Summary

• Disney has been increasing LGBTQ+ representation in recent projects, offering diverse shows and movies on Disney+.
• LGBTQ+ characters in series like
  Big Shot, Out,
  and
  The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
  showcase acceptance and love.
• Big Shot
  and
  Willow
  on Disney+ carefully handle LGBTQ+ representation, contributing to mainstream media’s inclusivity.

As a company, Disney has been criticized for its lack of representation of the LGBTQ+ community for years, but that representation has been gradually increasing with recent projects, but there are a number of great gay movies on Disney+. The best LGBTQ+ shows on Disney+ offer a variety of representation in both animation and live-action. Some of the shows, like Glee, were originally created for other networks and added to the streaming service after their acquisition. Others, like High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, were created exclusively for Disney+.

There are even movies from the modern Disney and Marvel era that have some much-needed representation for fans. These diverse offerings demonstrate Disney’s ongoing commitment toembracing and celebrating LGBTQ+ identities. By including these stories in its catalog, Disney+ not only entertains but also fosters greater acceptance and understanding, making strides toward a more inclusive future in entertainment.

15 Big Shot (2021-2022)

Follows Mouse, An Openly Gay Basketball Player

Big Shot, starring John Stamos as a temperamental basketball coach who finds himself coaching a girls’ high school team, has garnered praise for its engaging storyline and diverse cast. Among its standout elements is its thoughtful approach to LGBTQ+ representation.

The series introduces the character of Mouse, a talented basketball player who is openly gay. Mouse’s journey and experiences are woven into the fabric of the show, highlighting the importance of acceptance and understanding within a team setting. The series also explores the dynamics of Mouse’s relationship with her girlfriend, showcasing the support and love they share. Big Shot handles these themes with care, ensuring that LGBTQ+ characters are depicted with depth and authenticity.

The show provides a positive example of how sports and teamwork can create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. By featuring LGBTQ+ storylines and characters, Big Shot contributes to the growing representation of diverse identities in mainstream media, making it a valuable addition to Disney+.

14 Out (2020)

The Pixar Short Is About A Young Man Who Comes Out To His Parents

Out is a short film that has made a significant impact with its poignant and heartfelt story. Part of Pixar’s SparkShorts series, Out follows the journey of Greg, a young man who struggles with coming out to his parents about his relationship with his boyfriend, Manuel. The film uses a touch of magic to explore themes of acceptance and self-identity, as Greg’s mind gets swapped with his dog’s, leading to a series of humorous and touching moments.

The film’s climax, where Greg finally comes out to his parents, is handled with sensitivity and emotional depth, making it a powerful moment of acceptance and love.

What sets Out apart is its direct and unflinching portrayal of a same-sex relationship, something rarely seen in animated family films. The film’s climax, where Greg finally comes out to his parents, is handled with sensitivity and emotional depth, making it a powerful moment of acceptance and love. Out has been celebrated for its groundbreaking representation and its ability to tell a compelling LGBTQ+ story in a short format. It stands as a testament to the importance of diverse narratives in animation and is a must-watch on Disney+ for its impactful and heartwarming message.

13 The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022-Present)

Michael Collins Is An Openly Gay Teenager

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is a revival of the beloved early 2000s animated series The Proud Family. This updated version continues to follow the adventures of Penny Proud and her family while introducing new characters and storylines that reflect today’s diverse society.

One of the most notable additions is the character of Michael Collins, an openly gay teen who brings a vibrant and positive representation to the series. Michael’s character is a fashion-forward, confident young man who is unapologetically himself. The series does an excellent job of integrating his storylines into the broader narrative, showcasing his experiences and relationships in a way that feels natural and affirming.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder also touches on other LGBTQ+ themes and issues, providing a platform for important conversations about identity and acceptance. The show’s commitment to inclusivity and representation makes it a standout on Disney+, continuing the legacy of the original series while embracing the diverse world we live in today.

12 Willow (2022-Present)

Handles Kit & Jade’s Representation With Care

Willow, a series continuation of the classic 1988 fantasy film, brings a fresh take on the beloved story while introducing new characters and dynamics. Among the standout aspects of the series is its LGBTQ+ representation, particularly through the characters of Kit Tanthalos and Jade Claymore. Kit, the rebellious princess, and Jade, her loyal friend and skilled warrior, share a deep bond that evolves into a romantic relationship.

The show handles their relationship with care and authenticity, presenting it as a natural and integral part of the storyline. Their love story adds depth to their characters and provides meaningful representation for LGBTQ+ viewers. The inclusion of such a relationship in a high-fantasy setting is a significant step forward for diverse storytelling in the genre. Willow offers a blend of adventure, magic, and romance, making it a compelling watch on Disney+ that champions inclusivity and representation.

