Disney Finally Adds Gay Character To Their Arsenal | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Disney Finally Adds Gay Character To Their Arsenal

It is about damn time.

11
Disney Finally Adds Gay Character To Their Arsenal
Coming Soon

This week it was announced that the highly anticipated live-action film, "Beauty and The Beast" will feature a gay character. This character? Lafou, Gaston's doting and dedicated sidekick. As if the signs were not there already in the animated version, Disney has made a bold move in deciding to officially give this character an arc by presenting him as gay and most likely attracted to our favorite bad guy, Gaston.

There were outcries of injustice in the making of this character's sexuality that of a gay man.

"Why do we need to put gay people in EVERYTHING?!"

"This will be hard for parents to explain for to their children."

"I cannot believe Disney supports LGBT! Not Seeing this!"

These were just a few of the very real comments I read. Now, of course, this is such a sensitive subject. Hasn't the LGBT community had it too good for too long? Well do not fear, I am here to address all of your concerns.

First and foremost, let me assure you that your children will most definitely turn gay after watching a gay character. I mean, that's why we're straight right? Because we saw it on TV so obviously. Secondly, you should absolutely boycott this film, it's definitely not made for children! Mind you a woman falls in love with an animal, but *dramatic gasp* a gay character? Too far, Disney. Too far. How could Disney support LGBT rights? All of their films and parks promote acceptance and love, but man this is really too much!

...really people? What year is it?

It's about time Disney introduces a gay character. If they weren't going to, somebody else was. The Disney company is inclusive, having diverse employees, and even having "gay days" at the Disney Parks. This is a company that celebrates differences, not one that objectifies those who are different than us. A child will not be "poisoned" if they see a gay character on television because if they have been raised correctly they will not see anything different about them. Because at the end of the day, nothing is different about the LGBT community. This does not change a story line either, as a lot of people have argued: "Oh but they're changing the original!". No, they're not. The main storyline will not change. However, aspects WILL. Maurice is not an inventor in this film, but I have heard no complaints about that. Going from animated to live-action, especially when making a film 25 years after its debut, there's going to be some storyline changes. This is what keeps the film interesting and encourages people to see it.

Stop disguising homophobia as, "Well I don't care if people are gay, I just don't see why it needs to be in movies!" That's problematic thinking. Heterosexually drips from movies, even when a romantic relationship is not needed, we will automatically form one between the male and female character. We're conditioned to and it's simply not right that the LGBT community does not get representation they deserve. This role, I'm assuming, will not be a huge one, this scene will most likely go over children's heads, and it may not end well for Lafou's heart. But representation is key, this is what progress looks like. Perhaps the first outwardly gay character should not have been named "the fool," but, Josh Gad is an incredibly talented and accepting actor, and I do not think he would let this role become offensive in any way. This is what progress looks like; planting little seeds along the way to something big. The original The Beauty and The Beast songwriter, Howard Ashman was actually a gay man who died of HIV before the films release. What an honor to him that there will now be some form of LGBT present in this film.

If you are so offended to see this film because it features a gay character who will not even play an extremely integral role to the story, don't bother going. Why would you object yourself to something you oppose so fiercely. The LGBT community deserves nothing but respect and accurate portrayal in the media, and I, like so many others, am definitely here to see Disney give that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

2852
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

2320
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

1836
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less
Woman in field with a red heart-shaped balloon under a colorful sky.

Being single can be great and awful at the same time. Yeah, it's awesome to have time to yourself to figure out who you are and make your own decisions. It would also be nice to have someone to go through life with, but it needs to be the right person. I haven't found that person yet and here's a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments