Disneyland Busts Down Stereotypes With New Gender Nonconforming Mannequin
The Disney Channel made history last January when it featured a same-sex couple — two lesbian moms — for the first time in its history on the sitcom Good Luck Charlie.
Now, a young gender nonconforming mannequin in the window of one boutique at the Disney California Adventure theme park at Disneyland is representing the company's next great frontier in its apparent commitment to the LGBT community.
The young boy mannequin, sporting a Minnie Mouse t-shirt, a bedazzled Minnie Mouse purse, and matching Minnie Mouse hat, was initially spotted by annual pass holder Jarret Hastings, who described the importance of the seemingly small gesture to The New Civil Rights Movement.
Hastings says the mannequin's nonbinary identity, coupled with the fact that its clearly standing on the 'girl's' side of said window display, surrounded by traditionally 'female toys,' represents a "step in the right direction."
“I think that it's great that the Disney company can put something like this on display in the parks,” he said. “Not every guest may notice that it's a boy mannequin with traditionally feminine attire but it goes to show that Disney is a supportive organization that welcomes everyone.”
The gesture, however, may not be enough. As TNCRM's Eric Rosswood points out, Disney seriously lacks LGBT representation on screen, an offense that contributed to its failing grade on GLAAD's Studio Responsibility Index this year.
He writes: "Will Disney ever feature openly LGBT characters in their movies? How long do you think it will take them to do so?"
What are your thoughts?
