Would you like to se an gay/lesbian couple in a Disney film?

[Flanger-Hanger]

That was a "That's So Raven" episode, but I don't think it was ever pulled. Here's part one- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lS1oD40Ph4. As enigmawing mentioned above, though, there was a diabetes episode of "Hannah Montana" that was pulled, but it still eventually aired after a little retooling.

Thanks for clearing that up, I had a feeling it was "Raven" but couldn't remember all the details.

With both these episodes in mind than an episode on gay bullying might be done...ten years from now.

[Wonderlicious]

That was my thought as I read up to that point- that even if the Disney shows and movies don't deal with sex, they do deal with dating and kissing and whatnot. I think that ambiguously gay characters would be the only way Disney wouldn't get a backlash at this point, unfortunately. And even with that, I'm sure that some parents would be in an uproar.

Yeah. Disney as a company has a strong image and identity, and thus has set itself in having certain expectations more than perhaps any other major film studio. I personally most certainly do not have any qualms with Disney featuring gay characters (as long as it didn't feel forced, or if people wouldn't make an overwhelming deal of it à la Tiana being the first black princess), but in our society, I doubt it would still be possible. Being on this forum, and from other observations, there seems to be some polar division among Disney fans (yes, I understand that's a generalisation; if you don't fit the bill, don't cry). On the one hand, there seem to be many gay Disney fans, yet Disney's position as a sort of moral backbone in American culture has equally attracted some quite conservative fans with strong traditionalist values and religious beliefs.

Both sides can be vocal in their own right. I remember a number of discussions on homosexuality in Off Topic a few years ago, and the reactions; there were a great deal of anti-homosexual posts. In fact, if I recall, the beginning of the first "Are You Gay Thread" was full of people stating "no", or people screaming "oh, no homosexuality, ewwww!". Equally, though, there are many gay Disney fans, and on this board, we have a huge number of "out" members who openly discuss their homosexuality. The issue with introducing gay characters into Disney films, though, is that we exist in a culture where heterosexual attitudes are ultimately seen as a standard from birth by straight and gay alike, and the number of conservative vocalists would far outnumber any people ultimately in strong, vocal favour of Disney introducing any homosexual characters. Look at the gay days situation as well; they're allowed but not recognised as such by Disney, whereas the LDS special nights are accepted by Disney. A lot of the anti-Disney rants from the Christian right slam Disney for simply having gay employees; I doubt they'd have such qualms with a company with a vaguer identity like Paramount or Universal having gay employees.

These issues mean that I doubt Disney would introduce any gay characters any time soon, whatever the outlet. Considering Disney's stance as a moral backbone, society's general attitudes would have to do a complete 180. Children would first have to be educated from an early age about homosexuality; the number of complaints Disney would get from parents over gay characters would likely stem from unwitting children asking their parents why two guys were kissing. That could ultimately lead to wider acceptance, which would make homosexual characters a possibility.

[carolinakid]

I'd love to see more gay/lesbian characters on Disney...but ABC Daytime unceremoniously dumped their gay storyline (Oliver & Kyle) on OLTL last year and lesbian Bianca on AMC has no love life of which to speak. The gay couple on Modern Family is basically sexless.

Oliver & Kyle DID have the first male gay love scene in daytime history ( airing 12/30/09) before thry were written off... (Luke & Noah on CBS' ATWT were never actually shown in bed together), so I have to give Disney props for that.

[BellesPrince]

Maybe we've already seen it?

Dumbo & Timothy.

Jac and Gus.

Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.

Timon and Pumba.

You could go on and on.

One thing's for sure, this post is sure to set the cat amongst the pidgeons.

[toonaspie]

Should the Disney Channel feature gay characters? Network President speaks
http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox ... cters.html
(via laughingplace.com)

But while straight characters have gone out on dates and shared kisses on the channel, there hasn't been an equivalent for gay characters. "I don't know where the series or the Disney Channel or the world might evolve to in that regard. But I don't see it has some sort of second class," Marsh says.

That was my thought as I read up to that point- that even if the Disney shows and movies don't deal with sex, they do deal with dating and kissing and whatnot. I think that ambiguously gay characters would be the only way Disney wouldn't get a backlash at this point, unfortunately. And even with that, I'm sure that some parents would be in an uproar.

Interesting points made by that article.

I would agree that it's presumptuous to say that homosexuality is not a pre-adolescent issue.

However Disney Channel has lowered its ranks to become merely a kids channel. There's a big difference between kids programming and family programming. Kids programming is merely a time kill babysitter and so it must be as dull as humanly possible for adults but appealing enough for kids to just watch and not think much into it. Family programming is something that both parents and kids would watch together and then discuss as a family. It's what you'll find on ABC and ABC Family.

Disney Channel is probably one of the last aspects of the company that will move into being more open about LGBT stuff.

I say it's impossible to educate the public properly on this issue. There seems to be this major consensus of monkey see monkey do that I dont think is even relevant to LGBT stuff. Kids are not gonna mimic kissing someone of the same sex if they're not comfortable with it. That's my belief anyway.

