Was Ursula Disney’s First LGBT Character?

The question about whether Ursula from The Little Mermaid is Disney’s first LGBT character is a complex one. While there are some interesting theories and historical contexts, it’s important to analyze the character in the context of her origins and official portrayals.

Unofficial Interpretations

There is a fun fact circulating in the fandom that Ursula was inspired by Divine, a well-known drag queen from New Orleans. This theory suggests that Ursula’s design and character traits might reflect some of Divine’s characteristics. However, it is essential to understand that while Ursula shares some similarities with Divine, being inspired by a drag queen does not necessarily make her an LGBT character.

It’s important to note that despite her androgynous appearance and ambiguous nature, Ursula is not explicitly identified as LGBT in any official capacity. In the original story by Hans Christian Andersen, Ursula is portrayed as a manipulative, sea witch who impresses Ariel through her disguise. In Disney’s adaptation, while her character might have seemed ambiguous, a romantic or sexual interest in anyone is not clearly stated.

Official Characterizations

Disney has officially recognized its first LGBT character with the release of Onward, a movie directed by Dan Scanlon for Disney Pixar. The main characters, Ian and Mike, are brothers who are also a couple, marking a significant milestone for inclusive representation in Disney animations.

When discussing potential LGBT traits in Ursula, it is crucial to differentiate between fan theories and official portrayals. While some interpreters might see Ursula as having traits that align with LGBT characters, her design and actions did not align with official LGBT representation at the time of her release.

The Historical Context

When considering the historical context, it’s fascinating to note that Ursula, as a character, was designed in the 1980s, a time when LGBT representation in mainstream media was far less common and nuanced than today. The focus was more on ensuring the character could appeal to a broad audience rather than addressing specific LGBT issues.

Ursula’s inspiration from Divine might be an interesting connection for drag culture enthusiasts. However, the portrayal of LBGT characters in media has evolved significantly since then. Today, there is a greater emphasis on clear representation and the portrayal of diverse identities.

Conclusion

In the end, while there are valid discussions about the potential LGBT inspiration behind Ursula’s character design, she is not officially recognized as Disney’s first LGBT character. The recognition of LGBT representation in Disney is a continuous journey, marked by both fan theories and official portrayals. For now, Ursula’s place in this evolution is closely tied to her original origins and the historical context of her creation.

References

Ursula The Little Mermaid - Wikipedia Onward (2020) - IMDb