The Walt Disney Company

Disney - Jaboukie Young-White as Ethan, Strange World
Jaboukie Young-White as Ethan, Strange World

SUMMARY

Considering the quality, quantity, and diversity of films distributed under the Walt Disney Company and its labels, GLAAD has given The Walt Disney Company a GOOD grade

Walt Disney Studios included LGBTQ characters in all five of its Disney theatrical releases. While the LGBTQ representation in some films was groundbreaking in kids and family spaces, such as Lightyear and Strange World, other films’ inclusion was more minor, such as Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness and other Marvel properties. Inclusion in Disney’s other theatrical labels, Searchlight and 20th Century, was minimal. 

As for streaming, Hulu delivered outstanding LGBTQ-centric stories with romantic comedies Fire Island and Crush, in addition to casual inclusion in several other films including Darby and the Dead and Fresh. Disney+ released LGBTQ stories that reached a wide kids and family audience such as Zombies 3 and Better Nate Than Ever, but missed the mark in films like Hocus Pocus 2 and Turning Red, which only included “blink and you’ll miss it” moments of representation, if any at all. A concerning trend we’ve seen in the past year is the removal of films from their respective streaming services; Better Nate Than Ever and Darby and the Dead are two inclusive films that have been fully removed. These stories are a powerful tool to change hearts and minds and for queer youth to feel seen, yet their removal off all platforms means that their impact is essentially erased. 

Overall, Disney released several high-profile films that included prominent LGBTQ characters and a diverse cross section of the community, however the company still had a number of films that either missed potential for increased LGBTQ inclusion or had no inclusion at all. This is a huge improvement on the last several years of Walt Disney’s films, and GLAAD looks forward to Disney continuing to expand LGBTQ inclusion, with more substantial roles for queer characters in Marvel movies, further animated stories, and more prominent LGBTQ inclusion in their art house divisions.

HISTORY

Walt Disney is one of the largest and most identifiable film and entertainment companies in the world, boasting an expansive international brand far beyond just films. The company distributes and markets the majority of content produced by a collection of film studios, including Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Searchlight Pictures, 20th Century Fox Animation, and Fox Studios Australia. In the past few years, they have shuttered studios such as Fox 2000 and Blue Sky Animation, most recently dissolving 20th Digital Studio in 2023. Since launching their streamer Disney+ in November 2019, the studio has experimented with film releases on the service in lieu of or in addition to theatrical release. Also in 2019, Disney reached an agreement with Comcast for majority control of Hulu, with the intent of finalizing the deal in 2024. In 2023, Disney announced its plan to combine Disney+ and Hulu content in a “one-app experience” by the end of the year. Each service, however, will also remain available separately. 

Compared to other studios tracked in this report, Walt Disney Studios history is light on LGBTQ inclusion. There were several inclusive releases from Disney-owned Touchstone Pictures including Ed Wood (1994), Sweet Home Alabama (2002), Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), and Kinky Boots (2006). Lucasfilms produced Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985), which combined gay Japanese writer Yukio Mishima’s autobiography with parts of his fiction novels, including his love for another man, but was never officially released in Japan due to protests, and was released under Warner Bros. in the U.S. Some of Disney’s past inclusive films include Delivery Man (2013); Muppets Most Wanted (2014); Beauty and the Beast (2017); and Eternals (2021); and 20th Century’s previous LGBTQ-inclusive releases include The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975); Making Love (1982); Silkwood (1983); The Object of My Affection (1998); The Family Stone (2005); Independence Day: Resurgence (2016); Love, Simon (2018); The New Mutants (2020) and West Side Story (2021). Hulu began producing original films in 2019 and has released GLAAD Media Award nominated films Happiest Season (2020), Changing the Game (2021), Plan B (2021), and more.

OF THE 24 LGBTQ-INCLUSIVE FILMS,

7 WERE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

WERE DISNEY+

12 WERE HULU

Considering the quality, quantity, and diversity of films distributed under The Walt Disney Company and its labels, GLAAD has given The Walt Disney Company a GOOD grade.

