Disney has seen baby steps of progress when it comes to LGBT+ representation over the past few years, with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker featuring a minor same-sex kiss, and Pixar film Onward and Marvel film Avengers: Endgame both briefly alluding to same-sex relationships. Disney Channel shows have also explored LGBT+ themes for the first time in recent years – ending a decades-long informal ban on gay content.
This year, CEO Bob Chapek insisted that Disney was committed to improving its queer representation, saying: “At Disney we strongly believe we should reflect in our creative content the diversity that we find in our fanbase and our audience.” Now, it seems he might be finally following through.
Howard, released Friday (August 7) on Disney Plus, tells the story of Howard Ashman, the gay lyrical genius behind many Disney classics including The Little Mermaid‘s “Kiss the Girl”, Beauty and the Beast‘s titular song and Aladdin‘s “Arabian Nights”.