Disney releases first full line of LGBTQ Pride merchandise
Despite having less than a handful of queer characters, Disney has had a fanatically devoted gay fanbase. Just take a look at Tumblr (briefly, before you get weirded out).
This year, the company has finally decided to embrace their queer following (and profit potentials), releasing a full brand new line of gay pride merchandise. As of Monday, Disney's queer fans and allies can purchase everything from rainbow tank tops to rainbow Mickey Mouse hats.
"The most magical place on earth" just got a whole lot gayer, and we're all the better for it.
Over the past few months, Disney has been slowly introducing rainbow LGBTQ pride Mickey Mouse hats to their parks. They've now expanded that to an entire array of clothing.
It appears to be the first year Disney has released a full collection of pride gear. Fans can buy anything from Disney pride pins to fitted tank tops to rainbow Mickey collection travel packs, all available on their website for purchase.
From now until June 30, the company says they'll donate 10 percent of their profits to GLSEN, which advocates on behalf of LGBTQ students in schools.
Obviously, Disney has a long way to go when it comes to representation of the queer community in their films and movies. Kids need more than fawning, gay LeFou to look up to. How about a masc-of-center Elsa, Disney? She can be a Princess and a charming androgynous locksmith.
Still, it's a step forward at a time when our culture appears to be taking giant leaps back. I'll take any small, complicated dose of corporate progressivism wherever I can find it.
Topics Disney
Heather was the Web Trends reporter at Mashable NYC. Prior to joining Mashable, Heather wrote regularly for UPROXX and GOOD Magazine, was published in The Daily Dot and VICE, and had her work featured in Entertainment Weekly, Jezebel, Mic, and Gawker. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet.