 

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Widest Theatrical Release: 4,396 Theaters

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Black Panther_ Wakanda ForeverThe sequel to Marvel’s acclaimed Black Panther, Wakanda Forever sees the return of the Dora Milaje, the group of women warriors who protect the nation of Wakanda. One of these women is Ayo, the second in command, who moves up to general over the course of the film. She is seen showing affection to another Dora member, Aneka, and calls her “my love.” Aneka later joins head general Okoye as part of the Midnight Angels. The couple mostly appear in ensemble and fight scenes in the film. While it is a nice moment of inclusion, the two characters only have their relationship confirmed briefly at the end of the story. Future Marvel properties have an opportunity to flesh out these queer characters as they have in the comics, which actress Michaela Coel cited as to what drew her to the part, and to take steps to further include Ayo and Aneka’s relationship alongside the larger story. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever also included a brief appearance by out news anchor Anderson Cooper reporting on the conflict between the country and the rest of the globe.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Widest Theatrical Release: 4.534 Theaters

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of MadnessThe second Doctor Strange film introduces a beloved hero from Marvel Comics, America Chavez. Though America is an out and proud lesbian in the comics, the character in the film is aged down and her sexual orientation is never discussed or brought up, with the exception of a pride flag patch seen on her jacket. With a large portion of the film being centered on Stephen Strange’s relationship with his ex-girlfriend, it is disheartening that there was no mention of America’s relationships with women. There is, however, inclusion of America’s two moms who are the impetus of her motivations and the key to her mysterious past. Sadly, both women only appear for less than 30 seconds as they get sucked into a portal. 

Queer Marvel fans have been excited for America Chavez to be introduced to the MCU for years and she is primed for a larger role in the franchise; we sincerely hope that her future appearances include her full authentic self that has been such a highlight of Marvel comics. 

Lightyear

Widest Release: 4,255 Theaters

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt DIsney - LightyearThis Toy Story spin-off focuses on the titular Buzz Lightyear on a mission to return to his home planet. Early on in the film, audiences are introduced to Buzz’s friend and commanding officer Alisha Hawthorne. A significant portion of the film’s first act shows Buzz testing hyperspeed flight; every time he leaves the planet for a run, mere minutes pass for Buzz while years pass for those who remain trapped on the planet. On his first mission back, Hawthorne reveals that she is engaged to another woman, a fact that is not shocking to Buzz or any other character in the film. Over the course of a montage, we see Hawthorne with her fiancée, who then becomes her wife, and the family they raise together. Buzz, as he stubbornly continues his test flights, returns one final time to find that Hawthorne has died of old age. However, her presence is continuously felt throughout the film, and her granddaughter becomes a major character in Buzz’s adventure, as well as providing the emotional motivation behind Buzz’s actions. Buzz’s love and respect for Alisha and her relationship is the ultimate driving force behind his decision to join today’s world and give up attempts to turn back time to where he left from, which would have erased the community built on the planet in his time away.

Including a pivotal Black lesbian character in a film aimed at young audiences is a great step forward for the industry, and we hope to see bigger roles in the future for queer characters of color in kids and family programming. 

Strange World

Widest Release: 4,174 Theaters

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Strange World_This film follows three generations of the Clade family, including Jaeger, his son Searcher, and Searcher’s son Ethan, on a subterranean adventure. At the beginning of the film, Searcher casually teases Ethan about Diazo, a boy Ethan has a crush on. Ethan’s feelings for Diazo remain part of the story throughout their adventure: Ethan asks Jaeger’s advice on how to ask Diazo out when they are reunited, and Ethan and Diazo are ultimately seen together as a couple at the end of the film. No one in Ethan’s family has an adverse reaction to Ethan having feelings for another boy, it is simply accepted as part Ethan’s identity and the world surrounding them. Ethan’s sexuality is also only one aspect of his character, and his quest for adventure, not his sexuality, is the driving force of the film. 