11 The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

The Series Hints At Bucky Barnes’s Bisexuality

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier delves deeper into the lives of its titular heroes, especially Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier. The series hints at Bucky’s bisexuality in a subtle yet impactful way. During a date with Leah, Bucky awkwardly mentions swiping on dating apps and encountering numerous tiger pictures, which were notoriously common in men’s profiles. This remark suggests Bucky has been swiping on both men and women, a significant nod towards his potential bisexuality.

This subtle inclusion is a step towards fulfilling Marvel’s promise of more LGBTQ+ representation. Bucky’s journey in the series focuses on atonement and self-discovery as he works through his trauma and attempts to make amends for his past actions. His character development allows him to explore aspects of his identity previously unexplored, given his tumultuous past and the era he grew up in, where bisexuality was not openly accepted.

10 The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022-Present)

The Series Features Two Dads Voiced By Billy Porter & Zachary Quinto

Revivals and sequel series aren’t always well-received by fans of the original. That isn’t the case with The Proud Family: Louder And Prouder, which brings back most of the original voice cast for aged-up characters. The series also features a handful of new characters, and many of them belong to the LGBTQ+ community.

In addition to a pair of dads voiced by Billy Porter and Zachary Quinto, the series updates an original character named Michael (voiced by EJ Johnson) from the original series. Michael was bullied in the original animated series for being too feminine. Now, Michael is an out and proud friend of Penny who has undergone his own image makeover. He’s comfortable in his own skin, providing positive representation for young kids of color who might be watching the series. The series has done a great job at increasing its representation and has become one of the best LGBTQ+ shows on Disney+.

9 Howard (2018)

A Compelling Documentary That Chronicles The Achievements Of Gay Musician Howard Ashman

While most audience members undoubtedly look for queer stories among Disney’s fictional content, there’s also a documentary Disney fans will want to see if they haven’t already. Howard recounts the life of musician and lyricist Howard Ashman. Ashman grew up loving musical theater, and after not seeing much success creating works for the stage, teamed up with struggling Disney animators and his musical partner Alan Menken to usher in the Disney Renaissance. The documentary covers Ashman’s contributions to the success of The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast.

Howard also features Ashman’s tragic end as a gay man in the 1990s, dying as a result of complications from AIDS during the height of the AIDS epidemic in New York before Beauty and the Beast released. While the story might be a sad one, Ashman left a powerful legacy in art, and the documentary remaining on Disney+ is a victory for LGBTQ+ fans. It was one of the programs originally slated to be eliminated as Disney+ and Hulu revamp their programming, but outcry on social media had Disney+ reconsider.

8 Amphibia (2019-2022)

The Series Includes Many Characters Who Identify With LGBTQ+ Representation, Including Ally

On her 13th birthday, Thai-American Anne Boonchy is peer-pressured into stealing a music box that ends up transporting her and her two best friends to different parts of the mysterious world of Amphibia. While there, Anne begins to bond with the Plantar frog family who takes her in and helps her adjust to her new world. The popular Amphibia features several minor characters who identify with the LGBTQ+ representation including pansexual Ally.

Pansexuality isn’t talked about much on television so the fact that a children’s show chose to include a pansexual character is a major reason to watch the show. It’s one of the most heartwarming and best LGBTQ+ shows on Disney+. This inclusion is crucial for the representation of diverse sexual orientations and identities, making it a trailblazer in children’s programming. It’s one of the most heartwarming and best LGBTQ+ shows on Disney+.

7 Cruella (2021)

Artie Is Disney’s First “Major” Gay Character

Not only is Cruella one of Disney’s best live-action remakes, but it also featured Disney’s first “major” gay character in a Disney movie – a claim that was questioned by some Disney fans since Disney has used the same headline before (via Indie Wire). While Artie never clearly states his sexuality, audiences are meant to infer based on his conversations with Estella.

It’s not the most apparent LGBTQ+ representation in a Disney movie, but it’s a step in the right direction. Fans are hopeful that they’ll get more from Artie and his backstory in the confirmed Cruella 2 movie that’s actively in development. Artie’s character, with his flamboyant fashion sense and unapologetic self-expression, adds a layer of diversity that has been long overdue in Disney’s major films. This representation, though subtle, contributes to the ongoing dialogue about inclusivity in mainstream media.

6 Eternals (2021)

Phastos & Ben Share A Kiss, A Big Step For Superhero Movies

When
Eternals
premiered in theaters in 2021, it marked the first openly gay superhero in the MCU.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has proven itself as the powerhouse of superhero movies, and now it’s also proving that anyone can be a superhero regardless of gender, age, race, and sexuality. When Eternals premiered in theaters in 2021, it marked the first openly gay superhero in the MCU. The best part of Eternals and Phastos is that his sexuality isn’t only hinted at but plays a major role in who he is and his storylines.

