As one can imagine when searching “sex and Disney,” there’s much to sift through. The majority focus on the not-so-hidden sex in Disney movies such as the sexual innuendos you have glossed over as a child. For the most part, many of these have been “debunked” by a HuffPost interview with Tim Sito, a former animator for Disney. When the pieces weren’t discussing the different erections in The Little Mermaid, they were harsh (but true) critiques of Disney (and movies in general) for perpetuating rape culture, misogynistic ideals, and, quite frankly, the patriarchy.
Personally, I’m interested in language. Both of those types of articles—the fluff pieces and the call-outs—are valid, but when we fixate on the negative, are we not simply manifesting it more? Perhaps if we shift our perspective, from narrowing in on the bad and incessantly picking it apart, to the good and celebrate it.
Using Dr. Doug Braun-Harvey’s Six Sexual Health Principles—Consent, Non-Exploitative, Honest, Shared Values, Protection, Pleasure—as inspiration, below is a selection of Disney movies that successfully bring an important lesson in sexuality. I recognize that these movies are targeted towards children and families and, for the most part, are not explicitly about sex. But they are about relationships, marriages, self-love—all critical for healthy sexuality.
Establishes consent: Tangled (2010)
Rapunzel has never given consent. As an infant, she is stolen from her home by the witch, Gothel. Gothel raises Rapunzel as her own, using her magical golden hair to heal and de-age. Her “mother” then gaslights her for years and keeps her locked away in a tower. But Rapunzel also doesn’t ask for consent when she takes Flynn Rider, the most wanted man in the kingdom, hostage. She forces him to take her to the kingdom and, since this is a Disney movie, along the way they fall in love while discovering her true identity. Over the movie, Rapunzel learns about her taken autonomy and uncovers the truth of lies she’s been fed her whole life. She also learns to grieve but accept and move forward from her trauma.
In it for the right reasons: Frozen (2013)
In order for a sexual relationship to be healthy, it cannot be exploitative. Hans, the youngest brother of the Seven Isles, has a point to prove. By convincing happy but seriously naive Anna to marry him, Hans will get an entire kingdom. When the opportunity presents itself to kill both Anna and Elsa, both heirs to the throne, Hans doesn’t hesitate. Their relationship is built on coercion and manipulation. When Kristoff has the chance to woo Anna, he is heartfelt and asks “May I?” before kissing her for the first time.
Staying true to yourself and your identity: Luca (2021)
Chances are you’ve probably seen the comments about homosexuality and the new Disney/Pixar movie, Luca (perhaps that it is the Disney version of Call Me By Your Name). Luca is a small, curious boy who explores the Italian Riveria with his best friend. They eat gelato and pasta, ride bikes on cobblestones, and soak in the Italian seaside. However, Luca has a dangerous secret: He’s a sea monster from beneath the surface. He knows that his life would be in danger if anyone found out. While the story is told through two young boys, the message of accepting your own identity and finding like-minded people still rings true.
Emotional and mental stability: Inside Out (2015)
I have a theory that Disney and Pixar should have consulted Midori, the Supernova of Kink, when making the movie Inside Out as they clearly copied her idea of the Pillars of Self. Inside Out follows Riley’s internal personifications of emotions—Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear. When Riley’s world is uprooted and she is forced to move, her inner emotions struggle to maintain her mental stability and foundation.
It’s okay to be different and like different things: Mulan (1998)
Mulan is not given many options when it comes to saving her family. She disguises herself as a male soldier so she is recruited to fight instead of her disabled father. Throughout the training, she and her captain, Li Shang, grow close. I recognize that Mulan does remove her male persona and steps back into heteronormativity, but the two did bond deeply and a relationship formed. BD Wong, the voice of Li Shang, has said that his character is sexually fluid.
Marriage goals: The Incredibles (2004)
Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl are partners; partners in the superhero realm, partners in parenthood, partners in love. They are, at least for the most part, on the same page when it comes to their personal foundations. They are an example of successfully shared values. Having shared values is a necessity to maintaining good relationship health (and therefore sexual health). Having shared values promotes productive conversations between the couple, even when it’s in the middle of saving the world.
Trusting your gut: Moana (2016)
Everyone has ingrained traits that send “Turn Off” signals when something doesn’t feel right. Braun-Harvey’s fifth principle—Protection—entails that every sexually active person has the right to protection from STIs, HIV, and unplanned pregnancies. When the chance of an STI or pregnancy is present, these signals may go off, shutting down your arousal. When the chance of danger is present, these signals may go off and get you moving. This is a form of trusting your gut, a skill Moana perfects on her mission around the world. Moana, though young, is determined. She is told to adhere to the status quo—she cannot risk her life. But she also can’t sit by and follows the tug of her gut to make a radical change in her world.
Pleasure as the point: Ratatouille (2007)
A movie about food—what better to showcase pleasure? Remy, a Parisian rat, dreams of feeling more than just the minimum, eating for enjoyment not just to survive as rats tend to do. Alfreda, an unskilled but ambitious chef, dreams of having the talent to pursue his passions. The two make a heartwarming duo where both engross themselves to the pleasure of the taste and smell and even sound of food. Ratatouille teaches us that there is more to life than just doing. Enjoyment is a great reason to keep moving forward. So is good food.
by Shelby Lueders