Featuring a queer co-lead in an animated Disney film marketed to children and families is a commendable step toward ever-increasing inclusion, and a young gay man of color leading Strange World makes it all the more groundbreaking. Strange World was the top grossing new release at the box office on its opening weekend. It was also the top streamed film on Disney+ upon its release and maintained a position in the top films on the service over several weeks, with critics and audiences praising Ethan and Diazo’s story. We hope to see more films like Strange World from major studios in the future. 

Thor: Love and Thunder

Widest Release: 4,375 Theaters

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Thor Love and ThunderThe press surrounding the fourth Thor film promised a “super gay” narrative, and while the movie did confirm the queerness of two characters from previous installments, it failed to live up to fan’s expectation set by the press tour. Since 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok, in which a scene confirming Valkyrie’s bisexuality was allegedly cut, fans have been rallying for Valkyrie to be openly bisexual. This film did confirm her bisexuality, as Valkyrie briefly flirts with a handmaiden and continues to reference her lost love. However, in a film so heavily focused on love and romance, there was an incredible missed opportunity for Valkyrie to experience a new romance herself, rather than lament on loss. 

The rock-like Kronan, Korg, however, was given a same-sex romantic interest in the form of Dwayne, another Kronan, who appears at the end of the film as the pair performs a Kronan ritual to have a child. Though having two prominent queer characters is a step forward, the film missed an opportunity to take a bigger leap towards LGBTQ inclusion and give a more interesting story to Valkyrie beyond her support of Thor and Jane’s mission to reclaim the children of New Asgard and protect their people from the god killer. It would have been powerful to see more of a spotlight on queer romance in a film centered around unconditional love.

Death on the Nile

Widest Theatrical Release: 2,890 Theaters

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Death on the NileBased on the Agatha Christie novel of the same name, this film follows infamous detective Poirot on yet another troubling case. Set in the 1930s, Poirot is aboard a cruise ship sailing down the Nile to celebrate a recent wedding when the unexpected murder of the bride turns everyone on the ship into a murder suspect. One of the suspects is Marie Van Schuyler, the bride’s godmother, who would benefit financially from her death. In his attempts to solve the case, Poirot uncovers that Van Schuyler and her traveling nurse, Miss Bowers, are secretly lovers. The couple’s names are eventually cleared, they both survive the film, and Poirot keeps their secret rather than outing them in a time unfriendly to queer people. These characters were not queer in the original novel, so it’s a commendable choice to add inclusion to this film. Yet given that the source material was already altered, a more in-depth look at the character’s relationship and increased roles for the pair would have been a welcome addition. However, the characters surviving and not facing any outward homophobia from the protagonist in a period piece is worth noting.

See How They Run

Widest Release: 2,502 Theaters

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - See How They RunThis murder mystery set in London in the 1950s follows an investigation surrounding the murder of American film director Leo Kopernick. One of the suspects is the screenwriter of the film Kopernick was set to direct, Mervyn Cocker-Norris. Mervyn lives with Gio, a man he claims is his nephew, but moments such as Gio getting upset when Mervyn flirts with another man and Gio calling Mervyn “amore” indicate that the pair are actually secret lovers. However, this is quickly glossed over, as Mervyn is killed partway through the movie. He is one of only three people who die in this film and it is disappointing to have the confirmation of his queerness be so brief and for him to then be an easily disposable victim.

DISNEY+

Better Nate Than Ever

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Better Nate Than EverThis film follows the titular Nate pursuing his dream of starring in a Broadway show. Throughout the movie, there are several conversations about Nate being “different” than other kids. While that difference is never explicitly named, there are a number of scenes that, when added together, make it clear that Nate is gay. Nate’s best friend, a girl named Libby, confesses her feelings for him and he tells her he’s “not like that;” Nate’s parents say Nate can have a sleepover with girls because “Nate’s different;” Nate dramatically exclaims “no!” when asked about having a girlfriend; and Libby defends Nate, saying he’s great “no matter who he chooses to love.” While the word “chooses” is the wrong verbiage for talking about sexuality, as it is not a choice, this confluence of scenes clearly delineate Nate’s intended sexuality. Though this is a coming-of-age story, there is a missed opportunity here for Nate to use the word “gay” or “queer,” something rarely done in media aimed at younger audiences. There is also a brief scene where Nate asks a gay couple for directions. 

