The introduction is subtle, almost unnoticeable. You better pay attention in every scene of the movie or you might miss it. Most people did. “Finding Dory” introduced Disney’s first lesbian couple and first transgender character.
The presentation was gentle as if Disney was even afraid to show "too much”, but the initiative was probably the best move Pixar every made. The timing also couldn’t be better, as people all over the world mourns the death of 49 victims of the shooting at Pulse – gay nightclub in Orlando, Flo.
It is hard to give credit to anyone but the GLAAD - formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation - for the representation of the LGBT community in the movie. Earlier this year, they brought to the public attention Disney's failure to produce characters who represent the whole population.
A huge amount of Disney's fans also raised their voice asking for more equality in the upcoming movies with hashtags like #GiveElsaAGirlfriend, regarding the sequel of the movie "Frozen" that it is expected to hit theaters in 2017.
The "way too short" appearance of the first lesbian couple in "Finding Dory", although, didn't please that much the LGBT community as the characters' sexuality is only assumed - two women 'apparently' with their child is showed for mere split seconds.
The introduction of the first transgender character is also gently made as it is hard to notice the main stingray in the movie is actually 'sting-Rhonda'.
Expectations were very high, and Disney for sure disappointed many fans, but "Finding Dory" is essentially a brilliant movie. Yes, maybe Disney is just 'playing safe' in "Finding Dory" to ultimately address the LGBT community in "Frozen 2" - rumors of a love-relationship between Elsa and Anna are very strong.
Andrew Stanton, co-director of "Finding Dory," addressed the issue in a recent interview with USA Today saying "there is no right or wrong answer," and that "they can be whatever you want them to be."
Truth be told: Disney plays with people's imagination. Everything is figurative and that's the image the company has created for itself. Disney's magic is supposed to be created in your own head, and that's the beauty of its animation movies. They make you believe it is your mind that controls everything that happens. People imagine only what they want to imagine as much as they see only what they want to see.
The discussion, therefore, is that maybe, just maybe, it is time for Disney to take things more literal and show the whole world that when it comes to respect, there are many rights and many wrongs.
The LGBT community not only deserves its space in Pixar's creations but also needs it. To tragedies like the shooting at Pulse be avoided, we need to start educating the younger generation.
Discrimination is taught. If children grow up knowing it is wrong to mistreat anyone based on their race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender identity, disability, etc., maybe the future of the humanity isn't that lost after all.
Disney 'tasted waters' in "Finding Dory" and now has the power to transform "Frozen 2" in an example to the future generations. What they will do can be decided by me and you. Raise your voice. Fight for a fair world for all of us.
Disney, #GiveElsaAGirlfriend!
