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Why Disney Animation is long overdue for an LGBTQ protagonist:
A Thread
A Thread
First off, gay representation in childrenâs media isnât a new concept. The earliest example of this dates back all the way to March 31, 1987. The CBS Schoolbreak Special, âWhat If I'm Gay?" was monumental as the very first open conversation in childrenâs media.
More recently, however, LGBTQ characters have been ingrained into more and more shows. Steven Universe, The Loud House, and Adventure Time all made history with the inclusion of gay characters within the main cast.
Even more historically, shows such as She-ra (2018), and Legend of Korra aired, in which the main protagonists are LGBTQ.
This, however, is where Disney falls short.
All of the shows mentioned above are from Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Dreamworks, and other Disney competitors. Disney has yet to produce an animated show in which the protagonist is gay.
All of the shows mentioned above are from Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Dreamworks, and other Disney competitors. Disney has yet to produce an animated show in which the protagonist is gay.
The first gay Disney character is from the live-action show, âAndi Mackâ back in 2018. This was historic for the company, as it was the first time they included a gay character in the main cast! But, looking around, nearly 2 years later, heâs still the only one.
In a few shows, Disney has featured side characters that were LGBTQ (Good Luck Charlie, Star vs the Forces of Evil, Doc McStuffins, etc.). Very rarely do you see these characters more than once.
Most recently, in Disneyâs 2019 film, âOnwardâ, they included a gay character for the first time in animation. While a big step forward, many people found issue with it. For one, many didnât like the idea that she was a literal monster. âThey couldâve chosen a better movieâ.
Disney is behind. This is a fact. Everyone around them is leading the way in LGBTQ representation within kidâs animated media, and they are being left in the dust.
Itâs not enough for a show runner to say a character is LGBTQ. Iâd like to introduce what is called âShow, Donât Tellâ. When it comes to kids, they might not know what it means to be gay. You must show it though the characterâs actions.
Your child might not know what being gay means. But when they watch She-Ra on Netflix, they know that main characters, Catra and Adora, love each other. This is a prime example of âShow, Donât Tell.â
Once again, this is where Disney falls short. Thereâs nothing wrong with labeling a character as LGBTQ. But that seems to be all they are doing. To catch up, Disney needs to show us LGBTQ people. Not just tell us about them.
To conclude: LGBTQ representation is no longer something you can just push under the rug, especially if youâre a company as big and influential as Disney is. Times are changing. Itâs time Disney changed with it.
Thatâs why Iâve created this thread. Dear @DisneyTVA , you must include LGBTQ characters if you want to keep up with these changing times. Itâs not 1981 anymore. Gay people are celebrated on Cartoon Network. On Netflix. On Nickelodeon. Youâre next!
How Disney can keep up:
When a character is gay, a POC, disabled, etc., a child has the opportunity to see themselves in them. Thatâs why an LGBTQ main protagonist is exactly what Disney needs to catch up.
When a character is gay, a POC, disabled, etc., a child has the opportunity to see themselves in them. Thatâs why an LGBTQ main protagonist is exactly what Disney needs to catch up.
How you can help spread the messege:
Contact:
@DisneyTVA
@DisneyAnimation
@DisneyXD
Sign the petition (Remember not to donate any money!): http://chng.it/kLZfHNZt
Contact:
@DisneyTVA
@DisneyAnimation
@DisneyXD
Sign the petition (Remember not to donate any money!): http://chng.it/kLZfHNZt
Thank you for reading this thread. Please RT and share it around as much as you can. This messege needs to be spread. 
