LGBT Community In The Beauty And The Beast

Disney’s recent film adaptation of The Beauty and the Beast makes progress toward a more inclusive representation of the LGBT community in Disney’s works. There are still issues with the film however, many of the claims made in the Jeffords article still hold true in this adaptation of the story. One issue mentioned by Jeffords on page 167 is when he discusses the fact that Disney’s earlier introduction of the Beast’s curse focuses the story more on the Beast and less on Belle. The new movie does a respectable job at defining the story and character of Belle; however, the audience is introduced to the story of the beast at the very beginning of the film. In agreeance with Jeffords’ argument, the early introduction of the Beast/prince and his

Another character which is introduced early in the film is Gaston, a narcissistic suitor of Belle; Gaston is similar to the 1980’s “macho man” type mentioned in Jeffords’ article who cares little more than to pursue his own goals at whatever cost. An often-overlooked gender role in Disney films is the male suitor stereotype; although Gaston is meant to play the villain, it is roles like his, a handsome yet abusive man endlessly chasing an attractive woman, that children may impress upon and see as normal. Conversely, children could imprint upon the notions put forth by Belle and the Beast’s relationship similar to what was mentioned in Jeffords’ article; the Beast’s initial roughness must be overlooked by Belle but in return she will discover the man of her dreams. Although Belle received more of a backstory in this film adaptation, Belle’s backstory merely culminates into the scene in which she helps her father and herself escape the carriage destine for the asylum. Besides assisting her escape with her father, Belle’s backstory also led to her strengthening her bond with the Beast, which further asserts the story still being