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This article contains spoilers for the film Luca.
Back in June, Disney released Pixar’s latest feature film, Luca. Set in the fictional seaside town of Portorosso, Luca is a story of adventure, escape, difference and found family. It’s also, according to many, a narrative about a gay relationship – even if the film itself stops short of confirming that.
The themes explored in Luca have since led to accusations of “queerbaiting” – a phenomenon in which LGBTQIA+ relationships are hinted at, but never clearly expressed. As a queer animation researcher, I know first hand how pronounced that problem is in film and TV.
Luca, Disney and queerbaiting in animation
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UF professionals discuss LGBTQ representation in children s entertainment - The Independent Florida Alligator
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The Mitchells vs. the Machines is how to do LGBTQ representation in kids movies Michelle Yang © Provided by NBC News
It might only be one line in the final scene of the Netflix animated family film “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” but with it the movie embraces queer representation beyond anything Disney, the most celebrated children s programming company, has ever been willing to do in its animated movies.
“Are you and Jade official? mom Linda Mitchell (voiced by Maya Rudolph) says to her daughter, Katie (Abbi Jacobson). And will you bring her home for Thanksgiving?”
As a straight parent, I’m grateful to see more queer representation on children’s programming. I ve seen for myself how early heteronormative conditioning starts for young children; it s often before they have any awareness of their own identity and usually before they are born. My husband and I were saddened but not surprised to receive well-meaning gifts of baby clothing th