Who Are The LGBTQ+ Disney Princess Candidates?

Disney has been making strides toward inclusivity in recent years, but as of now, there isn’t an officially confirmed gay princess in their animated films. The closest we’ve gotten is Elsa from 'Frozen'—fans have long speculated about her sexuality, especially with the 'Give Elsa a Girlfriend' campaign that gained traction online. There’s also Raya from 'Raya and the Last Dragon,' whose dynamic with Namaari sparked some queer readings, though nothing’s been confirmed. Disney’s live-action remakes and TV spin-offs, like 'The Owl House,' have introduced more openly LGBTQ+ characters, but the princess lineup remains traditionally straight—for now. I’d love to see them take that leap; imagine the impact of a canon queer princess for younger audiences! That said, Disney’s been teasing progress. 'Onward' featured a minor queer character, and 'Lightyear' had a same-sex kiss (though it was cut in some regions). It feels like they’re testing the waters before diving into something as iconic as a princess’s identity. The lack of representation in their flagship films is frustrating, especially when indie animation and shows like 'She-Ra' or 'Steven Universe' have already set such strong examples. Here’s hoping the next generation of Disney heroines reflects the diversity of their audience—we’re overdue for a princess who breaks the mold in every way.

Representation in media is like opening a window to the world, and a gay Disney princess would shatter so many outdated norms in the best way. Growing up, I adored Disney films, but even as a kid, I noticed how narrow the love stories were—always heterosexual, always fairy-tale perfect. Introducing a princess who loves another woman wouldn’t just be groundbreaking; it’d validate countless queer kids who’ve never seen themselves in these stories. Imagine a young girl watching 'Snow White' but instead of a prince, there’s another princess breaking the curse with true love’s kiss. The symbolism alone would be powerful. Of course, there’d be backlash—conservative groups would clutch their pearls, and some parents might grumble. But Disney has already taken baby steps with queer side characters in films like 'Frozen 2' and 'Onward.' A main character, though? That’s the real leap. It’d force conversations about acceptance into households where they might not otherwise happen. And let’s be real: Disney’s global influence means this wouldn’t just be a win for Western audiences. It could ripple into regions where LGBTQ+ identities are still taboo, subtly challenging those norms through the universal language of storytelling. I’d love to see how they’d weave her journey—maybe her struggle isn’t about being gay, but about something entirely unrelated, normalizing her identity as just one part of her story.

Disney's approach to representation has always been a slow burn, and while they've made strides with LGBTQ+ characters in recent years—like the blink-and-you-miss-it moment in 'Onward' or the live-action 'Beauty and the Beast' LeFou dance—a fully openly gay princess still feels like a distant dream. Part of it might be the fear of alienating conservative audiences, especially in international markets where such representation could lead to backlash or even bans. Disney’s a business at the end of the day, and they’ve historically played it safe to maximize profits. That said, the demand is there. Shows like 'The Owl House' with Luz and Amity, or even 'She-Ra and the Princesses of Power', proved that younger audiences are more than ready for queer stories. Maybe Disney’s waiting for the 'perfect' moment, but honestly, with how much fans have been vocal about wanting this, it feels overdue. I’d love to see a princess whose love story isn’t just hinted at but celebrated openly, like any other Disney romance. Until then, we’re stuck reading between the lines—or turning to indie animation for better rep.

Mulan from 'Mulan' is probably the Disney princess most frequently headcanoned as queer, and for good reason! Her story revolves around breaking gender norms, disguising herself as a man to serve in the army, and her dynamic with both Li Shang and her fellow soldiers leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Fans love to explore the idea that her journey wasn’t just about proving herself as a warrior but also about discovering her identity beyond societal expectations. There’s something so compelling about how her relationship with Shang could easily be read as more than just camaraderie—especially with all that tension during training and that iconic 'I’ll Make a Man Out of You' montage. Another strong contender is Ariel from 'The Little Mermaid.' Her curiosity about the human world, her rebellious nature, and even her collection of ‘thingamabobs’ feel like they could symbolize something deeper. A lot of fans see her fascination with humans as a metaphor for queerness, especially since she’s literally drawn to a world she doesn’t belong in. Plus, her voice being taken away—a core part of her identity—resonates with LGBTQ+ struggles of self-expression. The way she yearns for something beyond her prescribed role just hits different when viewed through that lens. Then there’s Merida from 'Brave,' who outright rejects the idea of marriage and tradition. Her whole arc is about forging her own path, and her fiery independence makes it easy to imagine her as queer. She’s not interested in suitors, and her bond with her mother—while central to the story—doesn’t define her romantic future. Fans often headcanon her as asexual or lesbian because of how vehemently she resists being tied down by expectations. It’s refreshing to see a princess who isn’t even slightly concerned with romance, and that opens up a lot of possibilities for interpretation. Honestly, it’s fascinating how these characters, even in older Disney films, have elements that resonate so deeply with queer audiences. Whether it’s Mulan’s defiance of gender roles, Ariel’s longing for a different life, or Merida’s rejection of tradition, they all feel like they could easily fit into LGBTQ+ narratives. I love how fans take these stories and expand on them in ways that feel authentic and empowering.

