Disney Pixar’s vibrant film, Onward, takes us on a journey through a fantastical realm filled with mythical beings. While the film features elves and a centaur love interest for the main character’s mother, the real buzz surrounds a secondary character: Officer Specter, a cyclops brought to life by the talented voice of Lena Waithe. This character stands out as Disney’s first openly queer female character in an animated film, and the fact that she is voiced by an openly black lesbian adds another layer of significance. As a black queer woman and a parent, this representation holds immense importance for me.
When Waithe’s character appeared, her moment on screen was fleeting, yet it struck a chord with me. I was so engrossed in the plot that when I heard her mention “my girlfriend,” I had to pause. Did I really just hear a female character in a Disney movie use that term? It was a moment of unexpected affirmation.
Officer Specter’s open queerness is groundbreaking, but Waithe’s involvement amplifies its impact. Her unapologetic embrace of both her black identity and her sexuality is refreshing. In recent years, she has significantly contributed to increasing visibility for black queer individuals. Disney’s choice to cast a lesbian actress for a lesbian character is also noteworthy — they could have easily opted for a straight voice actor, yet they acknowledged the importance of authenticity.
Disney has long been celebrated for its family-friendly content. However, it has often portrayed a narrow definition of family, predominantly showcasing white, heterosexual households. As a single parent, I yearn for a Disney narrative that reflects diverse family structures, not because one is superior, but because it’s simply more relatable.
Navigating life as an openly queer parent is challenging, particularly when it comes to representation in children’s media. Queer parents are often invisible in mainstream children’s shows and films, despite our presence in the world and the lives of our children. Many people struggle to look beyond their biases. Disney has, unfortunately, perpetuated this by sticking to heteronormative storylines. That’s why Officer Specter’s brief appearance in Onward is encouraging, even if it’s just a momentary acknowledgment.
In 2019, a conservative group known as One Million Moms expressed outrage over a brief scene in Toy Story 4 where a child is seen being picked up by two moms. This scene was so subtle that it hardly registered with most viewers, yet it sparked significant backlash. The impact of Officer Specter is much more pronounced; her character explicitly states her queerness and portrays a positive relationship with another woman. This offers a sense of visibility and validation to queer parents, even if it is only for a short time.
It’s worth noting that Onward could have easily chosen to queer code its characters, hinting at their sexuality without being explicit — a common practice in many Disney films. For example, Elsa from Frozen is often interpreted as queer, despite the lack of confirmation. That’s why the clear representation in Onward is significant; it’s a step away from ambiguity.
However, I do have a concern regarding Officer Specter being a police officer. While it makes sense in the context of the film, the history of policing and its impact on both queer and black communities creates a complex narrative. It’s possible to celebrate representation while also critiquing the implications it carries.
Even though Officer Specter’s role may not drive the main plot, her existence matters. The film explores themes of family, and incorporating a queer family dynamic, even briefly, is essential. I hope this sets the stage for Disney Pixar to introduce more queer characters with substantial storylines in the future. For now, as a queer mother, I find joy in this representation.
For more insights on inclusive parenting, check out this post on home insemination. It’s crucial to stay informed, especially when navigating topics related to family and diversity. If you’re interested in learning more about resources for home insemination, visit Make a Mom, a trusted authority on the subject. Additionally, for those on a journey through pregnancy, the March of Dimes provides excellent resources.
In summary, Officer Specter’s presence in Onward is a significant stride toward representation in children’s media. While her role is brief, it offers a glimpse into a more inclusive narrative that acknowledges the existence of queer families. As a parent, I hope to see more such characters in future Disney films.
Leave a Reply