Cheaper By the Dozen

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: FAIL

This reimagining of the popular comedy did not include any LGBTQ characters. According to an interview with director Gail Lerner, there was at one point a scene where Harley, a member of the family, was going to come out and be met with nothing but love and acceptance. However, this scene was ultimately cut for run time. As Lerner said, “We had a storyline that the daughter Harley had a coming out story, and it was a story that I really loved… that story lifted out so cleanly that it just told us the other stories are more essential to tell the story of the family.” It is highly disappointing that the only plot that included LGBTQ content was so easily cut and discarded from the film. Additionally, Harley is also a disabled character, and having a queer disabled character in a family film would have been an incredible step forward for an underrepresented population. 

Hocus Pocus 2

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: FAIL

The sequel to the hit ‘90s film Hocus Pocus sees the Sanderson Sisters return to terrorize Salem once again. Given the vocal queer fanbase of the first film, as well as the lesbian lead in the novelized sequel, LGBTQ fans had high hopes for this film. However, the representation in Hocus Pocus 2 was minimal. There is a brief moment where Winifred Sanderson flies by two men watching the original Hocus Pocus, who might be a couple, but it is unclear from their mere seconds of screentime. There is also a scene where three drag queens impersonate the Sanderson Sisters as part of a larger costume contest the Sisters stumble into. Though seeing drag performers in a children’s film is exciting and necessary, given the current political attacks on drag artists, none of these characters were fully fleshed out. GLAAD ultimately did not count the drag artists in this tally as the art of drag is not necessarily an indicator of the performer’s identity. If there are any future films in the Hocus Pocus franchise, they have an opportunity to include the community in significant and impactful roles, especially for a film that follows young adults, a group that is consistently identifying more and more as part of the LGBTQ community. The sequel novel centered a queer teen and her girlfriend and would be an easy story to include in future releases about the new residents of Salem.

Olivia Rodrigo: driving home 2 u

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: FAIL

This documentary on singer Olivia Rodrigo featured a few queer musicians; Rodrigo’s drummer, Hayley Brownell, and out musician Towa Bird. Both present themselves in a queer aesthetic, though queerness isn’t mentioned within the documentary itself and audiences don’t get any glimpses into their personal stories or relationships. As such, these ‘characters’ were not counted in GLAAD’s tally.

Trevor: The Musical

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Trevor The MusicalThis is a recorded version of the off-broadway musical based on the 1994 short film Trevor, which led to the founding of the The Trevor Project. The musical, set in the ‘80s, follows 13-year-old Trevor, who is more effeminiate than his peers and who develops a crush on jock Pinky. When his peers find out about his crush, they relentlessly bully him, and his family is also not accepting. Trevor attempts suicide and when he wakes up in a hospital, the nurse he meets there is a man named Jack, who is also gay. Seeing Jack makes Trevor feel less alone and inspires him to keep going forward. The musical showcases a young gay lead and the still relevant struggle of surviving in a wold that bullies queer youth. 

Sneakerella

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - SneakerellaThis Cinderella re-imagining introduces the character Sami, the best friend of protagonist and sneaker designer El. Early on in the film, Sami makes a reference to her girlfriend and El jokingly prompts “which one?” Sadly, the audience never meets any of Sami’s alleged girlfriends, though she is a major player in the film. This is the only time her sexual orientation is referenced explicitly, however rainbow imagery surrounds her throughout the film. Though it was positive to feature a supporting lesbian character who is important to the plot, it would have been substantial to see her own personality and identity fleshed out more, as she was mostly relegated to being El’s sidekick. 

