is often of the blink, and you'll miss it variety. So much so that "Disney's first openly LGBTQ+ character" has become somewhat of a joke online. Whether it's the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast or Cruella, Disney's LGBTQ+ characters are often relegated to secondary roles. This makes some Disney fans wonder: will there ever be a day when Disney movies let their LGBTQ+ characters shine? Will Disney ever actually have an LGBTQ+ protagonist? It's hard to know for sure either way. Disney might go the safe route and never give more than a passing reference to anything LGBTQ+, but it might not end up that way.
RELATED: 5 Disney Remakes That Match The Original (& 5 That Don't)
If enough fans put pressure on the studio, Disney movies might feature LGBTQ+ protagonists sooner than some might think. After all, the more diversity, the more people watch the movie. It just makes sense. In addition, Disney Channel shows such as The Owl House feature LGBTQ+ characters. This might be a way for Disney to test out how audiences react to these characters. Hopefully, there will be enough positive reactions to lead to one or more LGBTQ+ protagonists in future Disney movies. There are already some Disney fans who would be receptive to it. If the fan campaigns to "Give Elsa A Girlfriend" are anything to go by. Indeed, many fans would not mind if Frozen's Elsa was Disney's true first LGBTQ+ protagonist. The character is already beloved, and her lack of a male love interest is only part of her charm for some fans.
Of course, Disney might be invested in keeping her single for some reason. But who knows? Stranger things have certainly happened. And Honeymaren is right there. Just saying. Of course, this would only happen if there are future Frozen movies, and the story might be wrapped up, at least for now. Yet Disney movies having an LGBTQ+ protagonist or two would be great if it happened. Imagine the potential storylines that would open up. Imagine two princes competing for a princess' affections, only to find they like each other better. Or the other way around.
Imagine having a trans prince or princess outsmarting the villain every time. Sounds good! It would be great to have more LGBTQ+ representation in Disney movies for so many reasons. Firstly, it would make LGBTQ+ children –and adults – feel seen. Secondly, it would show that LGBTQ+ love and life are not in any way inappropriate for children. And finally, as with all good representation, it would increase the amount of empathy people outside the LGBTQ+ community have for those in it. In addition, it would be nice for there to be more LGBTQ+ content aimed at children and families. To show that there is nothing to fear in the LGBTQ+ community, that way, every child –and adult – is ready to be accepting if someone comes out to them. Additionally, this would also reduce a lot of the harm currently done by heteronormativity and cisnormativity in children's media.
By showing that some people are LGBTQ+, Disney would be representing the world in all its diversity. The studio would also be showing that there are different ways of living and that all are equally valid. Adding LGBTQ+ protagonists to Disney movies would be a positive step forward for representation in general. Of course, not everyone will agree. Some people would prefer to keep things as they are. Yet LGBTQ+ people deserve to shine, even in the magical world of Disney. And hopefully, this wish of many Disney fans will become a reality sooner rather than later. Disney movies with LGBTQ+ protagonists would warm many fans' hearts. Perhaps one day soon, Disney will take the leap. Some fans will be waiting impatiently. And it makes sense that they would be. After all, many fans would support the move.
So what is Disney waiting for? Only time will tell whether or not Disney movies will feature LGBTQ+ protagonists. Yet fans will probably never stop hoping for it. And perhaps their hopes will become a reality if they wish for it enough. That would be part of the magic of Disney.
MORE: Disney Has A Chance To Make A Better 'Haunted Mansion' Movie