[Super Aurora]

Maybe we've already seen it?

Dumbo & Timothy.

Jac and Gus.

Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.

Timon and Pumba.

You could go on and on.

Rajah and Jasmine- bestiality = Gay love

Aladdin and Jafar; Hercules and Hades; Tarzan and Clayton- enemies= gay love

GepPEDO and Pinocchio- Obviously

Mickey Mouse and Pete- rivalry = gay love

Binky and Boomer- Gay ANNOYING birds = Gay love


When people shout "Disney is Gay!", they weren't wrong actually as everything is gay according to BellePrince and I.















Anyway, as for the topic, Disney corp is an idiot if they don't make a show centered on two gay boys in love with each other. That stuff is what Girls LOVE to read/watch. Go ask your typical yaoi fangirl.
Disney could make a fucking killing with this market move. Make a show starring Justin Beaver and Zac Efron as love interest, and you have millions of tweens and teens girl having immense orgasms.

[Goliath]

I don't expect Disney Channel to start having gay characters anytime soon (with the exception of a certain HSM character if he counts). The audience who determines what is "safe" isn't ready for it yet. They probably have enough time on their hands fretting over the several other gay characters on TV right now anyway.

I don't understand it. In The Netherlands, we can also watch Belgian television and there they have a children's channel (a public channel, funded by the government with taxpayers' money) and one of their prominent own productions is a sitcom with an openly gay character. He's depicted as being in loving, committing relationships and yes, we see him kissing his boyfriend and discussing the subject of sex, and the series is very popular in Belgium. Dutch/Flemish members: I'm referring to W817 here, on Ketnet.

Make a show starring Justin Beaver and Zac Efron as love interest, and you have millions of tweens and teens girl have immense orgasms.

And have Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez team up to bring in the boys?

[Flanger-Hanger]

Disney could make a fucking killing with this market move. Make a show starring Justin Beaver and Zac Efron as love interest, and you have millions of tweens and teens girl have immense orgasms.

Not just Disney, but anyone could do it if they could put up with the girl's parents objecting.

[DisneyAnimation88]

In many ways I can understand the stance Disney might take on this subject; they've never been able to find the balance that will allow them to appeal to broader, more diverse audiences without attracting some kind of controversy. One example is Ellen DeGeneres in the 1990's. It might be a while ago now but when she came out as a lesbian her show, which had been highly successful for Disney-owned ABC up to that point, attracted so much controversy for making her character a lesbian that it ended being cancelled soon after. Disney have tried to show a willingness to accept homosexuality in their theme parks by designating weekends that I believe are called "Gay Days", yet they are condemned by activists and critics for doing so. Perhaps these aren't the best examples, I'm just trying to find a way to back up my opinion that ultimately, Disney is in a no-win situation here.

It's a shame that some people can't seperate the Disney that is a 21st century media and entertainment giant that is trying to be progressive, from the wholesome, All-American company of the mid-20th century. Time and society changes and progress, but it seems to me that some would rather Disney not do the same.

[Super Aurora]

In many ways I can understand the stance Disney might take on this subject; they've never been able to find the balance that will allow them to appeal to broader, more diverse audiences without attracting some kind of controversy. One example is Ellen DeGeneres in the 1990's. It might be a while ago now but when she came out as a lesbian her show, which had been highly successful for Disney-owned ABC up to that point, attracted so much controversy for making her character a lesbian that it ended being cancelled soon after. Disney have tried to show a willingness to accept homosexuality in their theme parks by designating weekends that I believe are called "Gay Days", yet they are condemned by activists and critics for doing so. Perhaps these aren't the best examples, I'm just trying to find a way to back up my opinion that ultimately, Disney is in a no-win situation here.

It's a shame that some people can't seperate the Disney that is a 21st century media and entertainment giant that is trying to be progressive, from the wholesome, All-American company of the mid-20th century. Time and society changes and progress, but it seems to me that some would rather Disney not do the same.

I think biggest problem is Disney need to grow a pair of balls.

If I was head of Disney Corp, and some BS anti-gay activist start whining like a 5 yr old and shit. I'd give them the middle finger and go:

[UmbrellaFish]

Disney have tried to show a willingness to accept homosexuality in their theme parks by designating weekends that I believe are called "Gay Days", yet they are condemned by activists and critics for doing so.

Disney doesn't organize those days those, outside organizations do, which makes people's condemnation even more ridiculous than it already is.

[sunhuntin]

Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.

i always assumed they were sisters?

[Super Aurora]

Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.

i always assumed they were sisters?

Never heard of incest?

[Disney's Divinity]

Anyway, as for the topic, Disney corp is an idiot if they don't make a show centered on two gay boys in love with each other. That stuff is what Girls LOVE to read/watch. Go ask your typical yaoi fangirl.
Disney could make a fucking killing with this market move. Make a show starring Justin Beaver and Zac Efron as love interest, and you have millions of tweens and teens girl having immense orgasms.

