Margaret Cho Calls for More Queer Representation in Disney Films
Margaret Cho, a well-known comedian and actress, has made a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ representation in Disney with her latest role in Prom Pact. The teen romcom features Cho as Mrs. Chen, the queer school counselor, making her one of the first completely out LGBTQ+ characters in a Disney movie.
While her inclusion in Prom Pact represents a step in the right direction, Cho is eager for more progress in terms of representation. She expressed her desire to see queer and trans characters in leading roles like Disney Princess and Disney Prince, saying, “I think this would be really important, and it’s a move towards the future.”
Cho, who grew up in the queer community, also emphasized the importance of having a character like Mrs. Chen that the kids in the movie look up to, saying that it mirrors the important elements of her own life. She believes that the inclusion of LGBTQ+ elements, such as queer couples going to prom and dancing with one another, is a course correction for Disney, considering the company’s rocky history with queer representation.
In an interview with Entertainment Times of India, Cho emphasized that it was time for Disney to feature an LGBTQ+ lead in a film. She said, “I would love to see them everywhere. I think this would be really important and it’s a move toward the future. It’s a move toward who we are. I think it’s really admirable and exciting.”
Cho’s return to Disney has once again cemented her status as a comedy legend, and her advocacy for increased representation in the company’s films is a cause that many in the LGBTQ+ community have been championing for years.
It remains to be seen whether Disney will take note of Cho’s comments and make significant strides toward including LGBTQ+ characters in leading roles. However, the inclusion of Mrs. Chen in Prom Pact is a positive sign and represents progress towards more diverse and inclusive representation in the company’s films.
Sources:
- Yahoo! News
- Out Magazine
- Feature image is taken from her website’s album Sergio Garcia Sept 2021 margaretcho.com