 

Turning Red

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Turning RedPixar’s Turning Red follows Mei, a pre-teen girl who magically turns into a red panda when she feels extreme emotions. One of the core aspects of the film is Mei’s relationship with her closest friends, all of whom share the same affection for a boyband. One of these friends, Priya, is pushed together by Mei-as-the-panda at a party to dance with another girl. Her friends cheer her on, saying “get it girl!” which implies Priya has a crush on the other girl. This moment is all too brief, though the creator did mention it was supposed to be more substantial in press, and it would have been more impactful to see a fleshed out scene confirming Priya’s bisexuality. 

 

Zombies 3

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Zombies 3The third film in the Zombies franchise introduces aliens to Seabrook High, including A-spen, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. There is no explicit disclosure or coming out scene for A-spen, but everyone refers to them by their correct pronouns. A-spen also confesses feelings for male lead Zed. Toward the end of film, sparks fly between A-spen and Willa, a female werewolf, and the two are seen dancing together at the end of the movie. The inclusion of a fully accepted bi+ nonbinary character speaks to a conscious effort to make this film inclusive in ways that many other films have not been. This film focused far more on prejudice against zombies, werewolves, and aliens than any real life bigotry, though the metaphor was clear throughout. More fun, upbeat movies aimed at younger audiences should follow Zombies 3’s lead in casually including and respecting characters of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

HULU

Crush

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - CrushThis high school romantic comedy harkened back to the teen movies of the ‘90s and early aughts while being unapologetically gay. The film follows Paige as she joins the track team to get closer to her crush, Gabby, and subsequently falls for Gabby’s sister, AJ. The film is seamlessly inclusive; Paige is a lesbian who has been out to her supportive mother since a young age and AJ explicitly calls herself bisexual. There are also a plethora of other queer students at the school, many of whom are presented in a montage of potential romantic partners for Paige. The movie follows a typical rom-com formula, with hijinks, love triangles, and miscommunications leading to Paige orchestrating a grand romantic gesture for AJ, and the two embracing in a climactic kiss in front of the whole school. Crush‘s subversion of a traditionally heterosexual genre while still hitting all the beats of a classic romantic comedy was refreshing, especially given that the characters’ sexualities were not a point of conflict. We hope to see more queer teen romantic comedies follow Crush’s lead. 

Darby and the Dead

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Darby and the DeadThis supernatural comedy follows the titular Darby, who can speak to the dead. When her friend-turned-enemy Capri dies, Darby reluctantly helps her move on to the afterlife. Throughout this process, Darby becomes friends with Capri’s friends, including Piper, one of the more sarcastic girls in the group. During an early scene where someone asks for a tampon, Piper deadpans “still trans” as to why she doesn’t have one. This quick line confirms that Piper is a trans woman very casually, with no negative reactions from her friends, as her identity is already known information. As the film comes from trans filmmaker Silas Howard, it’s not surprising that the trans inclusion was done so well. 

Darby and the Dead also featured other casual mentions of LGBTQ characters, including a dead man who confides in Darby that he wants to apologize to his son for not accepting him as a gay man and who wants to tell his son that he loves him and his husband. There are also several students who use queer vernacular when talking about other people at school, though none of their identities were explicitly confirmed. 

Fire Island

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Fire IslandA gay adaptation of Pride and Prejudice set over the course of a trip to Fire Island, this film provides both comedy and heart from a uniquely queer and AAPI perspective. The main characters of the film are Noah and Howie, two gay Asian men who crave different kinds of love. Howie finds a connection early on with sweet doctor Charlie, though Noah has reservations about him because of Charlie’s best friend Will, who had been rude and standoffish toward Noah. Over the course of the film, through Noah and Howie’s friendship and their burgeoning romances with Will and Charlie respectively, the narrative delves into the nuances of monogamy vs non-monogamy, body standards within the gay community, and microaggressions faced by Asian gay men. The film also explores tougher material; one friend, Luke, is nonconsensually filmed during sex, though this incident leads to Will standing up for Luke and cementing himself as the Mr. Darcy-esque romantic lead of this film. Through all of this, Fire Island maintains warmth and comedy. In addition to the protagonists, the film is filled with queer characters, from the main group of “sisters,” to the rich mean gays, to the motherly lesbian Erin, who hosts the group each summer. It also examines the racism and class hierarchy of queer culture surrounding the titular island. 

