How The Little Mermaid Found A Place In The Hearts Of LGBTQ Fans

The Little Mermaid quickly captivated audiences the world over upon its release 30 years ago, later scooping two Academy Awards and breathing new life into the then-struggling film studio.

In the three decades since, the animated adventure has become one of Disney’s most beloved and popular films ever. However, it’s also grown quite an unexpected following aside from its intended audience from within the LGBTQ community.

The film centres around Ariel, a 16-year-old mermaid princess, who is more interested in the world above the shore than the pressures and responsibilities put on her by her overpowering – though well-meaning – father, King Triton.

And while it probably wasn’t the intention of the film’s crew at the time, for many queer viewers, Ariel’s journey – having to give up a piece of herself and the life she knows in order to be with the person she loves, and to live as her authentic self – is one that hits home.

“Ariel’s longing to know more about the world and go see it for herself, I think that resonates with the queer community,” says Little Mermaid fan Mark Rocks, who says he was “obsessed” with the film growing up.

“Personally, I’m from a tiny village in Ireland, so I didn’t get to be around the sort of exciting queer-centric things I am now, as an adult. I think her desire to see more is a thing a lot of queer people can relate to… When I watch the movie now, I think of how much I must have identified with her as a small child.”