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Representation has been one of the most controversial subjects in the media in recent years. With more communities wanting to see themselves on screen and Hollywood slowly starting to follow through, more voices have been sharing their opinion about whether that representation is appropriate or not. Many trolls online have been negatively affecting movie and TV show reviews, and the Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ productions have been particularly called out for this considering how big the company is.
Disney’s Pride Mural / Credit: Chris, Flickr
LGBTQ+ Representation in Disney
One community that has been making headlines frequently recently when it comes to representation is the LGBTQ community. Disney has been working on its LGBTQ representation in its movies and TV shows, and most recently, they gave the transgender community a big win with Pixar’s first non-binary character in their recent release, Elemental.
However, while this should be a moment of celebration for Disney becoming more inclusive, some have not been happy to hear about Disney’s initiative.
Lake Ripple, Ember Lumen, and Wade Ripple from Pixar and Disney film “Elemental” (2023). Credit: Disney/Pixar
Related: Buzz Lightyear is the Newest LGBTQ+ Ally
Disney Faces Backlash for Transgender Representation
As reported by Newsweek, “Global strategic consulting firm Redfield & Wilton Strategies found that more people seem to ‘disapprove’ of transgender characters being represented in Disney films than those who ‘approve.'”
The firm surveyed 1500 people, asking respondents about their opinions on several LGBTQ+ topics and LGBTQ representation in Disney movies. Some highlights from the survey include the following questions and responses:
“To what extent, if at all, do you approve or disapprove of transgender characters being represented in Disney films?”
11 percent disapproved, while 25 percent strongly disapproved. In comparison, 14 percent approved while 20 percent strongly approved.
That is, 36% disapproved, 34% approved, and 30% neither approved nor disapproved.
Disney celebrated Pride Month at Walt Disney World’s theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, with decorations like the Pride Wall at EPCOT (pictured) / Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Interestingly, however, when it came to gay or lesbian representation on screen, responses were flipped; 36 percent of participants approved in some form, while 34 percent disapproved.
These results come on the back of the accusations hurled at Disney that the Mouse House has been pandering to “woke” audiences. From the casting of Black actress Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid as Princess Ariel to Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell in Peter Pan and Wendy, the complaints have been rolling in. On the other hand, many are commending the Walt Disney Company for finally doing its part to represent its fans and community properly.
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