Fire Island is a movie by queer people for queer people, which shines through in the storytelling. More films should follow this example of queer people writing and producing their own romantic comedies, especially ones that focus on the experiences of queer characters of color. 

Fresh

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - FreshThis satirical horror follows protagonist Noa as she begins dating Steve, only to discover that he is a killer and cannibal. Noa’s best friend, Mollie, whose dating history includes both men and women, ends up being more significant to the plot than simply a best friend stereotype. She discovers that Noa is in danger and is then held hostage by Steve, and, once freed, saves Noa from being strangled by Steve’s wife. Mollie’s identity was casually included, though in a film that was heavily focused on gender dynamics and modern dating, it would have been interesting to delve deeper into the nuance of this queer Black woman. 

 

God Forbid: The Sex Scandal that Brought Down A Dynsasty

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: FAIL

This documentary tells the story of hotel attendant Giancarlo Granda, who became involved with Becki Falwell and her husband, right wing extremist Jerry Falwell Jr. The film delves into the intense harm and homophobia of Jerry Falwell Sr., including blaming gay people for the 9/11 attacks. Throughout the film, the affair between Giancarlo and Becki is described; Jerry would watch the two have sex then masturbate and have sex with Becki himself. He also became involved with Giancarlo’s business plans and used this to lord power over Giancarlo, especially when it is revealed that he recorded Giancarlo and Becki’s sexual activities without Giancarlo’s consent. The film delved into the hypocrisy of Jerry, including many instances of homophobia, while he actively wielded sexual power over another man. The film also included a brief clip of out anchor Anderson Cooper interviewing Giancarlo once the scandal broke.

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: FAIL

This film follows the relationship between Nancy, a middle aged woman who is trying to experience sexual pleasure, and Leo, a sex worker she hires to help her achieve this. Leo mentions his other clients, including some men, and toward the end of the film, recounts a story where his mother walked in on him having sex with multiple people and disowned him. Leo never specifically states the genders of the people involved in the group sex, though viewers can imply that perhaps there were multiple genders involved. Overall, there is heavy implication that Leo is queer, but nothing stated specifically to confirm it as being an identity for him beyond just part of his profession. 

Hellraiser

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - HellraiserThis reboot of the 1987 Hellraiser follows Riley, a recovering addict who gains possession of a puzzle box that summons the Cenobites, a sect who kills and tortures humans. Riley starts off the film living with her brother Matt and his boyfriend, Colin. The two are seen in bed together and are physically affectionate, before Matt is captured and killed by the Cenobites. Colin becomes a major player in the film after Matt’s death, teaming up with Riley to take down the Cenobites through his grief. Colin is also captured and tortured for a time, but Riley saves him and Colin survives the film. Though we would have liked to see more development of Matt and Colin’s relationship before Matt’s death, Colin’s role as a key character and a survivor of the gruesome events of the film cannot be overlooked. Both characters were vital to the narrative and were defined by more than just their sexual orientation. The film also starred Jamie Clayton, an actress who is trans, as Pinhead, though her character was never specifically indicated to be queer and/or trans.

Leave No Trace

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: FAIL

This documentary focuses on pedophilia and sexual assault in the Boy Scouts of America. One of the interviewees is lifelong scout James Dale, who was kicked out of the Boy Scouts for being gay and then took his case all the way to the Supreme Court. The documentary notes “it seemed to be more important to exclude gay Scouts and leaders than it was to fix the pedophile problem.” Though James’ talking head moment was brief, and he primarily existed to provide testimony from a gay man, his story was an important inclusion in the film. Leave No Trace also included a brief appearance by out anchor Anderson Cooper.