Yes, and there would never be a Bieber-like backlash, because no girl will ever be good enough for either of the boys ("If I can't have him, at least I know no other trollop will either!").

I don't understand it. In The Netherlands, we can also watch Belgian television and there they have a children's channel (a public channel, funded by the government with taxpayers' money) and one of their prominent own productions is a sitcom with an openly gay character. He's depicted as being in loving, committing relationships and yes, we see him kissing his boyfriend and discussing the subject of sex, and the series is very popular in Belgium. Dutch/Flemish members: I'm referring to W817 here, on Ketnet.

That's almost impossible to imagine in the US.

[Sky Syndrome]

Maybe we've already seen it?

Dumbo & Timothy.

Jac and Gus.

Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.

Timon and Pumba.

You could go on and on.

Rajah and Jasmine- bestiality = Gay love

Aladdin and Jafar; Hercules and Hades; Tarzan and Clayton- enemies= gay love

GepPEDO and Pinocchio- Obviously

Mickey Mouse and Pete- rivalry = gay love

Binky and Boomer- Gay ANNOYING birds = Gay love

I've read people squee about Naveen and Facilier especially over the moment when Facilier has Naveen in bondage.

[Super Aurora]

Rajah and Jasmine- bestiality = Gay love

Aladdin and Jafar; Hercules and Hades; Tarzan and Clayton- enemies= gay love

GepPEDO and Pinocchio- Obviously

Mickey Mouse and Pete- rivalry = gay love

Binky and Boomer- Gay ANNOYING birds = Gay love

I've read people squee about Naveen and Facilier especially over the moment when Facilier has Naveen in bondage.

Speaking of, I notice that in Disney, they more often put the young handsome males in bondage situation as oppose to female

male
Snow white Prince (not in movie but was a long cut scene meant to be in it.)
Prince Philip
Aladdin
Captain Phoebus
and I guess Naveen

female
Rapunzel





yeah....

[Wonderlicious]

Make a show starring Justin Beaver and Zac Efron as love interest, and you have millions of tweens and teens girl have immense orgasms.

[ajmrowland]

I've read people squee about Naveen and Facilier especially over the moment when Facilier has Naveen in bondage.

Speaking of, I notice that in Disney, they more often put the young handsome males in bondage situation as oppose to female

male
Snow white Prince (not in movie but was a long cut scene meant to be in it.)
Prince Philip
Aladdin
Captain Phoebus
and I guess Naveen

female
Rapunzel





yeah....

Plus Quasimoto

Jim Hawkins

John Smith

Kuzco and Pacha(though Yzma was not involved)

Taran an Eilonwy.

[DancingCrab]

[Disney Duster]

The That's So Raven episode didn't air when it was supposed to, but I think did later, I did see it on Disney Channel when flipping through.

I personally would have no problem with any part of the Disney company broaching the subject of homosexuality, I just don't think they will. It's not entirely out of the realm of possibility but I doubt Disney would risk an image they've spent the best of seventy years creating. Ultimately I think some parts of the company, particularly animation, are still too restrained by the tradition of the Disney name to be as progressive as they might want to be.

I must say here, that 1) Walt Disney didn't care when he found out Tommy Kirk was gay, he was fired for his reckless behavior and picking up a minor, and 2) you can be family friendly and traditional and still have things we now allow in modern times. The things that are traditional about Disney that should be kept are more the way they do the films. Their good main characters do bad things and get away with it, even in Walt films.

Considering Disney's stance as a moral backbone, society's general attitudes would have to do a complete 180. Children would first have to be educated from an early age about homosexuality; the number of complaints Disney would get from parents over gay characters would likely stem from unwitting children asking their parents why two guys were kissing. That could ultimately lead to wider acceptance, which would make homosexual characters a possibility.

...I may not get you straight, but it sounds like you're saying that, unlike how little kids learn about straight love for the first time through Disney movies...they can't learn about gay love for the first time through Disney movies? All they have to do is see one of Disney's gay featuring films among the many they watch at a young age, and there should be no problem.

It's a shame that some people can't seperate the Disney that is a 21st century media and entertainment giant that is trying to be progressive, from the wholesome, All-American company of the mid-20th century. Time and society changes and progress, but it seems to me that some would rather Disney not do the same.

Once again, they should keep some things about Disney traditional, but since Walt never seemed to have a problem with gays specifically, at least they are okay in Disney's films.

That was the other one. When they did the reluctant dragon, they tried to make the dragon as gay as possible, worrying slightly over censorship of him if they went too gay. So it's definately still something Disney could do and still be traditional. They also had the gay stereotype used for Cupid in Who Killed Cock Robin?

Super Aurora, maybe it's because they don't want to show girls, who they viewed as more fragile than men, getting gagged and bound. Like it was too violent, but "a man could take it", you know?

Oh, and what about Jasmine in Aladdin? She had chains on her.