Disney's latest addition to their princess lineup is Raya from 'Raya and the Last Dragon,' and wow, she’s such a breath of fresh air! Unlike the classic princesses, Raya isn’t waiting around for a prince—she’s a warrior, fiercely protective of her homeland, Kumandra. The film’s Southeast Asian-inspired setting is gorgeous, and the way it blends action with heart is just chef’s kiss. I love how Disney’s evolving their princesses to reflect stronger, more independent roles. Raya’s bond with her dragon companion, Sisu, is hilarious and touching, and the whole 'trust as a theme' thing really hit me hard. She’s not just a princess; she’s a leader, flawed but determined, and that’s why she stands out. What’s cool is how 'Raya' leans into found family tropes too—her rag-tag crew adds so much warmth. And can we talk about that animation? The water effects alone are mind-blowing. It’s a shame the movie got stuck in that weird hybrid release phase during the pandemic, because it deserves way more hype. Raya’s now officially part of the Disney Princess franchise, joining the ranks post-2021, and honestly, she might be my favorite modern addition since Moana.

Disney has been gradually embracing more LGBTQ+ representation in its recent films, but as of now, there hasn't been an official announcement about a gay princess leading her own movie. The closest we've gotten so far is characters like Elsa from 'Frozen' being heavily speculated as queer (thanks to that 'Show Yourself' moment in 'Frozen 2' and years of fan campaigns), or the brief but meaningful same-sex kiss in 'Lightyear.' There's also the live-action 'Beauty and the Beast' with LeFou’s subtle dance with another man, though it was blink-and-you-miss-it. That said, the idea of a canonically gay Disney princess feels inevitable at this point. With shows like 'The Owl House' breaking ground for queer leads in Disney’s TV space and the company’s public commitment to diversity, it’s more a question of when, not if. I’d love to see a princess whose love story isn’t sidelined but central—maybe a rebellious heir to a throne who falls for a commoner, or a warrior princess whose romance with another woman is as epic as her battles. The cultural impact would be huge, especially for younger audiences craving representation. Until then, we’ll keep rewatching that 'Frozen 2' scene and reading between the lines.

Disney's lineup of princesses is iconic, but there are a few who've faded into obscurity over time—characters who once had their moment but don’t get the same love as Cinderella or Ariel. One that comes to mind is Eilonwy from 'The Black Cauldron.' She’s a fiery, independent princess with a magical bauble and a sharp tongue, but the film’s underwhelming reception in the '80s buried her chances of joining the official lineup. It’s a shame because she breaks the mold—no damsel in distress here, just a girl who’s as capable as the hero. Another overlooked figure is Kida from 'Atlantis: The Lost Empire.' Technically a queen, but she’s got the spirit of a warrior princess. The movie’s unique sci-fi twist and lack of musical numbers might’ve sidelined it, but Kida’s design and personality are unforgettable if you’ve seen it. Then there’s Melody from 'The Little Mermaid II,' Ariel’s daughter. She’s spunky and curious, but sequels rarely get the same spotlight. Even more obscure is Princess Tiana’s friend, Charlotte, from 'The Princess and the Frog'—rich, bubbly, and technically eligible for the title since she’s of noble birth, though she’s more of a supporting character. And let’s not forget Princess Anita from '101 Dalmatians'—yes, she’s a human married into nobility, but Disney’s old-school style often blurred those lines. These characters might not have castles or ballgowns in the public memory, but they’re fascinating footnotes in Disney’s legacy.