Machine Gun Kelly’s Life in Pink

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: FAIL

This music documentary follows Machine Gun Kelly in his artistic and personal life. The film was made while he was dating actor Megan Fox, who has spoken about her bisexuality publicly. There was a brief appearance by singer Halsey, who is also bisexual. Neither of their sexualities were discussed in the film, though both are publicly recognized members of the community. 

Matriarch

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - MatriarchMatriarch is a dark body-horror film that follows protagonist Laura as she returns to her hometown for the first time in 20 years after an overdose. Laura is seen early in the film having a sexual encounter with another woman, Katrin, and when she goes back to her hometown, she reconnects with her former lover, Abi, who has cancer. Audiences find out that Abi is part of a cult run by Celia, Laura’s mother, that worships an entity known as the Matriarch. It is revealed that Laura’s father sacrificed himself to have a child born of the Matriarch. In return, the Matriarch gave Celia the power to make everyone in the village young and healthy, including curing Abi’s cancer and reviving Laura after her overdose. By the end of the film, Laura frees the Matriarch, her true mother, which will lead to the death everyone in the village, and then walks into the lake and drowns herself. This film was intentionally gruesome and disturbing. It’s worth noting that the main character’s queerness wasn’t intrinsically tied to the darkness and violence of the film. 

Not Okay

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Not OkayNot Okay is a satire that follows Danni who, on her quest for attention, lies about being present for a terrorist attack just to gain internet clout. Danni works at a magazine with Harper and Larson, two confirmed queer characters. Early in the film, they go to a queer bowling night and Danni tries to secure an invite by mentioning she once kissed a girl in college, though she isn’t queer herself. Later, once Danni’s lie has earned her prestige, Larson invites her to the same event. Harper, on the other hand, is suspicious of Danni and does some investigating to prove that Danni has been lying the whole time. While Harper is an antagonist to Danni, given that the film itself describes Danni as an “unlikeable female protagonist,” Harper could easily be interpreted as the hero of the film. Overall, Harper is essential to the plot, but remains a side character in Danni’s story.  

Rosaline

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: FAIL

This Romeo and Juliet reimagining focuses on Rosaline, the woman Romeo loved before Juliet came along. While the film is framed as a period piece, it uses modern language and takes on a comedic lens, a break in the genre’s typical rules. One of Rosaline’s closest confidants in the film is Paris, a known character from the original play. However, in this retelling, Paris is portrayed as gay and comments on other men in the town square. At one point, Rosaline convinces Paris to get engaged to Juliet under the guise of concealing his true sexuality, when in reality Rosaline wants Romeo all to herself. The engagement goes awry, as it does in the play, and Paris is very much relegated to the side afterwards. Unfortunately, he never surpasses anything outside of the “gay best friend” role. While the film could have committed to queering Shakespeare and given Paris a love interest of his own, the character was ultimately there as comedic relief for the straight protagonist. 

Sex Appeal

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: PASS

Walt Disney - Sex AppealThis teen sex comedy follows protagonist Avery as she scientifically delves into the mechanics of sex. Sex Appeal is casual in its inclusivity; Avery has three moms, two that are divorced and one who remarried another woman. Avery also has conversations with a gay man, Tristan, and a bi woman, Bianca, when conducting research for her sex app. The school is filled with queer couples and gender-inclusive language is used when talking about sex. Though the majority of the queer characters are in supporting roles, the film, in both Avery’s home and school life, paints a realistic portrait of the modern world with its inclusion of LGBTQ people. 