Fans get to see him interact with his husband Ben and their son in the Eternals cast, and the two husbands even get to share a kiss – something that Disney likely never would have done a few years ago. This groundbreaking moment is a significant step forward for representation in superhero films, showing that love and family are universal themes that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Phastos’ character and his family are integral to the story, making Eternals a must-watch for its inclusive and heartfelt portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships.

5 High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019-2023)

Both Ashlyn & Big Red Come Out As Bisexual In Season 3

When High School Musical 2 came out, many fans began to speculate about Ryan’s sexuality but the beloved Disney Channel original movie never commented and instead pushed Ryan into a relationship with Kelsey in the third movie. However, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series wanted to right some of those wrongs by creating LGBTQ+ characters who are out and proud. Season 1 not only features Carlos, a publicly gay character, but it also tells a heartwarming coming-out story for Seb as well.

Now, the two are in a happy relationship together with many fans claiming they’re the best couple of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. The series might be campy at times, but it’s got some of the most realistic depictions of relationships among its teen cast, making it one of the best LGBTQ+ shows on Disney+. The series also featured Ashlyn and Big Red both coming out as bisexual in season 3 after Ashlyn experiences a confusing reaction to new series regular Maddox at camp.

4 Glee (2009-2015)

Kurt & Blaine Is A Fan-Favorite Glee Relationship

For LGBTQ+ kids and teens growing up in the 2010s, Glee was one of the first times they ever saw themselves represented on television. Considered one of the best musical shows of all time, the teen drama centered on a group of glee kids who regularly competed in competitions while also dealing with typical high school drama. The LGBTQ+ community praised the series for its many diverse LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. However, a fan favorite remains the relationship between Kurt and Blaine.

Unlike other LGBTQ+ teen couples, Kurt and Blaine end up happily ever after and get married in the final season of the show. It’s proof that LGBTQ+ couples can and do get to live out their own happily-ever-afters. This representation was groundbreaking for its time, offering a hopeful and positive depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships to a wide audience. Kurt and Blaine’s journey from high school sweethearts to a married couple provided a relatable and inspiring narrative, affirming that love and happiness are possible for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

3 Grown-ish (2018-Present)

The Series Introduced Des, A Genderfluid Pansexual

A spin-off of ABC’s hit sitcom Black-ish, Grown-ish follows Zoey Johnson and her new friends as they navigate the highs and lows of college life now that they’re on their own for the first time ever. While Zoey was the lead-in for the series, the show really is an ensemble comedy that includes several LGBTQ+ characters. In the first season, fans get introduced to Nomi, a bisexual first-year student who is out to her friends but not her family.

In addition to Nomi, the series introduces fans to Des, a genderfluid and pansexual athlete who begins a relationship with Jazz. The introduction of Des allowed the show to explore genderfluidity and the complicated thoughts and feelings that might arise from a potential heterosexual partner. This portrayal is significant as it opens up conversations about gender and sexuality, presenting nuanced and diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. By featuring characters like Nomi and Des, Grown-ish provides much-needed representation and highlights the importance of understanding and acceptance in today’s society.

2 Love, Victor (2020-2022)

Follows Victor Coming To Terms With His Sexuality In Creekwood High

Fans first fell in love with Creekwood High in Becky Albertelli’s bestselling novel which was then turned into the hit romantic comedy Love, Simon. It wasn’t long before fans got to return to Creekwood with the Hulu original series (which moved to Disney+) Love, Victor.

Like Love, Simon, sexuality plays a huge part in Love, Victor as Victor begins to explore and come to terms with his sexuality now that he’s in a new place. While the first two seasons revolved heavily around Victor’s sexual exploration, the third season explores Lake’s own sexual exploration as she begins dating Lucy, and though the two experience some hurdles in their relationship, they discuss them maturely and find solutions to their problems. Among teen dramas, which can be more soapy than realistic, Love, Victors offers one of the best LGBTQ+ shows on Disney+.

1 The Owl House (2020-2023)

The Animated Series Follows Two Same-Sex Characters, Luz & Amity

The Owl House is one of Disney Channel’s newest animated shows that is getting quite the praise for its LGBTQ+ representation. In fact, it’s the first ever Disney show or movie to feature two same-sex characters in lead roles in a relationship. It’s easily among the best LGBTQ+ shows on Disney+ The most considerable praise comes in the form of Luz and Amity’s relationship as bisexual and lesbian young women.

It isn’t often that media shows two young girls in love which is one of the reasons that The Owl House is so popular among fans. The series also introduced Raine, a character who goes by they/them pronouns before it ended with season 3. Raine’s inclusion as a non-binary character further enriched the show’s diverse representation, making it a trailblazer in children’s programming. The thoughtful and genuine portrayal of these characters’ identities and relationships has resonated deeply with audiences, proving that inclusive storytelling on Disney+ can be both impactful and beloved.