As a result, it’s not uncommon to hear older LGBTQ+ people, who grew up watching these movies, speak about how much they related strongly to the villains. This has often been a deliberate creative choice, as with Ursula from The Little Mermaid whose design is largely based on the famous American drag queen, Divine.ĭisney isn’t the only company known for queer-coded villains by any means, but Disney villains are certainly among the most iconic in pop culture. They are also, for the most part, relentlessly queer coded. Disney villains are brash, larger than life, and immensely charismatic. Some, such as 101 Dalmations, are much more so. All the most famous Disney movies are as recognizable for their villains as they are for their heroes. Historically, Disney is in an interesting position with representation.
