The company has been suspected of neglecting same-sex couples in the past, but the ‘Lightyear’ kiss could be the first open case of LGBTQ+ representation at Disney.
Disney-Pixar’s latest animated adventure has just hit theaters. This is the origin story of one of his most beloved characters: Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. On the eve of its release, internet speculation was rampant after it was confirmed that Lightyear would feature the company’s first gay kiss. The film’s producer, Galyn Susman, stated that the female character Hawthorne is in a “meaningful” relationship with another woman and a kiss develops between them.
In response, several countries — including the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Egypt and Indonesia — recently announced that they would ban Lightyear from running in theaters because of its “violation of their country’s media content standard” (in short, the inclusion of LGTBQ+ themes ).
Susman responded by saying no scenes would be cut, adding: “It’s great that we’re part of something that’s making strides in social inclusion, but it’s frustrating that there are still places that aren’t where they should be.”
While this seems particularly forward-thinking in a Disney-Pixar feature film, it’s not the first time internet speculation has sparked a sense of queer anticipation around a new Pixar film. In 2016, Disney released the Finding Dory trailer and fans spotted an alleged lesbian couple in one of the scenes. And after the premiere of the highly anticipated Toy Story 4, online communities highlighted the presence of a few women who left their son in the nursery.
But despite small inclusive moments like this, LGBTQ+ communities and fans are often disappointed with the final product. So while Lightyear’s kiss represents a huge step forward for Disney, which in the past has eschewed any overt representation of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s no wonder many viewers remain skeptical. Is this just another miniscule attempt to please the public, or is this really a groundbreaking moment for Disney and Pixar?
Susman’s insistence that Hawthorne’s kiss will persist in all versions can be considered ironic given Disney’s past. According to some reports, the kiss on Lightyear was originally cut short. However, it was later reinstated after the recent Don’t Say Gay campaign scandal, which led to the company making headlines in the media.
In March 2022, the Florida Senate passed the Don’t Say Gay Act, which prohibits schools from discussing and promoting topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Given the state’s huge cultural reputation, fans and employees alike were frustrated by Disney’s lack of response or condemnation to the bill.
After a staff cut and massive social media backlash, Disney changed his mind, suspending all political donations to the Republican and Democratic parties and promising to donate $5 million to LGBTQ+ charities and organizations. The company’s CEO, Bob Chapek, also stated in an internal memo that the “biggest impact” the company could have “is in creating a more inclusive world through the inspiring content we produce.”
In response, a letter attributed to “LGBTQIA+ Pixar employees and their allies,” published by Variety, suggested that “almost all moments of openly gay affection are aborted at Disney’s request, whether or not there are protests from both creative and executive management teams.
Disney did not directly comment on the letter, but in another internal note, Chapek responded by saying: “You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I disappointed you. I’m sorry” .
Now, in a surprising plot twist, it appears that Disney is refusing to give in to Lightyear and instead take the inevitable financial losses of not being present in the banned markets for the sake of greater awareness and exposure of LGBTQ+ values.
In retrospect, Disney’s slow response to Don’t Say Gay may have increased this need for change and a better, more contemporary public image. But it’s still important to recognize that this change is happening.
A much broader queer representation is being created in the media with popular streaming platform series such as Sex Education, Heartstopper and Euphoria, and Lightyear could be a sign that Disney is (slowly) getting on board. Disney’s great reputation and cultural impact have the power to shape viewers’ perception and awareness. With an audience mostly made up of children and families, seeing a same-sex kiss between two characters can be very important for self-identification and can help increase the adoption of the LGTBQ+ community.
Criticism of Lightyear and his same-sex kiss will be inevitable, so it’s important that Disney stays true to LGTBQ+ values. Me and other Disney-Pixar LGBTQ+ fans and allies, frustrated with their past lack of representation, will be watching Lightyear with eagle eyes, waiting for the glorious moment we’ve anticipated: real representation for the first time.
This article was published in ‘Het Gesprek’.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
