The Evolution of Disney Channel: How the Messages Have Changed

For years I’ve been waiting for a Troy, who would drive 3,256 miles just to dance with me at prom. Or for a Brady, who I could fall in love with while trapped in a 1950s surfers and bikers movie. I hoped for a Spencer to my Teddy, a Jesse to my Miley or even a Phineas to my Isabella.

But for many kids nowadays, they aren’t hoping to find a Mitchie to their Shane.

In recent years, Disney Channel has righteously evolved from its basic, guy-gets-the-girl plot to more modern messages of love in their shows — and I’m here for it. 

Disney’s first ever on-screen homosexual couple appeared in “Good Luck Charlie” in 2014. In the discussion-sparking episode called “Down A Tree,”  four-year-old Charlie Duncan has a playdate with Taylor, a girl with two moms. This episode triggered lots of backlash from parents beginning to wonder if Disney Channel was still “safe” for their children.

Although we may not have realized it, the many years of looking up to straight couples and predominantly white actors subconsciously affected our outlook on life. While many East students are certainly accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, they don’t always know how to respond — that’s partly because it wasn’t normalized in the shows we watched growing up. 

In 2017, Disney aired “Andi Mack”, a show about “tweens figuring out who they are,” one of which is a 13-year-old boy who comes out as gay. Upon its release, Disney Channel came out with a statement which stated, “Disney remains committed to continuing to create characters that are accessible and relatable to all children.”  

They were once again met with an uproar of controversy. An article on “One Million Moms” — a blog for moms — explains that Disney’s new content “may be choosing to sacrifice something far more precious… children’s innocence.”

A number of parents argue that LGBTQ+-affiliated characters are not a family-friendly topic and that a children’s TV channel is not the place for kids to be educated on content regarding sexual orientation. “It is becoming extremely common and unnecessary,” explained One Million Moms. 

But if kids are exposed to adult innuendos that supposedly “go over their heads” on the same channel, why is exposure to sexual orientation and diversity such a problem? 

Ron Clements, director of Disney’s “Moana,”  also acknowledged that the possibilities of an LGBTQ+ princess “are pretty open at this point” — and you would catch me bringing all my friends and family to the nearest AMC in a heartbeat. 

Many generations before us believe that topics of sexual orientation are still taboo for children’s television. But why? This early exposure and education to social diversity will no longer have to be any different — simply the norm. 

Disney has even extended their new philosophy into their animated shows. “Star VS. The Forces of Evil” from Disney XD was the first ever Disney show to air a gay kiss. 

By incorporating characters with various racial, sexual and religious backgrounds into everyday TV shows and pop culture, it’s my hope that the next generation will become even more accepting.

Growing up, the things that we see, hear and learn about are often the most impactful on our opinions and views of the world. Now in a society more inclusive and representative than ever,  the earlier kids are able to open their minds, the more accepting they will be when they’re older — not only of others, but also themselves. 

It’s not a loss of innocence — it’s simply learning about the world as it truly is. And the world’s truth is not “unnecessary” or a “loss of innocence” at all.