Top 10 Disney Characters You Had No Idea Were Gay
All of your queer fantasies about Disney's leading men are about to come to life, thanks to YANN-X.
It's no secret that Disney is already pretty queer, as there are some characters that Disney could have intended to be gay, or characters that use gay stereotypes or even just has a large gay following.
So let’s take a look back on our childhoods and see exactly who are the Top 10 most ambiguously ' gay ' Disney characters.
10. Pleakley (Lilo and Stitch)
While Pleakley identifies as a male alien in the science fiction Hawaiian film, he is consistently seen dressing in women’s clothing. When out with humans, he is often in full drag.
Due to starring in a more recent film, the religious right were in an uproar over the idea this could be finally the gay character that would indoctrinate the nation’s children.
9. Terkina (Tarzan)
When Tarzan was released in 1999, some had no idea Terk was a girl. Never mind she was played by one of America's most famous personalities and out lesbian Rosie O'Donnell.
In the film, Terk is a tomboy who hates dressing like a lady and has no interest in other males.
8. Shang ( Mulan )
The tale of the Chinese woman who impersonates a man and takes her father’s place during a war has intrigued many queer theorists for years.
In the Disney version, the film has fun with gender identity and the possibility of same-sex romance. Shang shows an interest in the male Mulan, but it is only once she reveals herself that he makes his move.
7. Ursula (The Little Mermaid )
Perhaps the most famous example of a direct tie to the LGBT community, Disney created the iconic villain Ursula the Sea Witch using the likeness and personality of drag queen Divine.
In The Little Mermaid, she seduces, she manipulates, she’s theatrical. And most of all she does it all while remembering the most important thing – body language.
6. Dory (Finding Nemo)
Voiced by our fearless gay leader Ellen DeGeneres, Dory is funny, blue, brave, and not at all interested in hooking up with Marlin.
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5. Scar (The Lion King)
Scar is an example of a ‘coded gay’. Referencing a time when being gay was depraved, filmmakers were able to imply a character's sexuality by the behavior, demeanor and dress. That way, audiences understood the character was meant to be queer even if there was no actual same-sex love interests.
This was far more common in Disney films than you might think, but is perhaps best represented by...
4. Governor Ratcliffe (Pocahontas)
Disney villains come in all shapes and sizes, but the one they always come back to is the fop.
Back in 17th century England, the word ‘fop’ was used to negatively describe ‘fashionable’, effeminate, cowardly man. The modern gay male stereotype.
Ratcliffe is also played by gay actor David Ogden Stiers. While this certainly does not mean gay actor = gay character, it adds an extra dimension.
3. Hades (Hercules)
A more modern take on a US fop in this 1990s film, as Hades is like every girl's sassy gay best friend.
2. Genie (Aladdin)
One of Disney’s most iconic characters, the Genie knows more pop culture and cross-dresses more often than RuPaul.
‘I'm getting pretty fond of you, kid,’ he tells Aladdin after he saves him. ‘Not that I want to pick out curtains, or anything.’
1. Merida (Brave)
Much like Pleakley, after Brave premiered there was a huge furore over the idea the next Disney princess was a lesbian.
They reasoned the only way a 14-year-old archer have no interest in getting married to suitors she had never met unless she was gay? While this was quickly disregarded as soon as they actually watched the movie, Merida still has a large gay and feminist following.
Now Your turn, who would you add to the list?