 

The Valet

Straight to Streaming Release

Vito Russo Test: FAIL

This comedy film follows a valet who is bribed to pretend-date an actress as a cover for her affair with a married man. Both the husband and wife hire private investigators to stalk the other, named Kapoor and Stegman respectively. These minor characters grow a begrudging friendship, and there are hints in the end that it could be romantic, as the two move in together and make breakfast, while teasing each other domestically. However, the film doesn’t go the extra step to confirm the two men are in a relationship, instead having them call each other things like “dude,” “bro” and “roomie.” This is a perfect example of a missed opportunity for casual inclusion; it would have been easy to add a line of dialogue or a brief romantic action that confirms their relationship, but The Valet left it open to interpretation instead of providing outright representation.

OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD

As Disney continues to create films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are many opportunities to include queer characters from the comics and to expand on LGBTQ inclusion in previous films. In this spring’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Phyla-Vell was introduced in a post credits scene. She is a prominent character and a lesbian in the comics, and if her role is expanded in the MCU, there is opportunity for her identity and romances to be highlighted. Similarly, now that America Chavez is a hero of the MCU, there are many chances to showcase her lesbian identity, which makes up a huge part of her character in the comics. Valkyrie will also likely be featured in several upcoming films, and now that her bisexuality has been confirmed, it can be further explored. Any films that take place in Wakanda or utilize the Dora Milaje have the opportunity to explore Ayo and Aneka’s relationship. Phastos from Eternals is an additional character audiences want to see more of in future movies. In exciting Marvel news, Disney announced that the upcoming Deadpool 3 will see the return of queer couple Negasonic Teenage Warhead and Yukio. Wandavision also introduced Wanda’s twin sons who could also have further roles in future Marvel films. The Marvel comics have rich and in-depth LGBTQ characters; it’s long past time for the films to follow suit. 

Several sequels to Disney properties are slated, including Jungle Cruise 2, which has the chance to expand gay character McGregor’s role from the first film and give him a love interest. Cruella 2 is also on the books. Many read Cruella’s friend and designer Artie as queer, and the sequel provides an opportunity to explicitly confirm that identity. 

Searchlight released comedy Theater Camp this summer, which was co-written by actors, filmmakers, and husbands Ben Platt and Noah Galvin. Platt’s character in the film is gay, as well as a plethora of the campers at the titular camp. This winter, Searchlight will release fantastical drama All Of Us Strangers from out director Andrew Haigh and starring out actor Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal. The film will spotlight their character’s romance, which would be an exciting turn for the genre. This summer, Hulu released Jagged Mind, a psychological thriller with a queer couple at the center. The streamer also has an adaptation of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in the works; the comics featured multiple queer characters.

In the past, GLAAD had counted films released theatrically by The Walt Disney Studios and 20th Century (and their associated labels) in this report, while counting arthouse distributor Searchlight separately. This year, GLAAD is counting films distributed under The Walt Disney Studios, 20th Century, and Searchlight, as well as original films on streamers Disney+ and Hulu, as one overall brand.

Summary of 2022 Findings

59

Total films released in 2022 under studio and official imprints

24

Total number of LGBTQ-inclusive films

41%

Percent of LGBTQ-inclusive films of studio total releases

19

Number of films that pass the Vito Russo Test

theatrical

15

Total theatrical films released in 2022 under studio and official imprints

7

Total number of theatrical LGBTQ inclusive films

47%

Percent of theatrical LGBTQ-inclusive films of studio theatrical releases

7

Number of theatrical films that pass the Vito Russo Test

streaming

44

Total streaming only films released in 2022 under studio and official imprints

17

Total number of streaming LGBTQ inclusive films

39%

Percent of LGBTQ-inclusive of studio total streaming releases

12

Number of streaming films that pass the Vito Russo Test

STUDIO RATING OVER TIME

5/5

2022

GOOD

3/5

2021

INSUFFICIENT

0/5

2020

N/A

2/5

2019

POOR

1/5

2018

FAILING

2/5

2017

POOR

1/5

2016

FAILING

1/5

2015

FAILING

1/5

2014

FAILING

2/5

2013

ADEQUATE

1/5

2012

FAILING

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