"Beauty and the Beast" has been one of my favorite Disney movies since before I can remember. However, recently I have been told that I shouldn’t go to the theater when the remake is released on March 17th.

At first, I thought the headline I read on my newsfeed was referring to Emma Watson and her openly feminist beliefs, which have also been a problem, but no. It was because there is expected to be a gay subplot underneath the main story line. The charter LeFou, played by the wonderful Josh Gad, in the new movie is expected to have a little crush on Gaston. This “problem” has been blown way too far out of proportion and I'm honestly shocked it has become the huge issue that it is.

If you have ever watched "Beauty and the Beast" from 1991, it’s not crazy to think that this might be the case. LeFou is quite obsessed with Gaston in every make of this story, whether it be romantically or not. So if it happens to be romantic, it is too subtle to tell. The director of the new movie says the fact that this character is gay is going to be extremely subtle, that you might even miss it all together. There is no gay scene to even be worthy of drawing controversy, it is apparently just some small moments.

If you can’t handle this little difference, I don’t think this story was ever for you. This is a story about a young girl and a huge animal having a romantic relationship. This whole movie is a symbol for seeing the good in people and not dismissing them based on things they cannot change. The director of the movie, Bill Condon, said in a press conference that this new addition is meant to be an inclusive element.

“It’s about looking closer, going deeper, accepting people for who they really are.” He continued, “And in a very Disney way, we are including everybody. I think this is for everybody, and on the screen, we’ll see everybody. And that was important to me.”

I think this addition is a good change because it shows how far we have come as a country in the last couple of decades in a way that isn’t offensive or seen as over the top to most people. As someone who was raised Catholic and has Catholic friends who are also eager to see this movie, despite the controversy, I think those who are boycotters of this movie need to take a back seat and understand that Disney just isn’t for you.

I’m not here to say that anyone’s religious beliefs are invalid, I am trying to say that America is supposed to be a country that works towards acceptance of all people and this movie has always been an incredible display of acceptance. That’s why I love it. There are LGBTQ people in America, that’s just how it is and just like how the beast being a beast isn’t a choice, being gay is not a choice.

I think it’s great that the director has made a point to include the LGBTQ community, in a subtle and agreeable way, in this modern twist. I’m excited to see this movie because I have always thought it was one that everybody could enjoy, and even with this slight change I continue to think this story is for all who embrace acceptance of all humanity.