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It’s disheartening that this is still an issue in 2017, but not especially surprising.
The relationship in question is not overtly sexual.
Credit: Laurie Sparham/Disney
We can all agree that adult sexuality has no place in a family-friendly fairy tale.
In theanimated original, LeFou was a mean-spirited, comic-relief toadie who follows Gaston like a toxic little shadow.
The difference is the Beast yearns to change, to be someone other than a volatile, angry creature.
But Gaston is delighted to be indifferent, aloof, and uncaring.
We get the sense he’s absorbed worse from his friend.
director Bill Condon told EW in an interview.
EXCLUSIVE:WatchBeauty and the Beastcome to life in new behind-the-scenes video
So where does this relationship go?
But his advice is rejected at every turn.
and he begs for Gaston’s help, but the strapping villain sneers at his embattled cohort.
He has no time to waste on pitiful LeFou.
In that moment, LeFou’s heart breaks.
But it’s also the moment his backbone forms.
Someone undeserving of the care LeFou has lavished on him over the years.
She attacks with a blast of ribbons and silk that leaves the three gnarly men dressed in ball gowns.
It lasts for about three seconds.
There’s the gay plot in the newBeauty and the Beastmovie.
WON’T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN?
For most little kids, this will fly right over their heads.
LeFou will seem like the same loud, rambunctious goofball he was in the animated version.
That leaves the question: Does this subplot in a big-budget family movie normalize same-sex relationships?
Yes, that’s exactly what it does.
And I’m delighted that Disney studio chief Alan Horn allowed them to do it.
Well, buck up, Mom and Dad.
You’ll be asked far harder questions as the years go by.
This is an easy one.
You say, “Yes, some boys like boys.
Some girls like girls.
When you’re older, you’ve got the option to love whoever makes you happy.
I’ll love you no matter what.”
In what possible way is this a controversial message?
We all, every single one of us, know LGBTQ people.
Friends, family, neighbors, co-workers.
They are a part of our lives, and they should be a part of our stories.
This doesn’t harm children.
They deserve to see their families represented in fairy tales, too.
This is a step in that direction.
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