Analysis of Strange World (2022)

 In Disney's 2022 animated film Strange World, Ethan Clade is portrayed as a 16-year-old biracial teenager who is openly gay. Voiced by Jaboukie Young-White, Ethan's character is depicted as empathetic, bold, and impulsive, typical traits of adolescence. His romantic feelings for his friend Diazo are presented as a natural aspect of his character, seamlessly integrated into the storyline without being the central focus.


Strange World differs from this norm by making Ethan’s sexuality clear and transparent. He openly has a crush on Diazo, and his parents are entirely supportive. Ethan’s queerness is an integral part of who he is and does not form the main conflict of the movie. This signifies a change from subtext to text and highlights Disney’s growing trust with LGBTQ+ inclusion in family-friendly animation.

Ethan Clade, a gay teenager who publicly displays romantic feelings for a younger boy named Diazo, is featured in Strange World. Rather than using subtext “blink-and-you-miss-it” moments, Disney is making an effort to engage LGBTQ+ audiences with this. The filmmakers aimed for an authentic representation, ensuring that Ethan's sexual orientation was portrayed organically. Director Don Hall emphasized that Ethan was developed as a "flesh-and-blood, well-rounded character," with his gay identity being just one facet of his personality. Co-director and writer Qui Nguyen, drawing from his experience with his biracial family, highlighted the importance of reflecting diverse backgrounds in the film. ​



The Clade family's acceptance of Ethan's identity is evident throughout the movie. His parents, Searcher and Meridian Clade, along with his grandfather Jaeger, support and encourage Ethan's feelings for Diazo. This portrayal underscores a family dynamic where love and acceptance are paramount, irrespective of sexual orientation.


In his critique of Disney ’s marketing, Sean points out how the corporation has skillfully handled LGBTQ+ representation to win over the audiences and keep out traditional responses. In keeping with this pattern, Strange World goes one step further by normalizing Ethan’s sexual orientation while yet making it a significant aspect of his persona. 

Conflict between generations is a major topic in Strange World, especially between Ethan’s grandfather and father. This reflects common LGBTQ+ stories of generational miscommunication, in which elder generations find it difficult to accept or appreciate the identity and experiences of the younger generation. A modern, more accepting cultural shift is reflected in Ethan’s connection with his supporting parents, which also stands in contrast to conventional narratives of LGBTQ+ people being rejected.




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